John Sykes, best known for his stints with Whitesnake, Tygers of Pan Tang and Thin Lizzy, died at the age of 65.

A statement issued on his official website Monday confirmed the legendary English guitarist died after a fight with cancer.

“It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer,” the statement read. “He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.

“He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog. In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years.

“While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood sombre, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”

Sykes’ career started in 1980 when he joined Whitley Bay metallers Tygers of Pan Tang as their second guitarist.

He recorded two albums with the group – the 1981 records ‘Spellbound’ and ‘Crazy Nights’ – but left Tygers of Pan Tang in 1982.

His big break, however, came in 1982 when he co-wrote the single “Please Don’t Leave Me” with Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott.

He performed on Thin Lizzy’s final studio album “Thunder and Lightning” and co-wrote the hit single “Cold Sweat.”

Sykes joined Whitesnake in 1984. He was a part of the success of Whitesnake’s blockbuster self-titled album “Whitesnake,” and he co-wrote all but two tracks on the 1987 record.