NSW Psychiatric Crisis: A System on the Brink as Pay Disputes Ignite Calls for Healthcare Reform

In an unfolding crisis that strains the threads of New South Wales’ already tense healthcare fabric, the state’s public psychiatric sector finds itself on a knife-edge — teetering under the weight of unmet demands and systemic underfunding. The crescendo comes as approximately two-thirds of psychiatrists in the system threaten to resign, a move laden with dire implications for both public health infrastructure and patient care.

The battle lines were drawn in late October when the state’s staff specialist psychiatrists, weary of unyielding workloads and inadequate compensation, demanded a seismic shift — a 25 percent pay rise — to match the salary disparity with their counterparts in other states. Premier Chris Minns, however, flatly dismissed it as unsustainable, countering with a mere 10.5 percent increase spread over three years, alongside a newly introduced “onerous duties allowance”. An offer that fell on deaf ears amidst growing unrest.

One voice among the chorus of discontent is that of Dr. Lauren Taylor, who recently departed the NSW public system after years of gruelling shifts and policy frustrations, choosing the relative sanctuary of South Australia’s healthcare landscape. Her testimony paints a picture of endemic exhaustion, where days could stretch to 16 hours under an unforgiving load of patients doubling beyond capacity. The emotional toll, she notes, comes from being unable to furnish the level of care her vocation demands — a vocation not just of skill, but of compassion and commitment.

Dr. Taylor’s words echo a broader systemic ailment: “It’s more than a job. It is a vocation.” This sentiment transcends mere career dissatisfaction, touching on the moral and ethical bindings of those who commit to public health service, only to find their professional integrity compromised by bureaucratic constraints.

The repercussions of this impasse threaten the delicate balance of public services. Emergency departments and police forces — neither equipped nor designed to shoulder the brunt of psychiatric care — already voice alarm. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb made clear that while trained for crisis intervention, police are not substitutes for clinical expertise.

Meanwhile, in the domain of personal health battles, Caroline Dillon’s story offers a different lens on systemic healthcare challenges. At the age of 23, she underwent a hysterectomy, a decision made under the duress of unrelenting symptoms from endometriosis and adenomyosis. “I very nearly had to drop out on multiple occasions,” Dillon recounts, her narrative underscoring the inadequacies in treating such chronic conditions, where traditional approaches falter or induce further distress, such as her experience with “medically induced menopause.”

Her journey — amplified through social media — reveals the isolating path many face when confronting severe health issues that defy conventional treatment timelines or societal expectations. Dillon’s openness about her predicament articulates a need for discourse on not only the medical, but also the emotional repercussions of drastic health decisions — “It constantly felt like I had a bowling ball sitting in my pelvis.”

While the NSW psychiatric sector writhes under constraints, a glimmer of advancement emerges on another front with the FDA’s approval of Johnson & Johnson’s nasal spray, Spravato, as a standalone treatment for treatment-resistant depression. Spravato’s standalone approval marks a pivotal shift in providing innovative solutions for over 21 million adults grappling with depression in the U.S., offering a new avenue of hope where other treatments fall short.

Dr. Gregory Mattingly, involved in the clinical trials, heralds this as a monumental change, one that could redefine treatment paradigms by allowing patients to discontinue traditional oral antidepressants — known for undesirable side effects — in favor of this new therapy. This development not only promises rapid symptom relief but also durable outcomes, bolstering J&J’s confidence in their product’s future impact.

As the dust of negotiations and healthcare dramas settles, what remains is a tapestry of human experiences — a mosaic of voices from healthcare professionals standing on the precipice of burnout, to patients navigating the choppy waters of chronic illness management. Together, they underscore an urgent need for reform and innovation, a call for systems that sustain not just their wards, but also those who serve within their bounds.

Braving the Unseen: Caroline Dillon’s Journey through Choice and Circumstance in Health’s Maze

They say that life is a series of decisions, each altering the course of our journey. But what about when choice seems to evaporate — whisked away by the relentless hands of circumstance? For Caroline Dillon, a 23-year-old registered nurse, this wasn’t just a hypothetical musing. She found herself thrust into an unwelcome reality, grappling with the decision to undergo a hysterectomy after her body revolted against her with severe endometriosis and adenomyosis symptoms.

Reaching this point wasn’t a hop, skip, and jump. No, it was an arduous trek through a medical maze. Caroline had already endured the rigors of excision surgery and even spent a disorienting seven months in medically induced menopause at 18 — a time when most are just beginning to carve out their future. “We’d done the excision surgery before, but my symptoms were so severe that I barely graduated from college,” she candidly shared. Imagine being in such agony that even the most mundane task of getting out of bed seemed insurmountable — that was her day-to-day.

January 2024 marked a pivotal moment — she bravely requested the hysterectomy, a procedure she didn’t want but felt was necessary for reclaiming her life. The emotional weight was heavy; how do you reconcile losing the potential for motherhood at an age when family planning often starts to crystallize? “I wanted to have a baby. I did not want to have this done,” she confessed, highlighting the tumult of grieving for an unknown future.

Yet, amid this whirlwind, Caroline found solace in vulnerability, opening up to millions on TikTok about her experience, aiming to break the silence that often shrouds such personal battles. Her video, a cathartic peek into seven things she wished she’d known pre-surgery, resonated with many, garnering over 3.6 million views. Lovely validation, but as anyone navigating chronic illness knows, the path is often lonely. “We all feel so isolated,” she remarked, underscoring the emotional solitude that can accompany physical ailments.

While Caroline’s story unfolds in the arena of personal choice and medical necessity, another tale of unawareness looms large in the realm of dementia diagnosis. A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine revealed an astounding statistic — over three-quarters of dementia patients were blissfully unaware of their diagnosis. How does this happen? It’s not for lack of healthcare access, as researchers noted; rather, it’s a byproduct of complex dynamics between patients and physicians. “Physicians often hesitate to diagnose dementia, citing reasons such as insufficient time with individual patients,” explained Josh Martins-Caulfield, the study’s lead researcher.

Imagine, if you will, the missed opportunities — the moments where a diagnosis could lead to much-needed support and understanding for patients and caregivers alike. “The diagnosis of dementia provides the opportunity to seek out treatment and home care services,” emphasized Dr. Lewis Morgenstern. Here you see not just a gap in communication but a chasm of lost chances for dignity and assistance.

And while we walk the corridors of medical advancement, let’s spare a glance for Spravato — Johnson & Johnson’s nasal spray — recently crowned as the first standalone treatment for the relentless beast that is treatment-resistant depression. Imagine an entire room of doors opening for those whose symptoms cling stubbornly despite treatment. “For the first time ever, we now have an option that gives patients freedom,” extolled Dr. Gregory Mattingly.

The simplicity of a spray, offering respite and hope — a poignant parallel to Caroline’s path — both marked by the quest for relief amidst life’s complexities. As J&J’s Bill Martin put it, this treatment regime allows for personalization, the holy grail amidst the rigid confines of medical protocols. Spravato’s trajectory is on the rise, with sales figures reaching impressive heights, yet its true value lies in the opportunity it presents — to reclaim agency and, perhaps, a semblance of normalcy.

The narratives of Caroline and countless dementia patients reveal the intricate dance between choice, awareness, and medical intervention. They remind us that while the path to well-being can be fraught with formidable hurdles, it is also paved with stories of resilience, innovation, and, above all, an enduring hope for better days ahead.

SPRAVATO®: A New Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression with Rapid Relief and Community Connection

In the realm of mental health treatments, a new wave of innovation is making its mark on how depression — especially treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — is managed. SPRAVATO® (esketamine), a nasal spray developed by Johnson & Johnson, now stands as the first and sole monotherapy for adults plagued by this challenging condition. This approval, a notable milestone, follows a rigorous FDA Priority Review and is supported by compelling data showcasing its efficacy. But what does this mean for the millions battling severe depression every day?

SPRAVATO® works uniquely, targeting glutamate — the brain’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. This differs from traditional antidepressants that aim at neurotransmitters like serotonin. While the exact mechanism by which esketamine alleviates depression remains shrouded in mystery, its rapid action offers hope. In clinical studies, patients experienced significant improvement in as little as 24 hours, with sustained benefits observed over weeks.

Gregory Mattingly, M.D., President of the Midwest Research Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “For more than six years, I’ve seen firsthand the real-world impact SPRAVATO® can have on patients’ lives.” With its recent approval as a monotherapy, SPRAVATO® provides healthcare providers with an additional tool to personalize treatment plans, potentially replacing or supplementing daily oral antidepressants.

However, this modern marvel is not without its complexities and risks. SPRAVATO® is accessible only through a strict program — the SPRAVATO® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) — due to serious adverse outcomes, including sedation, dissociation, and risks for abuse and misuse. Patients undergo meticulous monitoring after administration to ensure safety, underscoring the gravity of its side effect profile.

In the broader landscape of mental health, the challenge of TRD looms large. Depression impacts an estimated 280 million people globally, with roughly one-third of adults in the United States experiencing resistance to traditional oral antidepressants. This subset faces a devastating impact on their quality of life and a daunting economic burden. The introduction of SPRAVATO® as a stand-alone treatment could provide a much-needed respite for these individuals, offering hope where there was once despair.

Bill Martin, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head of Neuroscience at Johnson & Johnson, highlighted the significance of this advancement: “SPRAVATO® is now available as a standalone treatment, meaning patients may experience improvements in depressive symptoms as early as 24 hours.” This rapid relief cannot be overstated for those trapped in the lengthy and often ineffective cycles of oral antidepressant trials.

The journey towards mental health not only resides in pharmaceutical innovations but also in holistic support systems. In sunny Melbourne, a shed is bringing light to those grappling with cancer — an affiliate of the mental health narrative. Suzie Blade, facing stage three breast cancer, found solace not only in her medical treatments but in the camaraderie of the Peter Mac Men’s Shed. “You need to find the people around you to talk about it, and that’s not necessarily going to be your best friend,” Suzie articulated, underscoring the profound need for community in healing.

Here, individuals — regardless of gender — engage in crafting items for local amenities while sharing in the collective experience of battling illness. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that healing transcends medicine, residing also in human connection and shared stories.

Mental health, as it intersects with physical illness, becomes a crucial focus of modern healthcare. In Victoria’s hospitals, spaces like the Peter MacCallum Wellbeing Centre provide an oasis for patients and their loved ones, offering an escape from clinical settings and a chance for reprieve. Geri McDonald, director of patient experience and wellbeing, captures the essence of these efforts: “They can come out of being a cancer patient just for half an hour between appointments, have a cuppa, sit out in the garden, and people find that really valuable.”

As medical science advances, blending the pharmacological with the psychological and social, hope emerges. SPRAVATO® signifies not just a medical breakthrough but a beacon for innovative approaches to mental health — heralding a future where both mind and body find harmony amidst adversity.

Oyster Blood and SPRAVATO®: Unlikely Warriors in the Battle Against Superbugs and Depression

In a groundbreaking revelation—emerging from the very depths of our oceans and laboratories alike—oyster ‘blood’ may be the unlikely hero in the battle against drug-resistant superbugs. As the scourge of antimicrobial resistance continues to claim lives at a staggering rate globally, this revelation couldn’t come at a more crucial time. The silent, yet relentless, march of superbugs, as per current estimates, is set to result in a catastrophic 40 million deaths by 2050 if left unchecked. Traditional antibiotics, once our knights in shining armor, are faltering against these evolved bacterial foes. It’s a call to arms for scientists, urging them to think outside the petri dish. Enter the Sydney rock oyster and its hemolymph—the ocean’s version of a blood bank teeming with antimicrobial proteins. These proteins have showcased a remarkable ability to subdue certain bacteria, including the notorious Streptococcus pneumoniae—culprit behind pneumonia, a deadly lung infection that predominantly affects children and the elderly.

This breakthrough research, published in PLOS ONE, spotlights how these proteins can thwart the formation and persistence of biofilms—sneaky bacterial fortresses that rebuff antibiotics and the immune system. Imagine a shield that not only protects its bearer but also enables swift strikes against adversaries—this is the dual function these proteins provide when combined with conventional antibiotics. Researchers found that at minimal concentrations, these proteins could amplify the efficacy of antibiotics by up to 32 times. Talk about a force multiplier!

But, while oyster hemolymph dazzles in labs, its journey from the ocean to our medicine cabinets isn’t without challenges. It demands sustainable sourcing and rigorous testing in both animal models and clinical trials on humans, ensuring the hemolymph’s efficacy and safety translate beyond petri dishes.

In parallel, the mental health sphere sees its own revolution. SPRAVATO® (esketamine), a prescription nasal spray, makes waves in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)—specifically treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Imagine, for a moment, living in a world where traditional antidepressants offer little respite—where despair becomes a constant companion. Enter SPRAVATO® as a beacon of hope, approved by the FDA as the first standalone therapy for adults whom conventional treatments have failed. With its rapid action—showing improvements in as little as 24 hours—SPRAVATO® promises a swift reprieve from the clutches of severe depression. Backed by robust studies and real-world evidence, this medication targets glutamate, diving into a novel neurological pathway to provide relief.

Yet, like any powerful remedy, SPRAVATO® walks a tightrope. Its administration is tightly controlled under a specific Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program due to potential side effects like sedation, dissociation, and increased blood pressure. Patients and healthcare providers must remain vigilant, balancing the benefits against the risks.

“Healthcare providers now have the freedom to further personalize treatment plans,” notes Gregory Mattingly, M.D., emphasizing the transformative effect SPRAVATO® has already had on countless lives.

As science wages relentless war against both superbugs and mental health disorders, the stories of oyster hemolymph and SPRAVATO® stand as testament to relentless innovation—proof that answers to perplexing health challenges may lie in the unlikeliest of places, waiting for those bold enough to look.

Unveiling the Health Paradox: Missed Cervical Screenings, Surging Cancer Cases, and Oyster-Derived Solutions to Superbug Resistance

The landscape of health, particularly in the realms of cancer and antibiotic resistance, is undergoing seismic shifts, laden with complexities and underscored by staggering statistics. In recent revelations, the Lady Garden Foundation spotlighted an unsettling reality — nearly half of women are sidestepping cervical screenings, crucial for early cancer detection. This occurs despite a widespread acknowledgment of their significance, with a confounding 46% eschewing these essential tests. Even more perplexing is the myth that an HPV vaccination serves as a blanket safeguard against cervical cancer, a misconception held by one in ten women. Dr. John Butler, a leading voice in this discourse, debunks such fallacies with an urgency that presses upon the societal consciousness: “Screening can help prevent cervical cancer and it’s a tragedy that every week women are diagnosed which could have been prevented by attending their screening.”,In a parallel dimension, a swelling tide of cancer diagnoses in the UK is predicted, with the figure poised to breach the 3.4 million mark this year. This surge, documented by Macmillan, is attributed to an aging populace and heightened survival rates in certain cancers. Yet, the narrative isn’t solely about numbers; it paints a bleaker picture of a healthcare system that, in areas, resembles a lottery. Gemma Peters from Macmillan articulates a haunting sentiment, “There are unacceptable gaps between the best and worst experiences, and people are being left behind.” The emotional and logistical tolls ripple through the lives of those affected, with disparities cutting deeper among ethnic minorities and LGBT communities.,Adding to the landscape of health challenges, researchers have unveiled a potential ally in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs — the humble oyster. With superbugs claiming nearly five million lives globally each year, the search for novel antibiotics has become an urgent quest. Enter the Sydney rock oyster, whose hemolymph — the oyster’s equivalent of blood — teems with antimicrobial proteins. These proteins have shown a remarkable ability to vanquish formidable bacterial adversaries such as Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus aureus, even when these pathogens are ensconced in protective biofilms.,The implications of these oyster-derived proteins are promising. They not only enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics — sometimes up to 32-fold — but they also harbor no toxicity to human cells. But, as ever, the road to integrating these findings into concrete medical practices is long and winding, requiring thorough testing in animals and humans. However, the perpetual dance between scientific innovation and nature’s own arsenal provides a hopeful narrative in a world where antibiotic resistance looms large.,Each of these threads — cervical screening complacency, the burgeoning number of cancer cases fraught with inequality, and the oyster’s potential in the antimicrobial theater — converges into a broader dialogue about health education and systemic reform. Perhaps it’s time our societal approach to health reflects a deeper commitment to education, equity, and the imaginative solutions lurking within the biodiversity around us.

Harnessing AI and Awareness: The Dawn of Early Detection in Dementia and Cancer

In a world that’s moving at breakneck speed, the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare is like a beacon of hope on a foggy night. Up in Scotland, the NeurEYE research team is pioneering a revolutionary approach that could change how we diagnose dementia — before the symptoms even rear their ugly head. By harnessing the power of AI, they’re analyzing retinal photographs to spot the clues that our eyes harbor long before other indicators emerge. It’s like finding the early whispers of a storm and having the chance to batten down the hatches, fortifying against the oncoming gales of cognitive decline.

One of the astounding facets of this research is its scale — nearly a million images from opticians across Scotland make up the largest dataset of its kind. The AI, like a meticulous detective, scrutinizes blood vessels in the eye to sniff out signs of dementia. “The eye can tell us far more than we thought possible,” shares Baljean Dhillon, co-lead of NeurEYE. Indeed, the retina is like a biological barometer, offering a window into our brain’s health. It’s a simple yet profound truth that a mere photograph of your retina could potentially forecast changes in your brain years down the road.

While AI is revolutionizing dementia detection, on another crucial front, there’s a different battle against ignorance — specifically around cervical cancer screenings. The Lady Garden Foundation’s statistics uncover a concerning trend: 46% of women are skipping cervical screenings, even though over 80% understand their importance. Misunderstandings abound, with some women mistakenly believing that an HPV jab eliminates their cancer risk entirely. Dr. John Butler, slicing through these myths, stresses the need for better awareness around screening and gynaecological cancers — “In most cases, cervical cancer is highly preventable and highly curable.” Screenings could be the lifeline, detecting HPV and other issues before they spiral into something more sinister.

Meanwhile, the cancer landscape in the UK is becoming more complex, with Macmillan’s recent figures suggesting that a record 3.4 million people will be living with cancer by the end of this year. The ageing population and increased survival rates contribute to this upward trend, but the experience is not all rosy. Many report worsening experiences, with delays in treatment creating an unfortunate postcode lottery of care. Macmillan’s chief executive, Gemma Peters, laments, “There are unacceptable gaps between the best and worst experiences, and people are being left behind.”

There’s an evident ray of hope, however, in improved diagnostic capabilities. NHS data indicates improved waiting times, with a record number of patients being referred for checks. As Dame Laura Lee of Maggie’s charity notes, the upcoming government cancer strategy must not only focus on early diagnosis but also on supporting the burgeoning numbers to live well and remain valued in society.

In this whirlwind of medical advancements and challenges, the message is clear — we need to leverage technology and awareness to navigate the path to better health. So, let’s keep an eye on those early signs, literally and figuratively, and ensure every screening counts. After all, in the world of health, as in life, knowledge is power and early action can be the best defense.

The Unyielding Battle: From Hannah’s Legacy to Oysters’ Promise in the War Against Cancer

The eternal struggle against cancer—an enemy as relentless as it is pervasive—continues to unfold its narrative, marked by both cautionary tales and hopeful whispers from the scientific fringes. In recent days, poignant stories like that of Hannah Whittall have cast a heart-rending light on the realities of battling this formidable adversary. Hannah’s story is a tale of bravery, of confronting the inevitable with grace, and of leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience through her twin daughters. Her final days were marked by the invisible bond she forged with her family, a testament to human tenacity even amidst frailty.

To juxtapose the personal with the scientific, the constant quest for innovation in the treatment of cancer and other infections reflects a broader battle. Recent breakthroughs reveal nature’s unexpected allies—the humble oysters. Researchers, with a twinkle of possibility in their eyes, have extracted antimicrobial proteins from oyster hemolymph, unveiling their potential to bolster the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. A discovery nestled in the pages of PLOS ONE, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into future therapeutic landscapes, where oyster-derived proteins might play a starring role in combatting superbugs.

While such scientific advancements paint a picture of hope, the reality remains stark. The burgeoning statistics from Macmillan Cancer Support present a sobering view—a record number of individuals in the UK are bracing against this challenge, with projections suggesting that by 2025, 3.4 million will be living with cancer. This surge speaks not only of an aging population but also of a healthcare system grappling with the intricacies of treatment delays and inequities in care.

Amidst these numbers, the University of California San Francisco contributes a lifeline of sorts—an insightful compendium of 17 often-overlooked symptoms of cancer. From chronic headaches and persistent fatigue to changes in bathroom habits and breast changes, these signs serve as a clarion call for vigilance. The experts emphasize: “You too can pick up on early warning signs by paying close attention to changes in your body.”

Stories like Hannah’s linger in the collective consciousness, urging a greater emphasis on early detection and self-awareness. The human condition, in its complexity, is bound by stories of loss and triumph, by scientific endeavors that inch us closer to solutions, and by communities rallying together under shared banners of hope. As we navigate this intricate web, individuals and societies alike are left to ponder—how do we contribute to rewriting this ongoing saga of life, health, and resilience?

MusiCares Grateful Dead Tribute Lineup to Include Noah Kahan, Billy Strings, Maren Morris, More; Andy Cohen Set to Host Benefit Gala (Exclusive)

Jackie Farry, ’90s Music Figure and Francis Bean Cobain’s First Nanny, Dies at 58

The MusiCares Persons of the Year benefit gala, one of several official pre-Grammy Awards functions scheduled to take place in Los Angeles ahead of the Feb. 2 show, will go on with its tribute to the Grateful Dead on Jan. 31 and some big names are attached, sources reveal.

The Hollywood Reporter has been tipped to the slated performers on the lineup. They include: Dead & Company, John Mayer, Mick Fleetwood with Stewart Copeland, Norah Jones, Maren Morris, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Sierra Farrell and Lukas Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Strings, My Morning Jacket, Sammy Hagar, the War and Treaty and the War on Drugs. Previous Grateful Dead collaborator Bruce Hornsby is also expected and friend of the band, and Bravo TV host, Andy Cohen — himself a longtime Deadhead who has hosted Weir on Watch What Happens — will MC the evening.

An official announcement is due out imminently. THR has reached out to organizers of the event, which includes the Recording Academy, and reps for the band.

Dead & Co. is currently comprised of Grateful Dead co-founders Bob Weir and Mickey Hart with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti filling the ranks. Since 2024, Jay Lane has been filling in for Bill Kreuztmann on drums.

Certain to make this year’s tribute even more poignant, the greater Grateful Dead family saw the loss of a founding member last year when bassist Phil Lesh died in October at the age of 84. And this August marks 35 years since Jerry Garcia’s death at 53.

Dead & Co. is coming off of a defining year for the band. In 2024, they took residence at the Sphere in Las Vegas for a series of shows under the banner “Dead Forever.” Initially booked for 18 weekend dates, they would plays 30 shows in total from May to August 2024. The run grossed over $130 million and has set the template for future acts to utilize the state-of-the-art and its immersive audio-visual capabilities. They return to the Sphere this spring to mark the tenth anniversary of Dead & Co.

If ever there was a time to appreciate the Dead’s own lyrics — “We will get by, we will survive” — it’s now in the wake of destructive wildfires that have consumed entire L.A.-area neighborhoods. MusiCares has pledged financial support for musicians and industry professionals in the form of its Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort and the event will also emphasize the organization’s fire-related aid initiatives.

Previous MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, Lionel Richie, Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Carole King, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and Barbra Streisand.

Founded by the Recording Academy in 1989, MusiCares is a U.S.-based nonprofit that provides support for the music community through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts.

John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy Guitarist and Co-writer of ‘Still of the Night’ and ‘Is This Love,’ Dies at 65

John Sykes, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy Guitarist and Co-writer of ‘Still of the Night’ and ‘Is This Love,’ Dies at 65

Jem Aswad

January 21, 2025 at 2:39 AM

John Sykes, a veteran hard-rock guitarist who was a member of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and the Tygers of Pan Tang, has died, according to a post on his official Facebook page. He had battled cancer for several years; he was 65.

A fiery guitarist and strong singer with a mane of wavy blond hair, Sykes is best known for his work on Whitesnake’s eponymous 1987 seventh album, for which he cowrote nearly every track — including the hit singles “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love” — and played all of the guitars. However, he had been fired from the band before the album’s release, due to disagreements with frontman David Coverdale, and saw two other guitarists miming his parts in the songs’ videos and touring extensively with the band during its peak years.

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The post on his page reads: “It is with great sorrow we share that John Sykes has passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. He will be remembered by many as a man with exceptional musical talent but for those who didn’t know him personally, he was a thoughtful, kind, and charismatic man whose presence lit up the room.

“He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum and always pulled for the underdog. In his final days, he spoke of his sincere love and gratitude for his fans who stuck by him through all these years. While the impact of his loss is profound and the mood somber, we hope the light of his memory will extinguish the shadow of his absence.”

Born in Reading, England in 1959 and raised partially in Spain, Sykes began playing guitar as a teen and launched his professional career with a group called Streetfighter in the late 1970s after he’d moved to Blackpool in the north of England. He left that group to joined the Tygers of Pan Tang, which were popular during the “New Wave of British Heavy Metal” era of the early 1980s that also spawned Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and many other bands. He played on three of the group’s albums and left in early 1982, but was contractually obligated to record two more songs for the band’s label, MCA.

After Sykes auditioned unsuccessfully for Ozzy Osbourne’s band, Tygers producer Chris Tsangarides connected him with Phil Lynott, singer-songwriter of Thin Lizzy, who were enormously popular at the time and had a constantly shifting second lead guitarist position. The members of Thin Lizzy played on a Sykes solo single that fulfilled his contract, and he was asked to join the band.

Sykes brought a distinctly heavy metal touch to the band’s final album, “Thunder and Lightning,” which did not sit well with many fans, but Lizzy was in a downward spiral, primarily due to Lynott’s heroin addiction (which ultimately led to his death in early 1986), and the band split up in 1983.

While he’d intended to continue working with Lynott, Sykes instead opted to join Whitesnake in early 1984. He added guitar parts to the band’s “Slide It In” album and played with them for a world tour, but Coverdale fired the entire band after the self-titled album was recorded and regrouped with alums of Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot and Vandenberg. Driven by the Sykes-cowritten songs and their videos, that album became a global smash and Whitesnake was a major draw for the next two years, although their follow-up album flopped.

Sykes formed the band Blue Murder with veteran drummer Carmine Appice and bassist Tony Franklin, although the outfit only lasted for two albums. In the following years he was considered as Def Leppard’s replacement for the late guitarist Steve Clark (although the role went to Vivian Campbell, who ironically had replaced him in Whitesnake) before pursuing a solo career and fronting a Lynott-less incarnation of Thin Lizzy for several years.

Sykes also auditioned unsuccessfully for Guns N’ Roses in 2009, and continued work on solo material in the years before his death.

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Lamar Odom on Khloe Kardashian Reunion on ‘Kardashians,’ Where They Stand

Lamar, 45, and Khloé, 40, documented their first meeting in several years for the upcoming season, as teased in a trailer shared by Hulu on Friday, January 17, and the former NBA star is revealing how his cameo came to be.

According to Lamar, the reunion was brokered by his friend and Khloé’s best friend, Malika Haqq, who herself has appeared on The Kardashians and its predecessor, Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

“I bumped into her in Las Vegas,” Lamar said of Malika, 41, during a Monday, January 20, interview on the Australian radio show, The Kyle & Jackie O Show. “I think it was Super Bowl weekend. She came to me, she said, ‘Lamar, I think it’s time for you and Khloé to [meet] … it’s been years. You haven’t seen her. If you’re up for it, I think I can make it happen.’”

As seen in the Kardashians season 6 trailer, Lamar visited Khloé at her Hidden Hills mansion with a bouquet of red roses.

According to the former Los Angeles Lakers player, he didn’t realize that his meeting with Khloé would be filmed.

“And I went there, and there were cameras there and I was like, ‘Oh, all right,’” Lamar explained. “It’s cool, I understand it, you know.”

As for where he and Khloé stand now, Lamar said, “It would be a blessing just to be her friend,” denying that they are back together.

“You know, so much time has passed, and people have, you know, changed,” he added. “I think for the better.”

Later in the interview, radio personality Kyle Sandilands pressed Lamar on whether he still had feelings for his ex, saying, “You’re in love with her still. You want to be with her or not? You want her back? You can admit it.”

Lamar responded, “I don’t care. I think it’s healthy. I think it’s healthy sometimes to like, you know, move on. You know, in a healthy way. Like I said, it’d be a blessing just to be a friend, just to be around her.”

Khloé married Lamar in September 2009 after one month of dating, soon chronicling their romance on E!’s Khloé & Lamar docuseries. The reality TV star filed for divorce four years later but postponed her court motion after Lamar was left comatose after overdosing at a legal brothel in Nevada. Khloé served as Lamar’s caretaker while he recovered. She refiled for divorce in May 2016, which was finalized seven months later.

Khloé teased her reunion with Lamar while speaking to her mom, Kris Jenner, and sister Kim Kardashian in the Kardashians season 6 trailer. “I honestly think timing is everything,” she said in a confessional before the trailer cut to footage of Khloé talking to a shocked Kim, 44, and Kris, 69.

“This is insane,” Kim quipped before Kris tearfully called the NBA alum “the love of [Khloé’s] life.”

“I don’t even know this person anymore,” the Good American founder added in a voiceover as footage of Lamar arriving at her house was shown.