Oliver Scott Sykes, widely known as Oli Sykes, is a dynamic British musician, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and clothing designer.
As the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band Bring Me The Horizon, he has shaped the metalcore and rock scene with his versatile vocal style, blending aggressive screams with melodic singing.
Beyond music, Oli is the founder of the successful apparel brand Drop Dead Clothing and has ventured into graphic novels, showcasing his creative versatility.
Profile
- Full Name: Oliver Scott Sykes
- Stage Name: Oli Sykes
- Born: November 20, 1986
- Age: 38 years old
- Birthplace: Ashford, Kent, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur, Clothing Designer
- Height: 185 cm (6’1”)
- Religion: Atheist
- Parents: Ian Sykes and Carol Sykes
- Siblings: Tom Sykes
- Spouse: Alissa Salls (m. 2017)
- Children: None
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $2 million to $3 million
Early Life
Oli Sykes was born on November 20, 1986, in Ashford, Kent, England, to parents Ian and Carol Sykes. His ethnicity is White, and he identifies as an atheist, a belief he has openly discussed in interviews.
Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Australia, where they lived for approximately six years, dividing their time between Adelaide and Perth.
Since age 12, Oli has dealt with sleep paralysis. This condition causes temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, which he has described as challenging but manageable.
Education
Oli attended Stocksbridge High School in Sheffield, where he was a year below Arctic Monkeys members Alex Turner and Matt Helders.
He showed a strong interest in English literature and art, often excelling in creative subjects while finding less enthusiasm for math or science.
After high school, he briefly attended Barnsley College, but his passion for music led him to focus on his career early on, forgoing further formal education.
Career
Oli Sykes began his musical journey as a teenager, creating compilation CDs and short tracks under the pseudonym Quakebeat in 2000.
He also experimented with other projects, including the mock hip-hop group Womb 2 Da Tomb with his brother Tom and Bring Me the Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls, as well as the metal band Purple Curto, where he performed as both drummer and vocalist under the name Olisaurus.
In 2004, at the age of 17, Oli formed Bring Me the Horizon (BMTH) in Sheffield. The band quickly gained traction in the metalcore scene with their demo album, Bedroom Sessions (2004), and EP, This Is What the Edge of Your Seat Was Made For (2005).
Their debut album, Count Your Blessings (2006), established them as a force in the metalcore genre, followed by Suicide Season (2008), which marked a shift toward a more experimental sound.
BMTH’s later albums, including Sempiternal (2013), That’s the Spirit (2015), Amo (2019), and Post Human: Nex Gen (2024), showcased Oli’s evolution as a lyricist and vocalist, blending metalcore, rock, and pop elements.
His lyrics often draw from personal experiences, including addiction, heartbreak, and mental health, offering a cathartic connection with fans.
Outside of music, Oli founded Drop Dead Clothing, an alternative apparel brand that reflects his love for streetwear and graphic design.
In 2013, he launched a Kickstarter campaign for the graphic novel “Raised by Raptors,” co-created with artist Ben Ashton-Bell, raising over £39,000.
Oli has also collaborated with artists like Skrillex, While She Sleeps, and You Me at Six, and produced tracks like “Experiment on Me” for Halsey’s Birds of Prey soundtrack (2020).
His guest appearances include music videos for Charli XCX’s “Boys” and While She Sleeps’ “Silence Speaks.”
Despite controversies, including a 2007 assault allegation (charges dropped due to lack of evidence) and a 2013 lawsuit over mosh pit injuries (later dismissed), Oli has remained a polarizing yet influential figure.
His openness about overcoming ketamine addiction and ADHD has resonated with fans, cementing his status as a relatable rock star.
Awards & Nominations
- Alternative Press Music Awards (2014): Won Best International Band and Best Album (Sempiternal)
- AIM Independent Music Awards (2011): Nominated for Independent Breakthrough of the Year, Hardest Working Band, and Best Live Act
- Kerrang! Awards: Multiple nominations for Best British Band and Best Album (BMTH)
- BRIT Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Rock/Alternative Act (BMTH)
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @olobersykes
Personal Life
Oli Sykes, standing at 185 cm (6’1”), is known for his distinctive tattoos, which he began getting around 2003 at age 17, covering his neck, chest, and sleeves within a short period.
A hardcore vegetarian since his teens, he advocates for animal rights, citing documentaries on animal cruelty as a significant influence. He has two pet dogs, Atticus and Parker, and his favorite color is red.
Oli’s personal life has been eventful. He dated several women, including Amanda Hendrick (2008–2012) and SJ Whiteley (2004–2008), before marrying model and tattoo artist Hannah Pixie Snowdon in 2015.
Their marriage ended in 2016 amid allegations of infidelity, which Oli addressed in BMTH’s album Amo (2019). In 2017, he married Brazilian model and singer Alissa Salls (known as Alissic) after meeting her during a Drop Dead Clothing project.
The couple, who share a creative partnership, announced in May 2025 that they are expecting twins—a boy and a girl. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oli lived with Alissa in Taubaté, Brazil, where he bought a house. They now reside in Sheffield, UK.
Net Worth
Oli Sykes’ net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3 million.
His wealth comes from multiple sources, including his music career with Bring Me The Horizon, revenue from Drop Dead Clothing, and social media sponsorships.
His graphic novel Raised by Raptors and collaborations with brands and artists also contribute to his income.
Discography
- Discography (with Bring Me The Horizon):
- Count Your Blessings (2006)
- Suicide Season (2008)
- There Is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let’s Keep It a Secret. (2010)
- Sempiternal (2013)
- That’s the Spirit (2015)
- Amo (2019)
- Post Human: Survival Horror (2020, EP)
- Post Human: Nex Gen (2024)
- “VAMPIR” (2021, with IC3PEAK)
- “Believe the Hype” (2022, with Alice Longyu Gao)
- “Silence Speaks” (2017, with While She Sleeps)
Filmography
- Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020, soundtrack contributor)
- Bring Me The Horizon: In the Dark (2019, music video)
- Death Stranding (2019, soundtrack contributor)
- Charli XCX: Boys (2017, music video cameo)
