Statement from the Estate of John Sykes
08/09/26 22:55
The Estate of John Sykes wishes to provide some clarification to fans regarding the continued release of John Sykes recordings by Golden Robot Records.
Following previous posthumous releases, the Estate formally contacted Golden Robot Records seeking clarification regarding the contractual and legal basis upon which the label claims the right to release and commercially exploit these recordings.
The Estate specifically requested copies of the agreements being relied upon, clarification of the nature and extent of the rights claimed by the label, and accounting information relating to recordings already released. Golden Robot Records subsequently responded through its legal representative, stating that it considers itself to possess valid contractual and legal rights in relation to the recordings. However, the documentation and detailed contractual clarification requested by the Estate were not provided with that response.
Golden Robot Records advised the Estate on 18 June 2026 that a more substantive response would be provided "in due course". Almost three months later, the Estate has received no further substantive response, nor has it been provided with the contractual documentation and clarification requested.
The Estate wishes to make clear that it has not approved or authorised the forthcoming release and has not been involved in the decision to release it.
This does not, of itself, determine whether Golden Robot Records possesses contractual rights independently of the Estate. That remains one of the matters upon which we have sought clarification. However, despite our requests, the Estate has still not been provided with the contractual documentation or detailed explanation necessary for us to understand and assess the rights being asserted.
Our purpose in making this statement is simply to ensure that John's fans and the wider public understand the Estate's position. The continuing uncertainty surrounding these releases has also caused considerable concern and distress to John's family.
We remain willing to engage constructively with Golden Robot Records and have repeatedly sought transparency regarding the contractual arrangements surrounding these recordings.
We continue to hope that the requested documentation and clarification will be provided so that these matters can be properly understood and resolved.
Until then, the Estate expressly reserves its position and all rights available to it.
Following previous posthumous releases, the Estate formally contacted Golden Robot Records seeking clarification regarding the contractual and legal basis upon which the label claims the right to release and commercially exploit these recordings.
The Estate specifically requested copies of the agreements being relied upon, clarification of the nature and extent of the rights claimed by the label, and accounting information relating to recordings already released. Golden Robot Records subsequently responded through its legal representative, stating that it considers itself to possess valid contractual and legal rights in relation to the recordings. However, the documentation and detailed contractual clarification requested by the Estate were not provided with that response.
Golden Robot Records advised the Estate on 18 June 2026 that a more substantive response would be provided "in due course". Almost three months later, the Estate has received no further substantive response, nor has it been provided with the contractual documentation and clarification requested.
The Estate wishes to make clear that it has not approved or authorised the forthcoming release and has not been involved in the decision to release it.
This does not, of itself, determine whether Golden Robot Records possesses contractual rights independently of the Estate. That remains one of the matters upon which we have sought clarification. However, despite our requests, the Estate has still not been provided with the contractual documentation or detailed explanation necessary for us to understand and assess the rights being asserted.
Our purpose in making this statement is simply to ensure that John's fans and the wider public understand the Estate's position. The continuing uncertainty surrounding these releases has also caused considerable concern and distress to John's family.
We remain willing to engage constructively with Golden Robot Records and have repeatedly sought transparency regarding the contractual arrangements surrounding these recordings.
We continue to hope that the requested documentation and clarification will be provided so that these matters can be properly understood and resolved.
Until then, the Estate expressly reserves its position and all rights available to it.
Latest 2026 press release from Golden Robot Records.
18/01/26 13:30
In response to this year’s recent press release from Golden Robot Records, we feel it is necessary to issue a statement on behalf of the estate of John Sykes.
In 2019, John Sykes parted ways with Golden Robot Records following ongoing issues relating to contractual agreements. Since that time neither John Sykes nor his estate has authorised, entered into, or agreed to any arrangement with Golden Robot Records for his unfinished material to be mastered, released or distributed under their label.
Given these circumstances, we are deeply concerned by the decision to proceed with such actions at a time when John is no longer able to represent or defend his own position. It is also notable that in the years following John’s departure from the label, no public announcements or attempts were made to release this material while he was alive.
In our view these actions raise serious questions and feel profoundly disrespectful to John’s legacy and to his immediate family, who are continuing to grieve and come to terms with the loss of a father, brother, and son.
In 2019, John Sykes parted ways with Golden Robot Records following ongoing issues relating to contractual agreements. Since that time neither John Sykes nor his estate has authorised, entered into, or agreed to any arrangement with Golden Robot Records for his unfinished material to be mastered, released or distributed under their label.
Given these circumstances, we are deeply concerned by the decision to proceed with such actions at a time when John is no longer able to represent or defend his own position. It is also notable that in the years following John’s departure from the label, no public announcements or attempts were made to release this material while he was alive.
In our view these actions raise serious questions and feel profoundly disrespectful to John’s legacy and to his immediate family, who are continuing to grieve and come to terms with the loss of a father, brother, and son.
One year since John passed - We will always remember
21/12/25 10:11
Today we remember John, the beautiful legacy he left behind and the music that touched and united so many lives. We know John is watching over us with nothing but love, and he will be wishing each and every one of you a Merry Christmas.
A year has passed, yet the ache of losing him will never fade. John was truly one of a kind, irreplaceable, unforgettable, and deeply loved. We will light a candle in his honour, a small flame for a life that continues to shine so brightly in our hearts. John will live on forever, in the music, the memories, and the love we all carry for him. For you, his fans, we wish you health & happiness this Christmas and for the new year.
A year has passed, yet the ache of losing him will never fade. John was truly one of a kind, irreplaceable, unforgettable, and deeply loved. We will light a candle in his honour, a small flame for a life that continues to shine so brightly in our hearts. John will live on forever, in the music, the memories, and the love we all carry for him. For you, his fans, we wish you health & happiness this Christmas and for the new year.
John Remembered at the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards.
09/11/25 21:47
A heartfelt moment last night as John was remembered during the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Awards. The “In Memoriam” tribute begins around the 3h08m mark — you can catch the replay on Disney+ for a limited time.
New John Sykes Documentary!
13/08/25 20:22
Filmmaker Damian Kolodiy has just completed a compelling two-part documentary titled "John Sykes: His Words, His Music." This in-depth film explores Sykes’s remarkable career as a guitarist and songwriter, offering rare insights into his journey and legacy.
The documentary has received outstanding feedback and is a must-watch for any rock or guitar enthusiast.
🎬 Watch it now on YouTube: John Sykes: His Words, His Music
The documentary has received outstanding feedback and is a must-watch for any rock or guitar enthusiast.
🎬 Watch it now on YouTube: John Sykes: His Words, His Music