Golden Robot Records, an Australian label, announced it will release 'My Guitar,' a posthumous single by the late English guitarist John Sykes, on February 13 across major streaming platforms. The song was recorded and refined during sessions Sykes conducted after signing with the label, intended as part of a body of work he was actively developing.
The label describes the track as embodying Sykes's distinctive style, highlighting its raw, melodic, and emotionally charged qualities. 'My Guitar' is to be the first preview of a four-track EP, with the full release expected later in 2026, aiming to preserve the integrity of Sykes’s original vision and honor his legacy.
However, the release has been met with resistance from Sykes’s estate, which issued a statement denying any authorization or agreement with Golden Robot Records to release or distribute his unfinished material. The estate criticized the decision as disrespectful to their late family member’s legacy and emphasized that no such plans were made public while Sykes was alive.
John Sykes, known for his work with bands like Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and Blue Murder, passed away in early 2025 after battling cancer. Throughout his career, he left a significant mark on the hard rock and heavy metal genres. Prior to his death, Sykes had ongoing projects, including a solo album titled 'Sy-Ops,' which has since seen partial release of tracks.
The announcement from Golden Robot Records asserts that the upcoming releases are consistent with the recording agreement and represent a continuation of the work Sykes initiated. The label expressed a commitment to honoring Sykes’s memory and bringing his music to both longtime and new fans.