What really happened between John Sykes and David Coverdale, why they parted ways - complete review

What really happened between John Sykes and David Coverdale and why Whitesnake toured the 87 album without Sykes.

[@randysmith6702]

John Sykes’s guitar work on the ‘87 Whitesnake record is some of the finest of the time. The track, songwriting and especially the guitar solo on “Is This Love” all are musical masterpieces

[@Vestu]

And the riffage in Bad Boys.

[@TerryDrumCovers1951]

I cannot agree more.

[@drtalc192]

"Still of the Night" is a monumental achievement in guitar sonics and performance. Everyone on the track pulls their weight, but Sykes is the center of attention: he is the whole show. Sykes performance is jaw dropping.

[@collinjamesguitar]

Sykes is the whole show on the entire 87 record. He was so fucking brilliant that he somehow towered above peak Coverdale. Those two not figuring their shit out before John died will forever be horseshit. Same with Eddie and Sammy, but at least they made amends personally before Ed’s death.

[@boooootch]

To be fair… SOTN originated with DC and Ritchie Blackmore. I’ve read DC was the guy suggesting cellos in the breakdown. But yes, JS absolutely made the track the iconic thing we know and love today.

[@zandig666]

Yep !!🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@V-Rex]

Mr. Sykes is one of those timeless Hardrock/Metal guitarists that never seaze to amaze. I love the work he did with Tygers Of Pan Tang, Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, also Blue Murder, especially the first album. He is in my top favourite guitarists list of all times.

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

I hated him on Thin Lizzy. All those squeals on his guitar every damn 3 seconds… ruined Lizzy and Coverdale continued hus des-construction of Whitesnake with Sykes.

[@matthewpaolini]

@@mikaelbiilmann6826 Sykes killed it on the Whitesnake ST. He is the quintessential metal player. Not to mention, he has a pretty great voice.Vai is a great guitar player but not for everything; such as Whitesnake. He ruined the Slip of the Tongue album, so did Adrian.

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

@@matthewpaolini Yeah, I guess I quit when Coverdale changed everything. I liked the old Whitesnake, but Coverdale had to get on, and the times were changing and it was time for poofy hair metal. I never liked Sykes’ tone and I think he ruined Lizzy’s last live lp with his constant pinched harmonics.

[@matthewpaolini]

@@mikaelbiilmann6826 Yeah, He wasn't a good fit for Lizzy. If you don't like his tone; then that is your opinion and you're entitled to it.

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

@@matthewpaolini I know I was being old-fashioned and clearly Coverdale had to make money and get on, so I understand him.

[@Herbster41]

I think Sykes' guitar work on that '87 album is incredible. To this day the solo in 'Still of the Night' gives me goose bumps.

[@marlahart2060]

🎸🙋‍♀️YES AGREED MASTERPIECE!

[@phantomf4747]

Right?

[@stephenjefferies5101]

One of the saddest stories in rock. Sykes career seems so short when it should have flourished with the right band.

[@jorgeocampo1794]

John Sykes is one of the most underrated guitar players from the 1980s it's amazing how much credit he doesn't get this guy is fantastic songwriter guitar player. Kar great job here telling the story thank you!!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

I absolutely agree, John Sykes is a phenomenal player! Many thanks Jorge for the visit, much appreciated!

[@CrueLoaf]

Great player but must have a defective personality or something. He’s done virtually nothing in 25 years. All his projects collapse. I think that says it all.

[@deankoskela1188]

His vocals are great as well....total rock star

[@georgebarry8640]

@@CrueLoaf You do know how difficult this business is,right? There are hundreds of decisions that must be made correctly, timing ,finances all have to be aligned and then there is the content..and the luck. There are many,many great talents (like John) who are not household names. They are not failures. It's just the gravity of it all. I wouldn't convict John or anyone if the lightning refused to strike twice.

[@CrueLoaf]

@@georgebarry8640 many talents working their asses off from playing the local venues to recording in their bedrooms. The band Whitesnake shouldn’t be castigated because John felt he couldn’t fit in. He thought he was bigger than the band and went off to show the world just that. And in the last 35 years…one album of note! Great player but disappointing output.

[@themadmattster9647]

What a sad state of affairs, the most tragic part to me is what happened to Neil Murray, one of the most underrated bass players ever

[@josephabela1922]

It is also a typical behavior in the industry, to use and abuse.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

@@josephabela1922 No gentlemen there, just money and profit

[@caljerm]

He got a gig in Sabbath after that - could have turned out worse 😁

[@GBCR]

Yes, that's the one that's 100% unforgivable!

[@georgebarry8640]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 I think the massive unforeseen money that rushed into the hard rock music business in 1985 caused a wave of coke abuse and misogynism that made for a lethal cocktail for civility. I was active in music at the time and in the same genre and every time I got close to some of the higher rollers it was some very objectionable stuff. Not everybody, but soo so many.

[@theodorusrexicon5760]

Truth is Coverdale was never able to replace Sykes. Whitesnake would've been better had Sykes stayed.

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

Just as a side note, Bob Rock recently said that Sykes was the best guitar player he ever worked with.

[@lancesabin4114]

How Cool*

[@lrwarchild]

I saw that video too

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

@@guitarstrange2478 search for Tone talk bob rock on youtube

[@termsofusepolice]

Bob also said Lars was the best drummer. So take it with a big grain of salt. lol

[@ashzole]

pffft he hasn’t worked with CC Deville. 😂

[@devinw5150]

I saw Blue Murder open up for Bon Jovi (don’t recall the year) but those 3 guys put out a sound as big (maybe bigger) than 5 members of Bon Jovi and John Sikes’ vocals and guitar playing were both incredible! He’s a major talent!

[@wayneblair67]

It was 1989

[@devinw5150]

@@wayneblair67 Cool thanks! I saw them at Starwood outdoor theater in Nashville, TN. The sound was great.

[@humanactivated1017]

Crap I did security for Bon Jovi but they were touring with aaerosmith I believe , unfortunately no Blue Murder . Bob Jovi we’re a bunch of assholes especially Torres ( drummer ) . Tying that hit me the most about Bon Jovi was how short they were . Steve Tyler on the other hand was one jf the most personable rock stare I ever met .

[@devinw5150]

@@humanactivated1017 That doesn’t surprise me. Lots of musicians who hit the big time magically think their shit doesn’t stink anymore. I’ve been in the music business for 30 years and met a ton of em.

[@phillipgurney1402]

My condolences on having to see BonJovi....but John Sykes made the nightmare worthwhile didn't he?

[@TruthSurge]

I tend to buy Sykes' version.

[@gravitationalconstant]

Yes. David has already proven to be quite the historical revisionist

[@CrueLoaf]

@@gravitationalconstant and Sykes doesn’t? Haha! Sykes is a complete failure business wise. Every project he has done has fallen apart. You have to ask yourself why that is

[@CrueLoaf]

No chance. Sykes is not a leader and was in no way capable of leading Whitesnake or making any decisions, especially in the USA. A decent guitar player but he was not the creator of 87 or a major player in Whitesnake. Listen to Neil Murray who is relatively unbiased.

[@user-qr7ee2cp4y]

@@CrueLoaf Dave was the leader, he needed to let sykes be his "keef " and he wouldn't.... and neither guy could recreate that synergy....

[@richcampbell6808]

@@CrueLoaf Thin lizzy and blue murder. Kick rocks

[@gameroftheyear1000]

John Sykes and Jake E Lee man, I tell you, those two dudes are probably the two most gentlemen who were robbed of full on red meter fame and accreditation. Both did a lot for the bands they came in to essentially save them in the end, especially in the US where both Ozzy and Whitesnake were facing problems of how to go on in the early to mid 80’s. Both have the talent to make it big, they just unfortunately got muscled out by the people who they thought were their friends.

[@AllThatShreds]

Without Sykes this album would’ve never been as big as it was.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

No. The album was successful because of the promotion it got. Honestly it’s not that great of an album.

[@AllThatShreds]

@@thetruthhurts6652 🤦🏻‍♂️ ffs

[@jeffbogue3718]

Without John Sykes there would have been no whitesnake 87 .. Neil Murray and Ainsley dunsbar are absolutely brilliant on it too

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Also the videos with Tawny were incredibly spectacular but no doubt that without that sound, guitars, drums, Whitesnake would never have become that huge

[@thetruthhurts6652]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 for sure. They would never of had that success in the USA with Marsden and Moody 😎

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Sykes is the reason I took up guitar. I was 16 when the 1987 album hit and it changed me. When they finally came to town, it wasn't Sykes, it was Steve Vai in 1990. Some will say even better but not to me. Sykes was the hero of this album.

[@deebop4904]

Agreed. Vai was a big mistake for WS. Sykes has 1000x more tone than vai, AND taste. I saw WS at castle donnington with 300,000 people. In the front !

[@kingwilly8041]

Before I really knew about John Sykes, I heard someone say "Vai's got nothing on Sykes." Of course, I thought he was exaggerating because, come on, we're talking about Steve Vai. I listened, thought about it, and concluded, "nope, Vai's got nothing on Sykes."

[@codacreator6162]

I saw them twice, both times it was Vandenburg & Campbell.

[@Jayflo7]

How can one tell just how good of a player John Sykes is? It took TWO really good guitar players to replace him.

[@escapist502]

John Sykes… absolute complete package and brilliant musician. Total command of his instrument and his singing. I couldn’t stop listening to blue murder when they came out with that first record, and then years later, Bad Boys Live! There are some musicians that simply just have it all, John is one of them. The story of Whitesnake 87 is a sobering one, thanks for putting this video out.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Oh yesterday I was watching Blue Murder "Valley of the Kings" video and I noticed that Carmine Appice had "Blue Carmine" written on his bass drums. Very cool! And I guess this is why David Coverdale called them Blue Carmine

[@kirkclement1583]

That whole album is awesome!

[@georgeprice4212]

It's not Dan Huff on the album version....he IS on the 45 version of Here I Go Again,though. Adrian Vandenberg is on the 1987 album version, doing the solo.

[@ChucksterOLove]

He has 2 bass drums that spell out 'Blue Murder' on top, and 'Carmine Appice' on the bottom. If you look at one of bass drums it says 'Blue Carmine' and the other says 'Murder Appice'. I guess Blue Carmine was the better option to go with... 😄⚰️

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

@@ChucksterOLove Yes I did notice that when I watched it one more time, thanks

[@johnmcminn9455]

It is funny to see the footage of Thin Lizzy from 1978 Sykes looks exactly the same as in 88 ...

[@davec3901]

This is something I've been trying to research for many years now, so thank you for the video. David has always changed his line-ups with alarming regularity.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Many thanks Dave, much appreciated!

[@FrostedSeagull]

It appears he learned a tonne from the master of change & selfishness . . . Ritchie Blackmore ! Like Blackmore (whom I like) but realise has a massive EGO, Coverdale also developed and commercially adopted a huge arrogant ego. Example- Coverdale said in a 2019 interview 'we Whitesnake competed with Rainbow. We absolutely killed Rainbow with the 1987 album. " Problem to his BS analogy. Rainbow broke up in May 1984 as Blackmore joined the MkII Deep Purple reunion by August of that year. How exactly was Whitesnake competing with Rainbow, when they ceased to exist in mid-1984 ? This highlights the BS Coverdale peddles.

[@brunovallesmunoz4757]

What a turmoil arround that masterpiece of album!...Interesting quote by Robert Plant about Coverdale Great story as usual my friend! CARRY ON! Cheers from Chile🇨🇱

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Big thanks Bruno for the visit! Great pleasure to hear that, much appreciated!

[@Rachemagnet]

R.I.P. 🪦 great John Sykes, the major creative force on 1987, one of the greatest metal albums of all time. Plus his timeless playing with Thin Lizzy ❤ and Blue Murder ❤

[@evensteven8129]

this was a valuable video for me, and clarifies for me what I had suspected went down with Sykes and WS. Thanks for this. Sykes is an amazing artist and I have been listening to Blue Murder and Sykes’ live solo album everyday lately. Masterful!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Actually, Kalodner said that he signed Coverdale because for him Coverdale was one of the greatest vocalists and he wanted Coverdale to work with Sykes because Sykes was fresh and talented player. And Kalodner wanted Whitesnake to become a heavy metal band with modern sound to make it big in the US. But then he had trouble because Coverdale had trouble singing and then Coverdale started fighting with Sykes. So Kalodner had to recut Here I Go Again in January 1987, with completely different musicians. And then he signed Sykes to Geffen because Sykes did a phenomenal work on the 87 album.

[@erichhitchcock3368]

I've been watching this channel every morning with my coffee. I'm no better than any soap-opera watching housewife...as long as it's a rock&roll soap opera! Thanks man...I've been feeling the psychological (and some physical) ravages of father-time; these vids really bring me back to "back in the day" ---for instance, I'm still not over losing Randy. I had so much fun learning some of his material. I guess recently losing a lot of rock guys (starting with EVH) refreshed losing Randy also. I had never heard the real story of how Ozzy discovered him until recently, as well as the real story of losing him; along with the demon riddled Andrew Aycock's roll in it...wow.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Hi Erich, thank you very much for watching! Such a great pleasure, I appreciate very much! I write the stories and Shawn helps me to narrate them and he also does these beautiful opening videos.

[@erichhitchcock3368]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 It's also inspiring me to play more...I now teach my teen daughters. While I don't gig any more (started playing in '77, inspired by KISS' Destroyer, then VH1) I figured out the VH stuff by slowing the LPs down to 16 speed on those old school record players, then tune an octave up; although the bi-product was having to hear Roth in slo-mo though, "RRRRROUUGGHHHOOWWW!!!" Switched to doing stand-up on stage...as there's no ego maniacs to deal with. Love You Man.

[@doctordetroit4339]

Great vid. I saw that tour. This album literally saved WS in the 80s, who were a 70s band. No Sykes = no WS. I had no idea the guys on stage and in the video on MTV were NOT the guys who did the songs on the album. We didn't have the web back then. Coverdale is a great singer, and has managed to surround himself with superb musicians one after another. Seen WS many times. Look up how many guitar greats have been in Whitesnake. The last time I think I saw Reb Beach with them. Too bad it couldn't work out with Sykes. WS went downhill win album sales after the split. Although the tours were great. I really love Slip of the Tongue also, many apparently did not. It appears Coverdale got too cute by half. He has always said he likes to shake up the band for the sake of it. He should have kept Sykes though. Perhaps one arena could not contain both egos.

[@spacejockey4746]

The musicians who played the instruments on Whitesnake ‘87 is printed clearly in the liner notes. Everyone who payed attention to that genre of music during that time knew that Sykes, Dunbar, and Murray played guitar, drum, and bass and that album.

[@ReverendBow]

Reb is the longest surviving member besides Coversale

[@jeffschwartz5199]

He got a great big break when hired by Deep Purple . We'd never have heard of him otherwise 🤷

[@tracygee6023]

@@ReverendBow kkk I’ll Mo

[@bumpyroad3251]

@@jeffschwartz5199 IMO the best formation of Deep Purple was in fact with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes.

[@souflikar6702]

I’ll tell you why, Coverdale was jealous of Sykes. Sykes had immense talent, he had the looks and he was a killer vocalist. No room for two stars on Coverdale’s stage. So Coverdale made the biggest mistake of his professional career. Sykes was the total package!

[@stormbringercoming8105]

Coverdale is the CEO of Whitesnake. It’s his band. He put his career on the line to make it work. He signed away his pre Slide It In records to get out of a bad deal. Sykes tried to take over the band while making the 1987 record. Do you think Coverdale was going to keep him? John is massively talented, but he was nothing more than a highly paid hired hand. A hired hand that’s never going to have work again. I think his problem is that he’s too talented to be a hired gun, and not interested in being a bandleader. It’s been over 35 years since the Whitesnake album came out, and he’s released precious little since.

[@willemsikkema3604]

@@stormbringercoming8105 You are absolutely right !!! Sykes massively talented ? Never heard from again 😂😂😂😂

[@stormbringercoming8105]

@@willemsikkema3604 Whatever criticism I have for Sykes, doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate his talent. His work with Thin Lizzy on Thunder And Lightning alone makes him a legend.

[@willemsikkema3604]

@@stormbringercoming8105 I agree with that

[@ThemFuzzyMonsters]

That is also why the claim that Sykes was trying to take over, or replace Coverdale are preposterous. Geffen had signed David, Geffen’s investment was in David, and David alone. That said Sykes is reputedly hard to work with; he may have annoyed too many people in the inner-circle, and many (not just Coverdale himself) may have wanted him gone (ie: management). Finally, and ironically, Sykes had no issue stepping-in and re-recording Slide It In; yet got mad when Coverdale essentially did the same to him.

[@smgrasser]

John Sykes is just one of a handful of Metal guitarists, I'm my opinion, that played with real feeling. He played with such emotion. If you play guitar you especially know what I mean. He's a phenom.

[@richcampbell6808]

Favorite of all time.

[@igettogonow2253]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWa4aXirqbSchqs

[@pawlpoche8736]

I totally agree!

[@johngraham5722]

Absolutely he has some soul in the sound when he been a string he meant it John Graham Cincinnati Ohio

[@marlahart2060]

🎸🙋‍♀️Yes

[@JohnProph]

RIP John Sykes

[@ShawnStaplesFreeGuitarLessons]

I am so bummed I could not see this show because my band was playing the same night. Kar does so much research for these stories. Great job Kar!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Big thanks Shawn!

[@dbsimmz4116]

Well done Kar. I can tell you from first hand experience the information contained in this piece for the most part is spot on (minus the hear say segments) A fascinating subject for guitarist & fans alike. With the moutains of opinions on this topic and lack of truth its refreshing to finally stumble across a piece of work such as this thats based more on fact than opinion. -Dannyboy (JS studio tech/prod. asst B.M./N.B.T. 91'-95')

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Oh hi Dannyboy, I remember you! Many thanks for the visit, great pleasure to see you!!! Thanks for all kind words, I appreciate!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Have an awesome rocking day!

[@robbiegarnz7732]

This channel s so fascinating! It’s great to hear the stories told by an actual musician who knows their stuff and lives through this as well!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Big thanks Robbie, much appreciated!

[@FTarquin]

Who in their right mind would want to get rid of a guitar god!... His riffs were so killer on that 87 album.. His guitar sounds massive too!.. They never came even close to those hits!.. David Coverdale made the biggest mistake not realizing this!

[@jeffbogue3718]

John Sykes is a guitar God

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Coverdale thought that he was Whitesnake and he could change his guitar players anytime he wanted

[@FTarquin]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 Yup!... 100%... and he was dead wrong about that!.

[@MrRugbyloosehead]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 absolutely! David found out as the sequel to the 87' album, never came close to the songs, sound or utter coolness that John had , even with hired gun Steve Vai brought in to shore up the sound!

[@peevee605]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 Whitesnake is DC’s enterprise. Whitesnake never belonged to Sykes. That’s just it.

[@1977raider]

I always wondered what happened and why DC had a complete new band after recording...Thank you for making this video

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

You are very welcome John, much appreciated!

[@thelolguy007]

I’m a huge Fan of Coverdale, he’s one of my most favourite vocalists of all time. But I think Plants comments on his integrity and honesty etc are very valid. We were in ‘Rock Imperium’ festival in Spain a couple of years ago waiting for Whitesnake when it was announced only hours before they were to take the stage they weren’t gonna show up. Everyone was devastated. Even their back line was in place for their performance. Everything had to be rearranged and band times rescheduled to suit the huge time gap Whitesnake left vacant. It was unreal. The festival made an announcement as to why. A very believable account from their perspective. Then Whitesnake blamed Tommy Aldridge - saying he was in bad health. Then Tommy shot that down saying he was fine. It was another Coverdale moment. We later found out Whitesnake didn’t even make the trip from their last date so there was no way they were going to do it. Very disappointing. I didn’t believe they’ve played since

[@394pjo]

You have to hand it to John Sykes, no matter what adversity threw at that sumbitch his hair always stayed totally on point.

[@AryanLuciferian]

His hair is still pretty good for being older.

[@frannyp46]

Don’t forget those cheekbones and jawline.

[@carvinieri5217]

Notice that after John was fired, David bleached his hair... funny, right? He clearly envied John.

[@georgeprice4212]

I had the 1987 cassette, and John, Neil and Ainsley were credited with playing on the entire album, with Adrian Vandenberg doing the solo on “Here I Go Again”, and I believe Bernie Marsden as co-writer on both “Here I Go Again” and “Crying In The Rain”. And, as far as Whitesnake’s sound not connecting with Americans, I LOVED the early Whitesnake albums 1978’s US “Snakebite” to 1983’s “Slide It In” (to which I actually prefer the UK mix, released in February ‘83.)

[@grahamgray2421]

Wish John Sykes would play live again in the UK, fabulous player!!

[@spacejockey4746]

Blue Murder’s debut was superior to “Slip of the Tongue,” and nobody who is a fan of Blue Murder gives af that it didn’t sell as well as the latter. Sykes’ songs and guitar playing on Blue Murder showed just how important Sykes was to the sound on Whitesnake ‘87 - the album that revived the band and made them huge. Obviously, Sykes wasn’t the vocalist Coverdale was, so it would’ve been incredible to hear him or Ray Gillen (whom Sykes originally recruited to sing, but the deal fell through).

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Yes Tony Martin (wrote lyrics and vocal melody to "Valey of the Kings"), then Ray Gillen, even Glenn Hughes was approached but eventually Sykes decided to sing himself, I guess just like Gary Moore did

[@spacejockey4746]

@@crusheverything4449 😂

[@bumpyroad3251]

I didn't know that. A Blue Murder with Sykes and Ray Gillen (RIP) would have been a dream band come true.

[@marcelojavierlovera6130]

@@bumpyroad3251 they all had problem with Sykes because of his EGO, the same happened to COZY, the only one to blame IS JOHN, VERY TALENTED BUT he felt he was a star when he wasn't

[@rockonbaz]

@@marcelojavierlovera6130 You've got that the wrong way round, totally!

[@rickfortine7454]

I AM AN OLD METAL / JAZZ FUSION ROCK STUDIO DRUMMER FROM THE 80'S / EARLY 90'S AND WHATEVER IS OR HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT JOHN SYKES NEVER TOOK AND ROOT WHATSOEVER .. WE ARE ALL WELL AWARE OF HOW AWESOME SYKES IS, AND NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT ... ITS FOREVER LOCKED IN THE HISTORY OF TIME !!!

[@davidrapant6398]

John Sykes has his own complete style and sound. I can always pick out his super wide slinky vibrato. He’s had that since Tygers and Thin Lizzy. His sound has only developed and gotten better. Listen to Still of the Night then listen to Blue Murder Valley of the Kings. Please. NO ONE sounds like John Sykes. He’s a real player and sorely missed.

[@Axess-sv8nq]

That's why I think the Dan Huff story is a load of crap created by Olsen and Coverdale. Listening to the Blue Murder album, his style and sound is unmistakable!

[@dregeye]

released August 2021 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmvopmVp5x8a8U The other new song from Jan 2021 further explains the 'message'

[@gregorydickman940]

Super wide slinky vibrato? How about a whole step bend and release like I did 30 years ago to practice intonation. I never thought of that as a vibrato. Can you imagine a vocalist using that "vibrato"? I admit, "Baby Please Don't Leave Me This Way" that he did with Phil Lynott on their solo thing is about as good as it gets, song and solo. Still of the Night as an unreal "wind in the graveyard" solo; but, I'm not convinced he even played that. Why? Simply because he has never replicated it live. Honestly, I can see Dann Huff doing it, after studying both players' styles. As far as Blue Murder, I listened to it once-- and as a Thin Lizzy fanatic, I so WANTED to like it. As far as Thin Lizzy it cannot be denied that Sykes gave those strung out boys a shot in the arm. However, Thunder and Lightning was entirely completed (outside of Cold Sweat) was recorded. Scott Gorham is Thin Lizzy, and musically, Sykes would probably make a good guitar tech for Scott. Not much else.

[@jonfaerman7518]

yes he had it since tygers but people is ignorant and tone deaf...not to mention how he hit the notes!!!! what a player!!!!!

[@Jangorexful]

Listen to him mangle black rose. Messy. Never thought he was a good fit in Thin Lizzy.

[@Vikingcat01]

I'll never forget Cozy Powell's drum solo with the Brian May band at Edinburgh Playhouse . Dust and plaster being shaken and falling of the roof because of his intense power. Excellent Video Thankyou. 🎸 👌

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Thank you, great pleasure!

[@scottwhite2757]

Interesting,, Great photos of Cozy & the band what a incredible lineup of the 1st WhiteSnake rockers.. :)

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Hi Scott, great to see you! Thanks for the visit, much appreciated!

[@SmashingEGOS]

Sir!!! SUPER HUGE FAN OF YOUR PAGE!!! Thank you!!!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Many thanks, great pleasure to hear that, I appreciate!!!

[@stefanveatch2]

WOW. I met Sykes in NYC at 330 AM at a Lizzy Tribute show. He signed my last live performance record of Thin Lizzy. He was so cool, and a very nice guy. He was doing this Lizzy thing for the Music in my opinion. He cares about Phil. He Cares about music. He IS a beyond great musician. You can be great, but it is important to be cool. Sykes was cool in my Opinion. Saw it firsthand.

[@marlahart2060]

🎸🙋‍♀️Sykes’ talent is undeniable. I wore out my cassette of 1989 Blue Murder album. Also some of my fav masterpiece songs are Whitesnake, with & w/o Sykes.

[@500erider]

Crying In The Rain from the '87 record, is his magnum opus. Such a long, burning.and emotional guitar solo. Couldn't imagine my teenage years without that record.

[@willemsikkema3604]

@@500erider It’s not his magnum opus. It’s not even his song !

[@500erider]

It most certainly is his guitar solo. I never said that he wrote the song. I think you'll find that the solo in the original was quite different. Not exactly sure what your point is, or why you felt the need to say what you did ? I was pretty clear with what I said, and I stand by what I said. John Sykes was the lead guitarist for Whitesnake from 1984-1987, and of all the GUITAR SOLOS he laid to Whitesnake tape, the one he created and played on the 1987 version of Crying In The Rain, IN MY OPINION, is his magnum opus. Understand ?

[@ianstewart2335]

The best! 🤘

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Listened to Adrian Vandenberg's interview on John Sykes and he said that he was in the studio when John Sykes stormed in and had a heated argument with David Coverdale. Adrian said that he was recording the guitar solo to 'Here I Go Again' in the back room at that monent when he heard lots of screaming in the mixing room. He didn't go out because he thought 'It's none of my business' but when it got quiet, he went out and asked 'What was going on?'And Coverdale and Keith Olsen explained that John Sykes had been there.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Adrian also added (in Adrian's words) - John Sykes is a fantastic player and he's surprised that John Sykes has never come up with more records since then, he did one or two with Blue Murder and nobody heard of him again. It's very sad because he's a great player.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Well it's kinda weird to hear that from Adrian. Did he record anything big after Whitesnake?

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Besides it was Steve Vai who recorded the guitars on Slip of the Tongue album. But I really liked Restless Heart album released in 97. The guitar solos are so tasty! Adrain did a great work on that one.

[@lcwatts2971]

...and Vandenberg is an accomplished player, but who has heard of HIM other than his involvement with WS?🤷‍♂

[@haggbom72]

@@lcwatts2971 i have, hes done alot more than sykes, thats for sure. Although he took a 10 ? year break from music to focus on his art.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

I love Vivian Campbell, Adrian Vandenberg, Tommy Aldridge and Rudy Sarzo. They are great guys and got nothing to do with Caverdale's decision to change the line-up. That was just absolutely unfair what happened to the musicians who actually worked on the album.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

I actually copied and love to play Adrian's and Vivian's guitar solos they recorded for Whitesnake - Here I Go Again album version and Give Me All Your Love 88 remix version

[@humanactivated1017]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 in all honesty I didn’t like their solos , felt like just didn’t add anything to the songs from the Sykes versions which frankly are brilliant .

[@whotendsthefire7234]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 Vivian Campbell is a great guitar player! My favorite in the eighties! Just listen to early DIO records!

[@adamsteele6148]

To take his spot like that.. Vivian is a bit of a douche himself. Great guitar player yes but that is a douche move. Just goes to show the business was cut throat.

[@Tu3ePh0x200]

You got that right bro, just as badass / holy diver = on F ing Fire

[@veracious99]

Great video my friend...had me hooked from beginning to end.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Many thanks!!!

[@heavi-armed-infadel]

It's criminal that John Sykes doesn't get the recognition he's worthy of. Blue Murder 'here comes trouble' album is amazing work.

[@MegaMaestroz]

So nice job exposing all this backstage information about the old times of our favourite bands

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Many thanks, much appreciated!

[@guitarherocallahan3510]

Great video, love it! Thanks for the upload

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Many thanks for checking out Callahan, much appreciated!

[@tradbowseven]

History revealed Sykes was the real talent. Coverdale deserves a lot of credit but Sykes is the man that constructed the band and sound. When I hear and see Coverdale my first impression is EGO. When it comes to Sykes I wonder why the industry hasn’t deemed him a GOD.

[@pjacklin1968]

Funny that - David Coverdale has been a rock legend for the best part of 50 years - both before and after his very brief flirtation with John Sykes. Whitesnake were huge in the UK long before 1987. You have haerd of Burn, Mistreated, Soldier of Fortune etc haven't you?

[@pjacklin1968]

Yes I know those latter tracks are Deep Purple - but frontman for Deep Purple!!!! Not sure Tygers of Pan Tang are going to go down in rock folklore in quite the same way

[@user-ov5nd1fb7s]

Lets test out your theory. Coverdale was in Deep Purple and wrote some of the best Deep Purple songs there. Then, he created Whitesnake and continued his success. Sykes has not done any of those things. If what you say is true, he would have created a new successful band, after he was fired from Whitesnake. On the other hand, if we talk about who is a good/bad person, it is a another conversation. People tend to think they are right and ignore what is happening around them. None of us were there to see things unfolding and therefore we can't make a judgement on who was right and who was wrong.

[@Jangorexful]

David Coverdale was an established rock star long before John Sykes became part of the " new" Whitesnake. This whole article sounds like John Sykes being a bitter man who believes he never got his dues.The Tygers of Pan Tang were never really anything more than an opening act in the time of the nwobhm, playing in the pubs and clubs around Newcastle This garbage belongs in soap opera digest.

[@Mad_Axe_Man125]

John hasnt done anything of note outside of thunder and lightning and whitesnake 87.

[@nizamdio5189]

JOHN SYKES MY FAVORITE GUITAR HERO AMAZING, JOHN SYKES THE BEST GUITAR LEGEND YEEEAAAAHHHH

[@metallion0738]

Nowadays David Coverdale can’t even sing like he use to because of aging, r.i.p John Sykes. Great review and a new subscriber as well.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Big thanks, much appreciated!!😊✌

[@stevetheaxe]

The first time I ever heard Jon was the thin Lizzy song cold sweat. Man he stood out. Great guitarist and songwriter

[@jubankta1627]

Hey I just want to thank You for the incredible job you did telling this story!!Im gonna be binge watching your channel it seems!!HaHA!!Seriously Thanks and GREAT JOB SIR!!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

You are very welcome Johny, great to hear that! Thank you

[@davidcoversdale9740]

1987 Is the best album ever... and Sykes guitar work was amazing! great video!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Many thanks!!!

[@LintBisquick]

Thanks for the great expose.....and what a mess. I have wondered WTF for years....So it sounds like Red Light syndrome, possible sinus infection, egos, and power struggles destroyed an amazing collaboration. It was crazy, back in 87, Whitesnake with Still of the Night and the rest just came out of nowhere blowing up on MTV.

[@SuperWhitesnake1]

With Whitesnake ready to start their farewell tour, it would be so great to have a video of Sykes joining David on stage and playing Still of the Night together ONCE live. But I doubt it would happen.

[@shakeyourguitartutorials]

South of France seems to inspire rockers ( LOL , sunshine and sea may be ...) Awsome review mate !! You really know your subject !! You are really passinnated and that make us listen to all your detailled story !! I would have been mad if they had delated all my guitar work , though it's strange to play even solos before the vocals , but what ever ... Seems like those cats had a lot of arguing !!! Egos are strong !!! Of course it's Sykes playing !!! Rock on mate !!!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Many thanks Christophe for checking out, great pleasure!!! Rock on!

[@dannyreyna2821]

John Sykes the man,the myth and the legend. Lives on!!!✊

[@BobTex01]

Saw Whitesnske 4-5 times in the early 80's. Long before DC came under the spell of that devil geffen. This was the best lineup. Marsden, Moody, Hughes, Paice and Lord.

[@TheLjohnfoxx]

Hughes?

[@BobTex01]

@@TheLjohnfoxx Roger Glover, a Murray?

[@euandrecampos]

John Sykes is fucking phenomenal. When WS was here in Brazil in '85 at the first Rock in Rio, replacing Def Leppard at the last minute, many people turned up their noses. To improve WS was the first "heavy" band to perform on the first night to an audience where most still didn't really know the band and for an audience that was nervously looking forward to the same night, Queen and Iron Maiden performances. Sykes not only put 300,000 people at his feet and carried WS on his back. And he was still elected the sex symbol of that edition of Rock in Rio.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@georgebarry8640]

I didnt know that additional info re: Rock in Rio 1985. Wow I wish I had been there..although I have viewed Sykes guitar solo a few times (magnificient!). Thank you for sharing this!

[@carlosdecastrojr3789]

You’re right about everything. Sykes was awesome in Rock in RJ and Coverdale was horrendous. I think it was Sykes last gig with WS.

[@zandig666]

1987 great album that with Sykes !! Same as thunder and Lightning !!

[@Tripoutski]

One of my more favorite conversations I have had with guitar heroes, Sykes is right there close to the top. I was a musician grinding in the 80's with a lot of these guys in LA, I had access to any concert that I wanted at the Forum in LA. The best part, often, was the after-party at the forum club downstairs. It was a who's-who of 80's rock. One night (I do not remember who I saw that night) I went down there and there was John. He was alone, sipping on a pint, just leaning against a dark wall people watching. This was after the dismissal (and although I saw the Vandenberg/Campbell version of WS, it was not THAT night - but close). I walked up to him with the "arrogant little prick" attitude, and he immediately disarmed me. He was so very kind and gentle. The WS issue was a "no fly zone," but other than that he was one of the kindest guitar heroes that I had ever met. We people watched together. We laughed at how Tommy and Heather always got that same booth on the right at the entrance to be seen. He would point people out - "There's Lukather." We talked about the club itself, the Forum, the LA scene, just stuff. I have no opinion on the differences between DC and JS, but I can say that John was a kind, gentle soul that appreciated that I appreciated him and didn't mind being a normal human with me.

[@joeylodes]

RIP John Sykes Incredible talent

[@onnostomp7138]

Without John Sykes i never would have visit Whitesnake concerts anyway. I was blown away how excellent Sykes was and a much better replacement for Lynott with Thin Lizzy. Excellent voice also. John rules

[@andrewcole4511]

Lynott WAS thin lizzy😂. Sykes will never be in the same league, grow up and learn about talent boy. 🤣

[@dreadpp]

There's no replacement for Master Phil Lynott.

[@TheLjohnfoxx]

What a moronic statement.

[@madnbad1408]

Worked at the Record Plant Recording studio from 1991 to 2007. Hung with John, Mike Fraser and Tommy. What a time it was ....

[@saharahashaart2802]

Thanks Kar, I learn so much from your vids🎸🎸🎸🎸☇🎹🎶❣

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Hi SAHARA "HASHA" ART! Many thanks, such a great pleasure to hear that!

[@atyt11]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Anyone with an ear to hear can tell the amazing Sykes tone and the also amazing Dan huff tone. Different, but both great. "Here I go again" radio version sounds like Giant, so obviously Huff. Whitesnake 87 = SykeSnake, is Obviously Sykes. Too bad for guitar world as a whole that we never saw Sykes play that album live with Coverdale. I would have paid MONEY to see/hear that. ✌✌

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

You are very welcome, great pleasure!

[@gus4u2c]

RIP John Sykes. Guitar Hero 🎸

[@KarmaNDuality]

Coverdale happens to be one of my favorite singers, and its a shame John and David couldn't have worked things out. That 87 White Snake album is amazing, and it was a shame Coverdale had the record rerecorded after firing the band. John was an amazing musician and singer in his own right... R.I.P. Legend.

[@MrUltraworld]

To say Sykes didn't play on WS87 is just ludicrous. Just listen to Blue Murder, it's the same guitar tones. It's also the same caliber of songwriting. WS never recovered from Coverdale firing the band. Sykes is a monster.

[@liontone]

WS could have been a behemoth. If they’d put out 2 more albums of similar quality to 1987, they’d be a HoF level band. 1987, along with the extra cuts, was that good….To me, this album marked the end of the truly great British blues/hard rock bands.

[@dynamitekid5521]

I mean they still are better than some bands in HOF.

[@koolkitties8552]

Slide it in was a great album too

[@SixStrRzr]

Saw the Sykes/Murray/Powell version play second bill to Quiet Riot in October 1984 in Kansas City. Sykes was incredible. They wiped the stage with QR. (half the crowd left during QR). Opener was Helix.

[@schifrinlopez9952]

Saw that same line up here in LA John killed it David did all that works how come you never wrote anything like that when John was gone

[@stephaniemariemcdonald9096]

Love how you are backing up John Skyes,After all he is marvelous, I used to drive to Riverside CA lots , I pool that was painted , Tiger 🐅🐯 that was White 🤍 & Black ,not Orange 🍊 car 🚨 chase Ugh,Ansley Dunnbarr cool drums ,is spelling correct ?

[@Zeebad_1st]

I knew Cozy Powell, he lived near me in the 80's, he drove a white Ferrari 308 GTB

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Amazing, thanks!

[@bedvyr]

Sykes was playing with WS going back to at least 1985. It would be nice to hear the full history between these two.

[@markoneill1768]

Sykes is just a natural musician and true rock guitar legend. He is naturally gifted by God.

[@PoolProfessionals]

1987 was such a great album. It's a shame they couldn't work things out and produce another album together.

[@terrydawson8371]

Sykes was influential in getting the 'Whitesnake' sound adapted to the American audience, and he was excellent at his craft🤩! David took Whitesnake to greater heights and sustained the music for decades! Sykes is not missed, appreciated yes, but Reb, Doug, Steve Vai, Adrian, Vivian, and Tommy🤩 carried the torch quite well 😉!! Anyone that thinks 'Slip of the Tongue & Good to be Bad' are not as good as Sykes' recording 'self-titled Whitesnake' are not being honest🤔. David has always surrounded himself with good musicians and talent, And David knows more than anyone what the 'Whitesnake' sound Is!! Sykes, thanks but you were not Whitesnake, David is the Heart & Mind of Whitesnake 🤩!!

[@angelestells1773]

Dawson Yeess 👍❤️🇦🇷

[@willemsikkema3604]

@@terrydawson8371 Agreed !!😊

[@cathiegohringer7798]

RIP JOHN SYKES....ANOTHER UNDERRATED TALENT. SO HAPPY I SAW HIM WITH WHITESNAKE.

[@petewoodroffemusic]

I was lucky enough to meet John Sykes backstage at the 1st gig he did with my favourite band THIN LIZZY (REGAL THEATRE Hitchin Herts) Thunder & Lightning is a heavy weight LIZZY album and John gave it the steriod injection it needed! Mike Stone becameva friend of mine and not only a top rock producer (Queen, KISS, Journey and TEN etc etc) He was also a great human being! Pete Woodroffe Music UK

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Hey Pete thanks for the visit, you are very welcome!!

[@ttestates1]

My best recordings have been when the engineer said, "I'm not recording, let's just run through it" it's amazing how great you play when you think it's not being recorded

[@nonnayoubuzinnes1669]

I went right off Coverdale after he did this. He treated Neil Murray even worse. Murray and Dunbar weren't even being paid, why didn't David fight for them? Robert Plant has slammed David in the past saying he isn't very reliable. The Powell, Murray, Sykes and Coverdale line up was so good and would have gone on to make some great albums. Instead it became style over substance.

[@fixpedalboards1969]

I’m not a shade thrower especially considering how talented both cats are. However I’ll admit I am a way bigger fan of Blue Murder than Slip of the Tongue. Great Video!

[@danielevans9379]

The biggest mistake of Coverdale’s career was firing his real band and replacing them with a “made for MTV” band of hired guns. They looked great and had the chops obviously, but when it came time to write a follow up, Sykes was sorely missed. Whitesnake was never the same once Sykes was fired. That follow up album “slip of the tongue” was an embarrassment.

[@arthurmurfitt7698]

yyyyup.

[@SL-vr1jx]

Thanks a lot for this video. I’ve always wondered how things really went down between the two. Sadly, I think Coverdale has a bit of an ego thing going on (think Marsden and Moody would also agree - His late ex wife Tawny sure did). He wouldn’t let anyone with strong opinions of what the band should be get in the way. I think late great Cozy Powell, not a shy man himself, got a bit of a taste of David’s own medicine too. Too bad this all happened cuz they would have taken the band to the next level with John. Vandenberg was trash. Heard him play through solos out of key numerous times in live performances. I’m sure you can find ‘em on here and see what I’m talking about. But when all is said and done, David was the musical genius when it came to writing songs. Slip of the tongue has a lot of great tunes with DC’s stamp all over them. I’m amazed at how little recognition he gets for the earlier WS stuff. Slide it in is one of my favorite albums. It’s a shame he just couldn’t seem to back the music up by good working relationships with most of the bandmembers he’s been with over the years.

[@stergiosserres6680]

Once the recording was over, Coverdale knew 87 was going to be a very successful album. So, instead of sharing the loot from the album sales, with the rest of his bandmates, he came up with the idea to fire all of them, so he could keep all the money for himself. And he did well collecting big bucks, until Tawny Kitaen got in his life and started spending tens of thousands of dollars every week.

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Oh I think Tawny deserved that. Thanks to her, those videos became huge!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

Even Coverdale admitted that people watched those videos first because of Tawny!

[@stergiosserres6680]

@@karsguitarchannel6088 I agree 100%.

[@synthogd808]

Say what you want about her but she was extremely important in their success. Those videos would not have been nearly as big without her so she earned some money I’d say. She helped them make millions and boosted them on mtv. She was as important as anyone in the band honestly. Look at how much white snake has fallen off without her and Sykes

[@Statsy10]

This was the first real rock album I ever heard. It's what got me into hard rock and that's become a huge part of who am today. I followed John Sykes to Blue Murder and I loved their work. Like a lot of people, I would then branch off into grunge and heavier forms of metal, but I am happy to say that I have just stumbled across a John Sykes solo album, and it's clear that he hasn't lost his touch. I remain a big fan.

[@michaelsheffler5710]

Coverdale still living in the house that John Sykes built

[@THEJIG-IS-UP]

Just came across your video. Great info ❤

[@FAIRGROUNDFUNFAIRS]

John sykes was brilliant in thin lizzy

[@peter333]

RIP Mister Sykes, no one can copy or replace you.

[@nightstarmusic7]

David didn't pay John, David wants to bury the hatchet, pay John.

[@johncole015]

Whitesnake '87 still sells more every year than any other Whitesnake release and I imagine that burn's David up inside.

[@SonnyGTA]

I’ll tell you what….it’s psychological. Once that red light comes on, it totally throws you off! Because it’s GO time. Money is involved. On any other day, your voice is fine because there is no pressure.

[@gravitationalconstant]

This is cool. Some of this backstory I knew, but a lot of it I didn't. Thanks!

[@karsguitarchannel6088]

You are very welcome, thank you!

[@jubankta1627]

I’m not a all happy with the way John Sykes was screwed (and the other members)BUT OUT OF THE ASHES OF THAT BETRAYAL CAME BLUE MURDER,WHICH IS ONE KICK ASS BAND!!JOHN IS AN INCREDIBLE VOCALIST,HES ALSO A GREAT SONG WRITER AND AMAZING GUITARIST (WHEN I SAY AMAZING,I MEAN REALLY AMAZING!!)People Like Coverdale just make me sick,I was betrayed in my band PHANTOMXPROJECT by my guitar,singer in which I taught him how to scream and put feeling and dynamics into not only his playing,But applying emotions (through dynamics)into not only playing live,But writing the music to have these feelings when they were played live!!The Thanks you get for this is envy,Accompanied with a huge stab in the back,So in some way John creating Blue Murder and being so awesome was validation for him and made me feel a certain sense of peace which I know sounds weird (cause he didn’t do it for me,obviously)But for anyone who’s been used and screwed over by someone they were working with!!SO GREAT JOB MR SYKES!!!

[@billybobjohn8955]

The Black Sabbath tune "Warning" from their 1970 debut album was actually written by Aynsley Dunbar and band Retaliation, an excellent English blues band for those interested.

[@johnmcminn9455]

Really...I thought that was an Anamals tune with Chas Chandler