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.