It looks like guitar legend George Lynch is going to retire the name of his band Lynch Mob. The original Dokken guitarist made the decision due to inexcusable racial overtones in a time of division and progress. Ultimately deciding not to record or tour under the name. The decision has been met with praise from all over the rock and metal community. Including LM vocalist Andrew Freeman.
Obviously the band name is a play on words with George Lynch’s name. And at the time of the groups formation in the late 80’s, he certainly meant no animosity towards any racial or minority groups. But Lynch did mention a certain awareness of the band’s name. Even during the formation years. As he mentioned in an interview on Audio Ink, ‘the name itself, of course, has always been problematic. And now it’s inexcusable to keep the name. With everything going on in the world, it really was sort of an epiphany moment.’
Well, better late than never. The name is obviously an issue. But the name carries more weight with it when the band decides to release albums titled ‘Rebel’ and ‘The Brotherhood.’ That clearly going to attract a very racist and conservative audience. Something 80’s hard rock tends to do anyways. Just look at some of the comments on larger rock and metal blogs such as Loudwire and Metal Injection. The album names are really disappointing. Especially considering how good the music is on them. Of course, there really isn’t anything about race or social commentary in LM’s material. Songs like ‘Pine Tree Avenue’ and ‘Jelly Roll’ just kick out the excellent funk rock. Backed with Oni Logan’s soulful vocals. Well produced with endless tasty riffage.
Lynch is a tremendous song writer. And one of the truly excellent players to pick up the guitar. Just listen to what he’s done with the supergroup KXM with Doug Pinnick and Ray Luzier. I’ve always tried to remove the name from the band. But it’s been getter harder and harder as time moves on. So retiring the name really gives me hope. It also provides a certain peace of mind while listening to the band. Knowing that it’s founder and leader realizes the issue and is doing something about it is a refreshing take. And it doesn’t mean that he’s retiring in general. Lynch has several projects coming up. Including a new KXM album that will undoubtedly be excellent. And I’m sure there will be many killer albums from the same musicians that made LM such a quality band. Despite its name.
