Jeff Pilson

Yes, Underground Moon is coming out in Japan Nov.7th, Europe Feb 18, hopefully US soon after. I'm also producing a lot, and working with my UM partner, Tommy Henriksen on a project called ZuZu Ltd. No sleep, that's for sure!

2.) What was your funniest moment on the set of Rock Star?

When we all broke into an impromptu version of a Marky Mark track, and disco danced!

3.) What can we expect from Dokken in the future?

Recording and touring as always.

4.) How was it working with Blas (Elias) again in the movie Rock Star, after the 2 of you were out on the road together in 2000 for the "Power to the People" tour?

Very natural, although because we were in different "bands", we did very few scenes together. But he's a great guy, and we did hang as much as possible.

5.) What's the weirdest thing you've ever heard about yourself in the press?

Metal Sludge has some very weird thoughts on me!

6.) What advice can you give to aspiring bassists?

Follow your heart, not trends. Listen to all music and take from all styles. Play along with cd's and capture the feel, not just the notes. And have a great sound- it's so important.

7.) What would your ultimate tour line-up be?

Underground Moon is just Tommy and I for recording, and that's the best situation I've ever been in.

8.) You're very serious about yoga - ever since you hurt your back.. (in '78?). How much has it helped you?

Tremendously, both physically and spiritually. I used to be very moody and impatient, I don't think I am now.

9.) What's your most embarassing moment on stage (that you can talk about)?

I fell through a plank on the side of the stage in Japan on our first tour there. My "pleather" pants ripped and my leg was bleeding profusely- very embarrassing!

10.) Over the course of your career as a musician, have you had the opportunity to work with people you've admired? and if so, who?

Oh yes. Ronnie Dio, Michael Schenker, Robin MacAuley, Zakk Wylde, George Lynch, Roy Thomas Baker, Geoff Workman, Tom Werman, Randy Hansen, Mark Robertson [plays keyboards for a group called Cairo], Tony MacAlpine, the list goes on and on...

11.) What's in your CD player today?

Deftones, Filter, Radiohead

12.) If you weren't in a band right now, what would you be doing?

Doing soundtrack and jingle work.

13.) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? How about Dokken?

13. Doing soundtracks, producing and writing, probably no longer performing. I would say Dokken will be pretty much done by then, unless there's tremendous unexpected success.

14.) Theres been a trend lately with rock bands releasing autobiographies (Aerosmith and Motley Crue would be recent examples). Would Dokken ever consider doing one?

Maybe, but I know I'd love to write a book!

15.) In an interview with Electric Basement you said you "have a very addictive personality" and that you "get addicted to things very easily". What's your latest addiction?

Atkins bars!!!

16.) I remember when you came to Toronto on the P.T.T.P. tour (June 28, 2000), it was Dons birthday the day after and a cake was brought out to celebrate. Someone threw it at him and it hit him square in the face - whoever suffered his 'wrath' got beer all over them. Any good road stories ever come out of that? :)

Not that I'm aware of.

17.) What's one of your pet peeves?

Ignorance and stupidity, especially with the bombings of late. When I see people lump all arabs together or call them "towelheads" I get a lot of anxiety!

18.) The words 'Metal Sludge' seem to be common vocabulary now, especially since their major overhaul and the many rumors flying around a few weeks ago.. How much of a Sludgeaholic are you?

I love it, although I'm not aware of the rumors you speak of- do tell...

19.) What's the most bizarre thing a fan has ever given you as a gift?

I have one fan in Japan whom I adore, and she always gives the best gifts. Her name is Hiroko, and she actually gave my then-wife and I our best wedding present. It was a set of extremely expensive his/hers towels that were made for royalty. She's the best, as so many Jaoanese fans are.

20.) If you could tell my website readers 1 thing that they didn't already know about you, what would it be?

That I have so much music coming, I hope they're ready. Dokken is only one aspect of my musical spectrum and I so appreciate them indulging me the rest. I've got all the activity on jeffpilson.com, Underground Moon, the War and Peace CD's, ZuZu Ltd., and all the production projects. Thanx for their patience and listening!

Awesome interview!! Thanks Jeff!

For the latest on what Jeff, his solo projects and Dokken are doing, check out the websites below!