(NEXSTAR) — Guitarist John Sykes, well-known for his time with rock bands Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, has died. He was 65 years old. Sykes died in 2024 "after a hard fought battle with cancer," a statement on his website reads. The update was shared on Monday. Guitarist John Sykes is shown performing on stage during a live concert appearance with Blue Murder on November 30, 1989. (Photo by John Atashian/Getty Images) "He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog," the statement continued. No additional details were immediately available. The British guitarist started his career with The Tygers of Pan Tang in 1980, his bio explains. He spent two years with the band before auditioning for a spot with Thin Lizzy. Trump’s hand wasn’t on the Bible during the oath of office: What does this mean? Sykes eventually became the group's lead guitar player. A few years later, Sykes was invited to join the band Whitesnake by lead singer David Coverdale. In a post to X Monday, Coverdale shared his "sincere condolences" to Sykes' family, friends, and fans. In the late 1980s, Sykes left Whitesnake to start Blue Murder alongside bassists Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice. Sykes also released multiple solo albums, including "Sykes 20th Century" and "Sykes Nuclear Cowboy." More recently, Sykes had been living in Los Angeles. "In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years," the statement on his website added.