Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
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United States Jeff Pilson has established himself as a prominent figure in rock music, transitioning from an influential bassist and songwriter to a versatile producer and actor.
Jeff Pilson was the bassist for Dokken, an 80s arena-rock band known for hits like "Tooth & Nail" and "Under Lock and Key". He was also a co-writer on many of their successful songs. Pilson later rejoined the band for subsequent recordings after an initial breakup.
Jeff Pilson had an extended stint with the band Dio in the 1990s, contributing to albums such as "Strange Highways" and "Angry Machines". He also briefly returned to help record their final studio album, "Master of the Moon".
After Dokken's initial breakup in 1989, Jeff Pilson formed his own band, War & Peace, where he handled lead vocal and rhythm guitar duties. The band released several albums, starting with "Time Capsule" in 1993.
Jeff Pilson joined Foreigner as the bass player in the summer of 2004. He has been part of every Foreigner recording and tour since, including the 2009 studio album, "Can't Slow Down", and has also produced some of their work.
Jeff Pilson reunited with former Dokken bandmates George Lynch and Mick Brown, along with vocalist Robert Mason, to form The End Machine. Pilson produced their eponymous debut album in 2019.
Jeff Pilson is part of the all-star project Black Swan, alongside Robin McAuley, Reb Beach, and Matt Starr. He produced their debut album, "Shake the World", released in 2020.
Jeff Pilson provided the voice acting for the character Johnny Cage in the 2015 video game adaptation of Mortal Kombat X.
Jeff Pilson had an acting role in the 2001 film "Rock Star", portraying Jorgen, the bassist for the fictional band Steel Dragon. He also contributed to the film's soundtrack.
Jeff Pilson has worked as a producer for the band Benedictum, notably helming their albums "Uncreation" (2006), "Seasons of Tragedy" (2008), and "Obey" (2013).
Jeff Pilson produced Adler's album "Back from the Dead" in 2012.
Pilson wrote all but two songs and produced Starship feat. Mickey Thomas's album "Loveless Fascination" (2013), their first new studio release in almost a quarter century.
As of late 2014, Jeff Pilson resumed production work on the debut album by Last in Line, a band featuring original Dio members.
In late 2022, it was announced that Jeff Pilson joined forces with guitarist Joel Hoekstra and drummer Deen Castronovo to become part of the band Revolution Saints.
Jeffrey Steven Pilson was born on January 19, 1958, in Lake Forest, Illinois. He began playing bass at age 13 and pursued music studies at the University of Washington before dedicating himself to a professional career. His early musical endeavors included an Emerson, Lake & Palmer-type progressive trio called Christmas and a collaboration with guitarist Randy Hansen on the album “Astral Projection – Live.” Relocating to Los Angeles, Pilson joined Dokken as bassist in October 1983, a pivotal moment that launched him into mainstream success.
With Dokken, Pilson was a co-writer on numerous hit songs, including “Just Got Lucky,” “Alone Again,” “In My Dreams,” and “Dream Warriors.” He contributed to platinum-certified albums “Tooth and Nail” (1984), “Under Lock and Key” (1985), and “Back for the Attack” (1987), as well as the gold-certified live album “Beast from the East” (1988). Following Dokken’s initial breakup in 1988, Pilson formed his own band, War & Peace, where he handled lead vocals and rhythm guitar, releasing four albums. He also worked as a session bassist for bands like Wild Horses and MSG, and later re-joined Dokken for several albums in the 1990s, including “Dysfunctional” (1995) and “Erase the Slate” (1999). During this period, he also had an extended tenure with Dio, appearing on “Strange Highways” (1993) and “Angry Machines” (1996).
Pilson’s career continued to evolve beyond performance. In 2001, he had a principal acting role as Jorgen, the Steel Dragon bassist, in the film “Rock Star,” and voiced Johnny Cage in the “Mortal Kombat” video game reboot (2011). Since 2004, he has been an integral member of Foreigner, contributing to their recordings and tours, including the 2009 studio album “Can’t Slow Down.” Pilson has also made significant contributions as a producer, working with artists such as Benedictum, Adler, and Starship. He has reunited with former Dokken bandmates in projects like T&N and The End Machine, and formed Black Swan with other notable musicians. In 2022, he joined Revolution Saints, further diversifying his musical portfolio.
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