King's X's dUg Pinnick on Being Embraced & Banned by the Christian Community, Racism - Interview

[@ThePubliusValerius]

Doug Pinnick is one of the most genuine, sweetest, and talented people on this planet. We go way back. I first discovered KX in probably 1990, and was instantly hooked. I grew up in an extremely conservative Christian home, and my mother wouldn't let me listen to all that evil stuff like AC/DC and Metallica (lol) - but she read in some Christian magazine that a band called King's X was a Christian band with positive lyrics, and she let me listen to them. I was instantly obsessed. They didn't come off as a Christian band like Petra or some others I had heard, but just had very deep and spiritual lyrics that spoke to me. They literally saved my life. I was a very rebellious and depressed teenager, and I almost offed myself - but listening to King's X made me think differently. Over the years, I saw them in concert several times, and was always blown away. Finally, years later, they came to my hometown of Wilmington, NC, and I finally got to meet these legends. I was in the front row rocking out the whole time, and after the show, I just hung around as close to Doug as possible. He then turns to me and says, "we're going to hang out upstairs for awhile, do you want to join us?" Are you kidding? My girlfriend (now my wife) and my buddy and I went upstairs, and for the next like 6 hours, we hung out with the band and had the time of our life. Their road manager actually came in at like 6 AM and said the bus is leaving with or without the band in 5 mins! Doug and I actually became pals of sorts from that point, and would write from time to time. He's been an inspiration and a great friend, and I dearly love that man, and wish him all the happiness in the world.

[@jonnysmokesmusic]

Kings X is the best trio America ever produced. Canada had Rush, UK had Police, but KX is just unbelievably huge sounding for 3 guys.

[@jeffgomez88]

Good things come in threes.

[@philobeddoe8342]

ZZ Top would like a word with you

[@phillipweber6059]

Seeing them live really showcases their power.

[@Lycurgus1982]

@@philobeddoe8342 to tell you King's X is their favorite band.

[@rudygracia5573]

@@philobeddoe8342 Spoiler alert!ZZ has a little extra help from programmed sythsizers!(Eliminator album songs).

[@iceWaterProductions1]

I live in Houston and it was great to see Kings X in concert for over 30 years there. I’ll be a Kings X fan for my whole life and tell everybody how great they are. Probably the best band ever.

[@vinceedwards3978]

I still remember a friend playing It's Love for me all these years ago. I waa hooked ever since!!!

[@JoeBuckDaniel1]

I grew up outside Houston but was working member of the Houston music scene. Kings X was a huge influence outside their genre as well as we were a Kicker Band. This was when they were still considered a local band. It was all about the balance of the sound and their sonic energy. AND IT WORKED. We didn’t sound like them but we were voted #1 Country Band in Houston. Using Kings X, along with our other influences brought out better balance and sound that the only Reason we didn’t win the Houston Press Award for best Country Band was Clint Black releasing his first album. Who coincidentally also lived in Katy, Tx along with D at the same time. Regardless of what Dug says, if I ever met him, as this now 50+ plus straight white male, I would shower him with Love and Appreciation for his years of filling my ears with his Glorious Music. He is an Icon in my heart.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Glad you posted this. More kids need to know this Guy!!!!!!!

[@markferrett700]

I was walking along Oxford Street in London 1989 and heard a great band playing in a pub and thought ive got to check these guys out. It was KX. They were playing a"warm up" gig two hours before their real gig at the Astoria theatre!! Spoke to the guys and they really were the most humble decent guys you could meet. I ran the entire length of Oxford Street to grab a ticket to see them again at the Astoria. Saw them twice in an evening....how blessed was i👏👏👏👏👏

[@foolkiller65z56]

@@markferrett700 Very!

[@alvingrimes7053]

Mad respect for this band. Never seen a bad show. Power, melody, poetry, spirituality, and class.

[@OznerpaGMusiC]

one of THE most underrated bands ever - their self titled album is a masterpiece, but really all their shit is fantastic

[@JimmyGallowayGuitar]

I saw KX 5 years ago- they still got it! Incredible show, and LOUD AF. Take ear protection. dUg still has so much power, and Jerry & Ty were so great- criminally underrated. I took a friend, and he was an instant convert!

[@TheAxe4Ever]

I’m a straight, white, conservative Christian male that embraces masculinity and all of that traditional stuff…..and I absolutely LOVE and adore Dug Pinnick! Kings X is easily in my top 5 or even 3 bands. And Dug, I absolutely agree with you on the hypocrisy of so many so-called Christians and churches. I just don’t get people not practicing what they preach. I have no use for those kind of people.

[@jonathanblake7003]

This Interview sucks and really disappointeed.he went to shit hole ghetto LA.

[@jakefoxx7978]

Amen! Just got into King's X and The Expendables. Great bands!

[@automachinehead]

why do young people have to emphasize their skin color, gender and other political stuff in every comment? is that a new trend now? okay let me do it too: I'm an old straight white european, non-believer but baptized as Christian male that embraces masculinity and all of that traditional stuff…..and I absolutely LOVE and adore Doug Pinnick! However, back in 1989-1999 we didn't care about politics we say racist shit back then and nobody got offended. Some musicians wrote lyrics about global problems but we listeners never took it seriously we often find it cringe.

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

Denounce the Bible denounce Jesus Christ's teachings and see the light then.. the teachings of Paul are absolutely homophobic and Jesus endorsed slavery so he's nobody's savior..

[@strangevisions5162]

"A former Protestant, Pinnick has since openly discussed his agnosticism and his belief that Jesus Christ was not truly the Son of God.[58] Gaskill has also disassociated himself from Christianity. During interviews in the early 2000s, Tabor continued to identify as a Christian, but referred to the Christian music industry as "vile".[59][60] In an interview in late 2021, Pinnick stated "For some reason, King’s X [was considered] a Christian band. Maybe because that was our faith at the time; none of us are any more" I like their music, but can't respect their views.

[@drumz700]

What a talent Dug is. Great musician..great guy. Enjoyed the interview

[@ssiowi]

Thanks for this; both of you. I grab my Line 6 Variax and play along every time I hear 'Let It Rain'. Epic song, as usual from the Kings, and I'm eager to here these fellas again as soon as possible. Great new record; go get it y'all! Thanks DuG.

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

Most under appreciated band and frontman of all time. UNSTOPPABLE live band. Just absolute MAGIC. Pure MUSIC. Long live the music and spirit of KING’S X 🖤♾

[@wychwoodmusic]

Damn, I wonder how many other lowkey brilliant musicians are loitering in this comment section

[@joelaurino1448]

I met Dug only for a short time a long time when I wandered into a crappie Club on Salisbury Beach Massachusetts way back in the 80s. I heard a bass sound that I never heard before and I am a bass player and I had to get into that damn place made my way up to the non-existent stage which was at floor level, then I stood right beside him for the whole show marveling at his innovation and crazy sound. After the show short hello he was a nice guy and I thank the moon and stars for me being there and all the great music he is produced and turned me on to. Full support buddy, thank you for being there I've seen your being many times, but I got to tell you, when you open for porcupine tree in Boston it was absolutely spectacular, I'll see you up in Derry nh , got my tickets!! Best to Jerry and Ty.

[@bobthebear1246]

Very fascinating. I've been aware of Doug (or, Dug) Pinnick and King's X ever since Metal Shop first played "Visions" from *Out Of The Silent Planet* all the way back in 1988. The song blew me away and Pinnick came off as very shy and soft-spoken and intelligent in the brief interview, just the way he still is today. And at that time I didn't even know he was Black!! I've been following King's X on-and-off ever since, and it took me years to find-out that he actually came out as Gay. (I myself came-out in 1994.) So I look up to him more than ever now. I also thought he was in his early-sixties, not in his early-seventies. WOW. He doesn't look good or act like it. He's a pretty amazing guy, plus an absolutely amazing bassist and singer. 🤘🏻 By the way, this was a great interview. Thank you.

[@dwightburns6699]

Love you Dug!! New record is awesome, 👍💯😁

[@Dave_Wight_The_Rock_Oracle]

A buddy of mine told me King's X is one of the nicest group of guys he has ever met, especially the Drummer who talked to him for 90 minutes after sneaking into a soundcheck

[@ricardoalvarado5624]

Yes!👏 That right there! ☝🏼 I was living in Austin back in the 90's (when Austin was still cool,) and KX would play regularly at The Steamboat, Maggie May's, Liberty Lunch or The Backroom, and I'm here to tell you that these guys never held back or played less than 110%. So if I saw a listing in the local entertainment section of the Austin Chronicle that said King's X was in town, bet $ that I was there and you'd win. Just like one time when The Steamboat held one of their 'Open Face Jams' with four or five local bands and a touring act. Now I couldn't tell you who the local bands were, (I could probably give a really good guess.) It wasn't KX, but Jerry was there sitting in with whoever the touring band was. During one of the longer breaks, I grabbed a beer and stood around for a good several minutes not realizing that Gaskill was right next to me. 🤦‍♂️ 'Oh, sh|t, Jerry Gaskill! How're you doing, man? Gotta say thanks for being here tonight, blah, blah." And if he wasn't just one of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet, then I hope you meet nicer people. A very engaging man who turned completely towards me when speaking, looking right at me all the while to let me know that he was truly speaking with me at the same level. I've met a few other higher profile performers who give an almost sh|tty air of condescension, seemingly talking down to or at you. But Jerry Gaskill wasn't one of those guys, be sure of that. For the ten or fifteen minutes I stood there talking to him about family, a bit of politics, movies, music and entertainment, he was about as humble a guy I've ever spoken with. He excuses himself very politely when the break was almost over, but not before thanking me for 'coming down to support local music here in Austin' with a solid handshake while looking me straight in the eye, and then a genuine bro hug. Getting up in my years now, it's hard to recall details of things like that. But I *do* remember how he was such a cool guy and how nice it was to stand there and talk to him, not as a performer, but as a regular guy who could've been your neighbor. Here's to Jerry Gaskill and King's X for being the coolest band I've ever met, along with all the music they've given us over the years. I know I an speak for likely all of us when I say we love you guys. 🤜🏽💥🤛🏽

[@toma.4808]

They are super nice. They also don't charge for autographs and pics. One of the only bands that actually care about their fans and are very much involved with them

[@DoubleDguitar]

I love turning new friends on to Kings X. Mind blowing stuff.

[@marks8437]

The world is a better place because you guys did your thing. King's X is magical, masterful. My favorite band by a wide margin, the musicianship of all three of you is amazing. dUg, the sound you make with your fingers is gorgeous. Love you man, keep on keeping on.

[@Thisistheway2050]

I met Dug at a bass clinic. It was him and Billy Sheehan just killing it on bass and teaching. And Dug was cool as hell. We talked bass and music and and he gave me one of his picks and an autograph. It was a room full of rockers and I was the only black guy(besides Dug😂😂) so I'll never forget how cool it was to hang and talk with him. It was really surreal.

[@mikestillwagon5675]

I still remember seeing Shot of Love in Headbanger's Ball. I was instantly hooked.

[@dcdavis1391]

I was so lucky to be there at the filming of Shot Of Love. So much fun. The overhead shots were done by David Ohlerking of the Awful Truth. I was in a band called Velvet Hammer and we were lucky enough to be fam with KX.

[@davedecker1725]

PREACH dUg!!!!!!! Still waiting for the new album to reach my local record store. I guess 14 YEARS ISN'T LONG ENOUGH to wait for new King's 😎

[@KowankoMusic]

I love Dug! He's a true slat of the earth person, humble and generous. To say nothing of his musical prowess. I'm about to listen to Three Sides of One for the first time, so excited for it.

[@johncollins1365]

When I first heard Kings X I thought they would become as big as U2. Heavy-gospel-Beatles. One of the greatest bands of all time. Love you, dUg

[@briankrueger1142]

Dug is such a cool cat. Total truth about the long hair. I would be followed around in stores back in the day. The first thing I noticed when I cut my hair is that I became invisible.

[@michigunsanta8680]

Got to meet him (Ty and Jerry) after a show near Detroit at the Emerald theater, my daughter was with me, they were so cool to her and so gratuitous with their time. This was a decade ago so My daughter was a teen and she was blown away by them as artists and she absolutely loved Dug and I think he made a big impression on her. 👍🏻

[@Deetroiter]

This is the truth! I saw them at the Token Lounge over in Livonia (incredible venue to see them at! They’re coming back again soon too!) and took someone as their first concert. The guys always stay to meet with every last fan, no extra money involved. We got to the table and start to take a picture when the person held the camera yells out, “first concert!”…Doug says first concert with a big smile and then turns with a shocked look on his face and says first concert?? 😂 we had a good laugh and they were pure class through and through. The legend this band is and they treat it like it’s their honor to meet the fans, that they’re grateful fans would take their time to meet the band…it’s really something.

[@dragonfly1694]

Much respect to dUG & also to Full In Bloom for the great interview 👍

[@paulthompson8642]

Thanks again

[@jimmycoleman5853]

It’s nice to hear someone still showing love for California.

[@newavatar2947]

Right?

[@michellerosebrown]

Amen.

[@jesuschristdestroysmarxism3916]

Not a place for freedom

[@js27-a5t]

@@jesuschristdestroysmarxism3916 C'mon dude. Not the place for that discussion, chill out. Oh actually: It's love that holds it all together I just had to let you know

[@ministerofdarkness]

One of the nicest, coolest man on the planet and the moon.

[@csnide6702]

I remember seeing King's X way back in early 90s & they were really great... ! very underrated.

[@ruination775]

Such a Fantastic Band. Dug is so Awesome 👌

[@brotherscoobs]

Love this band...have seen them many times...my favorite was faith hope love tour in Boston...got to meet the guys at a guitar store in manchester NH before a show...super nice and gracious

[@saltpeter7429]

603. I grew up in the woods of NH, always a handful of musical people who were promoting Kings X. They had quite a heavy word of mouth promotion.

[@brotherscoobs]

@@saltpeter7429 born in Concord raised in Temple...saw them twice at Sharkey's in Nashua..super intimate and awesome

[@asnark7115]

Good interview, really good band. I had a cluster of younger friends from high school in North Houston who went nuts for King's X after I graduated. Those friends of mine WERE NOT especially Christian, lower-class, uneducated, nor particularly clean-cut. For those that don't know, Houston Heights, Montrose and Midtown were where a lot of grass roots and local legends began or ended up. Clubs like Numbers, Fitzgerald's, Continental Club, etc. Gay, Rockabilly, Redneck, Punk, Tejano,.. Cool to hear some of the history behind that history..

[@issuesandtissues9280]

I love Kings X great interview 💜

[@BryanX64]

Being from Houston I thought it was so cool that they used the Houston skyline from the ‘80s on their first album Out of the Silent Planet🤘

[@StONed-mb1iv]

Saw these guys two times…..I still remember the shows!!! 90s……… 12string bass he played…

[@AudioFreqx]

Got to meet dUg and Jerry outside the Lonestar in KCMO. 1991 or so? Nice people just thanking us hardcores for showing up so early and shaking our hands.

[@jerkerjansson386]

Great interview! Dug is a legend!

[@briandickie1451]

Thank you for this!

[@Bends95]

Fascinating interview

[@Ludekuize]

This makes me remember rehearsing with a band I was in at the end of the 90's and mentioning King's X to my fellow band members - before I knew it we were playing "Over my head" and loving it!

[@mowriter]

I adore King's X, and I adore Doug. Hearing about his healing, his becoming more real, his honesty. His struggles with faith, it all resonates.

[@zaynevanbommel5983]

I got into Kings X in 1992 in New Zealand and i absolutely loved them their music saved me from some dark times as a teen i owe them a lot

[@zaynevanbommel5983]

BTW i was buying their cassette tapes from my local Christian Book/Music store

[@SPQRTempus]

That was around a year after I (a fellow Kiwi living in NZ) got into them, and I'm not a Christian, I heard about them via the prog metal route. A lot Dream Theater fans from the early 1990s were also Kings X fans and I became one of them.

[@ericklingenberg5309]

King's X! Cool! Is there more to this interview?

[@fullinbloom]

Yes.

[@FlyingGemSparkly]

I got to see Kings X open for Extreme at a free show at Union Centre area north of Cincinnati many years ago! There was only about 1,000 or so people there which was a surprisingly small crowd but both bands CRUSHED it!

[@saltpeter7429]

Interesting. The first I heard of Kings X was a man from church who would play guitar with me. He was an amp and guitar maker, a great guy with social anxiety. He claimed he was " jamming" with me, but truth is I was a novice, didnt know a G chord from my elbow. This dude was teaching me. Hooked me up with gear, he and his family supported my love of music. He was big into Ty Tabor and Kings X. Thanks for giving a little background to the church affiliation.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

This has been one of my favorite bands ever since I saw them on their first tour in 1988, and they played “the Omni“ in Oakland California, and blew our minds.

[@RFXLR]

“We couldn’t even spin around onstage without them coming to pray the demons out of you.” Hilarious!! Love King’s X! I agree that religion can be hypocritical. You can’t claim to know and love everyone, then be sanctimonious and exclude those who are different than you. I, however don’t necessarily agree with his views on Texas. I’m from Texas and a minority and though I have experienced racism, most of the people are cool and have a live and let live attitude. It’s the extreme views that taint the whole place.

[@Gekokujo76]

In a lot of these situations, I believe race is thrown in unnecessarily. Doug recalls the era as being a time that was full of religious fervor and unpleasant to long-haired white guys. That was my red-state experience in the mid 80s also. For that reason, maybe it is the mohawk on your head and not your black skin that is getting you unwanted attention from old ladies and cops. THAT makes sense in 85 more than unbridled public racism....and it's why people had mohawks in 85. NOBODY did that to be treated better by law enforcement and the elderly....for fuck's sake. I'd let it pass...but then to make it a race thing is even more ignorant.

[@christopherw6309]

I agree that much of the time it has nothing to do with race. Never going to win the argument though. Love Kings X

[@4dmind]

One of the best bands of all-time, live and in the studio. King's X is a huge foundational piece for me as a musician.

[@mtrich8113]

With the harmony vocals King's X definitely influence AIC and most of grunge, music owes a lot to these guys. He's right about Texas pulling you over because you're black for no reason, and if there's not they'll find one.

[@jesuschristdestroysmarxism3916]

That's actually a twisted mythe all the statistics show the opposite that's been a very false narrative BS """ not supported by Actual statistics

[@jakefoxx7978]

As a Christian I do have an appreciation for the spiritual or otherwise deep messages in King's X songs, but I never thought of them as another Stryper or Whitecross. In fact, they were a lot more like Living Colour to me as far as message styles go, and I do pay attention to the words as much as I can, seeing if the instrumentation was representing the emotion of the context and vice versa. It's because of Stryper I started doing this sort of thing more often, and it's why I don't listen to death metal or the super heavy sound that undoubtedly paints a picture of "darkness". To put it more plainly, there are some forms of metal, some metal bands that don't speak to me like Living Colour, Scorpions, Van Halen, or Primus do. My appreciation for deep lyrics complimented by creative and textural musicianship exceeds my appreciation for what people normally consider to be Christian music. Honestly, sometimes as beautiful as those songs are- they bore me to tears. They don't communicate with my inner being quite as vividly as say- "Summerland" or "Human Behavior". It's pretty sad having this feeling that if my family or brothers and sisters in Christ would judge me because I listen to classic rock and alt metal, but what would they know? Having recently picked up bass a few Christmases ago, I'm that much more drawn to these other genres and artists, exploring other tones and textures to hopefully spice up my own playing. As a final thought, when I first heard "Over My Head" and gave the entire Dogman album a listen I sort of confirmed to myself that this is what I'd want my band to sound like (if I had one), so there's a lot I love about this band's style. That's my blabbering done with. God bless any who have read this far into my comment 🙏 😅

[@chickintruth]

Yep. Jesus freak & King's X fan here. Many secular songs are deeply spiritual; for example, Tool's masterpiece, "Right in Two". Peace to you.

[@cygnals524]

King's X is amazing!!!! They are criminally underrated as well. I have turned more people onto them over the years than any other band. I first saw their video for "Over My Head" right when "Gretchen Goes To Nebraska" and ran out to but that LP & was immediately blown away. As a guitar player/musician I was in awe at how incredible all 3 of them are. They all sing and their "sound" is so unique and infectious. I was hooked from that point on and buy all their releases the moment they are available including their solo releases. I have seen them live 3 times and they first time I saw them live was on the "Ear Candy" tour in Boston and was blown away all over again. It is rare for a band to be as good as they are in the studio but to pull it off live the way they do is even better. Another time I saw them at this tiny hole in the wall place with pool tables in New Hampshire & they gave 100%+ like they did at the Boston show. Dug has such an awesome stage presence as well. Since the late 1980s I ask any new friend I make if they have heard of King's X and if they say "No" or "Yes, but I don't know their music" I immediately hand them a stack of their CDs to borrow & tell them to listen to each one a few times & they always thank me for turning them onto such an awesome band and they wonder why they haven't heard of them before. Thanks for posting the interview. In the early 1990s I worked at this one job where we played CDs at work and the customers could hear it & I remember this dude coming back to our work area and asking me "who is that band you play that sings that song Lost In Germany" LOLOL so just by playing their music I have turned others onto them. I am psyched they are currently touring and plan on catching them live.

[@mariomacias7090]

Great interview !!

[@NealVan]

I had no idea how old dUg is…in this interview, he said he’s 72 and this is a year ago! Damn! I’ve had the fortune of being in the right place at the right time and had gotten to meet them during the Gretchen tour as they were passing through NJ. I always thought at the time back in their first few albums that this could be what the Beatles might have sounded like if they had stuck together. I mean the vocals mostly of course as their instrument skills are far superior. But I’m still blown away by how old dUg is! It answers many questions I’ve had about his look from the late 80s until today. now I’ve got to listen to the band interview and see if the other guys are in the same age bracket. I’m so very glad for many years now that Jerry came back from his heart problems. Plus I’ve respected Ty for his chops and his decision to keep his tones and gear to himself most of his public career. Last bit…I got to help bring in their gear as the clubs and bars I used to play at all knew me and knew I never caused any trouble. I’d show up very early and most of the time I would wait until the roadies began moving gear in and just grab a handle, or a roll of cable and help them out. Very few ever asked who I was, some even bought me a beer after finding out I was just a Marciano trying to make it myself and thought seeing as many bands and how they used whatever gear they had might help me discover my own sound. Anyway…I saw Ty’s guitar rig prior to the Dogman gear change. He even had his head facing backwards or covered by something in those days. His pedalboard was very simple and what you’d expect, but Ty had his own ‘secret sauce’ when he used the same pedals, heads, cabs, etc. as many guitarists did, but only he got them to sound his way. Lastly, I was in the local radio station when they came to my area and sat there listening live as they performed a few songs acoustic and what incredible vocals these three fellows had and still have. I still think it’s funny that the Dogman album was recorded as it was because of a tuning error dUg made and they decided it sounded awesome and just went with it, but never performed those songs tuned that low live. Great band and now I’ve got to learn more about a band I’ve truly enjoyed when I heard their first radio hit…It’s Love. I can’t speak for anyone else, but when I hear a band and it’s not their first album. I always went backwards to find their earliest things and see how they got to where I found them. I did the same for Rush, and many other bands that caught my attention in the late 60s through the mid 90s. Thanks to whomever for recording and posting this interview.

[@eddiemuniz761]

They sounded Phenomenal at not playing too loud at the Limelight in New York!!!!!

[@Keyesoccer67]

These guys played at Pig n whistle in Houston, I remember my brother who was the owner of pub told me to tell them to turn down the volume. The windows were shaking in the place. I told them to turn it up some.

[@arongamman9360]

I love King's X and never had any connection to Christianity. Been a fan since 1989 with Gretchen. My favorite band! I just connect with their honesty.

[@js27-a5t]

Me, too. My background is more indie rock and experimental music. But really, I just love art rock. King's X is a gem. It sucks that the media branded them as not cool enough and not really grunge. Those of us who are musicians and have an ear to the ground and don't care so much about genre distinctions, we know they're the real deal.

[@geeveeme]

Love this band and the whole Dogman album is permanently imprinted in my head , every melody and every word I can hear in my head daily , monster monster band .. Ty is amazing and super different and melodic , Doug is such and amazing rock blues singer , love what he did with George Lynch !! Easily one on my favorite singers , Dam ...Love Doug!! And then there Jerry Gaskell !!! What a bad ass drummer ..I hate saying this but these guys are very underrated as a band but I like the fact that they aren't commercial as well ...super original !!

[@FretLevelMidnight]

Htf can you not love dUg Pinnick? He's so honest and true, and the long-haired guy comment at the end is so true, this dude gets it, and he's an exceptional musician to boot. Thanks for this.

[@myflyisopen.8732]

Thank you, dUg. I've been a fan since the late 80's and got BASHED for it to the point I was judged for my over all tastes. As a gay bassist myself, I have been met with so many damn boundaries and subjugations in bands and tours. I just say keep on trucking. The last words were priceless.

[@charlesdigennaro4981]

I’m in a kings x tribute band. This band was the only band that I wished I was in!So underappreciated.

[@sharonherzog7884]

A King's X tribute band ! Wow I would love to check it out ... Where and when do you gig. ?

[@js27-a5t]

What's the name of the band?

[@Mdrobile]

Doug Pinnick is one of my favorite humans and i've never met the man. He's taking me on so many amazing rides via their music

[@roymartin500]

I always thought of Kings X as a modern day Rush. Kinda doing their own thing. No, I dont think they sound like Rush but with the Three Piece thing and all.

[@bobthebear1246]

I agree. They're a power trio who just does their own thing.

[@sarah2.017]

I'm glad somebody else thinks so! A Rush/King's X double bill would have be da bomb.

[@arongamman9360]

If anything, Ty has been inspired by Alex Lifeson more than the bands sound similar. I hear it mostly in Ty's choices of chords than anything.

[@grahamkey8496]

@@sarah2.017 They were in talks with Rush about doing a support slot once, but couldn't get their diaries to line up

[@sarah2.017]

@@agentorange3417 That must have been around the time of "Out of the Silent Planet."

[@Mikey_Sea]

Great band n cool guy.

[@phillipweber6059]

I saw King's X the day before Thanksgiving (Nov23, 2022) in Dallas. The show had been postponed and rescheduled multiple times over the span of three years (COVID and Jerry's health). Packed house. I happened to be standing next to Ty's guitar tech. I asked him what was the secret to his tone and he said "magic!"

[@roberttaylor1275]

Kxm...NOISES IN THE SKY..AMAZING AND HAUNTING...THANKS DOUG

[@heavi-armed-infadel]

I've played bass 35 years, dUg is one of my biggest influences, love that guy!

[@anthonylynch4737]

Nothing will ever beat LA in the 80's !

[@gornhorror]

King’s X is just the best kept secret in music. I consider any King’s X fan part of a privileged few!!! Going to see them again at the Newton Theatre in N.J on March 7th and bringing a person that doesn’t know them!!! Can’t wait to see the look on his face!!! I’m almost jealous. I remember what I felt back in 89’ When zi put on GGTN for the first time. It was like entering a new magical universe. This band, I’ll tell ya!!!

[@johnkilpatient1509]

I know exactly where I was when I 1st heard OUT OF A SILENT PLANET. Proud to

[@FreeTimeMastermind]

A lot of great bands peaking in the transition between hair rock and grunge fell off the map. I was aware of them but didn't listen to any of their songs until recently. Amazing player. Like Pinnick said "Be yourself". Do your thing.

[@RoryLynott]

Kings X, such a phenomenal band.

[@dorianclark6]

I remember when Doug was working at a place in Houston called the Dream Merchant...It was so cool!!!!

[@Lynchfan88]

I remember seeing a vid from 'Out of the Silent Planet' on Headbanger's Ball in late '88 and I thought it was good. Mid summer of '89 I see them on MTV again on their 'Hard 60' weekday rock/hard rock show and they played 'Over My Head' and I still love that song & vid. I ran right out & bought the cassette (remember those?) and since replaced it on cd 20 some years ago. Cool band, dUg is an interesting dude.

[@hopkinsdesign4027]

I grew up in Houston during the same time Kings X was coming up... huge fan... loved loved loved them. Very familiar with Katy (it's about 30 min outside of Hou)... it REALLY saddens me to hear how he was treated, it's how so many black/brown/Asian people are often treated there. It's disgusting. I'm a white male, and it just disgusts me. I'm saddened but not at all surprised by it. Live well in California Dug!

[@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO]

I wouldn't read into it. Meaning, I'm sure it's not the norm (even if there was slightly more racism in Texas or Houston area). I think it's still rare and overblown (though I'm sad to hear of any negative experience Dug may have had to suffer).

[@hopkinsdesign4027]

@@Sovereign_Citizen_LEO it's not overblown. It happened then and it's happening even more now. Worst thing about it is the fact that 30 years later the racism and bigotry is worse than before. I'm a lifelong Texan and unfortunately I see it everywhere. There's no reason for it.

[@gregorybennett5640]

Being from Houston I ran into dUg from time to time. The first time I saw him was probably ‘86, ‘87, he was in his late 30’s and I seriously thought he was a 17 year old kid that had snuck into the bar, lol.

[@johndenson3107]

Always liked em & had one or 2 of their cds. Never knew alot about them though. Great to hear Dug! Very inciteful 👍

[@garthgundy]

So inspiring 🔥❤️🔥

[@baustin1215]

When I was young I used to think they were a Christian band because of that album “Faith Hope Love”. Seems like this would easily confuse people. Regardless, what a solid, underrated rock band!

[@Iamverybald]

King's X is one of the greatest bands ever. They deserve way more than what they got in their 40+ year career.

[@antrygis1]

Doug, I actually got into Kings X from Kerrang the British rock mag. Hard Rock + Metal. I bought a select few albums because I related to the writers' taste and description. So, I bought your 1st LP...one of those gold stamped promo albums. After that I got the next one.

[@henrikharbin5521]

I always considered them a rock band. That's what mattered to me, and it still does. I started as a fan almost at the time when Gretchen was out. I'm still a fan even 9 years after becoming Lutheran.

[@rolemodlin]

I know he probably won't see this but I want to apologize on behalf of the Church. I am a Christian. I am a pastor. I am a King's X fan.

[@jesuschristdestroysmarxism3916]

There's been plenty of great born again Christian actual bands like Stryper , Kutluss or Petra or Decyfer down

[@chickintruth]

Big fan of King's X and a follower of Jesus Christ. In 1992, when I was an atheist; I loved Dug. But now I love him even more. I can't & won't apologize for the church; I can only apologize for my own failings...but as Dug explained perfectly, we all screw up and all humans can be hypocrites, no matter what religion they follow. Peace to you.

[@mr.d.572]

Maybe the church in general failed him but it fails all of us. We've all been rejected, hurt, untreated poorly by fellow Christians and just fellow humans. I'm sorry but his situation is just not special and he needs to work on coming to terms with it.

[@regandunn4850]

Amazing band

[@cancelbubble6535]

Great interview. Gretchen Goes to Nebraska is fantastic. California is a nice place if you have a lot of money and support the politics.

[@stratdx]

Great voice on that dude

[@aaronblanchard4538]

Most underrated band in history, you havent felt unity and love till youve participated in a goldilox singalong at a kings x show

[@termsofusepolice]

Three Sides Of One is their strongest record since Ear Candy IMO. Been on team KX since Faith Hope Love.

[@reemclaughlin4260]

I adore dUg. ♥️☮️

[@randallfloyd4476]

no bullshit with doug....always tells it like it is.

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

Religion and spirituality are positive concepts. Introducing the human element into those concepts tends to fuck things up royally - like in virtually ALL other aspects of life. Case in point, see some of the comments in this section.

[@fromthemoonraccoon]

I have new appreciation for King's X's name as a pun for King Sex ;) Rock on!

[@grantwallace1882]

I used to walk the dog to Gretchen and Silent Planet. King's X are one of a kind.

[@dirtyrottenhikers4972]

I grew up I Joliet Illinois where Dug is supposedly from as well. I love Kings X music. I saw them play in 1989 at the Cubby Bear in Chicago. What a fantastic show. The Masters of Reality opened for them and we're shortly booed off of the stage. I thought Dug's Mohawk was super cool back then. I have had cops give me hard time as well while growing up there. I sure was disappointed listening to how Dug feels about White people. I shouldn't really surprise me as it is so very acceptable to be anti White these days. I listened to a motivational speaker named Les Brown for years, then one day he spoke in an interview speaking about White privilege. A millionaire who kissed the ring of Oprah. Enjoy Hollywood.

[@toma.4808]

I remember buying out of the silent planet out of the new releases record bin in record world( $5.99 vinyl ) I took it home, played it start to finish, the record blew me away. There was nothing like them out there! Ive seen KX about 30 times, i remember i brought that very record for them to sign at a show they did back in 1992 in NJ. Jerry rolled his eyes and laughed, ty saw it and said "wow..THIS one?" And when i got to doug i told him how much i loved this record and says " really? Wow! Why? Oh boy Did u show this to ty? Its not very good!!"😂 They all signed it😂

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

Dug is the man and he is right about long hair guys getting it and understanding the feeling of being looked at like you're a shady person or a criminal. I'm so sick of people looking down on guys with long hair! What F ing year is this? People still look at guys with long hair as some sort criminal or druggie. That pisses me off. We have to stop generalizing. Just because you have seen long haired criminals doesn't mean all long hairs are the same. Most aren't. It's a similar thing thinking all black people are criminals or shady because of the crime we see on the news everynight. Don't generalize.

[@jeremygriffin4659]

Seen Dug at a Barren Cross concert in Houston. With album named Faith, Hope, and Love.....thought they were Christian. Wish I could have seen them with Morgan Cryer back in the day.

[@seethroughhead505]

But who is the Full In Bloom guy?

[@sarah2.017]

I wonder if the guys in King's X have ever met the guys in Rush. If there's anyone I think they could be compared to, it's them, and a Rush/King's X double bill would have been perfect. Too late now, I know.

[@grahamkey8496]

Yes they have met and they were going to support Rush but they couldn't get their diaries to line up. That would have been an incredible pairing alright

[@magnuszetterqvist5936]

He is an experiencer 👽 Thanks 👍😘🇸🇪