Guitarist John Sykesdied earlier this month after a battle with cancer. He was 65.

A statement said Sykes, who co-wrote some of the rock band's chart hits, had been ill with cancer.

Listed among the greatest heavy metal guitarists of all time, John Sykes has been remembered by stars including Guns N' Roses stars Slash and Steven Adler.

John Skyes, a guitarist who played with Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake in the 1980s, has died at 65 after a battle with cancer.

The death of John Sykes, whose contributions to Whitesnake spurred them to become one of the biggest-selling bands of the eighties, has been confirmed

John Sykes died from cancer at age 65. The guitarist played for both Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake before joining Blue Murder with Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice.

Ex-Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes has died at the age of 65.

The 65-year-old died after a 'long battle with cancer'

He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent,” a statement said.

'He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent'

Former Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake guitarist John Sykes has died at the age of 65 after being diagnosed with cancer.

The musician, who also performed with Whitesnake, passed away after "a hard fought battle with cancer".

Sykes hailed Lizzy singer Phil Lynott as his “hero” and said the band did not want to split

John Sykes, guitarist with Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy who co-wrote the hit singles 'Still of the Night' and 'Is This Love,' has died. He was 65.