The passing of legendary guitarist John Sykes, known for his remarkable contributions to Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike. His departure at the age of 65 comes after a courageous struggle against cancer, a battle that has deeply saddened the rock community. Sykes was not just a musician; he was a beacon of inspiration for many, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to resonate with aspiring artists.

David Coverdale, the iconic frontman of Whitesnake, expressed his shock and sorrow upon hearing the news. “Just heard the shocking news of John’s passing,” he shared. Coverdale, who collaborated with Sykes on the critically acclaimed albums Slide It In and Whitesnake, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and devoted fans of Sykes, highlighting the profound impact Sykes had on the music world.

Explore More: Remembering John Sykes of Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake: A Tribute to His Musical Legacy

Drummer Carmine Appice, who shared the stage with Sykes in the 1990s band Blue Murder, also took to social media to express his grief. “I am saddened about the news of my band mate John Sykes,” Appice wrote. “I?m shocked about his passing. We played such great music and had such great times together.” He reminisced about their close friendship, noting how they spent countless hours together, sharing not just music but deep connections. “John?s playing, writing, and singing were amazing. ?I loved him like a brother,” he added. Appice emphasized the incredible synergy they had as a trio with bassist Tony Franklin, creating unforgettable rock music that will be cherished forever.

Fellow guitarist Adrian Vandenberg, who also played on the 1987 Whitesnake album, shared his own sentiments about Sykes, reflecting on their missed opportunity to meet in person. “Like many rock lovers, I always hoped he would suddenly blast back on the music scene again with a killer record and start touring again,” Vandenberg lamented. “Musically, our paths have crossed a few times, but unfortunately, we never met in person. Fuck cancer.” His tribute underscores the deep respect and admiration that the music community held for Sykes.

You can explore a multitude of heartfelt tributes to Sykes below, showcasing the profound impact he left on his peers and fans: