GUITARIST JOHN SYKES TO REPORTEDLY RELEASE “SY-OPS” BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR
Germany’s Rocks magazine is reporting that guitarist John Sykes (Tygers of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, Blue Murder) will release his first album in seventeen years, Sy-Ops, before the end of 2017.
Sykes, who completed the material for the disc three years ago says, “…My manager died [and] with him I lost someone I could really trust. So I put the disc on ice.”
Sykes added that his first album since 2000’s Nuclear Cowboy will live up to his fans’ expectations. “People who like what I did on the 1987 [self-titled album] from Whitwsnake and the two studio records from Blue Murder” will be pleased by the new material, he said.
The new album will be released in a digipak format with a full-color six-panel artwork courtesy of David Dees.
Two years ago, Sykes released some audio samples that will appear on his solo album, you can listen to them here.
The CD reportedly features guest appearances by the following musicians:
* Josh Freese (Weezer, A Perfect Circle, Guns N’ Roses, Devo): Drums
* Tony Franklin (The Firm): Bass
* Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction): Bass
* Curt Bisquera (Sarah McLachlan): Drums
* Jamie Muhoberac (The All-American Rejects, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones): Keyboards
 will release his first album in seventeen years, Sy-Ops, before the end of ... )
As the resident Sykes harpy, and uberfan, I knew the pessimistic comments were coming. They are certainly not without merit, but we could try and give him the benefit of the doubt? There are many reasons he could be stalling, including perfectionism and the fear of failing.
When you have not had an original release come out in 17 years, coupled with the entire change in the music business, it can be daunting to release new material.
I know it’s easy for all of us to say, “just put it out,” but perhaps he is sensitive about his work and how it will be received? Especially, in current music climate, where rock does not carry the same prestige that it did years ago, just a thought.
D 🙂
Dana, You make a great point. I would be terrified to put out a rock record in this musical climate. I don’t know if young people would appreciate it, or see it as only nostalgia. He’s a pretty smart guy. He made sure that Coverdale paid him properly and still enjoys those royalties to this day.
Your last sentence is, no pun intended, right on the money, T!
D 🙂
Well, those samples we heard a while ago sounded really good, we’ll see. The proof will be in the pudding…or the “Jelly Roll!” 😉 LOL! …crickets…
Ahh, boo. LOL!! 😉
LMAO! I Know, it was too easy, but hey, it was early! 😉
This guy has always been great but why is he wearing SLASHES hat. He looks like a Raegae performer. Very weird look to be certain. The album title is silly as well. Tony Franklin on bass gives us 2/3 of BLUE MURDER on a few tracks.
Can John Sykes rescue Frankie Banalli from Quiet Riot? Find a bassist and I’m in.
Me too! I vote Tony Franklin! Sykes, Frankie, and Tony would be a killer trio!
Agreed.
D 🙂
I eagerly await this and I think it will happen this year. There-I was just positive!
Everything that I know (exception being his solo stuff mainly, and the 2nd Blue Murder) Sykes has done has been brilliant. Somehow his short time with Thin Lizzy gets forgotten or disregarded. He brought a fresh and more metallic sound to TL on Thunder and Lightning and the farewell tour that ensued. And John’s work on the rare Thin Lizzy-Life (Live) from that farewell tour is absolutely blistering. The version of Still In Love With You has some of the most painfully beautiful solos I’ve ever heard on a live album. It’s got to be the best live album that most people have never heard. John loved Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy and I believe if Phil were alive today and TL were together, Sykes would have been a part it, right there side by side with Philip.
Greg,
I forgot all about the Thunder and Lightning album from Thin Lizzy! I think I had this one on cassette back in the day. Great record, as I remember. I will have to download this one onto my IPod. I wasn’t aware that Sykes was on that record, but it doesn’t surprise me. I have never been disappointed with any music he was involved in. The guy is just a MONSTER guitar player!
Might I add, a great songwriter, and vocalist, as well. 🙂
D 🙂