Jeff Pilson recently opened up about some pointed comments made by Don Dokken concerning the songwriting credits for the band’s work and the members’ past issues with drug use. When asked by the Rock Interview Series about the apparent tension coming from Don, Pilson, who hasn’t played with the Dokken frontman since a 2016 reunion, shared his confusion:
“You’re asking the wrong guy. I don’t know. I don’t know what Don’s thinking because I’ve seen him say some pretty hostile things, just some hostile things. And I don’t understand why he’s doing it. The only purpose I can think of is maybe he’s trying to get a little more publicity now.”
The bassist speculated on the motive behind these comments in light of the band’s recent album release, ‘Heaven Comes Down,’ in October 2023:
“He’s got a new [Dokken] record [to promote], and in the past, the conflict about Dokken was such a part of the publicity package that maybe he thinks that he needs that again. I don’t honestly know.”
Don’s Words Hurt His Former Bandmates, Pilson Says
This dialogue came against the backdrop of Don Dokken claiming he was the primary writer for the band’s 1985 release, ‘Under Lock And Key.’ Pilson and George Lynch disputed this statement, with the guitarist suggesting the songwriting credits were more evenly divided among him, Mick Brown, and Pilson.
Meanwhile, Don’s talking about his bandmates’ drug use broke Lynch’s heart, as the ex-Dokken bassist said:
“I haven’t really read anything negative that George [Lynch] has said recently. Maybe he has; I don’t know. But I know George’s feeling ’cause I talk to him a lot, and his feeling is, like, he’s kind of hurt.”
His words went on:
“It’s, like, why would Don talk about our drug use, especially leaving out his own, which is awfully convenient. But that was years and years and years ago. Why would you dredge that up? I don’t understand. It sounds like he has sour grapes. I don’t know why.”
Still, The Bassist Wishes Him Well
Pilson, who joined Dokken in 1983 and was with them until their 1989 breakup, and then again after their 1993 revival, also spoke of his time with the band. Despite previous intentions by Don Dokken to change the lineup before their first breakup, he looked back at his years with the band as ‘a very lucky opportunity.’
Sharing gratitude for his tenure with Dokken, the 66-year-old remarked:
“I wish Don well. I wanna see him do well with the legacy. And I’m a little concerned ’cause I read a lot of terrible things about him on web sites. And it kind of drives me crazy too. So, I don’t know. As far as the hostile stuff, it just doesn’t make any sense to me.”
He added:
“I just wanna be thankful that we had the career we had because it’s been helpful to me. I’ve been able to do a lot of things as a result of it. And I credit Dokken for a lot of my success. And I don’t wanna tarnish that now, especially — we’re old men now. [Laughs] Let’s enjoy it.”
Check out Jeff Pilson’s recent interview in the video below.
