Tag: Mick Brown
4 T&N – Slave To the Empire (2012)
What can you expect on T&N’s new CD Slave To the Empire? How about five cool versions of Dokken songs, and some killer new stuff as well?! Slave to The Empire has
plenty of guest stars (Doug Pinnick, Robert Mason, Sebastian Bach, Tim “Ripper” Owens), and each one of these singers do an outstanding job on the Dokken songs they sing.
The new T&N songs are pretty good too.
I always new Jeff Pilson was a great back up singer to Don Dokken, but after listening to “Into the Fire”, it is clear to me that Jeff Pilson’s voice is superior to Don’s. I like the
extended version of the song on this CD. It is a great update to a Dokken classic. In fact, Pilson’s voice shines on all of the songs that he sings on this album. Give the song “Rhythm of the Soul” a listen and you will understand just how big Mr. Pilson’s voice.
The Dokken song that I was concerned about the most on this album, was “Tooth & Nail”. I wasn’t sure how Doug Pinnick’s voice would translate on this song. Pinnick added a little more soul, but also a lot more power to this song. I love this version!
Warrant singer Robert Mason does a trenmdous job on “It’s Not Love”. I am sure he sang this one a few times during his tenure with Lynch Mob, and it shows, as this version is excellent!
I never thought I would like Sebastian Bach singing a Dokken tune, but I love his voice on “Alone Again”. His vibrato and voice are quite different from Don Dokken. While this version is similar to the original, I think I prefer this version. I like this so much that I would love to see Sebastian perform this song live.
“Mind Control” is my favorite out of all of the new T&N songs. This song really rocks. “Kiss of Death” on the other hand is my least favorite out of the Dokken tunes. Tim “Ripper” Owens does a good job on the song, but I still prefer the original “Kiss of Death” version to this one.
George Lynch takes a more bluesy approach to his playing on “Jesus Train”, and it really works on this song. I am not used to hearing George play like this, and I love his sound on this song.
“Access Denied” is a heavy tune that sounds as if it could have been left over from the George Lynch Kill All Control sessions.
This is not a filler tune by any means. George Lynch plays his ass off.
Overall, Slave to the Empire is a very enjoyable album. Half of it does play like a Dokken cover album, but quite frankly some of the versions on this album are superior to the original songs. They give the album a nice flow.
The new songs show off the crazy talent of George Lynch, Jeff Pilson Mick Brown and Brian Tichy (who handles the drumming on the new T&N tracks). If you are a fan of Dokken, you NEED to pick this up!
You can pick up Slave to the Empire here!
Rating: 
Out of 10
TRACK LISTING:
- Slave to the Empire
- Sweet Unknown
- Tooth and Nail (featuring Doug Pinnick of Kings X)
- It’s Not Love (featuring Robert Mason of Warrant)
- Rhythm of the Soul
- When Eagles Die
- Into The Fire
- Alone Again (featuring Sebastian Bach)
- Mind Control
- Kiss of Death (featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens)
- Jesus Train
- Access Denied
T&N is:
George Lynch – Vocals
Jeff Pilson – Vocals and Bass
Mick Brown – Drums
Brian Tichy – Drums
Additional Musicians:
Doug Pinnick – Vocals (Tooth & Nail)
Sebastian Bach – Vocals (Alone Again)
Tim “Ripper” Owens – Vocals (Kiss of Death
Robert Mason – Vocals (It’s Not Love)
1 Are You Ready for T&N?! Three Songs Streaming Now!
T&N is a combination of intense organic rock, both melodic and hard hitting, thought provoking music with a purpose. In a time where corporate America, cultural imperialism, social inequality, and government oppression dominate society, their message is simple, you don’t have to be a slave to the empire.
T&N reunites George Lynch, Jeff Pilson and “Wild” Mick Brown – aka “The Big Three” from Dokken for a brand new 12 song album entitled Slave to the Empire. Their Rat Pak Records debut, produced by the band and recorded at Pilson’s Pilsongs Studio, offers seven new original songs with Pilson on vocals, and five re-recorded classic Dokken songs that feature sensational vocal performances by Tim “Ripper” Owens, Doug Pinnick (Kings X), Sebastian Bach, and Robert Mason (Warrant).
The band came together when Lynch asked Pilson to collaborate on new material. “George asked me about working with him on the next Lynch Mob record — and I jumped at the chance” states Pilson. “He and I started writing, got into a groove and wrote an album’s worth of stuff, all with the intention of Oni [Logan, Lynch Mob singer] writing lyrics and it being their next record. Brian Tichy laid down some incredible drums at his studio (and co-wrote some music on one track) and we had an incredibly strong start. Then Oni just wasn’t feeling the music as being Lynch Mob, so it was shelved. We figured it’d be the start of another Lynch/Pilson record some day. Then, actually, it was Brian who had the idea that Mick, George and I should do a band, similar to what Heaven & Hell was to Black Sabbath, and call it Tooth & Nail (now T&N due to a legal dispute with Tooth & Nail Records). Because of everything else we have going, it’ll be just a recording project at first, but sure sounds fun. We’d record the classics keeping true to the originals but make them fresh and organic. Then the idea of doing new songs came up, and it grew from there. ”Mick, Jeff, and I have been playing together for many years” states Lynch. “When we go way back in time, we always had the most fun when we were just sitting in a room together or up on stage with the three of us playing.”
“Don’t think of this as Dokken without Don -that’s misleading” adds Pilson. “Think of it as a band with great chemistry coming up with new music that excites them, and also paying tribute to Dokken music which the members all are heavily invested in emotionally. Don is, and will always be, the singer of Dokken and an invaluable part of the Dokken chemistry. No one ever wants to take that away or dispute it one iota. However, the three of us do have time tested amazing chemistry, and because we were writers on these songs, I feel we have a lot to express. If anything, I think this will be a show of respect for Don, not some kind of competition. I only hope people enjoy it in the spirit for which it’s intended.”
The new material on Slave To The Empire is passionate music with a message. On the opening title track, Pilson challenges the listener to rise up against the system and think for themselves. “What did it take to forge your every thought into an empty state of mind / Always looking for what isn’t lost and the first to follow blind / Can’t you see what’s going on / You’re a slave to the empire.”
“This record is not meant to be preachy or overly political” states Pilson. “We just want to encourage people that no matter where you come from, don’t be asleep at the wheel.”
Check out songs “Slave To The Empire”, “Tooth and Nail” and “Access Denied” below! “Slave to the Empire” will be released on October 31st, 2012, via Rat Pak Records. You can pre-order it here!
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Track Listing:
Slave to the Empire
Sweet Unknown
Tooth and Nail (featuring Doug Pinnick of Kings X)
It’s Not Love (featuring Robert Mason of Warrant)
Rhythm of the Soul
When Eagles Die
Into The Fire
Alone Again (featuring Sebastian Bach)
Mind Control
Kiss of Death (featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens)
Jesus Train
Access Denied
Sweet Unknown
Tooth and Nail (featuring Doug Pinnick of Kings X)
It’s Not Love (featuring Robert Mason of Warrant)
Rhythm of the Soul
When Eagles Die
Into The Fire
Alone Again (featuring Sebastian Bach)
Mind Control
Kiss of Death (featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens)
Jesus Train
Access Denied
1 RAT PAK RECORDS SET TO RELEASE T&N “SLAVE TO THE EMPIRE” FEATURING THE “BIG THREE” FROM DOKKEN!
T&N reunites George Lynch, Jeff Pilson and “Wild” Mick Brown – aka “The Big Three” from Dokken – for this brand new 12 song disk that will surely be referred to as a classic in years to come! Returning to their roots, “Slave to the Empire” offers eight new original songs and four re-recorded classic Dokken songs that feature sensational vocal performances by Tim “Ripper” Owens, Doug Pinnick (Kings X), Sebastian Bach, and Robert Owens (Warrant). Add to the mix the hard hitting, multi-talented drumming of Brian Tichy and you’ve got yourself a major dose of awesome! This 12 song release is progressive, it’s heavy, it’s dark, it’s bluesy, and each player’s performance is absolutely stellar. “Slave to the Empire” captures the spirit and magic from the classic metal genre, and is truly a work of art that will not disappoint! Official worldwide release date is set for October 31, 2012.
TRACK LISTING:
Slave to the Empire
Sweet Unknown
Tooth and Nail (featuring Doug Pinnick of Kings X)
It’s Not Love (featuring Robert Mason of Warrant)
Rhythm of the Soul
When Eagles Die
Into The Fire (Jeff Pilson)
Alone Again (featuring Sebastian Bach)
Mind Control
Kiss of Death (featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens)
Jesus Train
Access Denied
For pre-orders and audio samples please visit: www.ratpakrecords.com/TandN
| and www.slavetotheempire.com |
4 “Wild” Mick Brown Arrested
The drummer for musician Ted Nugent is facing multiple charges after police say he drunkenly stole a golf cart after the band’s show on the Bangor waterfront Sunday, according to police.
Bangor police Officers Steve Jordan and Jim Dearing were working at the waterfront pavillion during Sunday’s show featuring Styx, REO Speedwagon and Nugent when security alerted them to an issue behind the stage, according to a news release from Sgt. Paul Edwards.
Police were alerted that Mick Brown, 55, who is Nugent’s drummer, had stolen a golf cart used by Waterfront Concerts staff and was drunkenly driving it around the Front 
Street area at about 9:45 p.m., according to Edwards.
Several people had attempted to stop Brown, but he had sped away down the foot path near the Sea Dog, the sergeant said. Jordan later observed the cart with two females on board near the Railroad Street crossing, and attempted to stop Brown, again without success.
After Brown had accelerated past Jordan, Edwards said a security officer got close enough to stop him, but Brown gave the officer a shove. Two other security team members removed Brown from the cart physically and he was placed under arrest.
Brown was taken to the Penobscot County Jail and booked on charges of operating under the influence, driving to endanger, theft and assault. He was later released on $4,000 bail.
Brown is due in court Aug. 15.
1 Willie Basse / Lynch Mob Indianapolis Review
Lynch Mob invaded the Rock House in Indianapolis on Thursday, January 27th. Several local bands opened the show including Shadowbox, Caden’s Cry, Smoke Ring. All of the local bands were good, but I was anxiously awaiting to see George Lynch and Company. I haven’t seen Lynch Mob play live since 1991!!
Willie Basse took the stage, and most people from what I could tell were surprised. Not too many people knew about Willie Basse on this bill. It wasn’t well publicized (except for at Hard Rock Hideout). From Facebook, to the Indianapolis Star, no one mentioned Willie Basse, and this is a shame, because Willie Basse’s band is really good. The reason I knew about this show was from the Press Release that I received from Willie Basse, and I am grateful.
Willie Basse’s band was the true surprise of the night. Willie Basse’s (vocals and bass) band featured Troy Patrick Farrell (White Lion) on drums and new comer Patrick Abbate (Kee Marcello and Patrick Abbate band). Before this night, I have never heard of Patrick Abbate before, but he got my attention in a hurry. This Italian axeslinger plays in a style that would do Yngwie Malmsteen proud. Yes, he really is that good. His guitar acrobatics quickly got the attention of everyone at the Rockhouse. Needless to say, Willie Basse and company won the fans over quickly. The band did songs off the Willie Basse CD, “The Money Grind”. A Black Sheep tune, and “Breakway”, Basse’s new single which features George Lynch and James Kottak. “Breakway” is a very kick ass tune. If you haven’t checked it out yet. You can get it here!! I really like Basse’s vocals, and his band is super tight. If you haven’t check him out yet, visit WillieBassse.com. If you would like more information on Abbate, I highly recommend you check out his website at www.bandaner.com.
Lynch Mob was late, and took the stage after midnight. It was a long time of waiting for George, and company, but man oh man was it worth it. Lynch Mob sounded great all night. Oni Logan was in fine form all night. I can’t tell you how good it was to see “Wild” Mick Brown on the drums again. Robbie Crane rounded out the Lynch Mob lineup on bass, and did a fine job, and sang a lot of back up vocals as well. He is a pretty good addition to Lynch Mob in My opinion. If Ratt doesn’t reunite, George needs to keep Robby Crane on board.
The real star of the band, Mr. Furious George Lynch played fantastic, although I have to say, George looked pretty rough this night. His playing is all that really mattered to me though. The band traveled from St. Paul, Minnesota to Indianapolis, so they were in their bus all day, so I am sure they were pretty wiped by the time they got to Indy. Even though they were late, they sounded great. George Lynch busted out a plethora of guitars including my favorite, Mr. Scary.
Lynch Mob”s set included the songs, “She’s Evil”, “River of Love”, “Hell Child”, “21st Century Man”, “Madly Backwards”, “Into the Fire”, “Where Do You Sleep”, “Mr. Scary”, “Rain”, “All I Want”, “Street Fighting Man”, “Music Master”, Tooth N’ Nail”, and “Wicked”.
Overall, it was a great night of rock. I can’t wait to see Lynch Mob play again! Hopefully, it won’t be another 20 years before I get to see them play live!
Check out the Willie Basse / Lynch Mob Photo Gallery below. Click on the picture to view the larger image!
0 Ted Nugent – Motor City Mayhem (2009)
One year ago, the Motor City Madman performed his 6000th concert, and as a result is celebrating this mind boggling accomplishment with a double live CD that is sure to please the huge legion of Ted Nugent and hard rock fans out there.
Nugent has been performing live since 1967. That is over 146 shows per year for 41 years. No artist has been delivering as much rock over the years at Ted Nugent.
The band backing up Ted in this live show is Greg Smith on bass, and “Wild” Mick Brown (from Dokken) on the drums. Uncle Ted showcases his incredible guitar work. He still delivers the goods at the ripe young age of 59 (now 60).
For this 6000th live celebration of music, Ted brought along some pretty cool guest starts that were quite important to his career including Derek St. Holmes (the original singer of the Nugent classics “Stranglehold,” “Hey Baby,” and “Dog Eat Dog”), Johnny Bee Badanjek (drummer for Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels). All of the Nugent classic hits are accounted for on this CD, as well as some new tunes from Ted’s most recent CD, “Love Grendade”.
The energy of this live show carries over onto the CD well. The sound quality and the music are great. This show sounds like it was a lot of fun. It makes me wish I would have made the trip to Detroit to see this concert. If anything, this CD made me realize what I have been missing out on when Ted Nugent plays live. I will definitely catch Ted the next time he comes around to Cincinnati.
Don’t miss out on a CD that captures one of the top live events of 2008! This disc is essential for all Ted Nugent fans!
You can purchase your copy of Motor City Mayhem at this link.
Rating:Out of 10
Track Listing:
Disc One
1. Ted Nugent Intro
2. Star Spangled Banner
3. Motor City Madhouse
4. Wango Tango
5. Free For All
6. Stormtroopin’
7. Dog Eat Dog
8. Need You Bad
9. Weekend Warrior
10. Love Grenade
11. Honky Tonk
Disc Two
1. Wang Dang Sweet Poontang
2. Bo Diddley/Lay With Me
3. Baby Please Don’t Go
4. Geronimo And Me
5. Jenny Take A Ride
6. Soul Man
7. Hey Baby
8. Cat Scratch Fever
9. Strangehold
10. Great White Buffalo
11. Fred Bear
12. Outro
2 Video – Dokken – Breaking The Chains
Last Week, VH1 ran their top 100 Hard Rock Songs of all time. They had a Dokken video in the top 100, although I don’t recall which one. I had to go looking to see what other videos were out there. I couldn’t get over George Lynch’s hair in these old videos.
Dokken’s “Breaking The Chains” Video is from
18 Dokken – Lightning Strikes Again (Release Year – 2008)
Many of the artists who were highly successful in the 80’s have tried reigniting their careers with sounds that take listeners back to their heyday. Whitesnake, Def Leppard and House of Lords have all released discs that their fans should be pleased with. Dokken tries to recapture the lightning, or sound that once made them famous as well.
George Lynch and Jeff Pilson have long been absent from the band. In fact, the current lineup of Dokken, Brown, Sparks and Levin, is one of the longest running for Dokken, since the bands’ most successful discs from the mid to late 80’s. It is ironic that this lineup, tries to emulate the sound of the Lynch/Pilson era. Jon Levin does a damn good George Lynch imitation, and he really cuts loose on this record. Don Dokken recruited none other than Jeff Scott Soto to sing back up vocals on this record, and it really does make a difference. That unfortunately is where the good ends and the bad begins.
In 2008, Don Dokken has very limited range with his vocals. He doesn’t take the chances that he used to in the 80’s, and that is what made their music interesting, and exciting. I am assuming that Don can’t hit the high notes anymore, as he doesn’t bother to try on Lightning Strikes Again. He stays within his own comfort zone, and as a result, the songs on this disc lack the fire of the band’s earlier material. On certain songs, Don sounds like he strains to hit the notes that he use to hit with ease.
As much as I wanted to enjoy this record, I found the songs limp and uninspiring. There are three or four songs on this disc that are above average, but the majority of the material is sub par in my opinion. The music sounds close to their original stuff from the 80’s, but without the powerful vocals that these songs deserve, they come out sounding somewhat below average. After three lackluster albums since the year 2000, I believe it is time for the band Dokken to hang it up. Lightning did not strike again for this listener.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Standing On The Outside
2. Give Me A Reason
3. Heart To Stone
4. Disease
5. How I Miss Your Smile
6. Oasis
7. Point Of No Return
8. I Remember
9. Judgment Day
10. It Means
11. Release Me
12. This Fire
Dokken is:
Don Dokken – vocals
Mick Brown – drums
Jon Levin – guitar
Barry Sparks – bass
