That time John Sykes told me how he got Tony Franklin and Carmine Appice to commit to Blue Murder

By Steve Newton

If you’ve been reading my blogs for any length of time you must know that Thin Lizzy is one of my all-time favourite bands. I just love anything to do with them.

John Sykes had something to do with Thin Lizzy–like playing on their final studio album, and their last live one as well–so when the opportunity came to interview him about his new power trio Blue Murder back in 1989 I was right in there.

Before I grilled him about his time with Lizzy and his relationship with Phil Lynott I kicked off the conversation by asking how he came to form Blue Murder, which was somewhat of a “supergroup”, being rounded out by fretless-bass ace Tony Franklin (The Firm, Jimmy Page) and monster drummer Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus).

(Please note: when Sykes mentions that Cozy Powell was the original drummer for Blue Murder, and I respond with “he’s a good drummer”, that was clearly an understatement. I obviously should have said “he’s an amazing drummer!” Please forgive me.)

Have a listen:

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