Kiss

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! Your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning a killer track today: Kiss, the iconic Prince cover by George Lynch and Jeff Pilson from their 2020 album Heavy Hitters. This rendition takes Prince’s funky classic and cranks it up with a heavy metal edge, delivering a sound that’s both nostalgic and electrifying. According to a review from All About The Rock, the song retains its instantly recognizable riff but gets a beefy makeover with Lynch’s searing guitar solo and Pilson’s heavy, funky bass line. The track’s raw energy makes it a standout, with critics noting it sounds “horny” in the best way, oozing attitude and groove. Interestingly, not all reviews were glowing—Defenders of the Faith called it a “neutered” take, suggesting Prince’s original is untouchable. Still, the duo’s bold choice to tackle such a revered song shows their fearless approach to reimagining pop classics.

Diving into the backstory, Kiss was part of Heavy Hitters, a project where Lynch and Pilson, joined by drummer Brian Tichy and various vocalists, transformed pop hits into metal anthems. Released on December 18, 2020, via Cleopatra Records, the album was a labor of love, with the duo aiming to honor the originals while infusing their hard rock flair. In an interview with The Rockpit, Pilson shared that the goal was to “take amazing hit songs and interpret them in a way that was true to the greatness of the original but also brought something new.” For Kiss, they kept the funk but layered on a heavier arrangement, making it a track that feels like it could’ve always rocked this hard. The recording process was a blast, with Lynch noting on his Facebook fan page that the sessions were filled with creative freedom and camaraderie.

Now, let’s talk about how George Lynch and Jeff Pilson got their start. Both are legendary figures in the hard rock scene, best known for their time in Dokken, a band that defined ’80s glam metal. George Lynch, born in Spokane, Washington, in 1954, picked up the guitar as a teen, inspired by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Cream. His shredding style earned him a spot in Dokken in the early ’80s, where his virtuosic solos on albums like Tooth and Nail made him a guitar hero. Jeff Pilson, born in Lake Forest, Illinois, in 1959, started as a bassist with a knack for songwriting and vocals. He joined Dokken in 1984, contributing to their breakout success with his tight rhythms and harmonies. Their chemistry in Dokken laid the foundation for later collaborations like Heavy Hitters, Wicked Underground (2003), and The End Machine. After Dokken, Lynch formed Lynch Mob, while Pilson played with bands like Foreigner, showcasing their versatility.

Want to keep up with these metal maestros? Check out George Lynch’s official website at georgelynch.com for tour dates and news. His Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts offer glimpses into his latest projects and gear. Jeff Pilson’s official site is jeffpilson.wordpress.com, with updates on his music and blog posts. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for more. Fans can join the George Lynch Fan Page on Facebook for community discussions and updates. There’s also a dedicated Bandcamp page for their joint projects, where you can grab Heavy Hitters and Heavy Hitters II. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up that volume and let Lynch and Pilson’s Kiss blow your mind!