John Sykes is a name synonymous with some of the most iconic hard rock and metal moments of the 1980s and 90s.

His journey from joining Thin Lizzy, one of rock’s legendary bands, to eventually leaving Phil Lynott and joining David Coverdale’s Whitesnake is a story filled with passion, tough choices, and heartfelt emotions.

Here’s how it all unfolded.

Before joining Thin Lizzy, John Sykes was fresh off his time with Tigers of Pan Tang, a band that had established him as a formidable guitarist in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene.

After leaving Tigers of Pan Tang, Sykes was working on a solo single titled *Please Don’t Leave Me*, recording in Dublin with producer Chris Tsangarides.

As a longtime fan of Thin Lizzy, Sykes asked Tsangarides to contact Phil Lynott, Thin Lizzy’s charismatic frontman, about playing on the track.

Phil agreed and brought along drummer Brian Downey and keyboardist Darren Wharton to the session, creating an atmosphere that made Sykes feel like he was already part of the band—even though original guitarist Scott Gorham wasn’t present.

During the recording session, Phil Lynott surprised Sykes by asking if he wanted to join Thin Lizzy.

At the time, Sykes also had an offer from Aussie Osborne, but his strong connection with Phil Lynott and the band made Thin Lizzy the obvious choice.

They spent time together at the Pink Elephant Club, bonding and getting to know each other before flying back to London.

Within days, Phil officially offered Sykes the guitarist position.

Once onboard, Sykes and the band headed straight to the Boathouse Studios near Queensbridge to begin writing for the upcoming album.

Phil encouraged Sykes to express his creativity fully, marking a significant turning point in Sykes’s career.

Joining Thin Lizzy wasn’t just a job; it was an opportunity to be part of a legendary band and leave a lasting mark on rock history.

Despite his excitement with Thin Lizzy, Sykes’s journey took a complicated turn when members of Whitesnake noticed his performances during their Monsters of Rock tour.

David Coverdale’s band was preparing for their next album and tour, *Slide It In*, and they were eager to recruit Sykes.

The financial offers were substantial, and Whitesnake’s manager, Aussie Hope, reached out to Sykes, inviting him to Munich to discuss joining the band.

Sykes was upfront with Phil Lynott about the offer, explaining that he needed to check it out despite his loyalty.

Initially, Sykes was reluctant because Whitesnake’s bluesy style was not exactly his cup of tea.

However, he had a positive conversation with Coverdale, making it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate being told what style to play or being ordered around musically.

After returning to England, Sykes received multiple calls from Whitesnake, each with increasingly attractive financial terms.

He initially turned them down but finally put a high price on his joining, expecting rejection.

To his surprise, Whitesnake accepted the demand.

Sykes recalls thinking, “Oh no, I suppose I got to join them now.

” This left him in a tough spot, torn between loyalty to Phil Lynott and the appealing opportunity Whitesnake offered.

The farewell to Thin Lizzy was emotional.

Sykes and Lynott shared a heartfelt moment, both moved to tears.

Phil expressed understanding and support, saying he would never hold Sykes back and genuinely wished him well—a testament to Phil’s character and the deep bond they had formed.

Mark Stanway, a bandmate, noted how hard Sykes’s departure was for Phil, describing it as a “kick in the teeth.”

The loss of Sykes was a significant setback for Thin Lizzy.

John Sykes’s time with Thin Lizzy, though relatively brief, was impactful.

He brought a fresh energy and guitar prowess that helped shape the band’s later sound.

Fans and fellow musicians alike recognize him as one of the best guitarists to have played with Thin Lizzy, with a style that blended technical skill and raw emotion.

His move to Whitesnake proved to be a career-defining moment.

Sykes contributed significantly to *Slide It In* and subsequent albums, helping Whitesnake achieve massive success during the late 1980s.

His guitar work became a defining element of the band’s hard rock sound, influencing countless guitarists and fans worldwide.

Beyond his musical achievements, those who have met John Sykes describe him as a genuinely nice and down-to-earth person.

One fan recalls meeting him in Hollywood clubs during the 80s and 90s, noting how interested Sykes was in discussing gear and music with fellow musicians.

Sykes’s passion for his craft and approachable nature made him stand out not just as a rock star, but as a person.

John Sykes’s journey from a fan recording a solo single to becoming a key member of Thin Lizzy and later Whitesnake is a story of talent, opportunity, and the difficult choices that come with a life in rock ‘n’ roll.

His loyalty to Phil Lynott was heartfelt, but the allure of a new chapter with Whitesnake was irresistible.

Through it all, Sykes remained true to his artistic vision, refusing to be boxed in or controlled.

His legacy lives on in the riffs and melodies that continue to inspire generations of rock fans.