CONGRATULATIONS:Netflix has officially announced a new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of John Sykes, the virtuoso guitarist and songwriter known for his groundbreaking work with Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Blue Murder, and Tygers of Pan Tang. Titled “Still of the Shred: The John Sykes Story,” the documentary is set to premiere globally on…

Fans of hard rock and heavy metal are in for a thrilling ride as Netflix has officially announced a new documentary chronicling the life and legacy of John Sykes, the virtuoso guitarist and songwriter known for his groundbreaking work with Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Blue Murder, and Tygers of Pan Tang. Titled “Still of the Shred: The John Sykes Story,” the documentary is set to premiere globally on September 13, 2025, and promises to offer an intimate, in-depth look at one of rock’s most underrated yet profoundly influential guitar heroes.

The announcement, made by Netflix through a teaser trailer and press release early Monday morning, has already sent waves of excitement across rock communities and social media, where longtime fans have celebrated Sykes’ long-overdue recognition in the mainstream spotlight.

A Guitarist’s Guitarist

For decades, John Sykes has been a revered figure in rock and metal circles. Known for his lightning-fast solos, impeccable tone, and emotional playing style, Sykes rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s, earning acclaim for his work with Tygers of Pan Tang and Thin Lizzy, before cementing his legacy with Whitesnake’s 1987 self-titled album — one of the biggest-selling hard rock records of all time.

His riffs and solos on tracks like “Still of the Night,” “Is This Love,” and “Crying in the Rain” helped define the sonic identity of Whitesnake’s most commercially successful era. Yet, despite his massive contributions, Sykes has often remained in the shadows of more widely known guitarists — a reality that the new documentary seeks to rectify.

“John Sykes is one of those rare musicians whose talent speaks louder than fame,” said director Alex Winter, known for his work on Zappa and The Panama Papers. “This film is a tribute to a man who helped shape the sound of an era but never compromised his integrity or vision.”

What to Expect from Still of the Shred

Still of the Shred: The John Sykes Story is expected to follow a traditional documentary format, but with a creative edge. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, rare concert clips, and candid interviews with Sykes himself, the film will chronicle his journey from his early days in Yorkshire to the world’s biggest stages.

Key segments of the documentary will include:

• Behind-the-scenes insights from his time in Thin Lizzy with Phil Lynott, revealing a deep friendship and mutual musical respect.
• A breakdown of the creative tensions behind Whitesnake (1987) — including Sykes’ eventual departure from the band just before its breakthrough success.
• The formation of Blue Murder, a band often praised by critics and fans alike for its technical excellence and songwriting depth.
• Reflections on Sykes’ personal life, struggles with the music industry, and his more reclusive recent years.
• Interviews with major figures in the rock world, including David Coverdale, Zakk Wylde, Steve Vai, Joe Bonamassa, and Eddie Trunk, who all speak to Sykes’ talent, influence, and enduring mystique.

The film will also explore why Sykes, despite being at the top of his game, often stepped away from the limelight, and how his perfectionism and commitment to authenticity may have kept him out of mainstream favor — even as his influence continued to grow.

Long Overdue Recognition

For many in the rock world, the Netflix documentary represents long-overdue recognition for an artist whose technical skills and songwriting contributions have been nothing short of legendary.

“There are guitar players, and then there’s John Sykes,” said Joe Bonamassa in the teaser. “He brought emotion and power to every note. He deserves a place in the upper pantheon of rock guitar.”

Fans have taken to social media with excitement, posting tributes, old concert footage, and personal stories about how Sykes’ music influenced their lives.

The Future of Sykes

Though Sykes has kept a low profile in recent years, rumors have swirled about a possible return to the stage or even new music. Whether the documentary reignites his passion for performance remains to be seen, but for now, fans are content to see the spotlight finally shine on a man who helped define an entire generation of rock guitar.

Still of the Shred: The John Sykes Story will premiere on Netflix on September 13, 2025, with a limited theatrical release in select cities and an accompanying soundtrack to follow.

As the rock world prepares to celebrate the legacy of John Sykes, one thing is clear: the shredder is finally getting the recognition he’s long deserved.