George Lynch on Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Gene Simmons - Dokken - The Boyz, David Lee Roth

[@davemcafeeguitar]

Lynch is one of those players that can play 2 or 3 notes and you instantly know who it is. Probably the biggest achievement a player can aspire for.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

right a distinguishable tone and style, same with Rhoads, with Ed....the greats

[@angusorvid8840]

George is the king of tone, and by tone I don't just mean his meticulous attention to having the right gear in the signal chain, but rather finger tone, the feel of his playing, like Beck or Henderson, McLaughlin, etc. There is just so much class and style in his playing. It transcends any genre he works in.

[@funkster007]

I was just starting to really get into guitar playing in the early 80's as a high school kid. George was the one dude that inspired me the most from that era. His tone, dynamics and cool melodic style blew me away. I remember being so proud of myself when I (sorta) learned the Breaking The Chains riff. lol

[@BFahz]

Completely agree!

[@voodoolife]

Very true. Mr. Scary is epic! Every rock guitarist knows it when they hear it.

[@guitarrocks7776]

Those 3 Guitar Players- George Lynch , Randy Rhoads, and Eddie Van Halen. They’re my favorites. Luckily we still got George Lynch around still making music. If only Randy Rhoads had just a little more time like George and Eddie. Then we could’ve seen the full potential of Randy. 🎸

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

all time legends, if randy had only lived past 25. But has a guitar player ever accomplished as much with just two well known albums? ED did with the first two van HAlen albums.

[@Bonehead-Chris]

Eddie sat around doing nothing his last 18 years of life.

[@sKraat528]

I don't think Randy ever really was able to hit his prime. I think one of the best VH albums was 1984, same year as tooth and nail album, one of Lynch's best.. Randy would have had some amaaaazing playing at that time too x.x

[@Paulydg30]

got to have Brad Gillis in there ; he is the man !

[@sKraat528]

@@Paulydg30 Brad Gillis was certainly never bad, Have alot of respect and learned alot from listening to his playing, but definitely flew under the radar- It was his TONE x.x great playing, but alot of people and players, particularly players who are ozzy fans... didn't like the tones that were dialed in on his amps- atleast in a live setting. I 'get' that, he was doing different, new things. Speak of the devil album is kinda 'love it or hate it' just on the guitar sound. Dude was tasked with playing Randy Rhoads material though. I find it more 'respectful' that he didn't try to emulate Randy's tone tbh. Some people hated it though x.x

[@SISU_LIFE]

This is great. Maybe one of the best interviews I have heard on this channel. George Lynch is a great guitarist and one of my all time favorites. I really respect the way he openly acknowledges Eddie Van Halen's influence and status as the best. When you hear it from a man who was in the middle of it all back then and he shows humility in his words, you know he speaks the truth.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

loved his huge compliments of Randy

[@chrisb8655]

I agree. He's awesome, yet also really humble.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@C.Nash he definitely was one of the best as was Randy

[@SISU_LIFE]

@C.NashTotally Agree

[@Assimilator702]

Why wouldn’t George have anything but kind words about Eddie? Eddie was very impressed with George’s guitar playing and respected George as a musician back in the late 70’s.

[@juanpablomarin5463]

Edward Van Halen! G.O.A.T! Randy so inspirational, a genius! George Lynch one of the greatest ever!

[@jimbo0411]

Yep Randy was def the G.O.A. T.. !

[@juanpablomarin5463]

@@jimbo0411 Eddie is the greatest innovator and a big influence in Randy's playing

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@juanpablomarin5463 not a big influence on his playing, they sound nothing alike, And if you hear Randy's audio of those interviews and of the guitat clinic, his greatest influences were his students. Ed did not really innovate, he did things and made them more famous. He saw other people do the things he made famous. Steve Vai on Randy Rhoads: every time you hear a song of his, you are hearing something that has never been done before or since on the instrument

[@juanpablomarin5463]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle you are wrong man.... Technically you dont understand what Eddie innovated and why he is called The greatest and the most influential as Hendrix... But dont care..That is a no sense discussion...

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Juan Pablo Marin... I agree with Dave Wight. Eddie and Randy sounded nothing alike ...nor do I think Eddie was a big influence on Randy. They both had totally different styles. I think they were both innovators for sure no one can argue that. Eddies work and pyrotechnics on the guitar are nothing short of over the top, original, groundbreaking and amazing etc. Eddie's leads and licks and parts of his solos are definitely based off of Blues scales whereas Randy Blended a more classical approach to his playing. To me they are both legendary and over the top players. And there has never been another one yet like either Randy or Eddie. What Randy did on the first two Ozzy Osbourne solo albums is amazing and a huge leap/major growth/evolution etc from what he was doing just a couple of years prior with Quiet Riot. Who knows what he could have achieved in a few more years.? But he definitely left his mark and (Randy) is still one of my top favorite rock/metal guitarists 👍

[@HaXaW5150]

Man, I would have died if I could have walked the Sunset Strip back then. What a time to be alive.

[@pulsarlights2825]

The 70s Van Halen era maybe...the 80s hair bands, no thanks

[@scottykingdavid]

Yes sir. I got to experience that and play. And eventually got to tour with the black crowes etc. It was a era of time. That just can't be matched in this current time. With MTV and everything that goes with it.

[@HaXaW5150]

@@scottykingdavid The Black Crowes. I bet you got the stories. LOL! No doubt, music just doesn't mean as much to me now a days. I find very little I care to listen to. Too much of it.

[@scottykingdavid]

@@HaXaW5150 same here. Just a different time friend. What amazing times they were friend

[@Lynchfan88]

I became a massive George Lynch fan in the early summer of '87 just as Dokken was nearing the release for 'Back For The Attack.' Solid record and it cemented George as one of my all-time fave players. Ever notice how he holds his pick and fans out his fingers? Very unique. His tone on Back For The Attack and Wicked Sensation (the first Lynch Mob record) is my fave tone of his..it's perfect. I own everything the guy's released and I've seen him live a bunch, met him, super guy, signed all my stuff. Fantastic player. In fact he signed my Nov, '90 issue of Guitar World w/him on the cover. Guitar World put it best on the first page of the excellent interview where they say, and I quote (mostly), "He's not a bluesman like Stevie Ray, not a neoclassicist like Yngwie, not a sweeper like Gilbert (Paul), not a string skipper like Johnson (Eric) and not a tapper like Edward. Never been associated w/druids like Page, not dead like Hendrix, doesn't have a beard like Gibbons and doesn't jam w/spirits from the 4th dimension like Vai. Lynch has no schtick & no gimmick..and he's never been in Ozzy's band!"

[@Seniman3]

Now that's what I'm talkin about! A most excellent breakdown!

[@Lynchfan88]

@@Seniman3 Thanks so much. He's my all-time fave player after Eddie VH.

[@jamescon55]

Well, actually....🤨🤔 He WAS IN "Ozzy's band" 😏 IF EVEN ONLY a couple weeks, and on the road doing soundchecks for the band and learnin the ropes so to speak, while Brad Gillis was finishing up his time on the tour, Lynch WAS supposed to be the guy to ultimately replace Randy Rhoads. That was of course UNTIL Jake E Lee came in to audition "later" for the OZZY gig. Sharon WAS the one who said "Jake's the NEW guitar player" supposedly cuz "his look" plus his undeniable playing ability and...? The rest is history. And the Osbourne camp told George "uhh yeah. We DECIDED to go with this other guy as we won't be needing you anymore. Bye..." And according to George Lynch? NEVER got a red penney the WHOLE time he was away, lost his good Union job he HAD supporting his then wife and kid... Yep. Typical OZZY/SHARON stuff... But? Again, I was glad Sharon made the choice. Can you imagine post Ozzy with Lynch?......Who knows, might have been amazing but yeah, we wouldn't have HAD the DOKKEN that sound that some of us LOVE either. 😏 And anyways, ROCK the funk ON!!! 🔥🤘🥁🎸😡🎼🥃🍚🍻🎉🔥

[@RS-ol8or]

Great read. I also became obsessed with Lynch in the early Dokken days when I was an early teen. It was his phrasing & riffs that were so unique & had that edge. I still remember that Guitar World mag he was on the cover for in middle school. First Lynch Mob record came out; holding his skulls n snakes guitar. For art class I drew him & that guitar; thought it turned out pretty well.

[@Lynchfan88]

@@RS-ol8or Thanks for the kind words, 🎸 👍

[@GuitarLessonsBobbyCrispy]

Had the privilege of seeing George Lynch ( Lynch Mob ) live a couple of years ago in Toronto. Was about 4 feet from him and it was amazing to see a 65 year old shred on guitar like Eddie Van Halen. Very awestruck and inspiring!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he is an A leaguer and part of the holy trinity

[@iblockpuncheswithmyface1490]

Seeing recent pictures of George. He looks healthy, and in good shape. Hopefully he'll be around a lot longer.

[@jayteesgear]

Love when George talks music. (Not politics so much) but love when he talks music. He has humbled himself much over the years. Great segment Bloom.

[@HyperInflation2020]

What's his politics? I've never heard him saying anything about that.

[@czos9239]

@@HyperInflation2020 Rather than causing a storm here, it's easy to websearch "george lynch politics", which brought up some stuff I'd forgotten about. He seems pragmatic in the interviews I read, and willing to play with anyone if it gels. Which is what's important. (IMO)

[@HyperInflation2020]

@CWW I've never heard him talk about it. And I don't want too either. If I do, I will drop his ranking from #1 Favorite to far behind Strypers guitarist.

[@RS-ol8or]

@@HyperInflation2020 haha…I’m a conservative, but I separate the politics from his music. I mean you have to. Most musicians & those in Hollyweird are far left. It’s to be expected. George’s music for 30 years has had a big impact on me; love the guy!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Of course keeping it to music is always better

[@reaganbrowneofficialyoutube]

I opened up for Lynch mob in a place in Orange County called the Coach House and my ears are still ringing from George’s Marshall Plexi. Haha

[@dr.awkward9075]

The whole Hair Metal movement was every guitar player doing their best EVH.

[@geezberry8889]

until yngwie showed up

[@Dan.50]

FACTS! No one likes to admit this but EVERYONE wanted to be "Dave and Eddie."

[@XConquerClubX]

Nothing wrong with that. Produced a lot of awesome guitar players

[@PickettMusic]

Glad to hear George weigh in on the EVH - RR thing. I love Randy, but EVH really changed guitar for everyone after in a revolutionary way...from tone, to combinations of techniques to reinventing guitar tech, to groove and swing.

[@richardsemuta1089]

Always loved George. He's now the dude keeping that style alive.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

the last of the real guitar heroes from that ERA

[@asherasator]

I call it "California Style" guitar playing.

[@backtothe80s97]

I love hearing george talk !! He’s defiantly one of the best alive in the 80s !

[@ChristyKyles-t2m]

Sexy low voice too ❤😎🥰

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

George is so much more down to earth these days,. Really good to hear

[@RFXLR]

I met him during the Dysfunctional tour and both he and Jeff were great. Mick was ok and Don was aloof

[@realdealio1]

Getting your genre crushed by Grunge and Rap will humble any musician.

[@jayteesgear]

Ha! I just commented the same. He has really chilled out in some ways

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

@@jayteesgear totally👍🏼🍻

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

@@RFXLR yeah its funny, I met them on Under Lock and Key, we walked around the Marriott in Ft. Wayne talking with Don, he was great, and talked to George in the Bar there. It was never the same when meeting them🤣😂🤣👍🏼🍻

[@sparklerdynamo9187]

I love George, such a humble guy and awesome player. What an amazing time to be around the LA Rock scene, wish I could have been there.

[@v6spiderrox]

George is so honest about his abilities at the time. And about the situation. It's amazing how he evolved over the years. I'm sure Randy would have been even more amazing than he was at the time.

[@iblockpuncheswithmyface1490]

Many years ago(decades actually). I read an interview where George said. There's unknown guys practicing in their bedrooms who could kick my ass. Honest, humble.

[@spacejockey4746]

@@iblockpuncheswithmyface1490 But it’s his unique, UNUSUAL style that sets him apart from people with crazy technique who do what everyone else does.

[@pal4597]

Excellent point about Mick Ronson.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

I like how candid he is here! George has been my hero since the early days. And always will be!

[@vonholland64]

I hung out with George one time before a show and he was a cool guy and has lived lots of history as well as being a fantastic guitarist.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

great guitarist, seems like a difficult to get along with on some level

[@vonholland64]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle he had nothing negative to say about anyone actually.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@vonholland64 Don Dokken says hello

[@vonholland64]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle he said nothing bad about Don , but I’m sure they’ve had conflicts,obviously

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@vonholland64 yes he has said bad stuff about Don especially after Monsters of Rock, and through passive aggressive stuff, I guess he relates it to business. But he has said some unflattering stuff about Don for sure. You're wrong I have several magazine articles where he is disparaging Don.

[@jimbaxter8488]

I hung out with George Lynch and the guys when he was in Xciter (transition between the Boys and Dokken). Early 80s...I sill have one off his stainless steel picks from that period ...I was just hitting the LA rock scene and George was a guy I looked up to like he looked up to Eddie...

[@stringtheoryguitars4952]

FANTASTIC interview. Thanks so much!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

it was cool

[@qtheband751]

Really respect his candor.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

it is refreshing

[@Zakkarath]

Great interview man.... Full in Bloom is AWESOME !

[@davenathan5347]

I just saw him w/Dokken in Sacramento a few months ago. He seems so genuine here. It was interesting hearing him talking about Van Halen. Not just the Eddie stuff, which was the first time I'd ever heard that level of insight about the Eddie-Randy debate; but also, his acknowledgement of the importance of David Lee Roth back in those days. Like, even on the club scene, Van Halen was a complete act with two guys that were the undisputed kings of their respective domains.

[@kristianduvall7326]

Missed seeing Dokken. Raley Blvd and Bell Ave: The Roadhouse.

[@dwade6322]

Alex isn't exactly a 'Shlub' ...He is one of the greatest Rock drummers.

[@smartrn1]

The tones and solos on BFTA are some of the best of all time. The Man is just a living guitar God.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

what is BFTA? Back for the attack? great album one of my favorites, I am not sure how well it has aged, the tone is definitely dated to back then. Randy's sound is not dated because it was so different

[@smartrn1]

Yes. Back for the Attack. Play it loud and the tone is tremendous. The first Lynch Mob is close to it also. Just an incredible release.

[@BURNOUT3272]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle bfta has probably my favorite tone of all time. I rarely hear anyone say that about Randy’s tone, it’s widely stated that his tone wasn’t that great on those albums

[@Sysiphusjwk]

@@BURNOUT3272 Randy’s tone was less than stellar.

[@PickettMusic]

@@Sysiphusjwk I thought it got better by the time Tribute came out...but compared to Van Halen tone, it was like everyone else: chasing the brown sound gold standard.

[@DougErapps]

WOW... Really cool interview. I love hearing about those days from the cats who were there. Very frank and honest answers from George. LEGEND! Thank you!

[@poseidon3032]

It was one of the best times in rock. I missed those years. Growing up in those years.

[@jameswest4259]

I always loved Lynch, he is in a class all by himself, a very unique guitar player for sure 🤘

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he is an A leaguer but he was the weakest of the holy trinity

[@mickeyguide3112]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle solo for 'For a Million Years' disagrees with your statement ;). To be honest Lynch had the most unique personal style and touch to the guitar. After 2 notes you could tell it's him. The man was/maybe still is occasionally master at interpreting through guitar. With Eddie, it would take maybe 3-4 notes (one tapped of course to tell it's him 😂). Now don't get me wrong. Rhoads was an amazing player and composer BUT he didn't really break the mold. He played classical styled material which is standardized. Meaning, the stuff was already there. He just made melodies from it to make them his own( nothing wrong with that). But what EVH or Lynch did. They invented their own style.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@mickeyguide3112 no that solo absolutely agrees with me, he was the weakest of the 3. What album did George write that can compare to Diary of a Madman? You can tell after two notes who most great guitarists are. There is no chance you are going to convince anyone but yourself, that George took fewer notes to recognize than Ed or Randy, that simply is not happening. Randy absolutely broke the mold go back and listen to the way Diary of a madman is composed with so many different types of guitar playing infused into one album from jazz to classical guitar playing,.to metal... he played classical guitar he was taking lessons on the road which explains a lotof why he got better from BOO to DOAM. On what planet does Randy not have his own style, he sounds nothing like either guy. Randy was 25 when he died. and he already had written a masterpiece that is being lauded by non rock or metal musicians like Charismatic Voice and Classic composer, the songwriting is just different. To say he did not have his own style when George borrowed from him and Ed...is comical.

[@MikeWatson-qj8ew]

Just saw lynch mob a couple weeks ago ,tucson az. Awesome 😊

[@jasonstewart5649]

I met George Lynch outside of Peabody's in Cleveland where he was playing. Cool guy!

[@carltonjennings1869]

Gentleman ALL 3 of them are and always will be 3 of the absolute best that ever lived and I wish that Randy could have had a longer life so we would have more material from him but I'm thankful for what we do have and Eddie! What can you say that hasn't been said, on another level period and we won't see another in our lifetime... God bless them each for the contributions to the world of Rock! 👍

[@Polentaccio]

Agree that George should write a book. He's honest, doesn't sugar coat things, and wasn't too far gone down the drug well during the 80's. More or less always kept control.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

yes he should

[@rickprice9839]

No doubt to come through that...he's in so close with that scene he can't step back and look at it till now

[@bags5150]

He is the master !!!!! Beat vibrato ever !!! When people say Clapton I say Beck when people say Van Halen I say lynch. But that is just my opinion . Everyone has there favorite. The three kings Clapton , Beck , Page , the three prince, Van Halen , Rhoads , Lynch.

[@lgq704]

Lynch is such a modest, cool dude, his humility is such a breath of fresh air.

[@chickentwisties2298]

George Lynch is brilliant he speaks the truth 👏

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he is very candid

[@Thedesertguy75]

Sunset strip in the 80s was FIRE!! Any musician I think would die to walk the streets back in the late 70s into the early 80s when the whole thing exploded. Eddie was the man...what a feeling it must have been to hear that 1978 Van Halen record for the first time...

[@BLSdarrin]

Saw Lynch Mob open for Dokken last week in Oklahoma. George seemed to be having a good time and did a lot of talking with the audience . It was his birthday that night.Don didnt sound as bad as I expected. It was a good show with both bands

[@scottmcclure4153]

Weird bill that is

[@MrGrand2000]

At least he is humble enough to say Eddie was the king…

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he was influenced by him

[@c2jones]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle The three spent plenty of jam and hanging time together, especially George and Eddie.

[@umjim1]

I was there at The Boyz gig in 1976 at the Goldenwest Ballroom in Norwalk, CA. Oddly enough, the guitar player from the other band Eulogy, Rusty Anderson, has been Paul McCartney's guitar player since 2000. Those days were awesome!

[@whamsie4022]

Timing is everything. I agree that in the earliest days, Eddie was the most mature player, and that’s why Lynch says he inspired everyone. Randy and QR were nascent, but when Randy came into his own with Ozzy, Lynch obviously paid attention to his tone and phrasing, which evolved very differently from what Eddie was doing, and was much closer to what Lynch ended up doing in Dokken. I am certain when Lynch auditioned for Ozzy after Randy’s death, he was playing very much in that style. It was what was happening in LA, and it was instrumental to Dokken’s break through.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Randy was naturally more melodic and George probably took some of that....but Geoge did sound like Ed in the early days

[@vincentveliz5118]

i gained a huge appreciation for george when i saw dokken in 86 i was blown away

[@evhfan5150]

so George just honesty explained the times ...Eddie was was King..Dave was King..very cool!! VH ruled!!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

but he also explained how Randy changed the game when he got into blizzard of ozz

[@rdd2devore409]

Very thoughtful reflection

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

George is a pensive guy

[@anthonylynch4737]

Amazing the 80's LA Guitar Players.What a party and time like no other !

[@ricksalt6860]

What a strait up good guy , respectful and honest from what I get from this . I have 2 of his Eminence Lynch 12" guitar speakers .... discontinued . They're pretty nice , smooth top end and beefy .

[@jeffreywarner6931]

Van Halen The most ultimate Rock Band of all time R.I.P EVH

[@termsofusepolice]

Nice to hear truth from the great George Lynch. Anyone who thinks Randy was influencing ANYONE back in his QR days is delusional. He obviously went on to influence many, many kids with the Ozzy records. But Eddie was the undisputed guitar giant and king of the Cali club scene, hands down, end of debate. Those who were there know.

[@bobpugliese4428]

Terms you are correct! I actually took lessons from George. Eddie was the one. Although not local but close the band that blew quiet riot away and the boyz or exciter was y&t. They played the starwood consistently. There songs were good and meneketti killed it.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

no one thinks that, but anyone who thinks when he was in the Blizzard of ozz was incredibly influential is also delusional. Ed was first on the scene, but it is naive to think Randy did not get to his level or even surpass him on some levels. when did Ed ever write an album like diary of a madman, and he did not have the knowledge Randy did. What is the debate? who is more talented or better songwriter, Randy is. Who influenced and changed the game, well Ed did, Ed had the longer career

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@bobpugliese4428 where at the Musonia? I thinkthe Blizzard of ozz returned the favor , Ed never wrote two albums like that, and by then Randy had his own style, he was constantly improving, taking lessons, he was a more diverse songwriter on those first two Blizzard of ozz albums, and Ed evolved later with Sammy to write longer better songs.

[@bobpugliese4428]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle the lessons I took were at best records. I guess even when you here it from George who by Randy's request took over his students you don't want to believe eddie influenced him and randy. Eddie took classical piano lessons and his father was a professional musician. Agreed not nearly as versed in theory or classical guitar as randy. As far as writing your giving all the credit to randy. Randy had seasoned musicians surrounding him that have played professionally for years especially daisley and Don Aeiry who was also classical trained. As you said eddie wrote better songs with Sammy a seasoned pro. Randy was surrounded by pros on the Ozzie and yes created 2 classics. The difference vanhalen had the same members and recorded the songs they played in clubs and sold millions randy didn't write anything great during quiet riot. They're both legends as far as melodic and feel ill take schenker and Moore

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@bobpugliese4428 I really do not care who influenced someone it is completely meaningless when a guy sounds nothing like another player. George did sound like Ed on Xciter album. there was no getting around it. Randy sounded nothing like Ed, so did the influence spark him to play harder or practice more, or to use some of the stuff Ed made more famous...OK maybe. Randy and Ed both had parents who were musicians and played jazz, classical, blues...Randy's mom literally changed the game for marching bands and gender lines because of her talents. Ed was a great songwriter too. Randy was a great writer too, and yes he had Bob Daisley to help guide him. But sometimes working with another songwriter can be a problem instead of a mutually symbiotic relationship. But Randy was humble, he valued Bob and his input so it created two masterpieces. Ed had carte blanche with the songwriting when Lee was not dictating terms on covers. Randy was the same age Ed was when van Halen I and II came out, and maybe it took Randy abandoning the nest to go to England to help him bring out his immense talents. Don Airey did not write any of the songs and he was not even the keyboard player on DOAM. he had lee Kerslake another huge help with songwriting. Sam helped Ed write sme of the music unlike Dave. Randy is the most melodic player among those 4. Feel....that is an intangible people use to try and offset someone who is clearly more talented. Gary lost his way with the blues....Schankar excellent player but, not a great songwriter.

[@michaelconner9904]

Been along time since Dokken and Lynch Mob wicked sinsations but George and his style beats them all. Brilliant musician. George is my favorite of them all. I loved Eddie but I rather George style. George on the Dokken Beast from the east album opened my eyes. It is still one of my very favorites. Thank you George. Because of you I'm 65 and still rock in to your music.

[@Rockenstein68]

I never knew George and Randy were going to watch Eddie play, no wonder he turned his back to the crowd!

[@scottmcclure4153]

I've seen and heard that David and Edward used to go to a lot qr shows.

[@jimbo0411]

Randy didn't go to watch Ed play. Ed went to watch Randy more. Randy only went with Lori Hollen to see VH 1 time early on and he was blown away which made him go focus to get better.

[@scottmcclure4153]

@@jimbo0411 I love Randy' and I love Edward. I fight with myself every day who's better. And I just say at the end of my day is there both super great in there own way and style. I just wondering what people would think if we only had the first 2 albums of vh. And unfortunately if Edward passed on in say 79 or 80. And they no other new music from Edward. Then you compare it to the 1st two ozzy albums. And again unfortunately Randy passed on like the way he did. We only had those 4 albums. What would be said then about the two then . Like who's better. Me Just Love them both equally period. To me who really cares about the stories. Unless you were Edward or Randy high school buddy. Then I believe. But it's fun listening. Stories

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Ed and Roth went to watch Quiet Riot play...as well , they all watched each other

[@mikes51501]

@@jimbo0411 how do you know this? Just curious

[@glenmccarthy8482]

Mr Lynch has first class hair.

[@81shvlhead]

Wicked Sensation is my favorite album. Every song is perfect. If you LOVE Wicked Sensation you automatically are my friend, no questions....

[@mickeyguide3112]

'Sheee's Sooo Eeevil But She's Mine'!! 🤘🍻. Yep, Wicked album is a Hard Rock classic, absolute gold. Been cranking that album 20-30 yrs. Sounds best in the car! 😎. Lyrics might a bit cheesy at times but hey who listens to lyrics seriously when it's about hard rock?? lol. Drums are perfect on that record not to mention guitar. 'For a Million Years' is a stand out track with it's solo among the title track of course. It had even decent lyrics and one of the best solos ever recorded. Solo that truly sends 'shivers down your spine' ;)

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@mickeyguide3112 my man is an awesome solo but let's get crazy

[@jfo3000]

It IS a great album. George's solos have groove and swagger on their for days.

[@Grnfinger]

Always loved George Wish i could play like him, loved Lynch Mob and still have a few tunes in my rotation

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

good interview, good times back in the 80's

[@daveytandtheplacetobe7561]

Really great insight into how players develop, influences, etc! Great follow up questions, too.

[@adamthirdbourne324]

All the best to this channel and the great Mr. SCARY!

[@paulthompson8642]

Thanks again

[@robertcarrico8953]

Damn good to hear from him👍👌

[@scottlasley4593]

Another fantastic interview! When I was growing up, Lynch was always one of my favorites... Still is! He's absolutely correct... Back then you had Edward Van Halen and then there was everybody else. I love the way that George attacks the guitar. Such a cool style... Along with Warren DeMartini, Jake E. Lee, and Vivian Campbell... Van Halen School Dropouts. I sometimes wonder what Randy Rhodes would have done had he lived, especially with bands like Ratt, Motley Crue, and Dokken we're out there. I always heard he wanted to do a Classical Guitar record, though. I'm 50, and your posts bring back such great memories. Thank you so much! 👍❤️

[@cemetarygates2800]

Soooo many quality players out there. I think George should arguably be considered a top 50

[@raymo6795]

that was a great interview. George seems like cool guy

[@INDOMINION]

Randy had not fully bloomed as a guitarist in Quiet Riot. It was only after he went to England that he came back with astonishing music. Something happened over there that we will never know about. They completed diary of a madman in only 3 weeks. Not sure if the Crowley influence made an impact or if Ozzy slipped LSD to Randy but the Quiet Riot recordings sound like a completely different guitarist.

[@MullyShaves]

Randy fans, there’s absolutely nothing wrong knowing that Randy was impressed with Eddie and probably got some influence off him.

[@PickettMusic]

Exactly. I think George puts the the whole thing into proper perspective.

[@aronraygetchapull42071]

There are probably a lot of George Lynch fans who may disagree, but IMO... My all-time favorite George Lynch solo is "Night by Night" from the Back For the Attack album! WOW!! & SMFH!! 🤯👌

[@kevinkaatz883]

Lynch is the last of the Mohicans (sp)

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

this is true the last of the guitar heroes really

[@barbaradascalos4411]

yes..and now he is playing just couple songs with Dokken at county fairs...depressing cause he still has it but it's a different music world now.

[@c2jones]

@@barbaradascalos4411 That's what the fans want, so Don and George collaborate to keep their loyalists appeased and make a few extra bucks.

[@stevenharris716]

Awesome to hear this! Randy Rhoads. George Lynch. Tony Iommi. Brad Gillis are they guys that did it for me! Loved E.V.H. also. Just in my opinion the other guys I mentioned inspired me more.

[@abeperez1844]

I was in a band called Yankee Rose back then and we did some gigs with The Boyz. They were a good band.

[@tokingreens]

An honest, humble interview from Mr. Scary...Surprised at how cool and normal he is.

[@taperecorder3]

dokken beast from the east a mind blowing cd George Lynch a fantastic guitarest

[@bretviola6871]

How come when I watch something about Eddie Van Halen’s early days, Randy Rhoads is NEVER mentioned but EVERY time I see something about Randy Rhoads early days, the “rivalry” with EVH is always brought up? It’s almost like Randy fans are jealous.

[@BFahz]

George Lynch is the master of creating tension in a song, where EVH is "happy", Lynch is "dark". There is EVH, Randy and Lynch - and it really bothers me that Lynch is not mentioned enough with the other two!

[@knightfall9394]

Because he was a b level guitar player (his own words) in an era when there was LOTS of talented guitarists out there, dokken wasnt a huge act by any means and george has admitted to being in the minor leagues in regards to guitar stardom

[@scottarmen9097]

Dokken got played on MTV but didn't get played on the radio like VH and Ozzy.

[@bretviola6871]

I can get behind your interpretation of George’s solo’s as “dark”, but I’ve never heard anyone refer to Eddie’s playing as “happy” before. When I hear solos like ‘Outta Love Again’, ‘Mean Streets’ ‘Light Up the Skies’, ‘Push Comes to Shove’, and ‘On Fire’ just to name a handful, the word (or phrase) that comes to my mind is “fucking furious”.

[@BFahz]

@@bretviola6871 good points. From the guitar theory perspective, he used a lot of major thirds in his music whereas GL played mostly minor scales but to your point, EVH played with unmatched velocity!

[@oldtimerf7602]

Refreshing honesty

[@daveytandtheplacetobe7561]

saw Dokken open up for Sammy Hagar in Boston 1985 fun show w/surprise guest Barry Goudreau

[@jfrockon]

George is undoubtedly one of the best from that era. IMO George normally sounds jaded and aloof..... But he seems so down to Earth here. Great job "Full in Bloom"...

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

George's level of engagement can be hit or miss

[@paulanderson5389]

Cool story. George is so humble.

[@paulmoncton]

Everyone knows Randy Rhoads blossomed with Ozzy. No comparison to Quiet Riot. Eddie was the king. Randy was next gen. Certainly was more classical background vs Van Halen. And classical minor was a signature throughout all Metal, starting with Blackmore.

[@Borringtrolling]

Eddie was also Classical trained on piano and you can really hear that in his tapping especially.

[@jamesdowning521]

George Lynch , Air to the throne and rightfully so …. He may have taken a back seat way back when , but 68 and still GREAT , if you don’t think so , go take a listen too practically every Dokken and Lynch Mob album . There are more tasty treats there than in all of Willy Wonka’s candy factories !! That’s right ! King George has that throne now , RECOGNIZE!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he is last one standing...the other two are dead

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

George part of the Hly Trinity of LA guitarists in the 70s: Rhoads, van Halen and Lynch.

[@badmonkey2222]

I swear it is everything George can do to genuinely compliment another guitar player he's always been like that and I'll say as a guitarist myself that comes from the same generation as George (I'm a few years younger) but i loved what he did with Dokken but never really could get into Lynch Mob there were a couple of songs off the first 2 albums that i thought were okay but it seemed the more he got into all that bodybuilding that it affected his playing because his hands got so huge like puffy huge and sausage fingers. Then from around 2005 -2015 ish his sound got really weird like overly compressed and not as much of that nasty distortion but it seems the past couple of years he's come out of that phase i ts just really hard to explain but it was SO noticeable.

[@justinfendelet8675]

George lynch fingering of the fretboard is strange to me but I love his play ...

[@frankpaws]

Humble on George to just say, they had the momentum.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

I mean really he would be obtuse not to acknowledge it Rhoads and EVH just at a higher level as players and writers

[@frankpaws]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle There are players who still are obtuse.

[@CarrigansGuitarClub]

George comes across as very humble

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

he is a straight shooter and self effacing

[@realdealio1]

A part of me wants to say George is overrated..but his solos are just so unique..he's unmistakable.

[@RS-ol8or]

To each their own. IMO, it was Van Halen & EVH (RIP) who were overrated. VH had great material, don’t get me wrong, but they also had media exposure & the industry backing them much more than George’s projects. I know most will disagree with that, but I stand by it. EVH obviously was amazing, but Lynch was and is every bit as good as EVH. Especially later in life. The material Lynch has been releasing the last 10 years is still phenomenal. Was Eddie’s?

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

overrated is a hack term especially for music, show me official ratings, the guys has written some great songs, is a legend and well respected

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@RS-ol8or that is bad take too, overrated is a lame term Music is subjective, I consider Rhoads to be greater than Ed or Lynch

[@isaiahmarquez9717]

The term overrated is overrated. 😏

[@RS-ol8or]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle true music is totally subjective. But some metrics can be based on objective evidence. Sorry (not really) I triggered you Dave. But thanks for your subjective opinion as well. 😂

[@AndrewJones-cx6kl]

Like I keep saying Randy and the band was held back on what he could write with those players 1) Kevin Dubrow’s type of voice and 2) less than world class talent. I’m not putting the others down, they were simply holding back a guitar virtuoso. It happens with everyone at some point if you become that good. When you got Randy together with Bob Daisley the entire space is opened up. Bob had played with Rainbow and Uriah Heep, and Was definitely world class. That is my opinion.

[@bretviola6871]

So then why did Quiet Riot make it big AFTER Randy left? Your making it out as if it was Randy and a bunch of bums. If I remember correctly, there was about a two or three year period in the 80’s when QR was one of the biggest bands in the world. If George says that they were all in awe of Eddie, then who are you or I to argue that?

[@johnmcminn9455]

my question would be ," Did Carlos Cavazo have an influence on Rhoads" Carlos was doing Minor Keys, and Randy was doing Slick Black Cadillac, I have a theory when Rhoads worked with Daisley, he was asked to experiment with Minor Keys and his knowledge of music Allowed that, yet he may not have done it to that extent unless he was pushed. obviously Brian May and Leslie West were influences

[@johns3292]

You should have a million subs...did you piss off the algorithm?

[@fullinbloom]

HA! I think I'm always pissing off the algorithm. Thank you for the tip, my friend. That's only happened one other time. Much appreciated!

[@ivanwesley8182]

Lynch is a great musician and seems to be a great guy

[@colonelhogan1827]

George is one of the most distinctive guitarist from the '80s, without a doubt. Very unique. Too bad the guys in Dokken couldn't have gotten along better. That really hurt all their careers. They all couldve been a lot bigger had they stuck together. Just like Schenker with UFO. Once you stop the momentum, you lose it for good.

[@justingibson508]

Yeah I don't buy the story Randy "NEVER " went to see VH total b.s. I've seen interviews from many ppl who followed VH around that said Randy would show up at gigs.

[@jamescon55]

Randy WAS THERE, opening for them gigs! Lol. But yeah, I am SURE he went to check out EVH and the boys ,no doubt. He basically HAD TO, so he COULD (more so than he knew) TEACH, ALL them kids taking guitar lessons from him "HOW TA PLAY EVH stuff!" 😏 It doesn't change the facts that EVH WAS a complete egotistical azzhole towards Randy Rhoads and his crew. Just go listen to the EVH interview RIGHT AFTER Rhoad's death. Probably before the kid was IN THE GROUND even, and he says 😒"Yeah yeah. And WHERE do you think he learned ALL THAT STUFF? What do you THINK?" 😏......😳 I was just, shocked 😲😳. And hey, IK BOTH guys have passed and all but? Yeah...FUNK YOU EDDIE ,okay? Funk YOU...SMDH 😒 Yeah, because Rhoads just sounds "ohhh so much like YOU and YOUR playing Big Eddie....Right 👍..... But yeah man. EVERYONE was THERE....NO DOUBT. THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE "A SCENE" 😏 Anyways , ROCK the funk ON!!! 🤘🔥🎼🥁🎸🎉🥃🍚🍻😡😎🤘

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

why not? he probably had other things going on as a teacher. They played showed together. He of course would see some shows, but people who knew both definitely said Ed and Roth would go see Quiet Riot, Roth had an bug up his butt about Quiet Riot mocking them in concert several years later fact is neither guy sounds like the other

[@justingibson508]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle Too busy as a guitar teacher? Lol ....yeah he wasn't a E.R. doctor on call not buying that. Guitar teachers work afternoons/early evenings. Then go to band practice, play a show, or go see other bands play at his age especially. Not sure what world you've lived in but nice try:)

[@justingibson508]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle And don't get me wrong I'm a Ed guy but a big fan of Randy as well not slighting him. Just going by sources I've read over the yrs and using some COMMON but sadly not so common (for most ppl) sense. It came out recently in a documentary cannot remember who. But someone said Randy NEVER went and saw VH. Sorry but total b.s.!!

[@chrisb8655]

@@justingibson508 His girlfriend in the 70s, Jodi, has talked about how she went with Randy to see Eddie for the first time & how impactful that experience was. So., yeah, they both saw each other play.

[@devinspruill]

When Lynch says “they were the Kings,” listen the fuck up 💯🔥💯

[@gigisdad]

I got a copy of Tooth and Nail back in like 83 and still love it to this day. Such a unique guitar sound playing-wise as well as the sound itself...his tone. I love Randy but unlike George and Eddie, Randy's tone needed some help.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

fantastic album, one of my favorites. Randy's tone needed zero help, it was the most distinct tone of the 3. George and Ed are more similar. Are you kidding, he was a master of getting the tone he wanted, that was deliberate. No one has ever come close to sounding like those first two albums, plus if you look at the equipment Randy had one the first Blizzard of ozz album people are stunned at how he was able ot get that tone and sound, he also double and triple tracked stuff to create the effects. Listen to him playing live, he just cranked it up to 11. Randy had arguably the greatest tone of the 3, it was that different. Maybe it did not sound good to you, but know he produced that first album, amazing for a 23 year old kid, He produced it with Bob and guidance from Max Norman

[@gigisdad]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle No maybe about it. I don't like it so much. I'm talking more of his lead tone rather than rhythm. For instance, his lead tone on something like Over The Mountain almost makes me cringe. And yes using multiple tracks to get that fat distortion makes it sound good but it seems like cheating a bit. Eddie got his amazing tones live on the spot.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@gigisdad the lead tone is what makes the song...people rave about that solo. How is it cheating when a guy can duplicate and triplicate his tracks unlike anyone Max Norman has seen or heard before and since, He knew what he wanted to do Randy was a cheat code for A league musicianship

[@gigisdad]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle We obviously have different tastes.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

@@gigisdad taste isn't the issue here it's that you need to hear reality

[@Diggerdog2nd]

Lita Ford was friends with Eddie VH & knew Paul Stanley & took him to see VH> Paul was impressed & told Gene about it then Gene went to see them, but the way Gene tells it is that he discovered VH. Interesting Georges opinion of Randy's Quiet Riot as I've always felt the same & hated that I did because I'm such a big fan of his. They didn't have the songs but later on Blizzard & Diary the chemistry with Bob, Lee & Oz was amazing & it showed in writing some of the best songs ever.

[@mcwarren8755]

September's East Hanover NJ ?

[@mrrsnlk03]

I had seen an interview a lil while back and I forget who it was with but the person was talking about the finger tapping that EVH was very well known for and he was saying that George Lynch was the first one to bring that to the rock music scene. Now, true or not, I don't know..

[@zeekmx1970]

1. I don't do music without George Lynch. 2. I don't play guitar without George Lynch. 3. George Lynch protects us from Freddy Krueger. 4. George Lynch is not a Scream Warrior. He is a Dream Warrior. Those who mock Dokken are not worthy.

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Dokken are A leaguers, Lynch Mob is awesome as well

[@TruthSurge]

3:38 I don't agree. I don't hear any EVH influence upon Randy. Randy's tone was more classic Marshall and he didn't change his sound to sound more like the spongy, saturated EVH sound. Randy was never tapping false harmonics like EVH. Randy didn't do the standard EVH two hand tapping but he did do a version of it in several solos but it was not the straight 3 notes up like EVH. it was a pattern of 6. Start of Crazy Train solo is exactly that. F# minor notes to D maj notes then it branches off from tapping to the rest of the solo. Both the Ozzy solo albums with Randy were POST EVH by many years and I do not hear any similarity beyond they both played through loud Marshall amps but very different tone and very different playing styles. Randy rarely used a whammy bar... EVH used it quite a lot. The whole EVH/RANDY rivalry was only in EVH's head. Randy was doing his own things and anyone who's read up on it knows that Randy was really interested in classical guitar and the DISimilarities just keep going. George just claims oh yeah, you couldn't HELP but be influenced by Eddie. Okay, list one lick from the Ozzy solo albums that can be also found on a VH album. Eddie was great and fast and fiery and Randy was more smooth and not quite as fast and fiery but he played better scale patterns than Ed. Ed did better blues rock licks that he would also mutate into crazy licks and 5 note bends. I think EVH was a bit more creative than Randy but Randy was great.

[@michaelcard9382]

George always down plays his playing and says he played along with all these old albums etc then when you hear his phrases and attack and your like how the hell did he come up with that! 😄 Def a signature sound and unique approach

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Geoege is unique with a discerning tone but he was not the writer ED or Rhoads was

[@colbyclayton8052]

My favorite game. Is it Warren or George?

[@kip6963]

Speaking of George and Eddie....I have never seen a picture of the two of them together, or Eddie with Ace Frehley. Just a thought

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

not sure they were friends , never really heard Ed talk about George, but they did tour together on Monsters of Rock

[@kip6963]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle yes, 1988

[@barbaradascalos4411]

Don has spoken of knowing Eddie in those days...Eddie brought them on Monsters too.

[@kellyreinoso4827]

The very first gig I ever saw live was Xciter(sp) opening for the original QR. So George and Randy were the first 2 guitarists I witnessed. @ The Starwood. I couldn't wait to go back to Hollywood the next weekend, not realizing I'd be disappointed by shit bands 75% of the time!

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

how was the show and what do you remember most?

[@kellyreinoso4827]

@@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle I just remember the singer of Xciter had a piss stain on his pants by his dick bulge (or jizz). And QR was energetic, Randy threw lots of picks. Fender tortoise mediums. I had several, they all grew legs over the years. Also had a white Fender heavy triangle pick from Kelli Garni. His Rickenbacker sounded smooth. Like Geddy. That was 45 yrs ago! 🙋🏼‍♂️

[@grathapilot]

Cool, I was hoping you'd get to do a Lynch interview after the Don and Tom Werman ones. Hopefully he answers some q's about his sometimes, erm, controversial behavior in the past =P

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

Who's questionable past ?? George he doesn't have one