Recently, MetalgodZradiO had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Pilson—renowned bassist for legendary acts like Dokken, Foreigner, Dio, MSG, and more. A staple of hard rock and heavy metal for decades, Pilson shared stories from his career, his musical roots, and the inspiration behind his latest album with George Lynch.
A Musical Foundation
Jeff was born in Chicago but spent his formative years in Milwaukee, where he discovered a love for music at a young age. His mother was a big band singer in the 1930s and ‘40s, and his father played piano by ear. That musical household laid the groundwork for what would become a lifelong passion.
“I had music in the house constantly. My mom would sing to me all the time—those are some of my fondest memories,” Pilson recalled. “Even though my dad passed away young, he left an impression with his natural musical talent.”
The Power of Playing by Ear
Although Jeff formally learned to read music, he admits he's still much more comfortable playing by ear. “I read... very slowly,” he laughed. “But I mostly rely on my ears. It’s always been that way.”
Pilson explained how even casual moments—like watching a show or film—can spark musical inspiration. “We were watching Outlander, and I found myself picking out the theme on the piano just for fun.”
The New Album with George Lynch
The latest Jeff Pilson and George Lynch collaboration stemmed from a single cover song. “George did a project called Kill All Control, and the label wanted a bonus track—a pop cover,” Pilson said. “We had a blast doing it, and the label loved it so much they offered us a full record.”
The resulting album is a diverse, high-energy blend of reinterpretations and original material. Pilson says the goal was simple: “We just wanted songs that felt good.”
Bay Area Days and the Rise of Rock
In the late '70s, Pilson moved to the Bay Area, where he played iconic clubs like The Stone, The Mabuhay Gardens, and On Broadway. “I actually played the very first rock show at The Stone in 1980 with a rock musical called Rock Justice,” he recalled.
The Bay Area scene was vibrant, competitive, and educational. “That’s when I really started to learn the business side of music,” Pilson admitted. “Before that, I had no idea.”
On Touring, Van Halen, and Bass Brotherhood
Pilson also reflected on the famous Monsters of Rock tour, where he bonded with some of the biggest names in rock. “Cliff Burton had already passed when we toured with Metallica, but I did get to hang with Jason Newsted. And I spent a lot of late nights hanging out with Eddie Van Halen and George. Incredible memories.”
As a bassist, Pilson finds kinship with Michael Anthony. “We have the same philosophy: serve the song, make the music feel good. He’s an underrated player and a great guy.”
Gear Talk: Vintage Amps and Custom Basses
When it comes to gear, Pilson is a self-described “amp guy.” He recently started using a Kemper live rig, based on a sampled tone from his 1971 Ampeg SVT. “It sounds amazing live,” he said.
He’s also proud of his custom 10-string bass made by Marvin Guitars. “It’s the best-playing and best-sounding multi-string instrument I’ve ever had. I used it on The End Machine tour and album.”
Final Thoughts and Dream Collaborations
Despite decades of interviews, Pilson said he's rarely caught off guard by questions anymore. “I feel like people have asked me just about everything at this point.”
Still, there are a few names he’d love to work with: “Paul McCartney and Jimmy Page. If I could make that happen, I’d be a happy guy.”
Whether it’s reviving classic rock with fresh energy or exploring new sonic frontiers, Jeff Pilson remains a vital voice in modern rock. With new releases, tours, and collaborations always on the horizon, it’s clear his journey is far from over.
Follow Jeff Pilson and George Lynch’s latest music on all major platforms, and stay tuned to MetalgodZradiO for more exclusive interviews with rock legends.
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow Jeff Pilson and George Lynch on [Bandcamp/Spotify] and catch them live this summer.
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