Jelly Roll

The song "Jelly Roll" by Blue Murder from their 1989 self-titled debut album is a standout track with a fascinating backstory. In an interview with Metal Shock magazine, guitarist and vocalist John Sykes revealed that the song was inspired by a past relationship, making it a deeply personal piece. He described it as one of the easiest songs to write for the album, highlighting its organic creative process. Sykes also noted in a Raw magazine interview that the track blends elements of Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy, showcasing his signature style with a heavy funk vibe. The song’s unique structure, shifting from an acoustic opening to a powerful ballad, was discussed on Reddit’s r/hairmetal community, where fans noted its unconventional choice as a single due to its non-commercial ending and lack of lyrical mention of the title.

The music video for "Jelly Roll," directed by Mary Lambert, featured model Meg Register, known for her role in the 1986 film Running Scared, and was shot over two days in North Los Angeles, as detailed on Wikipedia. Despite its catchy appeal, bassist Tony Franklin expressed disappointment in a AllMusic review, noting that MTV’s refusal to air the video after the underperformance of the album’s first single, "Valley of the Kings," hindered its potential as a crossover hit. The song reached number 15 on the Album Rock Tracks chart, but Franklin believed it could have achieved greater success with more exposure. Fans on Reddit have debated whether the video aired on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball, with some recalling seeing it, adding to the song’s cult status among hair metal enthusiasts.

Blue Murder was formed by John Sykes after his departure from Whitesnake due to creative differences with frontman David Coverdale, as noted in a QuadCities.com article. Born on July 29, 1959, in Reading, Berkshire, England, Sykes began his musical journey in the early 1980s, gaining prominence as a guitarist with bands like Thin Lizzy and Tygers of Pan Tang. His bio on AllMusic highlights his recruitment by Geffen Records in 1988 to form Blue Murder, alongside bassist Tony Franklin, formerly of The Firm, and drummer Carmine Appice, a veteran known for his work with Rod Stewart. Initially, Ray Gillen was considered for vocals, but Sykes took on the role himself after singing the band’s demos, a decision that shaped the album’s raw, powerful sound.

Sykes’ early career was marked by his dedication to blending hard rock with bluesy, melodic elements, influenced by his time with Thin Lizzy, where he contributed to albums like Thunder and Lightning. His tenure with Whitesnake on their 1987 self-titled album brought him mainstream success, but his desire for creative control led to Blue Murder’s formation. The band’s debut, produced by Bob Rock, was praised for its musicianship, with Rock Hard magazine calling it a must-have for rock fans. Despite critical acclaim, commercial struggles limited the band’s longevity, though their debut remains a cult classic, as noted by Guitar World contributor Will Wallner.

For fans looking to connect with Blue Murder’s legacy, official band pages are scarce due to their disbandment, but John Sykes maintains a presence online. His official website, johnsykes.com, offers updates on his solo work and past projects. Social media accounts include John Sykes’ Facebook and Instagram, where he occasionally shares music-related content. There is no official X account for Sykes or Blue Murder, but fans can explore the Blue Murder Fan Group on Facebook, a community dedicated to discussing the band’s music and legacy. Additionally, the r/hairmetal Reddit community frequently celebrates Blue Murder’s contributions to the genre, making it a vibrant space for Zoo Freaks to dive into the band’s enduring appeal.