A Tribute to John Sykes

Hello everyone, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, and today I want to talk about the life and music of an extraordinary guitarist: John Sykes, who sadly passed away yesterday.

This tribute isn’t about recounting every statistic or album credit—though you can find plenty of those. Instead, I’ll share how John Sykes’ playing and persona intersected with my own life in music, and why I believe his legacy is so important.

A Rising Star in the Early ’80s
I first became aware of John Sykes in the early ’80s—the era of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal—when word spread about this incredible new guitarist. Even before he joined Tygers of Pan Tang, rumours were circulating that his playing was something special. In the days before the internet, it was all word of mouth: “You’ve got to hear this guy—he can really play!”

By the time he officially emerged with the Tygers, John had the look and the talent. He was that archetypal rock star: the big, flowing blonde hair (which mattered a lot in the ’80s!), the swagger, and a natural gift for combining power with melody.

From Thin Lizzy to Whitesnake
John’s next big step took him into Thin Lizzy, right at a time when some thought the band’s glory days were behind them. For me, that wasn’t the case. Thin Lizzy were always relevant, and on the album Thunder and Lightning, John Sykes injected fresh energy into tracks like “Cold Sweat”—one of my all-time favorite Lizzy tunes. His signature tapping section in that solo remains a classic moment, marking a bold, more modern direction for the band.

But it was with Whitesnake that John Sykes truly exploded onto the global stage. The 1987 album—often referred to simply as Whitesnake (1987)—showed off a guitar sound so massive, it took the rock world by storm. I still remember hearing “Still of the Night” for the first time and being utterly floored by its stop-start riff, cinematic breakdown, and unstoppable groove. That track alone changed the trajectory of Whitesnake, catapulting them into MTV stardom.

Blue Murder: The Pinnacle of Sykes’ Vision
If you ask me, Blue Murder’s self-titled debut album is the perfect showcase for John Sykes’ blend of virtuosic playing and melodic songwriting. This was no longer just the “guitar guy”; here, he was also the lead vocalist. Tracks like “Valley of the Kings,” “Riot,” and “Out of Love” combine crushing riffs, towering solos, and surprisingly soulful vocals. It was a power trio with a huge sound, and to this day I consider it one of the best hard rock albums of its time.

Despite its quality, the album didn’t achieve the massive sales many had hoped for. Even so, it stands as a testament to Sykes’ broad musical palette—equal parts heavy metal thunder, melodic hard rock, and just enough epic grandeur to make you realise how big these songs could have been.

John Sykes’ passing hits hard, partly because he was the same age as me. You don’t expect to be making tribute videos for someone from your own generation—a peer who, for many of us, epitomised the 1980s rock dream. But more than that, John Sykes was a driven perfectionist with a distinct vision for his music. He left an indelible mark on the bands he joined, whether it was Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, or Blue Murder.

To his family—especially his sons—know that your dad was truly one of the greats. His riffs, solos, and larger-than-life stage presence continue to inspire guitarists all over the world. Though his time here ended too soon, the music he created remains timeless.

If you’re new to John Sykes’ work, here’s a quick playlist to start:

Thin Lizzy – Thunder and Lightning: Don’t miss “Cold Sweat” and “The Sun Goes Down.”
Whitesnake – 1987 (a.k.a. the self-titled album): “Still of the Night” changed the face of rock in the late ’80s.
Blue Murder – Blue Murder: Perhaps the finest encapsulation of John Sykes’ multi-talented artistry.
Final Thoughts

I’ll be spinning these records in tribute, remembering the era when rock music felt larger than life—and remembering a guitarist who embodied everything that made the scene so exciting. Rest in peace, John Sykes. Thank you for the music, the riffs, and the inspiration.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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