The family of legendary English guitarist John Sykes (TYGERS OF PAN TANG, THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER) has publicly blasted Golden Robot Records over the Australian label's plans to release a posthumous EP from Sykes.

According to the label, this "deeply special and historic release," which is expected to arrive later this year, will "offer fans a powerful final chapter from one of rock's most revered guitarists." Two days after a Golden Robot press release revealed plans for the EP, John's official website released a statement expressing concern over the decision.

The statement claims that neither Sykes nor his estate has authorized or agreed to any arrangement with Golden Robot Records for his unfinished material to be mastered, released, or distributed under their label since parting ways in 2019.

This move has sparked debate and raised questions about respect for John's legacy and his immediate family's wishes.

The dispute centers around an EP recorded by Sykes with the Australian company before he left in 2019.

According to Golden Robot Records, the tracklist will include songs such as "Out Alive" and others from Syks' unreleased solo album "Sy-Ops." However, concerns have been raised over the decision to proceed with releasing this material without the full consent of Sykes or his estate.

John's long-awaited new solo album "Sy-Ops," which is expected to include tracks like "Believe In Yourself" and "My Guitar," was initially supposed to arrive before the end of 2019.

However, the guitarist parted ways with Golden Robot Records due to contractual issues and the label's alleged lack of progress on releasing his music.

In recent years, Sykes has released new solo work, including videos for songs like "Out Alive" and "Dawning Of A Brand New Day." This development has sparked renewed interest in his career and discography.

However, the debate surrounding the release of his posthumous EP plans continues.

The decision by Golden Robot Records to proceed with releasing Sykes' unfinished material despite his family's reservations highlights ongoing issues in the music industry regarding contractual agreements and artist representation.

Sykes' most famous work was co-writing tracks for WHITESNAKE's self-titled seventh studio album, released in 1987.

The album produced hits like "Is This Love" and "Here I Go Again." Sykes has also played with BLUE MURDER and is remembered for his time as a member of THIN LIZZY.

In the years since parting ways with Golden Robot Records, Syks has released new solo work and expressed interest in performing live again.

However, the dispute over releasing his posthumous EP plans continues to stir debate within the music community.