Guitarist John Sykes died earlier this month after a battle with cancer. He was 65.

British guitarist John Sykes, best known for his work with rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died aged 65 “after a hard fought battle with cancer,” according to a statement on his website.

It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer,' a statement on his website read. 'He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally,

John Sykes, a guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy before joining Whitesnake for its smash 1987 album and later forming Blue Murder, has died of cancer at 65.

Ex- Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes has died at the age of 65. According to a post on Sykes’ official social media pages, the veteran U.K. musician “passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer.”

Iconic English guitarist John Sykes – known for playing lead guitar for bands including Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Sykes – has died at the age of 65. Earlier today, the following statement was posted on Sykes ‘s social media: ‘It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer.

John Sykes, best known for his work with popular rock bands Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, has died at the age of 65. The British guitarist died after a bout with cancer, according to a statement posted to his website Monday. The statement did not disclose what type of cancer Sykes had nor did it reveal the musician’s exact death date.