Exclusive Video Interview: JEFF PILSON Of FOREIGNER
By
Krishta Abruzzini,
Pacific Northwest Writer
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 @ 8:24 AM
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One of the busiest guys in music, Jeff Pilson sat down with me recently on the FOREIGNER 40th Anniversary tour. Pilson, who’s known for being a multi-instrumentalist playing with bands such as DOKKEN, MSG and DIO, has been with FOREIGNER since 2004. He’s also a very prolific producer, working with bands such as [Steven] ADLER’s Back From the Dead (2012), FOREIGNER, KILL DEVIL HILL (Vinnie Appice), WWARRANT, and wrote (all but two songs) on STARSHIP (Mickey Thomas) Loveless Fascination, and of course a LAST IN LINE album, (featuring Vinny Appice, Vivian Campbell, Claude Schnell and replacement for the late Jimmy Bain, Phil Soussan). In addition, he recorded with past DOKKEN members, George Lynch, Mick Brown and Brian Tichy titled T&N. https://www.facebook.com/TN-264254906995701/
Pilson also had a brief thespian adventure in 2001 playing the part of Jorgen in the movie Rock Star starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston, playing in the fictional band STEEL DRAGON, alongside Zakk Wylde. Wylde was quoted as saying that he had only known Jeff as the bass player for DOKKEN and didn’t know about his skills, but realized he was an unbelievable musician. The film also featured performances by musicians such as Jason Bonham, Myles Kennedy, Brian Vander Ark, Blas Elias and Nick Catanese. He also played in the film’s soundtrack and served as Musical Director for the film.
Jeff promised me a great show that night, and man, he wasn’t kidding. The energy of all of the members is a photographer’s dream. Mick Jones, guitarist (the only original remaining member) looks fantastic and happy to be playing all the hits. Singer Kelly Hansen has a stage presence like no other. Tom Gimbel, who literally plays everything from rhythm guitar to sax and keys, blew everyone away with his talent. Jeff Pilson (Bass), Mike Bluestein (Keyboards), Bruce Watson (Guitar), and Chris Frazier (Drums), round off to being one of the best lineups FOREIGNER has ever had.
With over 700,000 to 900,000 weekly YouTube viewings still to date, this band is still a formidable force. For tour information, please visit: http://www.foreigneronline.com/tour
A big Thank you to Jeff for taking the time to say hello during the busy tour!