Golden Robot Records has today released My Guitar, the first of four tracks from the late, great John Sykes, which will appear on an EP later this year. While there is much discussion around how appropriate the release of the EP is, the fact remains that this is a great track, even though it may not have been the finished version Sykes intended.
“In light of recent speculation surrounding this release, Golden Robot Records wishes to assure fans that this music is being released with the utmost respect, care, and affection for John,” the Golden Robot Records press release stated.
“The release of My Guitar is lawfully permitted under John’s recording agreement, and reflects the shared intention, held while he was with us, to complete and present this material properly. This is not a retrospective reconstruction, but a continuation of work that John himself worked on with us.”
A statement on the John Sykes website, however, paints a different story.
“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,” their statement reads.
“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.”
My Guitar is available to stream via orcd.co/my-guitar.
