Champagne Supernova

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heavy-hitting cover of Champagne Supernova by George Lynch & Jeff Pilson from their 2020 album Heavy Hitters, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this metal-infused take on Oasis’ classic. This track, a CD-only bonus on the album, transforms the Britpop anthem into a six-and-a-half-minute slow-dance metal ballad, complete with a shredding guitar solo that screams Lynch’s signature style. Reviewers have noted its “Southern Rock ballad treatment” and “brilliantly melancholy” vibe, with some saying it retains the essence of the original while adding a rich, warm, rockin’ base. One review even compared its emotional depth to the original, calling it a standout for its ability to feel both familiar and fresh. Interestingly, the song’s inclusion as a bonus track sparked varied reactions—while some praised its brooding arrangement, others, like a critic from Made in Metal, felt it didn’t stray enough from Oasis’ version, calling it “boring” and less dynamic than covers by Little Richard or Deep Purple. Don Dokken, their former bandmate, threw shade in a 2020 interview on The Classic Metal Show, suggesting the duo “must be really bored” to cover songs like this instead of iconic tracks like The Beatles’ Revolution. Still, the track’s bold reinterpretation shows Lynch and Pilson’s knack for taking risks with unexpected song choices.

George Lynch and Jeff Pilson go way back, their musical partnership kicking off in 1984 with Dokken’s seminal album Tooth and Nail. Lynch, a guitar virtuoso, started his journey in the Los Angeles rock scene in the late 1970s, playing in bands like The Boyz and Xciter before joining Dokken in 1980. His technical prowess and emotive solos earned him a reputation as one of the era’s top shredders, with Dokken’s blend of melodic hard rock and glam metal catapulting them to fame through albums like Under Lock and Key. Pilson, a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, cut his teeth in local bands in Seattle before moving to L.A., where he joined Dokken as their bassist in 1983. His songwriting and production skills, honed through years of gigging and studio work, added depth to the band’s sound. After Dokken’s initial breakup in 1989, both pursued diverse projects—Lynch with his band Lynch Mob and solo work, and Pilson with War & Peace, T&N, and later as a producer and bassist for Foreigner. Their paths converged again for collaborations like the 2003 album Wicked Underground and Heavy Hitters, showcasing their chemistry and willingness to push boundaries by reimagining pop hits as metal anthems.

Fans can keep up with the duo’s latest projects through their official channels. George Lynch’s website, georgelynch.com, offers tour dates and merch, while Jeff Pilson’s blog, jeffpilson.wordpress.com, dives into his recordings and thoughts. On social media, Lynch rocks Facebook and Instagram, sharing updates on gigs and gear, and he’s active on X as @lynchrocks. Pilson engages fans on Facebook, Instagram, and X as @JeffPilson, often posting about his work with Foreigner and The End Machine. Their joint Heavy Hitters project has a Bandcamp page at georgelynchjeffpilson.bandcamp.com for streaming and purchases. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, the George Lynch Fan Page on Facebook is a hub for devotees, with regular posts about his career. While no major fan groups were found for Pilson specifically, the Dokken Fan Club on Facebook often buzzes with chatter about both artists, given their shared history.