Congratulations to guitarist and singer John Sykes who is celebrating his birthday today.
(Photo: Pinterest)
Sykes began his musical career in 1980 with the band "Streetfighter" and soon moved to the band "Tygers of Pan Tang" with which he released two full studio albums and was a guest on the third.
In 1982 he successfully auditioned for "Thin Lizzy" and became its lead guitarist alongside Scott Gorham. With the band he released the studio album "Thunder & Lightning" and was a part of the band's last tour and the excellent live album "Live Life" which included guest appearances by the great guitarists who were part of the band including Gary Moore.
John Sykes later moved to Phil Lynott's band in his solo career.
David Coverdale later discovered him and invited him to join "Whitesnake", but John was loyal to Phil Lynott and initially refused. However, after a cover-up campaign by Coverdale and having also received Phil Lynott's blessing, he joined Whitesnake, re-recorded the album "Slide It In" and later went on tour with them.
John Sykes' big break came with the most successful album "Whitesnake" released in 1987. Sykes greatly influenced the sound and style of the band which changed its face from end to end and went from hard rock and blues rock roots to heavy metal and glam metal. John Sykes co-wrote with David Coverdale nine of the 11 songs on "Whitesnake's 1987" successful album.
After leaving Whitesnake he formed the supergroup "Blue Murder" together with drummer Carmine Appice and bassist Tony Franklin. Along with this band he released two studio albums and proved that he is much more than a virtuoso guitarist, he is also a great singer !!!
In 2006 Sykes was honored by the Gibson company who released a Gibson Les Paul custom model inspired by Sykes.
Sykes also has a solo career in which he has released five albums to date.
On 1 January 2021, Sykes released "Dawning of a Brand New Day", his first new song in over twenty years.