As I look back over the years to the 1980s metal music explosion, some of my favorite memories are of the band Dokken. Memories like discovering the video for “Burning Like a Flame” on Headbanger's Ball, fighting over George Lynch pin-ups during study hall, buying "Back For the Attack," and discussing the merits of George versus Don versus Jeff at a friend’s sixteenth birthday bash. I even had my 11th grade history video assignment set to "Mr. Scary." There was just something special about those guys that made them stand out. Through all the glitz and hype of the era, their talent could not be denied.
As the eighties came to a close, the tension between Don Dokken and George Lynch finally took its toll and Dokken broke up. Life went on as the guys pursued other projects (Don’s solo band, George and Mick’s Lynch Mob, and Jeff worked with Dio and other projects). Then, in the mid-nineties they decided to give it a try once again. The first album was a success, though not of the caliber they had once known. The second album was not such a hit, and George Lynch, once again, was out. This time Dokken stuck together and hired Reb Beach (formerly of Winger and Alice Cooper) to fill the guitar slot. In 1999, a new album, “Erase the Slate,” and a summer tour followed to incredible fan approval. If you haven’t given this disc a spin yet, I strongly encourage it. It’s full of killer tunes that the band likens to their mid-eighties “Tooth and Nail” era, but with a great nineties twist.
Dokken’s new live album “Live From the Sun: Beast From the West” was released in late April. This summer they plan to tour outdoor arenas with Poison, Cinderella, and Slaughter before putting together another album next winter. Bassist Jeff Pilson has also been busy putting together a solo album, acting and playing a major role in the production of a movie, and helping out with a website of his own to keep fans informed of his projects.
In 1997 I was able to finally meet Dokken and was not disappointed. They are truly the most down to earth guys you could ever meet. I have kept in touch with Jeff Pilson ever since and was recently lucky enough to have him agree to an interview. Due to time constraints, we had to do the interview over e-mail. Enjoy!
KK: It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to talk. How have you been?
JP: I've been fine, busy but good.
KK: With George Lynch’s departure, Dokken added Reb Beach (formerly of Winger and Alice Cooper) on guitar. Your live show with Reb last tour was killer! Is it still working out with Reb?
JP: Things are going great with Reb, but honestly we haven't worked together in several months, because of the movie.
KK: How has the dynamic of the band changed now that you don’t have the Lynch/Dokken tension?
JP: We have much more natural 4-way tension! Actually, the great thing is, now we pretty much have a common focussed direction, instead of separate agendas. And there's a desire on everyone’s part to work things out when there are problems. It makes for a much stronger band and much better end result.
KK: You and Don recently did the Metal Sludge website’s infamous twenty questions, and, in my opinion, came through with flying colors. You handled some extremely personal issues in a very classy manner. What kinds of feedback have you received about that?
JP: All pretty much the same- surprise at the candor, but appreciation of the honesty. Some people are very incensed at Metal Sludge's tactics, but frankly I was expecting far worse- so it was actually quite fun.
KK: Dokken’s “Live From the Sun: Beast From the West” CD just came out. Have you gotten any fan feedback yet?
JP: Yes, and so far all real positive. People really appreciate the rawness, and the fact that we left it truly live! And that's exactly what we wanted to do.
KK: How does this album differ from your other live albums? JP: It's much more real! It's live band chemistry as opposed to "fixes". Although the "One Live Night" CD had a lot of outstanding moments, and sounded real good [in my opinion], we had to do a lot of fixing of the rhythm guitars in the studio. George's playing was amazing on the solos, but let's just say you wouldn't have wanted to hear the rhythm parts pre-fixing!
KK: When can we expect another studio album from Dokken?
JP: Hopefully soon into next year, but it's a little hard to say. We plan on writing immediately following the Poison tour, and recording as soon as we have the material together. But we'll wait til it's all together.
KK: This summer Dokken will be touring with Poison, Cinderella, and Slaughter. How do you feel about doing a package deal (as opposed to doing a club tour headlining)?
JP: I like a package because we can play big places, and I still feel that that's where this music belongs. I wish the set could be longer, but that gives everyone [including ourselves] something to look forward to on the next tour. I also like the idea of a package being an event- which I think helps to reinvigorate the rock scene- and that's always good. Let's hope it does well for all the bands.
KK: Some people feel you should be after Cinderella on the bill instead of before (as it stands now). What is your take on this?
JP: Well, I'm glad people feel that way, but the way I look at it, Cinderella sold a lot more records than us in their heyday [I think the first one sold about 5 million records!], and they haven't toured for a while so there's more anticipation. And to be honest, I love being the underdog. I'm pretty damn confident about the band, and I know how powerful we are live, so why should I feel threatened by where someone else is on the bill? I mean this is about an event, really, and I know we're a valuable part - I'm not worried about whose name appears first. Besides, I think the fans will make it all very clear- and it's really for the fans in the first place!
KK: It has been noted that Don Dokken is not a big fan of Dana Strum (Slaughter) and there is no love lost between Slaughter and Cinderella, either. How do you think this will play out during the tour?
JP: Well if Dokken's history is any indication, a little controversy goes a long way! I wasn't aware of any Cin/Slaughter problems, but I bet I'll know soon! And frankly I think Don and Dana have had words in the past, it's no big deal. It's bound to happen with these kinds of personalities, kind of goes with the territory. I really don't think it'll affect the shows other than maybe a little healthy competition. And that's good- especially for the fans.
KK:How is your movie “Metal God” coming along?
JP: The movie's going great - great people, lots of fun - good hard work.
KK: In addition to acting in the film, you are also the musical director. How did this come about and what does it entail?
JP: Musical Director is pretty easy when it's the caliber of musicians you have here. And really I was musical director by default. I was asked, originally, to come on board to help work out the music- then the director saw me rehearsing with the band and wanted to keep me for the film- quite exciting and a surprise to me! So basically I just ran the band through rehearsals, etc., but it was very painless- everyone is talented and no one had any attitudes. So I hate to make it look like I'm some big savior, cuz I'm not. It did come out real good, though, and there's something very special about the chemistry we developed. I think people will dig it.
KK: Have you found acting more difficult or less difficult than you thought? Would you ever like to do it again?
JP: I don't have a huge acting role in the film, so it's not like Shakespeare or anything. In fact how hard could it be for me to play a bass player in an 80's heavy metal band - not exactly a "DeNiro-like" stretch! But I must say, what acting I do get to do is a hell of a lot of fun - and it really is a skill all its own. My respect for real actors has grown immensely. It's also intensely hard grueling work, which is fun- but frankly playing music is way more fun! I'd love to do it again, but don't have big expectations that I will. Acting feels like it comes natural to me, but to answer your question in depth I would have to say that I feel like a total beginner in it. And that's wonderful in some ways, and a little scary in others. It's really amazing to be on the set, though, when the real actors [Mark, Jennifer, Jason Fleming, and Dominic West] are in the heat of doing one of their scenes. It's so interesting- I wish everyone could see what I'm seeing. So I guess you'll just have to see the flick!
KK: One of the stars of Metal God is Mark Wahlberg. How is he to work with? Has anyone said anything to him about being a former rap star and now playing a rock star? Any teasing about “Good Vibration” (his hit single)?
JP: Mark's great, and if you're wondering if there are any Marky Mark jokes- well of course there are! I mean come on, we are human you know! But I think you'll be surprised at how well he's embraced this whole thing - very convincing. He listens to nothing but metal, 24-7 - and he's definitely been living the life! But he's a great, fun guy- and so far been extremely easy to work with.
KK: Another star of “Metal God” is Jennifer Aniston. How is she to work with and, most importantly, have you met (her boyfriend) Brad Pitt yet? :0)
JP: Jennifer's such a sweetheart, it would floor you. And yes, I've met Brad Pitt [who's so much taller in person than you'd expect]. They're both extremely down-to-earth, especially for such big stars. But I'm finding that more and more. The truly big stars don't need to "act" that way at all.
KK: You recently had your own website launched and it’s fantastic! What prompted you to finally do this?
JP: Well Chad Bowen [the webmaster for the site] approached me about it at the Def Leppard show on New Years eve. Actually we were speaking about something else, established an e-mail relationship, and then he approached me about it. And I must say he and his wife have been truly amazing about this whole thing. I've gotta tell you, I'm really lucky, because with my schedule right now, there's no way I'd have time to run a website [plus I don't know what I'm doing]. They have really done it all themselves, and have done quite an amazing job. I've gotten a lot of wonderful feedback about it.
KK: Do you have any new plans in the works for the site?
JP: We wanna run some photo contests [old photos, etc.] with some pretty cool prizes. And I wanna put up sound bytes of the solo disc as it becomes available. Also lots of links to other sites - the movie, Warner Bros., Mark and Jennifer, etc.
KK: I really like the contest section of the website. Can you tell me more about one of the prizes, the mix CD you are putting together yourself? Will fans be able to get this any other way? Is there any way that I can get one without winning a contest? :)
JP: Oh, you know about the contests - sorry, should have read on! Anyway, I just plan on putting together a CD of my personal collection of rare moments. Haven't decided what all will be on it yet, but should be good. And no, I don't think it'll be available any other way, at least not for now. But I don't know Kelly, you're a pretty good friend...
KK: Have you completed your solo album yet? Any title yet?
JP: Not finished yet [little over half way through], and a couple title ideas in my head - nothing definite yet. Maybe I'll do a fan feedback thing on the website - it worked for Erase the Slate!
KK: I know you did most of this album on your own, did any other musicians work with you on this project?
JP: James Kottack is playing drums- and a great job at that! I'll also bring in name guitarists for the solos, I'd like someone different on every song. Zakk has said he'd like to, and I haven't asked anyone else yet, but that time's coming soon.
KK: Is the music in the Dokken vein? What other influences will we hear? I know you are a big Beatles and Radiohead fan, will we hear either of those styles on the album?
JP: There's a strong Dokken side to this record, of course with some Beatles thrown in- but not too much Radiohead. I pretty much have stayed rocking on this one- very heavy- but there's plenty of melodies and lots of harmonies! In fact there's a definite Queen element to this [as in the band!] that might shock some people, but for the most part I think Dokken fans will be real happy.
KK: So far you only have a Japanese distribution deal set up for your solo CD. Any deals in the works for the U.S. and/or Europe, or will we have to buy the import?
JP: Actually there's interest over here, so you may not have to get the import- unless it's got those usual bonus tracks! Because I have so much material, I was actually considering making the album different here than in Japan, but I don't know if there'll be the time - we'll see.
KK: I did an e-mail poll of my friends to get some ideas of questions to ask you. I got several funny responses, but the only one I would even dare ask you is: what is your favorite flavor of ©Kool-Aid?
JP: Cherry- and that is NOT meant to be a sexual pun- it's the truth!
KK: Well, Jeff, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview! I know you get asked this a lot, but do you have an interesting road story you could leave us with? And it doesn’t have to be about a George/Don fight!
JP: Well the first story that comes to mind was the genesis of the "Parisian Gentlemen".[ed. note- this was the running joke name that Dokken said they almost called the band] We were in Paris, staying at the same hotel as Elton John's band [early '86]. We were all at the bar- drunk out of our collective minds- and having a big old time. Anyways, first George pushed the little lounge singer off his piano stool- and I ran over, George sprawled across the piano- and we did a rousing rendition of "Feelings"- George singing, me playing! Well that got the place going [I think they might have liked it- at least it seemed so that drunk!] and Elton's band invited us over for more cocktails [like we needed them!]. Anyways I just remember George being insanely rude [and funny], asking the band guys what it was like playing with a gay guy! Then he told Davey [Johnson- guitarist- and real nice guy and good sport!] that he looked like a pomegranate that had been left in the microwave too long [he has a nice tan!]. Anyways, it was a night I'll never forget, and I don't think the Elton John Band will either! We actually did have times where we all had fun- not to blow the myth!
KK: Any parting words for your fans?
JP: Just thanx for so much support- for all this time. Keep checking in on the website, and really hope everyone digs the solo disc! Keep on Rokken!!!
HIT COUNTER IS 786 (FROM OLD HOME OF THIS INTERVIEW) PLUS:
Back To The Interviews Page!
Back To Metal And Madness!