Blue Murder (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | John Sykes |
| Defunct | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Blackpool , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Blue Murder was a British hard rock group fronted by guitarist and vocalist John Sykes, established in 1987 following his exit from Whitesnake. The original roster featured bassist Tony Franklin alongside drummer Carmine Appice. Early contributors also included singer Ray Gillen and drummer Cozy Powell. Their 1989 eponymous debut album entered the Billboard 200 chart and generated the modest hit "Jelly Roll," yet it fell short commercially for both the band and their label, Geffen Records.
With the emergence of grunge in the early 1990s, Blue Murder's commercial appeal waned. Progress on their sophomore album slowed, prompting Franklin and Appice to leave, which led Sykes to reconstruct the band lineup. The 1993 release Nothin' But Trouble only charted in Japan. Following a live album in 1994, Geffen dropped the act, resulting in their breakup. Reunion efforts failed to materialize until Sykes passed away in 2024.
Although their commercial success was limited, Blue Murder and their debut album have retained a committed cult audience.
Formation and debut album (1987–1989)
After being dismissed from Whitesnake in 1986, guitarist John Sykes returned to his hometown of Blackpool to compose new material. In February 1987, he assembled a new band featuring drummer Cozy Powell, bassist Tony Franklin (formerly of The Firm), and vocalist Ray Gillen (previously with Black Sabbath). They produced demos that were sent to Geffen Records, where A&R representative John Kalodner preferred Sykes’s vocals over Gillen’s, leading to Gillen’s departure due to creative disagreements.
The band secured a contract with Geffen by mid-1987. Early in 1988, Powell left out of frustration with delays and was replaced by drummer Carmine Appice, who had notable experience with Rod Stewart and King Kobra. Tony Martin, ex-Black Sabbath vocalist, briefly joined but exited prior to recording sessions. Despite ongoing auditions for singers—including David Glen Eisley and Derek St. Holmes—Sykes was eventually convinced to assume lead vocal duties himself.
The group adopted the name Blue Murder at Franklin’s suggestion and commenced recording their debut album with producer Bob Rock in February 1988. Released on 24 April 1989, Blue Murder reached number 69 on the Billboard 200 and climbed to number 45 on the UK Albums Chart. Critics responded positively; Paul Suter of Raw magazine awarded it a perfect ten out of ten. The single "Jelly Roll" attained number fifteen on the Album Rock Tracks chart.
To promote the album, Blue Murder toured as an opening act for Bon Jovi and Billy Squier and also performed headlining shows across the US and Japan. Despite reportedly selling around half a million copies, sales did not meet expectations. The decision to lead with "Valley of the Kings" as the initial video was criticized due to its length and limited suitability for MTV rotation; its omission as a single reduced exposure opportunities. As a result, MTV declined to air the subsequent "Jelly Roll" video, limiting crossover success. Sykes later voiced dissatisfaction with Geffen's promotional approach, suspecting they favored reuniting him with Coverdale over fully supporting Blue Murder.
Decline and dissolution (1990–1994)
The commercial disappointment of Blue Murder's first album profoundly impacted Sykes, resulting in an extended period of inactivity. Concurrently, the emergence of grunge rendered bands like Blue Murder less fashionable. Although Sykes initiated work on a follow-up record, progress was sluggish, partly due to his decision to self-produce in a newly established home studio. Growing frustrated with the delays, Appice departed in December 1990 and was briefly succeeded by Anders Johansson, formerly with Yngwie Malmsteen. Franklin exited the group in August 1991. Subsequently, Sykes brought in bassist Marco Mendoza and drummer Tommy O'Steen, while keyboardist Nik Green was elevated to a permanent position. Franklin had contributed recordings for the sophomore album before leaving, with Appice returning temporarily as a session drummer. Kelly Keeling, ex-vocalist of Baton Rouge, joined as a second guitarist but exited shortly before filming a music video.
On 31 August 1993, Blue Murder released Nothin' But Trouble. The album garnered generally favorable critiques but was perceived as less impactful than their debut effort. The single "We All Fall Down" reached number 35 on the Album Rock Tracks chart; however, the album's chart presence was confined to Japan. Sykes attributed the lackluster commercial performance to inadequate promotion by Geffen Records. In 1994, the band issued the live recording Screaming Blue Murder: Dedicated to Phil Lynott, captured during a Tokyo concert. After fulfilling their contractual obligations, Geffen dropped Blue Murder from their roster. Sykes then signed with Mercury Records in Japan and incorporated Mendoza and O'Steen into his solo lineup.
Failed reunion and Sykes's death (2000–2025)
Between 2000 and 2012, several efforts spearheaded by Carmine Appice sought to revive Blue Murder but ultimately did not succeed. In 2001, John Sykes hinted at the possibility of producing new material but remained noncommittal. By 2019, rehearsals took place; however, Sykes insisted on touring under the name John Sykes & Blue Murder—a stipulation that Appice opposed. Discussions resumed in 2020 regarding a potential reunion but failed to produce any concrete outcomes.
The chance for any future regrouping came to an end with the announcement of Sykes's passing from cancer at age 65 on 20 January 2025.
Musical style and legacy
Blue Murder’s musical identity has been categorized under hard rock, heavy metal, and glam metal. According to Sykes, their sound combined elements of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, and blues influences, which he also described as "heavy funk." His intention with Blue Murder was to achieve a heavier sonic profile than Whitesnake's self-titled release while preserving its rhythmic groove—a characteristic he believed contributed to modest sales figures.
Although their tenure was brief, both the band and their debut album have cultivated a loyal cult following. Industry personalities such as Eddie Trunk have acknowledged Blue Murder’s importance within hard rock and heavy metal communities. Artists including Jon Leon from White Wizzard and Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge have recognized Blue Murder as a significant yet underrated influence. AllMusic commended the debut’s lasting appeal alongside Bob Rock’s production quality, which Ultimate Classic Rock ranked among his finest achievements. Additionally, MetalSucks featured the album in essential hair metal compilations that Rolling Stone overlooked.
Band members
Past members
- John Sykes – lead vocals, guitar
- Cozy Powell – drums
- Tony Franklin – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Ray Gillen – lead vocals
- Carmine Appice – drums, backing vocals
- Tony Martin – lead vocals
- Anders Johansson – drums
- Marco Mendoza – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Tommy O'Steen – drums, backing vocals
- Nik Green – keyboards
- Kelly Keeling – guitar, lead and backing vocals
Studio albums
- Blue Murder (1989)
- Nothin' But Trouble (1993)
Live albums
Sources