Famous drummer Carmine Appice sat down for a heartfelt interview with Border City Rock Talk to share his memories of the late John Sykes, who passed away in December 2024. Their collaboration in the hard rock band Blue Murder established their significance in the music scene. Appice’s reflections provide a touching insight into their time working together.
Blue Murder was created in 1987 when Sykes left Whitesnake. Sykes was lead singer and lead guitar, Appice was drum, and Tony Franklin was bass in their initial lineup. Their self-titled album in 1989 was a fusion of hard rock and heavy metal, put forth in songs such as “Jelly Roll” and “Valley of the Kings.” The album was critically acclaimed but failed to take hold commercially, ending in lineup changes and disbandment in the early 1990s.
Appice nostalgically recalled Sykes’ incredible talent and work ethic. He credited Sykes for his ability to put technicality and emotionalism in his playing, making his music equally forceful yet emotional. The combination of their work brought forth music that touched fans deeply and exhibited Appice’s explosive drum work blended with Sykes’ virtuosic guitar work.
On a personal level, Appice also expressed affection towards their professional partnership. He recounted stories of laughter, struggles, and respect that fueled their bond of friendship. Sykes’ love of music was evident in his shows, yet also in his demeanor around those he came in contact with, making a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Reflecting on Syke’s legacy, Appice confirmed that Syke’s style of playing and approach to music influenced generations of artists that followed after him. Syke’s style was unorthodox, yet influenced many, cementing his position in the timeline of greats of rock music. Appice’s tribute is a poignant reminder of the timelessness of music in unifying artists across generations.
There were plenty of attempts to reunite Blue Murder in the years that followed after it was disbanded. Appice attempted it on various occasions between 2000 and 2012, without any luck. In a 2019 interview, he confirmed that the bandmates sat in to jam, yet Syke insisted on going on tour using his old Blue Murder handle, a proposition Appice was not keen to agree to. In spite of these efforts, there was always respect between Syke’s two closest musical partners.
The death of Syke in January of 2025 marked the end of an era to many fans of rock music. Syke’s work in bands Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder has cemented a permanent place in the genre of rock music. Appice’s reminiscing is a reminder of Syke’s legacy to his generation of artists and to society in general.
Remembering John Syke, Carmine Appice not just pays tribute to a great guitarist, yet also to close associations that get forged in the business of music. Their time in Blue Murder is a tribute to their collective talents, and to the timelessness of making music that transcends generations.