Foreigner bassist opens up about working with Dio, Mike Varney
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
October 8, 2018
By David Sands
Jeff Pilson is one of the real rock and roll bass heavies. Currently playing with Foreigner–a band he’s been with since 2004—Pilson’s got an extensive rock resume that includes stints with Dokken, Dio and MSG. He’s also led his own band, a prog-metal outfit called War & Peace that formed in 1989 and released three albums. The bassist has also played in the U.S. glam metal group Wild Horses and collaborated with his former Dokken bandmate George Lynch on the 2003 album Wicked Underground. He’s also got some movie experience under his belt, playing the role of Jorgen, bassist for a fictional band called Steel Dragon for the 2001 film Rock Star—and also recording and serving as music director on its soundtrack. In addition to bass, Pilson also plays guitar and keyboards and produces.
FBPO’s Jon Liebman met up with Pilson on the Foreigner tour bus during a stop at DTE Energy Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan. The two talked about the his musical beginnings, working relationships with Ronnie James Dio and Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney, how he joined Foreigner and future plans.
Watch our interview with Jeff!
