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.

John Sykes has died. He was 65 years old. A notice shared on the Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist's website revealed that the artist had passed away after a battle with cancer. SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox "It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer,

Yesterday (January 20), it was announced that John Sykes – a hugely influential mainstay of '80s hard rock guitar who had stints in Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Tygers of Pan Tang – had died at 65.