Earlier today, MelodicRock.com reported that former Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes has pulled out of a planned collaboration with former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy (now with Adrenaline Mob) and bassist Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big).
No reason was given for his departure, but it certainly seemed clear that a new guitarist would be sought ASAP.
An update came this afternoon, when MelodicRock.com reported that Richie Kotzen of Mr. Big and Poison would be replacing Sykes.
"Although we did throw some ideas around, neither of us decided to make any public announcements so today's Internet buzz was a surprise. I will say I am a fan of both Mike and Billy. I'm sure a collaboration would produce some interesting results."
Stay tuned for more concrete details about this project as things develop.
Portnoy, who was one of several celebs we spotted at NAMM last week, has another new project in the works -- a band called Flying Colors that features Steve Morse, Neal Morse of Spock’s Beard, Dixie Dregs bassist Dave LaRue and vocalist Casey McPherson. Their debut album is due March 27.
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“This album has bits and pieces of what you’d expect from each of us,” Portnoy told MelodicRock.com. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, uncharted territory for everyone involved.”
Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.
