Doug Pinnick performing with King's X in 2009 | |
Background information | |
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Born | September 3, 1950 (age 69) Braidwood, Illinois, U.S. |
Genres | Hard rock, progressive rock, progressive metal, alternative metal |
Instruments | Vocals, bass, guitar |
Associated acts | King's X, Poundhound, Pinnick Gales Pridgen, KXM, Grinder Blues, Tres Mts., 3rd Ear Experience, MC5 |
DUg Pinnick Doug Pinnick is known first and foremost as the soulful singer and bassist for hard rockers King's X. Born September 3, 1950, in Joliet, IL, Pinnick discovered rock & roll through such greats as Sly and the Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin, while he borrowed from gospel for his singing style. The Mob was a one-off project (or 'supergroup') consisting of Doug Pinnick, Reb Beach, Kip Winger, Kelly Keagy, and Timothy Drury.The band released one self-titled album in 2005 on Frontiers Records.
Douglas Theodore Pinnick (born September 3, 1950), sometimes stylized as dUg Pinnick or simply dUg, is an American musician best known as the bass guitarist, songwriter, and co-lead vocalist for the hard rock and progressive metal band King's X. He has performed on fifteen albums with King's X, and recorded four solo albums. Pinnick has also participated in numerous side projects, and has multiple guest appearances to his credit. He is recognized for his unique vocals (which are characterized by a strong gospel influence), and heavily distorted bass tone.
History[edit]
Doug Pinnick was born in Braidwood, Illinois then moved to Joliet, Illinois when he was fourteen. He grew up in a musical family where everyone either sang or played an instrument. He was raised by his great-grandmother, a devoutly religious woman, and was reared in a very strict Southern Baptist environment. He has seventeen half-brothers and sisters, from three mothers and two fathers. When he was in grade school, Pinnick participated in choir and played saxophone. As a teenager, he listened to classic R&B and Motown artists such as Stevie Wonder, Little Richard, and Aretha Franklin. Pinnick sang in bands throughout high school, one of the earliest being a group called Stone Flower which he describes as 'Chicago Transit Authority meets Sly & the Family Stone'. While attending Joliet Junior College in 1969, Pinnick was inspired by hard rock bands such as Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Around this time, he also started listening to perhaps his biggest influence, Sly & the Family Stone. His dream was to form a band that combined all of these varied influences.
After attending college for roughly six months, Pinnick dropped out and joined a traveling gospel band called The Spurrlows.
At one point in the early seventies, Pinnick moved to a Christian community in Florida. There, he remained involved in the music business by promoting small shows by Christian rock bands. He soon grew tired of that and moved back to Illinois.
In the mid seventies, Pinnick formed a band called Servant with keyboardist Matt Spransy. They were described[by whom?] as a progressive, art rock type of band along the lines of Yes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The band played all over the midwest and put together a demo of original songs. Oddly enough, there was a band from Canada that also called themselves Servant who had actually scored a recording contract. Spransy joined the other band in the late seventies, and recorded a song for the 1981 album Rockin' Revival that he and Pinnick had written together called 'I'm Gonna Live'. Pinnick was also part of Alpha as well as his own Doug Pinnick Band shortly after Spransy joined the Canadian Servant.
In 1979, Pinnick was invited to join a band that was forming in Springfield, Missouri. with singer Greg X. Volz of Petra fame. He accepted the offer and re-located, only to have the band dissolve within a month of his arrival. He was soon offered a spot in guitarist Phil Keaggy's touring band, along with the drummer from the failed Volz project, Jerry Gaskill. Pinnick has a co-writing credit on the track 'Just a Moment Away' from Keaggy's 1980 album Ph'lip Side. Pinnick toured with Keaggy for about a year before returning to Springfield and set about looking for a new musical project.
Pinnick soon became involved with guitarist Ty Tabor after seeing him play a concert at Evangel College in Springfield. Jerry Gaskill was later included and the band The Edge was born. In 1983, the band changed their name to Sneak Preview and released an independent, self titled LP. The trio evolved into King's X several years (and a move to Houston, Texas) later.
Since then, Pinnick has become one of the most respected voices in rock music by fans, critics, and peers alike. He is highly sought-after by other artists for album guest appearances, as well as membership in several side bands and recording projects.[1]
In 1998, Pinnick confirmed his homosexuality, coming out during an interview for Regeneration Quarterly.[2][3][4]Diamante Music Group cancelled distribution of King's X material in Christian retail stores following this information becoming public knowledge.[3][5] In recent years, Pinnick has revealed that he now identifies as agnostic, in contrast to his Contemporary Christian music past.[6][7]
Besides King's X, Pinnick became active with his own Hound Pound studio in Texas.[8] He currently resides in Los Angeles.[9]
In March 2018, it was announced that original member of the proto punk band MC5Wayne Kramer would embark on a 35-date tour of North America for their 50th anniversary of the band's debut, Kick Out the Jams, recruiting Pinnick to play bass along with Kim Thayil of Soundgarden, Brendan Canty of Fugazi, and Marcus Durant of Zen Guerilla.[10]
Projects[edit]
Pinnick in 2018
Pinnick's first solo project, Poundhound, released two albums, Massive Grooves and Pineappleskunk, with King's X bandmate Jerry Gaskill on drums on some tracks from the first album and all tracks on the second. Doug dropped the Poundhound moniker for his third solo album, Emotional Animal, instead crediting himself as 'dUg Pinnick.' The album, released by Magna Carta Records, features Gaskill's son, Joey, on drums. He released his fourth solo album, Strum Sum Up in November 2007 on Magna Carta.
Pinnick was also a member of the short-lived band Supershine, along with long-time Trouble guitarist, Bruce Franklin and Trouble drummer, Jeff Olson. Supershine released only one self-titled album in 2000 on Metal Blade Records. He sang lead vocals on the eponymous debut album by former Winger guitarist Reb Beach's band The Mob, released in 2005. He also stood in for lead singer Corey Glover on Living Colour's European tour in August 2006 while Glover was starring as Judas Iscariot in a tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Other vocal appearances by Doug Pinnick include Dream Theater's 'Lines In the Sand' (guest vocals in the choruses) from the Falling into Infinity album, 'Welcome to the Machine' from the An All Star Lineup Performing the Songs of Pink Floyd album, 'Parasite' on an all-star tribute to Kiss entitled Spin The Bottle, as well as 'Taxman' on a Beatles tribute album entitled Butchering the Beatles.
Pinnick appears on the 2008 holiday album We Wish You A Metal XMas..., a compilation album featuring many hard rock musicians collaborating on popular Christmas songs. Pinnick appears on the track 'Little Drummer Boy'. He performed guest vocals on the Black Sugar Transmission track 'Runnin' Like a Dog', which was released on the band's e.p. USE IT in 2009. He also performs with King's X partner Ty Tabor, along with former Galactic Cowboys members Wally Farkas and Alan Doss, as a group called The Jibbs. They have a song, 'Burns In The Rain', available via download to help relief efforts following Hurricane Ike.[11]
Dug sang all lead vocals on Razr 13's (Austin, Texas) debut record 'Reflections' released in 2009. Professional wrestler, Vinnie Vineyard (Funkmaster V) uses a remixed version of Pinnick's 'Coming Over' as his entrance music. Hal Sparks used several tracks off of Pinnick's Strum Sum Up CD as his musical accompaniment during his magic show performances on VH1's Celebracadabra that aired in 2008
Pinnick's side project, Tres Mts., with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam and Richard Stuverud of the Fastbacks, released their album, Three Mountains, through Monkeywrench Records on March 8, 2011.[12]He also sang backup on Pearl Jam's song 'W.M.A.' during Pearl Jam's April 3, 1994 concert, which King's X opened for.
On February 12, 2013, Magna Carta released the Mike Varney-produced Pinnick Gales Pridgen, featuring Eric Gales on guitar and vocals, Pinnick on bass and vocals, and Thomas Pridgen (formerly of The Mars Volta) on drums. The 13-track album features one cover song, 'Sunshine of Your Love', originally by Cream, one short instrumental based on Ludwig van Beethoven's 'Für Elise', and the remaining songs written by some combination of Pinnick, Gales, Pridgen and Varney.[13] The follow-up, titled PGP 2, was released on July 8, 2014.[14]
In 2013, Pinnick collaborated with friend Robbi Robb of Tribe after Tribe to form the Mojave, CA based jam band 3rd Ear Experience. They released two albums, Peacock Black and Boi, the later issued through Megaforce Records, within only months of each other. A third album, Incredible Good Fortune, followed in 2014 although Pinnick did not appear on it.
On March 11, 2014, Pinnick's all-star side project KXM, featuring former Dokken guitarist George Lynch and Korn drummer Ray Luzier, released their eponymous debut album through Rat Pak Records.[15] In May 2014, Pinnick's side project Grinder Blues with the Emmy Award-winning Bihlman Brothers signed a deal with Megaforce Records and announced an August 19, 2014 release for their debut record.[16]
Equipment[edit]
Pinnick is a notable user of the 12-string bass, which is a bass guitar with four sets of triple-coursed octave strings, similar to a 12-string guitar. Pinnick owns a custom made 12-string bass, made by Yamaha, which he uses in the studio and in live performances. Pinnick was endorsed by Yamaha, although he briefly switched to Dean guitars in the late 2000s. Pinnick also recently endorsed by Schecter, and used two Model-T basses in 2011 for the Live Love over Europe tour.[17]
He used Ampeg amplifiers exclusively, but the New York-based Tech 21 released his signature bass amp head, the dUg Ultra bass 1000.[18] He also uses a complex rig set-up including many EQs and amplifiers. Pinnick is also a user of the Line 6 POD pro, which he uses for effects. Oddly, he uses the guitar, not the bass model of the POD pro effects.[19]
Complete discography[edit]
King's X[edit]
Poundhound[edit]
KXM[edit]
Solo albums[edit]
Side bands[edit]
| Guest appearances[edit]
|
References[edit]
- ^Febre, Erica (July 19, 2007). 'Billy Sheehan, Doug Pinnick on bass / Daddy's holds clinic with Mr. Big, King's X members'. Hippo Press. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
- ^Joseph, Mark (Fall 1998). 'If there's a God, we need to talk'. 4 (4). Regeneration Quarterly.Cite journal requires
|journal=
(help) - ^ abBacote, Vincent (Winter 1999). 'While Pinnick Seeks Answers...'5 (1). Regeneration Quarterly. Archived from the original on August 30, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2007.Cite journal requires
|journal=
(help) - ^Van Pelt, Doug (February 28, 1999). 'No Room Inside a Box'. HM. Archived from the original on September 15, 2007. Retrieved December 14, 2007.
- ^'Dug Pinnick on LGBTQ Acceptance In the Hard Rock/Metal Community'. Billboard. Retrieved August 18, 2017.
- ^'King's X Frontman Doug Pinnick Addresses Breakup Rumors'. Blabbermouth. May 22, 2006. Archived from the original on May 21, 2008. Retrieved January 16, 2009.
- ^Urban, Robert (July 17, 2007). 'Rocking Out – Male Musicians Straddle the Closet | People, Celebrities, Actors & Profiles Of Gay & Bisexual Men In Movies, TV Shows & Music'. AfterElton.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
- ^Mariani, Anthony (May 20, 2000). 'Art School Style / Once a relentless trailblazer, King's X sticks to the familiar with new release'. Houston Press. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^'KIng's X Frontman DOUG PINNICK to Release 'Naked' in May'. March 28, 2013.
- ^'MC5's Wayne Kramer Plots 'Kick Out the Jams' 50th Anniversary Tour'. April 3, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
- ^ ab'Members Of KING'S X And GALACTIC COWBOYS Unite As THE JIBBS « Blabberjesus.com'. Divinemetaldistro.wordpress.com. September 17, 2008. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
- ^'Tres Mts. To Release Debut Album March 8th'. Type 3 Media. February 1, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
- ^'Pinnick Gales Pridgen'. Magnacarta.net. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
- ^'Pinnick Gales Pridgen To Release 'PGP 2' In July'. Blabbermouth.net. June 5, 2014. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
- ^'XKM Featuring KORN, KING'S X, Ex-DOKKEN Members: Debut Album Cracks U.S. Top 40'. Blabbermouth.net. March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^'dUg Pinnick's Grinder Blues Premiere New Song, 'Burn the Bridge''. Guitar World. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
- ^'King's X dUg PINNICK joins the Schecter Family|Schecter Guitar Research'. April 1, 2011. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
- ^[1][dead link]
- ^'The 12-String Bass Website'. 12stringbass.net. Archived from the original on September 2, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
- ^'Review: We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year [2008] « GEARS OF ROCK – Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Music Reviews'. Gearsofrock.wordpress.com. October 16, 2008. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
External links[edit]
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doug_Pinnick&oldid=949734166'
For Gay Pride Month, Billboard asked artists about the reality of being out musicians in hard rock/metal and the state of LGBTQAI acceptance in the genre. Below, Dug Pinnick discusses his experiences as frontman for King’s X and KXM.Dug Pinnick, bassist-singer for progressive veterans King’s X and rock act, has been publicly out since he declared his orientation in an interview with Christian publication Regeneration Quarterly in 1998. King’s X had been tagged a “Christian band” due to the band’s spiritual lyrics, a term the group disliked.“I thought to myself, ‘This is a Christian magazine, and I am tired of being ridiculed,’ ” recounts Pinnick, 66, of why he came out during that conversation. “In the Christian world, they’re not too kosher on being gay, so I just thought, ‘Might as well come out and get it over with,’ ” he says with a laugh. Despite Christian bookstores dropping the trio’s music after Pinnick’s confession, he, guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer were relieved. In the wake of the interview, “the industry and fans treated me great,” says Pinnick.
“No one gave me a problem at all. I’ve heard a couple comments the last couple years, like on a video or something, somebody says something really horrible about me, and I kind of dismiss it. But back in the day, there was hardly any talk about it, or if it was, they kept it from me.” He adds that many people expressed support for him, “especially guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott of. He came up and said, ‘Dude, you know I love you. I don’t care who you are. You’re Dug, and we love you.’'But Pinnick was devastated when, during King’s X’s early days, its then-manager wanted to send Pinnick to a conversation camp.
“Everyone around the band left,” except for Tabor and Gaskill, once they learned he was gay, including a guitarist who declared he could no longer be Pinnick’s roommate because “God told him he couldn’t sleep in the same house” with him. While being outed to his band had been Pinnick’s worst nightmare, “the greatest thing about it was when Ty and Jerry came and said, ‘Hey, we don’t care,’ ” he says. “And we’ve been a band for almost 40 years now. Those guys are my best friends, and I trust them more than anything in the world. They’ve never forsaken me or made me feel like I wasn’t a good guy.”. What have you seen in the metal/hard rock scene that is troublesome in regard to acceptance?Every now and then, I'll see a band that I'm really liking, and there'll be a line in a song about being gay, and it'll be very negative — and not just the word “gay,” ’cause the word “gay,” kids say, “Hey, that's gay,” I have no problem with that — but when they talk about our lifestyle and who we are in a very negative way, I don't like when anybody does that, especially a metal band.
It kind of makes me angry.What is your take on people using the word 'f—t' in lyrics?, for instance, when that first record came out and the line says, “I'm a f—t, I'm a motherfucking queer,” what singer Jonathan Davis did is, he didn't come out and ridicule gay people at all. He came out and owned it.
He said things that made you own what you were saying. It was like it was so, so, so big and so strong. Because gay people, we don't stand up.
We don't say, “Hey, this is who I am. Screw you.” When he said that, and even though Jonathan's not gay it kind of broke a lot of walls, especially in light of his childhood sexual abuse It was helping kids to open up and realize they weren't alone, especially kids that have been abused sexually.
What about when people use that word as an insult?I don't know. For me, words are words. I'm black, so I've heard the word “n—” more in my life than “f—t,” actually. Going to a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert, I heard someone say behind me, “Oh, they're lettin' n—s in now,” and I'm goin', “ Wow,” you know? So I've lived in prejudice all my life. I've heard the comments.But as for that, no, I don't have a problem with words. I have a problem with the reason why people say the words.
And I've always been that way. I'm an advocate that says two words that I think we need to decriminalize, it's “n—” and “fuck.” Because every time those two words come up, somebody gets offended or has to have a problem with it, and then the rebellious people want to use it all the time in your face to make you mad.What contributes to homophobia in metal?One thing is ’cause it's such a guy genre. Guys get together, and they make jokes about gay people and talk about gay people and they call each other “gay” and accuse each other of being gay if they do something feminine. Guys are just brutal. I mean, you go to the bathroom in a guy's bathroom, and you don't hear a word.
No one looks at each other, no one says anything, and when everybody's lined up at a stall, everybody's eyes are straight ahead. No one looks at each other, because if anybody looks down or anything, they might get hit.We're just taught to be homophobic. I think it's something that's just been beat into us, and so as a result of it, guys especially are like, “We're in our closet.” It's crazy.
Go into a girl's bathroom, girls are in the same stall with each other, pissin'. And I'm goin', “Oh my God, guys would never do that.”What do you think of those who say that if you are gay that you should be out and advocating for gays in some form?I think they should fucking mind their own business and go out there and do what they think they should do. If they feel like they should get up on a mountaintop and scream it, I say, “Go for it.” Do it, and I'll support you. But don't tell me that I have to do it just because you think that I do. And I am very adamant about that. I get really pissed when someone outs someone without telling them.
A person has no right to publicly out someone if they are in their closet. When a gay person comes out and says, “I'm going to out you because you need to be out. We need more people out here. Our voice needs to be heard,” I go, “Well, find the people whose voices need to be heard. I'm using my voice in my own way.” I do not believe anyone should tell someone else how to live their life, other than they need to love one another and treat one another how they want to be treated themselves.