A Sydney man accused of shooting dead his mate will remain in custody after making his first court appearance.

Graham Smith appeared in Blacktown Local Court on Friday charged with the murder of 24-year-old Joshua George.

The 21-year-old entered the dock wearing a black T-shirt and white shorts, and with tattoos on his neck and arms, including a prominent likeness of Ned Kelly.

He appeared calm as he mouthed words across the courtroom to family members sitting in the gallery.

Smith did not apply for bail and will appear in Campbelltown Local Court on April 3.

The court heard Smith was on parole at the time of the incident.

Magistrate Spence noted the accused man's next court appearance was more than two months away and acknowledged the seriousness of the charge.

"He'll be in custody for quite some time," Mr Spence said.

"He's not going anywhere."

The magistrate formally revoked Smith's bail and ordered a brief of evidence be served by the next court date.

Outside court, Smith's family declined to speak to the media.

His lawyer, Jeff Chan, acknowledged that his client appeared relaxed in the dock.

"He's doing well, as you can see in court," he told reporters outside.