George Lynch is an American guitarist recognized for his impactful contributions to hard rock and heavy metal, particularly through his work with Dokken and Lynch Mob. After becoming widely known for his guitar work with the hard rock band Dokken, George Lynch went on to release several successful platinum albums that showcased his distinctive lead guitar. A significant achievement during this period was the instrumental track ‘Mr. Scary’ from the album Back for the Attack, which dramatically elevated his profile among guitar enthusiasts.
Dokkens impact was further recognized with a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1990. Prior to Dokken, Lynch honed his craft on Hollywoods Sunset Strip in the late 1970s with The Boyz, a band that included future Dokken drummer Mick Brown, and later formed Xciter. He also notably auditioned for Ozzy Osbourne in 1979 before becoming Dokken’s lead guitarist in the early 1980s. Following internal conflicts, Dokken disbanded in March 1989, prompting Lynch to establish his own band, Lynch Mob, which allowed him to explore new lyrical and musical complexities.
He then released his first solo album, Sacred Groove, in 1993. Lynch’s career demonstrates a consistent drive for collaboration and musical exploration, including multiple reunions with Dokken, beginning in 1994. He co-founded Lynch/Pilson with Jeff Pilson, releasing the Wicked Underground album in 2003. Expanding his collaborative efforts, Lynch formed KXM in 2014 with King’s X vocalist-bassist Doug Pinnick and Korn drummer Ray Luzier.
These include collaborations with ESP Guitars, known for producing his signature models, as well as Seymour Duncan, Randall Amplification, and Dean Markley, showcasing his influence and endorsement within the guitar community. His multi-faceted career continues to evolve, encompassing performance, education, and guitar design, cementing his legacy as an influential figure in hard rock and heavy metal.