John Sykes
Biography
John James Sykes (born 29 July 1959 – December 2024) was an English guitarist, best known as a member of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang. He has also fronted the hard rock group Blue Murder and released several solo albums. Following a stint in the heavy metal band Tygers of Pan Tang in the early 1980s, Sykes joined Irish hard rock group Thin Lizzy for their 1983 album Thunder and Lightning. He then joined Whitesnake, with whom he recorded the multi-platinum selling 1987 album. However, Sykes was let go from the band before the record's release under acrimonious circumstances, which led to him forming his own group Blue Murder. After two albums and a live record, he embarked on a solo career. For the remainder of the 1990s and early 2000s, Sykes split his time between his solo career and a reformed Thin Lizzy, which he fronted until 2009, when he left to focus on his solo career. Influenced by the likes of Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore and Gary Moore, Sykes is known for his distinctive playing style, characterized by his fast alternate picking, use of pinch harmonics, and sense of melody. In 2004, he was included on Guitar World's list of "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time". In 2006, Gibson released a limited line of John Sykes Signature Les Pauls, which were modelled after his 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom. Description above from the Wikipedia article John Sykes, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Known For & Full Filmography8 Titles
Drama Series - 1997, 16 episodes • as Self
An intimate look into the personal lives of pop music's greatest and most influential artists.
Movie - 2006, 2h 15m • as Self
This documentary is a considered look at the continuing story of Metal, in the words of the people that make it, live it, breathe it and keep it vital. The Bands. The Fans, The Producers, The Industry and The Journalists. What makes it tick, why nothing else can touch it for power, emotion and longevity, why it's misunderstood, why it doesn't care, how it continues to upset the establishment, how it manipulates the media, the positivity, and the way it has forced it's iconography and ethos deep into an unsuspecting and unwilling mainstream.
Movie - 1984, 2h 15m • as Guitar
Recorded Live In Tokyo, Japan, August 11 & 12, 1984.
Movie - 2022, 2h 15m • as guitars, backing vocals
Greatest Hits – Revised, Remixed & Remastered 2022. Whitesnake continues to revisit its multi-platinum career as it remixes some of its biggest hits for a new collection that spotlights updated versions of classic tracks like “Still Of The Night,” “Here I Go Again,” and “Is This Love.” Shortly after the new album’s arrival, the band will hit the road one last time for “Whitesnake: The Farewell Tour.” CD/Blu-ray Track Listing: 1. “Still Of The Night” 2. “Here I Go Again” 3. “Is This Love” 4. “Give Me All Your Love” 5. “Love Ain’t No Stranger” 6. “Slide It In” 7. “Slow An’ Easy” 8. “Guilty Of Love” 9. “Fool For Your Loving” 10. “Judgment Day” 11. “The Deeper The Love” 12. “Now You’re Gone” 13. “You’re Gonna Break My Heart Again” 14. “Sweet Lady Luck” 15. “Crying In The Rain” 16. “Forevermore”
Movie - 2014, 2h 15m • as Guitar
An exciting archive release from Whitesnake, showing the band in an evolutional phase which would soon seen them reach the incredible success of their 1987 self-titled release. Live In 84 Back To The Bone showcases the fabulous line-up of David Coverdale, John Sykes, Cozy Powell and Neil Murray live at the Super Rock Festival in Japan. Also included, as a very special bonus, the last live performance of Jon Lord with the band, recorded in Sweden. [Lord would reunite with Deep Purple shortly after this performance.] All in all, this is a stunning portrait of a band headed quickly towards their creative and performance peaks! An absolute must have for all Whitesnake and David Coverdale fans.
Movie - 1983, 2h 15m • as Himself
This is the long awaited 'Thunder And Lightning Tour'; the tour that was to prove Phil Lynott's and Thin Lizzy's last. The year is 1983, the venue Dublin and the stage is rockin'! To add to the already charged atmosphere of a concert in waiting, we have fast-forwarded in time to include nostalgic comment from Phil's band mates Brian Robertson and Eric Bell recalling their eventful times together, plus the indestructible footballing legend George Best and musician Brush Shiel, recalling their many memories of the rocker and friend. But all this is merely a prelude to what is a pulverising gig containing all conquering favourites such as 'Whiskey In The Jar' and 'Dancing In The Moonlight' and many more. The 'Thunder And Lightning Tour' is quite simply the greatest performance from a group who were at their electrifying best.
Movie - 1983, 2h 15m • as Himself - Guitar
This is an excellent video from this legendary band's farewell tour. Tracklist: -Introduction by Pete Drummond- Jailbreak / This Is The One / Cold Sweat / The Sun Goes Down / Holy War / The Boys Are Back In Town / Rosalie / Baby Please Don't Go
Movie - 2016, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
An outstanding performance featuring brilliant storytelling, high stakes drama, and unforgettable character arcs.