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.

The rocker was an integral part of Whitesnake's hit self-titled album in 1987 Paul Natkin/Getty Guitarist John Sykes, who played in classic British rock bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy ...