MARTY FRIEDMAN Reveals the NWOBHM Album That Influenced His Early Guitar Style

Marty Friedman, acclaimed for his work in bands like Megadeth and Cacophony, as well as his solo career, recently discussed a surprising influence on his guitar style. While many know Friedman for his thrash and shred techniques, his early inspirations are rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement of the early ’80s.

In a conversation with Eddie Trunk, Friedman mentioned how John Sykes and the Tygers of Pan Tang’s album Spellbound had a profound impact on his evolution as a guitarist. This reflection came shortly after Sykes’ passing, adding emotional weight to the recollection.

“John Sykes was a big influence to me when I was developing my sound and musical direction as a teenager,” Friedman expressed. “When I listened to the Tygers of Pan Tang, I was deeply immersed in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. It was revolutionary in terms of heavy metal and rock rhythm guitar, which became a hallmark of the movement.”

Friedman elaborated on Sykes’ unique approach to guitar playing within the NWOBHM genre. “I believe John Sykes was among the first lead guitarists, at least in my perception, to deliver breathtaking guitar work within that context. During that era, we had captivating rhythms and relatively standard solos that fit the songs adequately.”

Despite global success stories from bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, Friedman underscored the significance of Tygers of Pan Tang, particularly their second album, in the NWOBHM landscape. Reflecting on the impact of Sykes’ work on Spellbound, Friedman remarked, “He was a game-changer for me. He was the first guitarist in that genre that made me realize lead players could significantly enhance a band’s sound. He was a vital influence on me and many metal enthusiasts I’ve encountered over the years.”

While Sykes went on to attain greater recognition through his involvement with bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake, Friedman believes that Sykes’ contributions to Spellbound continue to resonate as a pivotal moment in his career. Summing up the guitarist’s legacy, Friedman stated, “Everyone in the realm of heavy metal, hard rock, and guitar owes him a great deal.”

In conclusion, Marty Friedman’s unexpected tribute to John Sykes showcases how a seemingly unlikely source of inspiration can significantly shape an artist’s trajectory and influence. It serves as a reminder that music is a vast landscape with diverse influences that can impact artists in profound ways, transcending boundaries and genres.