John Sykes - The Guitar God Who Soared and Then...

The world of rock music is replete with stories of guitarists who have reached the very pinnacle of success, only to see their careers and personal lives spiral out of control. One such guitarist is John Sykes, a man whose virtuoso playing and songwriting ability once had him hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.

Born in Reading, England, in 1959, Sykes began playing guitar at the age of 12. By his late teens, he was already a seasoned performer, having played in a number of local bands.

In 1980, Sykes joined the band Tygers of Pan Tang. With Sykes on lead guitar, the band released their self-titled debut album, which was a critical and commercial success. Sykes' playing on the album was highly praised, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after guitarists in the UK.

In 1982, Sykes left Tygers of Pan Tang to join Thin Lizzy, a legendary Irish hard rock band. Sykes was a perfect fit for Thin Lizzy, and his playing helped to revitalize the band's classic sound. With Sykes on guitar, Thin Lizzy released three albums, including the critically acclaimed Thunder and Lightning (1983).

In 1985, Sykes left Thin Lizzy to pursue a solo career. He released his first solo album, Sykes, in 1986. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned the hit single "Sweet Revenge." Sykes followed up his solo debut with the album "Blue Murder" in 1989, which was also a critical and commercial success.

However, Sykes' solo career was soon derailed by personal problems. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, and he was arrested several times for various offenses. In 1997, Sykes was diagnosed with HIV, and he was forced to retire from the music business.

In recent years, Sykes has made a comeback of sorts. He has released several new albums, and he has toured extensively. However, he has never been able to regain the same level of success that he enjoyed in the 1980s.

John Sykes is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and excess. He was once one of the most talented guitarists on the planet, but his personal problems ultimately derailed his career. He is a reminder that even the most gifted artists can be brought down by their own demons.