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Golden Robot Records Releases John Sykes Second Posthumous Single Amid Estate Dispute
Australia‑based Golden Robot Records dropped John Sykes’ new post‑humous single, "Believe In Yourself," on June 13 2026. The track follows the February release of "My Guitar" and is billed as a teaser for a four‑track EP slated for later that year. The move has ignited a public spat between the label and Sykes’ estate, which says it has not authorized any post‑humous releases.
Sykes, who passed away on December 21 2024 at 65 after a battle with cancer, was a prolific guitarist and songwriter. He first made a name for himself with Tygers of Pan Tang in the early 1980s, then joined Thin Lizzy for the 1983 album Thunder and Lightning. In 1987 he contributed to Whitesnake’s multi‑platinum self‑titled album, which yielded hits such as "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love." After his departure from Whitesnake, he founded Blue Murder and later pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and working on a project titled Sy‑Ops that was expected to include the tracks now appearing on the post‑humous EP.
"Believe In Yourself" is available on all major streaming platforms and will be issued on CD later in the year. The single showcases soaring vocals, electrifying guitar work, and a lyrical message that the label describes as "deeply personal" and "a heartfelt farewell" to fans. According to Golden Robot, the release continues material that Sykes began while under contract with the label in 2019 and aims to preserve the integrity of his original vision.
The first single, "My Guitar," debuted in February 2026. Golden Robot said the release was fully permitted under Sykes’ recording agreement and reflected a shared intention to complete and present the material properly. The label added that the EP would be released "with the utmost respect, care, and affection for John" and that it was not a retrospective reconstruction.
In contrast, the estate issued a statement on its official website on the same day as the EP press release. The statement notes that Sykes ended his relationship with Golden Robot in 2019 following contractual disputes and that, since that time, neither Sykes nor his estate has authorized, entered into, or agreed to any arrangement with the label for his unfinished material to be mastered, released, or distributed. The estate expressed concern that the release is occurring while Sykes was no longer able to represent his own position and described the action as "profoundly disrespectful" to his legacy.
Post‑humous releases are common in the music industry, but they typically require the approval of the artist’s estate or heirs. The dispute between Golden Robot and Sykes’ family highlights the legal and ethical considerations that arise when a label seeks to release unfinished work after an artist’s death. Similar conflicts have occurred with other artists, and courts have sometimes ruled that estates retain control over unreleased material.
Golden Robot maintains that the forthcoming EP will contain four tracks, including "Believe In Yourself" and "My Guitar," and that the release will be "respectful" of Sykes’ legacy. The label has not yet announced a specific release date for the EP, but it is expected to follow later in 2026. The estate has not indicated whether it will pursue legal action or negotiate a settlement.
At present, the single is available to listeners, while the broader dispute over the EP remains unresolved. Fans can stream "Believe In Yourself" on Spotify, Apple Music, and other services, and a physical CD will be released later in the year. The outcome of the estate‑label dispute will determine whether the EP can be issued as planned or whether further negotiations or legal proceedings will delay or alter the release schedule.
Sykes, who passed away on December 21 2024 at 65 after a battle with cancer, was a prolific guitarist and songwriter. He first made a name for himself with Tygers of Pan Tang in the early 1980s, then joined Thin Lizzy for the 1983 album Thunder and Lightning. In 1987 he contributed to Whitesnake’s multi‑platinum self‑titled album, which yielded hits such as "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love." After his departure from Whitesnake, he founded Blue Murder and later pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and working on a project titled Sy‑Ops that was expected to include the tracks now appearing on the post‑humous EP.
"Believe In Yourself" is available on all major streaming platforms and will be issued on CD later in the year. The single showcases soaring vocals, electrifying guitar work, and a lyrical message that the label describes as "deeply personal" and "a heartfelt farewell" to fans. According to Golden Robot, the release continues material that Sykes began while under contract with the label in 2019 and aims to preserve the integrity of his original vision.
The first single, "My Guitar," debuted in February 2026. Golden Robot said the release was fully permitted under Sykes’ recording agreement and reflected a shared intention to complete and present the material properly. The label added that the EP would be released "with the utmost respect, care, and affection for John" and that it was not a retrospective reconstruction.
In contrast, the estate issued a statement on its official website on the same day as the EP press release. The statement notes that Sykes ended his relationship with Golden Robot in 2019 following contractual disputes and that, since that time, neither Sykes nor his estate has authorized, entered into, or agreed to any arrangement with the label for his unfinished material to be mastered, released, or distributed. The estate expressed concern that the release is occurring while Sykes was no longer able to represent his own position and described the action as "profoundly disrespectful" to his legacy.
Post‑humous releases are common in the music industry, but they typically require the approval of the artist’s estate or heirs. The dispute between Golden Robot and Sykes’ family highlights the legal and ethical considerations that arise when a label seeks to release unfinished work after an artist’s death. Similar conflicts have occurred with other artists, and courts have sometimes ruled that estates retain control over unreleased material.
Golden Robot maintains that the forthcoming EP will contain four tracks, including "Believe In Yourself" and "My Guitar," and that the release will be "respectful" of Sykes’ legacy. The label has not yet announced a specific release date for the EP, but it is expected to follow later in 2026. The estate has not indicated whether it will pursue legal action or negotiate a settlement.
At present, the single is available to listeners, while the broader dispute over the EP remains unresolved. Fans can stream "Believe In Yourself" on Spotify, Apple Music, and other services, and a physical CD will be released later in the year. The outcome of the estate‑label dispute will determine whether the EP can be issued as planned or whether further negotiations or legal proceedings will delay or alter the release schedule.
