John Sykes Tribute
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 John Sykes 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.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
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Phil, thank you for your thoughtful and highly respectful tribute to John Sykes. ❤
Fantastic player, instantly recognizable. Had no idea he was suffering from cancer but he was always intensely private. Blue Murder debut is a classic. Tygers of Pan Tang’s Spellbound and Whitesnake self-titled also classic.
I couldn't believe the news yesterday about John's passing everyone else was focused on trump and his second term but I started to get messages about his passing and I'm still at a loss for words about it but now I can understand why the album he finished in 2018 called syops I couldn't find a reason why he wouldn't release it but now we all know why now. There are a few tracks he did release on YouTube my favourite is dawning of a brand new day also gates of hell is another one RIP John you left your mark on many pieces of work that will never be forgotten.
my first time here and your reaction is amazing. So sad in many ways, but what an amazing player and vocalist. Unfortunately he didn't join Mike Portnoy and Billy Shehan. What we could have seen. Still love him, so effortless in his style. Magnificent.
Best John Sykes tribute hands down. I drummed in a very good heavy rock band in the 80's. We were covering songs from Slide it in already, but when Still of the Night dropped we were floored and it had to hit our set list. What a fantastic song to play live! People loved it.
I saw Blue Murder when they were touring in support of the first album. They were at a local record store prior to the show. I bought the vinyl LP, and they all autographed it for me. I hope and pray it hasn't gotten lost over the years, but I just don't know. They were fantastic live.
John was just dripping with talent. He could sing and solo at the same time, which was nothing short of amazing! And you are correct. He had the talent, the drive, and the look. I bet Coverdale was pissed that John was better looking than him, and in my opinion, a better singer.
Thank you for this very classy tribute. I have always loved John's work, and was very shocked to hear of his passing. I'm not 65 yet, but I'm close enough to feel the mortality of it. Our rock heroes are going too soon. This hits up there with Neil Peart and Eddie Van Halen. John was absolutely in the same tier in my book, and I am very saddened we lost him so soon. RIP John Sykes. You will be remembered and appreciated by a lot of folks.
“1987” was iconic. Timing is everything. I read years ago David Coverdale was asked to join Black Sabbath in ‘85 but he had septum surgery . That postponed his career which led to ‘87.
“Don’t Turn Away”-that key change at the end is epic . His playing as that song fades out is absolutely majestic.
What a wonderful tribute Phil, unfortunately John never toured Australia. Loved him in Lizzy Whitesnake and of course Blue murder . That creamy tone that growls .. Vale John Skyes
What a fantastic tribute Phil. One of the giants has left the planet. May John's vibrato and melody fly through the universe endlessly. One of the greatest ever who inspired me to play guitar ever since I first heard him. We love you John and we're going to miss you.❤❤❤
Lovely words. The bbc sight & sound concert , Johns first gig with Lizzy is incredible. So sad. 🙏
John Sykes has left us gone too soon. A great talent that could handle guitar parts on his own. David Coverdale is devastated, looking at his social media posts. John Sykes has left us with some great music but I would rather he was still with us. Thank you for posting Phil
I said it a while ago but David Coverdale should have reworked his Deep Purple albums at the time of 1987. John Sykes guitar playing and Ainsley Dunbar who is a highly respected drummer. Jimmy Page covered Still of The Night. Someone said it was good but not as good as John Sykes. As a tribute to John I am going to agree with them. God bless John Sykes
Thanks for this Phil. I first saw John with the Tygers in '81 and then Lizzy on the farewell tour, always remembered, an incredible player, Rest In Peace John.
You are totally correct on all you say . What a great guitarist .He gave lizzy the boost they needed at the tail end of the band .RIP JOHN
Just came here to pay my respects. I knew John from when we were teenagers in Blackpool back in the mid 70's. We were rival guitar players in local bands. Even then I could see he had something about him. I moved away in the early 80's and lost touch with him. When I saw he was in the Tygers of Pan Tang, I was very jealous but knew he deserved it. Rest In Peace mate.
Wow! ✨ What a wonderful tribute to the Great John Sykes ❤ Thank you sir 🙏 Thank you very much.. It is the best tribute to John Sykes I have heard 🙏🌹
John was one of the greats. He certainly was a guitar god. All his own hair, no wigs, just a real self made man with plenty of style. I never cared for Whitesnake although I appreciate his playing on 1987, I'm more of a metal head and thrasher, that's my roots. His solo on Thunder and Lightning by Thin Lizzy is one of the best moments in musical history. He was inventive and like you say he absorbed everything that was coming out of the guitar world. It's too bad Coverdale fired him which was a dirty deed, one of the worst but he forged on with Blue Murder and put out solo records albeit to less success and resurrected Thin Lizzy for a while. He made his mark and that's all that counts. Cancer is a killer. Let's hope in 2125 cancer is cured forever. RIP brother. 🙏
The Costermonger! Also the Filibuster. Wild times.
RIP John Sykes.
Thank you ❤
I remember him rehersing for his first band Streetfighters in Bispham and in Cleveleys lancs !!!
his rise was swift and justified ,as he was a great player .
Thankfully during his career proper saw him in most of his incarnations Tygers , Lizzy ,and Whitesnake . RIP
Thank you. This was a great video. John Sykes will always be a guitar legend with an incredible voice!
John Sykes forever!!!⚡❤❤ ❤❤⚡
Wonderful Phil. T&L, 1987 and Blue Murder are all fantastic album. But for me is John Sykes Tygers of Pan Tang. Spellbound and Crasy Nights is a huge part of my youth. Still to this day i play them pretty often. John Sykes made a different in the music history.
I'm 💔 😢 I've loved him for so long
Hi Phil – unfortunately I never really followed John Sykes, but am a big Lizzy fan, and Cold Sweat is straight out rock n roll. That riff and the drums coming in after 10 seconds, that together with Phil Lynotts great vocals – killer song. I must give Blue Murder a listen. Always incredibly sad to loss an idol, I remember exactly where I was when when Jimi passed – I couldnt believe it. Very sad. Nice tribute Phil. Cya Doug
Loveland was another melodic masterpiece . Valley of the Kings was his Stairway. Your heroes become ghosts.
Great tribute.
Nice tribute. Sorry to say, the master tapes that made the Life/Live Album are gone. No one can find them. Thats why that album is remastered but never remixed, like it really really needs. Thats the story, anyway.
Thanks for this. Lots more i could say. I'll just say this. Born in 71 and a huge 80s music kid, when still of the night came out it completely changed my life, and thinking nothing could top it, blue murder dropped. Good god life was amazing. Thanks John. Rip
Fantastic player and singer.Happy that i saw John live with both Lizzy and with Phil,s solo band in 1983.Then with Whitesnake in 1984.And in 1998 when Sykes toured as Lizzy with Gorham,Downey,Wharton.Great tribute 😢😢
I was just listening to my ripped blue murder cd in my old car…we need blue murder on vinyl and cd again
Phil I personally think that Tygers of Pantang's Spellbound album is a good start to introduce Sykes's playing because the potential prowess that he possessed was so impressive back then.I'm not sure if you knew but Spellbound was the album where Gary Moore discovered Sykes's playing.Not too long after Gary Moore released an album exclusively for the Japanese market,on the album one of the songs contained was a cover of Tygers song "Tyger Bay"! R.I.P.Sykesy
The solo on Cold Sweat maybe the most face melting solo ever!
Great tribute Phil & yes it WAS all about the hair back then. Sykes & DLR had the best imo.
I used to watch
John often in the pubs of East Lancashire with Streetfighter playing covers. My mate was the other guitarist and introduced me to John. He played a cherry Gibson SG and was just incendiary. Merv Goldsworthy the bass player and singer later joined FM and still plays with them today.
I’m absolutely heartbroken. Love you Sykesy 🤘🏼
i have bought the blue murder on tape x2…cd x2 cause i got it stolen. I play his songs on spotify also. I can NEVER get enough. RIP guitar brotha. we WILL remember.
The first time you hear Still of the Night is a moment you never forget. I think I actually saw the video on The Tube.