Dokken
Encyclopedia
Dokken is an American
heavy metal
and hard rock
band formed in 1978. They split up in 1989 but reformed four years later. The group accumulated numerous charting singles and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. The band was nominated for a Grammy in 1989.
Dokken was composed of founder Don Dokken
on vocals, George Lynch
on lead guitar, Juan Croucier
on bass and "Wild" Mick Brown on drums. In 1983 Croucier left Dokken in order to join Ratt
and was replaced by Jeff Pilson
. Currently only Dokken and Brown remain from the original line-up. After several personnel changes on guitar Dokken's attorney Jon Levin stepped in to fill the role in 2004. In 2001 Barry Sparks replaced Jeff Pilson on bass. In 2009 Sean McNabb replaced Barry Sparks on bass guitar.
, and Mick Brown. Prior to this Don had been playing club shows in the Los Angeles
area billed as "Airborn", but had to change the band name to Dokken because another band with the same name had already acquired a record deal. In 1981 Don Dokken flew to Germany to sing background vocals on the upcoming Scorpions
album Blackout
in order to assist the band's vocalist Klaus Meine
who was suffering from a vocal ailment. While there, Accept was recording in another studio and its manager was able to secure Don a deal with Carrere Records. Breaking the Chains was first released on this label in Germany under the name "Don Dokken", but shortly thereafter Don met up with George Lynch
and Mick Brown, playing a band called Xciter at the time.
With the addition of Juan Croucier
, Dokken finally had a steady line-up. Meanwhile in the United States, manager Cliff Bernstein got the band signed in the United States. The band did an arena tour in the United States supporting Blue Öyster Cult
in 1983, but when the tour was over the band was left with little money and was nearly dropped from the label due to the album's lack of success.
While the band was very popular in Europe during this time they had not yet made commercial progress in the United States. Magazines such as Kerrang!
publicised Dokken in the UK.
and was replaced by Jeff Pilson
. 1984 saw the release of album Tooth and Nail on 13 September. The album contained several hit songs including "Just Got Lucky", "Alone Again", and "Into The Fire", and sold over one million copies in the US alone, peaking at #49, while selling another estimated one million copies worldwide. On 9 November 1985 the band's third album Under Lock and Key
was released. It also sold over one million copies with the singles "In My Dreams" (#24), "The Hunter" (#25) and "It's Not Love". During this time in the 1980s, Dokken opened for such bands as Judas Priest
, AC/DC
, Aerosmith
, and Dio
among others. In 1986 Heavy Metal Parking Lot
, a documentary about concert goers before a Dokken and Judas Priest concert, was filmed and released.
Following a successful tour with Scorpions
, Dokken returned to the studio in December 1986 to record "Dream Warriors", a song for the movie soundtrack A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
. The track brought the band to the attention of many UK hard rock fans. The song was released as a single (Dream Warriors
/ Back for the Attack) on 10 February 1987. After this release, the band took nearly 6 months off before recording Back for the Attack
. The album was released on 27 November 1987, with the singles "Burning Like a Flame" (#20), "Heaven Sent" and "Kiss of Death" making the album the band's most successful release, reaching #13 on U.S. charts. It also included a remixed version of the single "Dream Warriors" (#22), and the accompanying music video featured band members interacting with the film's characters. Back for the Attack became Dokken's third record to reach platinum status. Sculptor Steve Fiorilla
's customized writhing skeleton guitar was the highlight of their video for "Burning Like A Flame".
After releasing "Back for the Attack", the band toured as part of the Monsters of Rock Tour 1988
festival in the summer of 1988 along with Van Halen
, Scorpions
, Metallica
, and Kingdom Come
. Recordings from their April 1988 tour in Japan
led to the release of live album Beast from the East
on 16 November 1988, which went Gold in the United States and charted at #33. The album scored one studio single, titled "Walk Away" and a music video
was made for it.
in 1990 and Lynch Mob in 1992.
Don Dokken also recorded a solo album, titled Up from the Ashes in 1990 which spawned two singles. In 1991 bassist Jeff Pilson joined the McAuley Schenker Group
for their album M.S.G.
. Afterwards he joined Dio
in 1994 for the Strange Highways
album. He also fronted the band War and Peace, while George Lynch released a solo album.
Lynch's first solo effort, Sacred Groove reunited him with Don Dokken for the writing of the track We Don't Own This World. Don Dokken was also supposed to sing lead on the track, however at the last moment, Don was unable to attend the studio session and was replaced by Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
.
wanted to sign him for the album, he suggested that George Lynch be brought back into the band so that the album could be marketed as a Dokken album, and not another Don Dokken solo effort. Despite the fact that the tension between Lynch and Don Dokken was the cause of the band's 1988 split, the two agreed to put their problems behind them for the time being. The band re-united in 1995 along with Mick Brown and Jeff Pilson, with Lynch re-writing and re-recording the guitar solos on the album, which were originally conceived by Don. Dokken was signed with Columbia Records
and the album managed to sell over 300,000 copies despite the decline in popularity of similar bands during this time.
During the tour supporting Dysfunctional, old tensions between George and Don had resurfaced and the band began to split apart. During a Columbia
promotion for the new album in which the band was scheduled to play live on 120 radio stations, Lynch unexpectedly left the studio and refused to re-enter. The record company was forced to air the rehearsal tape that had been recorded earlier and four days later the label dropped Dokken, presumably because of this and other similar incidents involving Lynch's behavior. One Live Night
, a live acoustic album was released in 1996 by a new label, CMC
, and was followed with Shadowlife
in 1997. Don Dokken was dissatisfied with Shadowlife, an album in which George Lynch took total control and even went as far as to replace the original Dokken logo on the album. Don alleges that George intended to destroy the band with this album, reciting the following quote from Lynch in an interview: "This is the perfect record. This is gonna be the end of Dokken, and that is what I wanted to accomplish."
guitarist John Norum
who had previously played on his 1990 solo album and was familiar with the band's catalog, to help him finish the tour. Lynch tried to re-join the group just days before the tour began, but was told that he was "out" by the rest of the group. A lawsuit
followed in which Lynch sued the band for $1 million, but the band prevailed in the verdict. After the European tour, John Norum was unable to continue as he had previously committed to a solo record. The band then hired former Winger guitarist Reb Beach
, and recorded in 1999 the aptly titled Erase the Slate
. Dokken released another live album titled Live from the Sun
in 2000 before the departure of Beach.
Beach, who wanted to work on some other projects and could not commit to Dokken long term, was replaced by John Norum, who was now in between projects and able to participate in the band's touring schedule. Bassist Jeff Pilson also left the band, replaced by Barry Sparks
. In a 2004 interview, Don Dokken stated that Jeff left because "he wanted to do something different and didn't want to keep playing these songs over and over again." Of the original members, only Dokken and Mick Brown remained. This line-up released the album Long Way Home
, but Norum suffered a hand injury during the band's 2002 spring tour of Europe and had to be replaced by Alex De Rosso, previously of Dark Lord. That year Dokken was featured in the Metal Edge
Rock Fest tour along with Ratt
, FireHouse
, and other similar acts. In the spring of 2003, Dokken embarked on an extensive tour of the United States
opening for Scorpions
and Whitesnake
. After the tour guitarist Alex De Rosso lost his visa and had to return to Italy, at which point Don Dokken called Jon Levin who formerly played guitar on Doro
's Force Majeure
, and also had previously met with the band and played a single show in 1998. Levin joined the band, and the line-up of Dokken, Brown, Levin, and Sparks would remain through 2008. Dokken released Hell to Pay in 2004, which was seen by critics as a modern approach to the band's style. The band continued extensive touring in 2005 and 2006. 2007 saw the release of both a live CD and a compilation DVD. The CD, titled From Conception: Live 1981
, is a previously unreleased live recording from the band's early years which Don discovered in their master vault. The DVD release titled Unchain the Night was first released on VHS in 1986 and is a compilation of the band's music videos along with interviews and other footage. The band also performed at the glam metal festival Rocklahoma
in both 2007 and 2008.
On 13 May 2008 Dokken released their first studio album in four years titled Lightning Strikes Again
, which was met with increased commercial success and became the band's highest charting album in 13 years , debuting at #133 in the United States. The album was a return to the band's signature sound and the songs follow the classic Dokken formula. Don Dokken told interviewers that Jon Levin was the bandmate who wanted the band to make an album with the classic sound in mind, and remarked that the process was difficult, saying: "I had to get back in that mindset. This is what the fans wanted, and if I stay focused on that I would give them a straight-ahead Dokken record." During the spring and summer of 2008 in order to promote the new Dokken album, Don Dokken and Jon Levin participated in dozens of interviews including Rockline, KNAC
, The Classic Metal Show, as well as a series of podcasts available on the band's website.
During the summer of 2008 the band toured with Sebastian Bach
and Poison
. Sparks and Brown were not part of the summer 2008 touring line-up. Brown signed on to play with Ted Nugent
for the summer before Dokken was offered the slot on Poison tour, making him unable to tour in support of Lightning Strikes Again. Sparks was in Asia performing with a stadium act and was unable to tour with Dokken until he was able to get his wife a visa. Chris McCarvill
from House of Lords
played bass. Jeff Martin
of Racer X and Badlands fame played drums for the 2008 tour until he was fired by Don Dokken. Chris McCarvill's House of Lords bandmate B.J. Zampa filled in as drummer for the remainder of the tour.
Since then Dokken have toured extensively with Mick Brown back on drums (BJ Zampa filling in on drums when Mick is busy touring with Ted Nugent). Sean McNabb
ex of Quiet Riot
and Great White
is on bass, along with Levin on guitar and Dokken on vocals. In 2010, the band opened for the Scorpions
on select dates of their U.S. tour. On 1 March 2010 Dokken digitally released Greatest Hits
, a collection of re-recorded songs from their '80's albums with two new tracks, to iTunes
and Amazon.com
. The physical album with additional tracks was released on King Records (Japan) on 21 April 2010 and is available in the United States through Cleopatra Records
.
On 29 November 2009 during an encore at a Dokken show at The House Of Blues in Anaheim, George Lynch and Jeff Pilson joined Mick Brown and Don Dokken for two songs, the first time they were on stage together in 12 years.
In early 2010 Lynch announced a reunion of Dokken's "classic" line-up, though the announcement was followed by a retraction on 24 February. In May 2010 George Lynch and Don Dokken appeared together as guests on Season 5, Episode 7 of television show That Metal Show
. Don Dokken and Lynch Mob
toured through the summer and fall of 2010.
In November of 2011, Dokken launched their brand new website at www.dokkencentral.com.
On 8 December 2010 George Lynch announced on his website and in interviews earlier that a Dokken reunion will not be happening. Lynch stated:
Dokken plans to release a new studio album in early 2012, with recording planned to finish by February and release before the band goes on tour in June. The album will be released worldwide on Frontiers Records
, which announced the signing of Dokken on 22 November 2011.
In June 2010 both Don Dokken and George Lynch appeared together in an episode of That Metal Show
. In the episode they claimed that the main cause of their rift was a publicity stunt that they both eventually started to believe. George also stated that Don also wanted to "take all the money and all the credit" did not help, with Don nodding during the statement. They both also mentioned that they would love to have a reunion with Don, George, Jeff, and Mick, but that they are all too busy with other projects in 2010 (between Dokken's current lineup, Lynch Mob, Jeff's involvement with Foreigner, etc.). They did not rule out a 2011 reunion.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
and hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
band formed in 1978. They split up in 1989 but reformed four years later. The group accumulated numerous charting singles and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. The band was nominated for a Grammy in 1989.
Dokken was composed of founder Don Dokken
Don Dokken
Donald Maynard Dokken is best known for being the lead singer and founder of the band Dokken. He is known for his vibrato-laden, melodic vocal style which has made him an influential figure in American heavy metal. After enjoying mainstream success with Dokken, he parted ways with the band in 1988...
on vocals, George Lynch
George Lynch (musician)
George Lynch is a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist best known as a member of the band Dokken, his own bands Lynch Mob and Souls of We.-Pre Dokken:...
on lead guitar, Juan Croucier
Juan Croucier
Juan Croucier is a Cuban-American heavy metal musician.-Career:Croucier attended Torrance High School in Torrance, California. Formerly a bassist for well known metal bands Dokken and Ratt during the 1980s, Croucier was also very briefly in Quiet Riot...
on bass and "Wild" Mick Brown on drums. In 1983 Croucier left Dokken in order to join Ratt
Ratt
Ratt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt...
and was replaced by Jeff Pilson
Jeff Pilson
Jeff Pilson is an American bass guitarist, best known for his stint in the heavy metal band Dokken...
. Currently only Dokken and Brown remain from the original line-up. After several personnel changes on guitar Dokken's attorney Jon Levin stepped in to fill the role in 2004. In 2001 Barry Sparks replaced Jeff Pilson on bass. In 2009 Sean McNabb replaced Barry Sparks on bass guitar.
Early years (1978-1983)
Dokken was first formed around 1978 when Don Dokken teamed up with Jim Monanteras, Greg LeonGreg Leon
Gregory Jay Leon is a Los Angeles hard rock guitarist notable for his stints in Quiet Riot and Dokken. He was also in a band with Tommy Lee called Suite 19....
, and Mick Brown. Prior to this Don had been playing club shows in the Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
area billed as "Airborn", but had to change the band name to Dokken because another band with the same name had already acquired a record deal. In 1981 Don Dokken flew to Germany to sing background vocals on the upcoming Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
album Blackout
Blackout (Scorpions album)
- Personnel :* Klaus Meine – Lead vocals* Matthias Jabs – Lead guitar, Backing vocals* Rudolf Schenker – Rhythm guitar, Backing vocals* Francis Buchholz – Bass, Backing vocals* Herman Rarebell – Drums, Percussion, Backing vocals...
in order to assist the band's vocalist Klaus Meine
Klaus Meine
Klaus Meine is a German singer, best known as the lead vocalist and occasional rhythm guitarist of the heavy metal band Scorpions...
who was suffering from a vocal ailment. While there, Accept was recording in another studio and its manager was able to secure Don a deal with Carrere Records. Breaking the Chains was first released on this label in Germany under the name "Don Dokken", but shortly thereafter Don met up with George Lynch
George Lynch (musician)
George Lynch is a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist best known as a member of the band Dokken, his own bands Lynch Mob and Souls of We.-Pre Dokken:...
and Mick Brown, playing a band called Xciter at the time.
With the addition of Juan Croucier
Juan Croucier
Juan Croucier is a Cuban-American heavy metal musician.-Career:Croucier attended Torrance High School in Torrance, California. Formerly a bassist for well known metal bands Dokken and Ratt during the 1980s, Croucier was also very briefly in Quiet Riot...
, Dokken finally had a steady line-up. Meanwhile in the United States, manager Cliff Bernstein got the band signed in the United States. The band did an arena tour in the United States supporting Blue Öyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult
Blue Öyster Cult, often abbreviated BÖC, is an American rock band, most of whose members first came together in Long Island, NY in 1967 as the band Soft White Underbelly...
in 1983, but when the tour was over the band was left with little money and was nearly dropped from the label due to the album's lack of success.
While the band was very popular in Europe during this time they had not yet made commercial progress in the United States. Magazines such as Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
publicised Dokken in the UK.
Commercial success (1983-1988)
Juan Croucier left Dokken in 1983 to join RattRatt
Ratt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt...
and was replaced by Jeff Pilson
Jeff Pilson
Jeff Pilson is an American bass guitarist, best known for his stint in the heavy metal band Dokken...
. 1984 saw the release of album Tooth and Nail on 13 September. The album contained several hit songs including "Just Got Lucky", "Alone Again", and "Into The Fire", and sold over one million copies in the US alone, peaking at #49, while selling another estimated one million copies worldwide. On 9 November 1985 the band's third album Under Lock and Key
Under Lock and Key
Under Lock and Key is the third studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 1985 through Elektra Records.The album contains three singles: "In My Dreams", "It's Not Love" and "The Hunter" all became moderately successful...
was released. It also sold over one million copies with the singles "In My Dreams" (#24), "The Hunter" (#25) and "It's Not Love". During this time in the 1980s, Dokken opened for such bands as Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
, AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
, Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
, and Dio
Dio (band)
Dio was an American heavy metal band from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice. Naming the band Dio made sense from a commercial...
among others. In 1986 Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Heavy Metal Parking Lot is a video documentary short produced by Jeff Krulik and John Heyn in 1986.-Plot:Heavy Metal Parking Lot documents heavy metal music fans tailgating in the parking lot outside the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland, on May 31, 1986, before a Judas Priest concert...
, a documentary about concert goers before a Dokken and Judas Priest concert, was filmed and released.
Following a successful tour with Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
, Dokken returned to the studio in December 1986 to record "Dream Warriors", a song for the movie soundtrack A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is a 1987 slasher film and the third film in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. The film was directed by Chuck Russell and starred Heather Langenkamp, Craig Wasson, Robert Englund and Patricia Arquette in her first role.- Plot :Six years after the events...
. The track brought the band to the attention of many UK hard rock fans. The song was released as a single (Dream Warriors
Dream Warriors (song)
"Dream Warriors" is a song written by Dokken members George Lynch & Jeff Pilson for the movie A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. The song was released as a single / EP on February 10, 1987. Later that year it was remixed for release on their 4th album Back For The Attack...
/ Back for the Attack) on 10 February 1987. After this release, the band took nearly 6 months off before recording Back for the Attack
Back for the Attack
Back For The Attack peaked at #13 on the billboard U.S. charts, and was certified platinum by the RIAA.-Track listing:#"Kiss of Death" — 5:51#"Prisoner" — 4:20#"Night by Night" — 5:23...
. The album was released on 27 November 1987, with the singles "Burning Like a Flame" (#20), "Heaven Sent" and "Kiss of Death" making the album the band's most successful release, reaching #13 on U.S. charts. It also included a remixed version of the single "Dream Warriors" (#22), and the accompanying music video featured band members interacting with the film's characters. Back for the Attack became Dokken's third record to reach platinum status. Sculptor Steve Fiorilla
Steve Fiorilla
Steve Fiorilla was an American artist born in Paterson, New Jersey, who lived and worked in Buffalo, New York. Throughout his career, Fiorilla emphasized the grotesque and surreal in illustrations, sculpture and fine art. As a sculptor, he produced a variety of bizarre, malformed creatures...
's customized writhing skeleton guitar was the highlight of their video for "Burning Like A Flame".
After releasing "Back for the Attack", the band toured as part of the Monsters of Rock Tour 1988
Monsters of Rock Tour 1988
The Monsters of Rock Tour 1988 was a festival tour of the USA in 1988, headlined by hard rock band Van Halen as part of their promotion for their OU812 album with heavy metal band Metallica as well as other bands including Scorpions, Dokken, and Kingdom Come. It formed the first section of the...
festival in the summer of 1988 along with Van Halen
Van Halen
Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band has enjoyed success since the release of its debut album, Van Halen, . As of 2007 Van Halen has sold 80 million albums worldwide and has had the most #1 hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart...
, Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
, Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
, and Kingdom Come
Kingdom Come (band)
Kingdom Come is a hard rock band fronted by Hamburg-born vocalist Lenny Wolf. The group's first album, Kingdom Come was that band's only international hit. It currently consists of an entirely German line-up.-History:...
. Recordings from their April 1988 tour in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
led to the release of live album Beast from the East
Beast from the East
Beast from the East is a live album recorded by heavy metal band Dokken in Japan in April 1988, during their Back for the Attack album tour. It was released on November 16, 1988. The album has live versions of the band's most popular songs and includes a studio track entitled "Walk Away"...
on 16 November 1988, which went Gold in the United States and charted at #33. The album scored one studio single, titled "Walk Away" and a music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
was made for it.
Split (1989-1993)
Dokken broke up in March 1989, due to creative and personal differences between Don Dokken and George Lynch. During this split Lynch and Brown formed Lynch Mob and recorded two albums: Wicked SensationWicked Sensation
Wicked Sensation is the debut album by American rock band Lynch Mob. This was George Lynch's first release since leaving Dokken. Joining George was Dokken drummer "Wild" Mick Brown.- Track listing :-Personnel:* Oni Logan - vocals...
in 1990 and Lynch Mob in 1992.
Don Dokken also recorded a solo album, titled Up from the Ashes in 1990 which spawned two singles. In 1991 bassist Jeff Pilson joined the McAuley Schenker Group
McAuley Schenker Group
McAuley Schenker Group was a band featuring core members Robin McAuley and Michael Schenker , a successor to Schenker's earlier band Michael Schenker Group. McAuley was initially contacted to replace singer Gary Barden in MSG...
for their album M.S.G.
M.S.G. (McAuley Schenker Group album)
M.S.G. is the third and final studio album from Michael Schenker and Robin McAuley's project, the McAuley Schenker Group. It was released in 1992....
. Afterwards he joined Dio
Diö
Diö is a locality situated in Älmhult Municipality, Kronoberg County, Sweden with 891 inhabitants in 2005.Diö is situated 10 km north of the town Älmhult.Diö's largest employer is the wheelchair manufacturer Rea Stolen Invacare...
in 1994 for the Strange Highways
Strange Highways
Strange Highways is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Dio. It's also their first album since Ronnie James Dio and Vinny Appice's reunion tour with Black Sabbath. The European release was on Vertigo, in October 1993; the U.S...
album. He also fronted the band War and Peace, while George Lynch released a solo album.
Lynch's first solo effort, Sacred Groove reunited him with Don Dokken for the writing of the track We Don't Own This World. Don Dokken was also supposed to sing lead on the track, however at the last moment, Don was unable to attend the studio session and was replaced by Matthew and Gunnar Nelson
Nelson (band)
NELSON is a American hard rock band founded by singer/songwriters Matthew and Gunnar Nelson . NELSON featuring the twin lead front men had a No. 1 hit in the United States with " Love and Affection" during the week of September 29, 1990...
.
Reformation (1993-1997)
After releasing Up from the Ashes in 1990 Don Dokken wrote another solo album in 1993. Titled Dysfunctional, the album was recorded and produced in Don's studio. However when John KalodnerJohn Kalodner
John David Kalodner is a retired American A&R executive. His achievements included signing Foreigner, AC/DC, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins to Atlantic Records in the seventies....
wanted to sign him for the album, he suggested that George Lynch be brought back into the band so that the album could be marketed as a Dokken album, and not another Don Dokken solo effort. Despite the fact that the tension between Lynch and Don Dokken was the cause of the band's 1988 split, the two agreed to put their problems behind them for the time being. The band re-united in 1995 along with Mick Brown and Jeff Pilson, with Lynch re-writing and re-recording the guitar solos on the album, which were originally conceived by Don. Dokken was signed with Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
and the album managed to sell over 300,000 copies despite the decline in popularity of similar bands during this time.
During the tour supporting Dysfunctional, old tensions between George and Don had resurfaced and the band began to split apart. During a Columbia
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
promotion for the new album in which the band was scheduled to play live on 120 radio stations, Lynch unexpectedly left the studio and refused to re-enter. The record company was forced to air the rehearsal tape that had been recorded earlier and four days later the label dropped Dokken, presumably because of this and other similar incidents involving Lynch's behavior. One Live Night
One Live Night
One Live Night is a 1995 semi-acoustic live album by heavy metal band Dokken. The reunited Dokken recorded the album during their 1995 tour. The album went virtually unheard at the time of its release. MTV had no interest in any Hair Metal, so Dokken decided to do their own "unplugged" album...
, a live acoustic album was released in 1996 by a new label, CMC
CMC International
CMC International was an American independent record label founded by Tom Lipsky in 1991, focused mainly on classic rock, and classic heavy metal. The label was the haven of many hard rock, arena rock, glam metal and AOR artists in the period when all the majors were investing all their financial...
, and was followed with Shadowlife
Shadowlife
Shadowlife is the sixth studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 1997. It marks a change in the band's musical style, moving towards alternative rock...
in 1997. Don Dokken was dissatisfied with Shadowlife, an album in which George Lynch took total control and even went as far as to replace the original Dokken logo on the album. Don alleges that George intended to destroy the band with this album, reciting the following quote from Lynch in an interview: "This is the perfect record. This is gonna be the end of Dokken, and that is what I wanted to accomplish."
Decline and line up changes (1997-2008)
In late 1997 Lynch left the band. Needing a guitarist, Dokken looked to EuropeEurope (band)
Europe is a Swedish rock band formed in Upplands Väsby in 1979 under the name Force by vocalist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum and drummer Tony Reno. Although widely associated with glam metal, the band's sound incorporates heavy metal and hard rock elements...
guitarist John Norum
John Norum
John Norum is a rock music guitarist and founder of the Swedish band Europe . Concurrent to his role with Europe, he also maintains a side solo project...
who had previously played on his 1990 solo album and was familiar with the band's catalog, to help him finish the tour. Lynch tried to re-join the group just days before the tour began, but was told that he was "out" by the rest of the group. A lawsuit
Lawsuit
A lawsuit or "suit in law" is a civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a party who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendant's actions, demands a legal or equitable remedy. The defendant is required to respond to the plaintiff's complaint...
followed in which Lynch sued the band for $1 million, but the band prevailed in the verdict. After the European tour, John Norum was unable to continue as he had previously committed to a solo record. The band then hired former Winger guitarist Reb Beach
Reb Beach
Reb Beach is an American rock guitarist. He is a member of the bands Winger and Whitesnake...
, and recorded in 1999 the aptly titled Erase the Slate
Erase The Slate
Erase the Slate is the seventh studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 1999. It is the only Dokken album to feature former Winger guitarist Reb Beach.-Track listing:...
. Dokken released another live album titled Live from the Sun
Live from the Sun
Live from the Sun is a live rock album recorded in 2000 at the Sun Theater in Anaheim, CA by heavy metal band Dokken. This album captures the reunited Dokken, minus guitarist George Lynch, in Anaheim on November 4, 1999, running through a live set of mostly greatest hits, plus two songs from the...
in 2000 before the departure of Beach.
Beach, who wanted to work on some other projects and could not commit to Dokken long term, was replaced by John Norum, who was now in between projects and able to participate in the band's touring schedule. Bassist Jeff Pilson also left the band, replaced by Barry Sparks
Barry Sparks
Barry Sparks is the former bass player of Yngwie Malmsteen, UFO, Dokken, and Ted Nugent amongst others.-UFO:...
. In a 2004 interview, Don Dokken stated that Jeff left because "he wanted to do something different and didn't want to keep playing these songs over and over again." Of the original members, only Dokken and Mick Brown remained. This line-up released the album Long Way Home
Long Way Home (Dokken album)
Long Way Home is the eighth studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 2002.Alternate versions of the album cover featured a special lighting effect around the body of the model....
, but Norum suffered a hand injury during the band's 2002 spring tour of Europe and had to be replaced by Alex De Rosso, previously of Dark Lord. That year Dokken was featured in the Metal Edge
Zenbu Media
Zenbu Media is a media company located in New York City, United States and founded by Steve Bernstein. While the word zenbu means "everything" in Japanese the company is focused on the music industry, sporting the slogan "we live for music."- Print :...
Rock Fest tour along with Ratt
Ratt
Ratt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt...
, FireHouse
FireHouse
FireHouse is an American hard rock band formed in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1989. The band reached stardom during the early 1990s with hit singles like "Don't Treat Me Bad" "Reach For The Sky" and "All She Wrote", as well as their signature ballads "I Live My Life for You", "Love of a...
, and other similar acts. In the spring of 2003, Dokken embarked on an extensive tour of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
opening for Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
and Whitesnake
Whitesnake
Whitesnake are an English rock band, founded in 1978 by David Coverdale after his departure from his previous band, Deep Purple. The band's early material has been compared by critics to Deep Purple, but by the mid 1980s they had moved to a more commercial hard rock style...
. After the tour guitarist Alex De Rosso lost his visa and had to return to Italy, at which point Don Dokken called Jon Levin who formerly played guitar on Doro
Doro (musician)
Dorothee Pesch , popularly known as Doro Pesch or Doro, is a female rock vocalist, formerly of the German heavy metal band Warlock ....
's Force Majeure
Force Majeure (Doro album)
Force Majeure is the first solo album of the German female hard rock singer Doro Pesch. The album was released in February 1989.-Overview:...
, and also had previously met with the band and played a single show in 1998. Levin joined the band, and the line-up of Dokken, Brown, Levin, and Sparks would remain through 2008. Dokken released Hell to Pay in 2004, which was seen by critics as a modern approach to the band's style. The band continued extensive touring in 2005 and 2006. 2007 saw the release of both a live CD and a compilation DVD. The CD, titled From Conception: Live 1981
From Conception: Live 1981
From Conception: Live 1981 is a live album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 2007.This album contains rare live recordings allegedly from 1981, before the band released its first album Breaking the Chains. However, the performance is more likely to be from December 1983, as the set list...
, is a previously unreleased live recording from the band's early years which Don discovered in their master vault. The DVD release titled Unchain the Night was first released on VHS in 1986 and is a compilation of the band's music videos along with interviews and other footage. The band also performed at the glam metal festival Rocklahoma
Rocklahoma
Rocklahoma is an annual hard rock music festival held in Pryor, Oklahoma...
in both 2007 and 2008.
Recent events (2008-2010)
Lightning Strikes Again
Lightning Strikes Again is the tenth studio album by heavy metal band Dokken. It was originally scheduled for release on October 24, 2007, in Japan and on October 29 worldwide, but was postponed until 2008. The album was eventually released on May 13 in the US.The album entered the Billboard Top...
, which was met with increased commercial success and became the band's highest charting album in 13 years , debuting at #133 in the United States. The album was a return to the band's signature sound and the songs follow the classic Dokken formula. Don Dokken told interviewers that Jon Levin was the bandmate who wanted the band to make an album with the classic sound in mind, and remarked that the process was difficult, saying: "I had to get back in that mindset. This is what the fans wanted, and if I stay focused on that I would give them a straight-ahead Dokken record." During the spring and summer of 2008 in order to promote the new Dokken album, Don Dokken and Jon Levin participated in dozens of interviews including Rockline, KNAC
KNAC
KNAC is an internet based heavy metal music radio station. It was previously a Los Angeles, California area FM radio station.-KNAC at 105.5 FM:...
, The Classic Metal Show, as well as a series of podcasts available on the band's website.
During the summer of 2008 the band toured with Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach
Sebastian Bach is a Canadian heavy metal singer who achieved mainstream success as frontman of Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. Since his departure from Skid Row, he has had many television roles, acted within Broadway plays, and leads a successful solo career.-Early life:Bach was born Sebastian...
and Poison
Poison (band)
Poison is an American glam metal band that achieved great success in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. To date, Poison has sold over 30 million records worldwide and have sold 15 million records in the United States alone. The band has also charted ten singles to the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100,...
. Sparks and Brown were not part of the summer 2008 touring line-up. Brown signed on to play with Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent
Theodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent is an American guitarist, musician, singer, author, reserve police officer, and activist. From Detroit, Michigan, he originally gained fame as the lead guitarist of The Amboy Dukes, before embarking on a lengthy solo career...
for the summer before Dokken was offered the slot on Poison tour, making him unable to tour in support of Lightning Strikes Again. Sparks was in Asia performing with a stadium act and was unable to tour with Dokken until he was able to get his wife a visa. Chris McCarvill
Chris McCarvill
Christopher Lee “Chris” McCarvill , is an American musician best known as the touring and/or recording bass guitarist and backing vocalist with arena rock bands Dokken and House of Lords. He is well known for his energetic and technical virtuosity on the bass and his heartfelt vocal...
from House of Lords
House of Lords (band)
House of Lords is a hard rock/AOR band from Los Angeles, California.-History:House of Lords was formed in 1987 by former Angel member and keyboardist Gregg Giuffria from his solo project Giuffria...
played bass. Jeff Martin
Jeff Martin (American musician)
Jeff Martin is a singer and drummer who has sung for the bands Surgical Steel, Racer X, Leatherwolf, and played drums for the bands Badlands, Blindside Blues Band, and RedSea....
of Racer X and Badlands fame played drums for the 2008 tour until he was fired by Don Dokken. Chris McCarvill's House of Lords bandmate B.J. Zampa filled in as drummer for the remainder of the tour.
Since then Dokken have toured extensively with Mick Brown back on drums (BJ Zampa filling in on drums when Mick is busy touring with Ted Nugent). Sean McNabb
Sean McNabb
Sean McNabb is an American actor, musician and singer.McNabb was born in South Bend, Indiana. At age 21, he became the bass player of the 80s metal band Quiet Riot, replacing Chuck Wright. As a bassist and vocalist, McNabb has worked with House of Lords, Badd Boyz, Great White and Rough Cutt...
ex of Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot is an American Heavy Metal band. They are best known for their hit singles "Metal Health" and "Cum On Feel the Noize". They were founded in 1973 by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni, under the original name Mach 1, before changing the name to Little Women and finally Quiet...
and Great White
Great White
Great White is an American hard rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1978. The band gained popularity during the 1980s and early 1990s. The band released several albums in the late 1980s and gained airplay on MTV with music videos for songs like "Once Bitten, Twice Shy"...
is on bass, along with Levin on guitar and Dokken on vocals. In 2010, the band opened for the Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
on select dates of their U.S. tour. On 1 March 2010 Dokken digitally released Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits (Dokken album)
Greatest Hits is the eleventh studio album by heavy metal band Dokken. It is a collection of re-recorded 1980s hits along with two new tracks. On March 1, 2010, it was digitally released to iTunes and Amazon.com. The physical album with additional tracks was released in the US by Cleopatra Records...
, a collection of re-recorded songs from their '80's albums with two new tracks, to iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
and Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
. The physical album with additional tracks was released on King Records (Japan) on 21 April 2010 and is available in the United States through Cleopatra Records
Cleopatra Records
Cleopatra Records is a Los Angeles-based independent record label.- History :Founded in 1992 by Brian Perera, it specializes in gothic rock, hard rock, heavy metal and reissues of out-of-print music...
.
On 29 November 2009 during an encore at a Dokken show at The House Of Blues in Anaheim, George Lynch and Jeff Pilson joined Mick Brown and Don Dokken for two songs, the first time they were on stage together in 12 years.
In early 2010 Lynch announced a reunion of Dokken's "classic" line-up, though the announcement was followed by a retraction on 24 February. In May 2010 George Lynch and Don Dokken appeared together as guests on Season 5, Episode 7 of television show That Metal Show
That Metal Show
That Metal Show is a talk show hosted by Eddie Trunk with co-hosts Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. It premiered on VH1 Classic on November 15, 2008. New episodes air on VH1 Classic on Saturday nights and are rebroadcast throughout the week....
. Don Dokken and Lynch Mob
Lynch Mob (band)
Lynch Mob is an American band featuring former Dokken guitarist George Lynch, who has been the band's only permanent member. The rest of the original band which featured Oni Logan, Anthony Esposito and Mick Brown have come and gone, and in some cases, come back.-1989 Formation:Lynch Mob was formed...
toured through the summer and fall of 2010.
In November of 2011, Dokken launched their brand new website at www.dokkencentral.com.
On 8 December 2010 George Lynch announced on his website and in interviews earlier that a Dokken reunion will not be happening. Lynch stated:
Dokken plans to release a new studio album in early 2012, with recording planned to finish by February and release before the band goes on tour in June. The album will be released worldwide on Frontiers Records
Frontiers Records
Frontiers Records is an Italian record label, predominantly producing melodic rock. It was formed in 1996 by Serafino Perugino and is based in Naples, Italy.-History:...
, which announced the signing of Dokken on 22 November 2011.
Guest appearances and pop culture
Members and ex-members of the band have appeared on various tribute albums.- George Lynch played guitar on the song "Anthem" on a tribute album to RushRush (band)Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...
. - George Lynch and Jeff Pilson have appeared on tribute albums to Iron MaidenIron MaidenIron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
. - Jeff PilsonJeff PilsonJeff Pilson is an American bass guitarist, best known for his stint in the heavy metal band Dokken...
appeared as the bassist for Steel DragonSteel dragonSteel dragons, originally known as Greyhawk dragons, are a fictional race of dragon in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game's World of Greyhawk campaign setting...
in the movie Rock StarRock Star (2001 film)Rock Star is a 2001 American comedy-drama film directed by Stephen Herek and starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. It tells the story of Chris "Izzy" Cole, a tribute band singer whose ascendance to the position of lead vocalist of his favorite band was inspired by the real-life story of Tim...
(starring Mark WahlbergMark WahlbergMark Robert Michael Wahlberg is an American actor, film and television producer, and former rapper. He was known as Marky Mark in his earlier years, and became famous for his 1991 debut as a musician with the band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. He was named No. 1 on VH1's 40 Hottest Hotties of...
and Jennifer AnistonJennifer AnistonJennifer Joanna Aniston is an American actress, film director, and producer, best known for her role as Rachel Green on the television sitcom Friends, a role which earned her an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.Aniston has also enjoyed a successful film career,...
) which was loosely based on the history of Judas PriestJudas PriestJudas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
. - They also appeared in DioRonnie James DioRonald James Padavona , better known as Ronnie James Dio, was an American heavy metal vocalist and songwriter. He performed with, amongst others, Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and his own band Dio, which means God in Italian. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser...
's Hear 'n AidHear 'n AidHear 'n Aid was a one-off project of the heavy metal/hard rock scene of the 1980s to raise money for famine relief in Africa. According to Ronnie James Dio's MySpace profile, the project raised $1 million within a year.- Background :...
in the 1980s, and were featured prominently in the music video. - In the mid-80s Don Dokken sang lead vocals on the hit single for ex-ScorpionsScorpions (band)Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
drummer Herman RarebellHerman RarebellHerman 'Ze German' Rarebell is a German drummer, best known for his time in the band Scorpions from 1977 to 1995, playing on 8 studio albums...
's solo project "Herman Ze German and Friends". The song is a power ballad titled "I'll Say Goodbye". Don also sang lead vocals on the song "Hard Sensation".
- In 2009 Dokken appeared in a series of commercials for SymantecSymantecSymantec Corporation is the largest maker of security software for computers. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 stock market index.-History:...
's Norton Internet Security 2010. The advertisements imagine a computer as a chicken and Dokken as a malicious computer virus. Each ad features a different outcome, based on whether or not the "Dokken Virus" was allowed into the system. - In the episode of the sketch comedy series, Wonder ShowzenWonder ShowzenWonder Showzen is an American sketch comedy television series that aired between 2005 and 2006 on MTV2. It was created by John Lee and Vernon Chatman of PFFR. The show is rated TV-MA....
titled "Space" a baby is seen with acne in the shape of the Dokken band logo. In an episode the animated MTVMTVMTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
show Celebrity DeathmatchCelebrity DeathmatchCelebrity Deathmatch is a claymation television show that depicts celebrities against each other in a wrestling ring, almost always ending in the loser's gruesome death. It was known for its excessive amount of blood used in every match and exaggerated physical injuries...
, the band was mentioned by James HetfieldJames HetfieldJames Alan Hetfield is the rhythm guitarist, co-founder, main songwriter, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Metallica. Hetfield co-founded Metallica in October 1981 after answering a classified advertisement by drummer Lars Ulrich in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler,...
of MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
when he fought against Fred DurstFred DurstWilliam Frederick "Fred" Durst is an American musician, director, producer and actor, well known as the frontman of the band Limp Bizkit.-Early life:...
of Limp BizkitLimp BizkitLimp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999...
, saying that he would prefer fighting one of SlayerSlayerSlayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
's or Dokken's members instead of Durst. Dokken's song "Dream WarriorsDream Warriors (song)"Dream Warriors" is a song written by Dokken members George Lynch & Jeff Pilson for the movie A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. The song was released as a single / EP on February 10, 1987. Later that year it was remixed for release on their 4th album Back For The Attack...
" appeared in the movie A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream WarriorsA Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream WarriorsA Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is a 1987 slasher film and the third film in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. The film was directed by Chuck Russell and starred Heather Langenkamp, Craig Wasson, Robert Englund and Patricia Arquette in her first role.- Plot :Six years after the events...
.
In June 2010 both Don Dokken and George Lynch appeared together in an episode of That Metal Show
That Metal Show
That Metal Show is a talk show hosted by Eddie Trunk with co-hosts Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. It premiered on VH1 Classic on November 15, 2008. New episodes air on VH1 Classic on Saturday nights and are rebroadcast throughout the week....
. In the episode they claimed that the main cause of their rift was a publicity stunt that they both eventually started to believe. George also stated that Don also wanted to "take all the money and all the credit" did not help, with Don nodding during the statement. They both also mentioned that they would love to have a reunion with Don, George, Jeff, and Mick, but that they are all too busy with other projects in 2010 (between Dokken's current lineup, Lynch Mob, Jeff's involvement with Foreigner, etc.). They did not rule out a 2011 reunion.
Current members
- Don DokkenDon DokkenDonald Maynard Dokken is best known for being the lead singer and founder of the band Dokken. He is known for his vibrato-laden, melodic vocal style which has made him an influential figure in American heavy metal. After enjoying mainstream success with Dokken, he parted ways with the band in 1988...
– lead vocals, occasionally guitar (1978–1989, 1993–present) - Mick Brown – drums, backing vocals (1980–1989, 1993–present)
- Jon LevinJon LevinJon Levin is the current guitarist for the American heavy metal band Dokken.-Early years:Jon Levin was involved with music very early on in life. He began playing piano at age 4, trumpet by age 7, and guitar at age 9...
– guitar (2003–present) - Sean McNabbSean McNabbSean McNabb is an American actor, musician and singer.McNabb was born in South Bend, Indiana. At age 21, he became the bass player of the 80s metal band Quiet Riot, replacing Chuck Wright. As a bassist and vocalist, McNabb has worked with House of Lords, Badd Boyz, Great White and Rough Cutt...
– bass (Live 2006, 2009–present)
Past members
- Steve Barry - guitar (1978)
- Greg LeonGreg LeonGregory Jay Leon is a Los Angeles hard rock guitarist notable for his stints in Quiet Riot and Dokken. He was also in a band with Tommy Lee called Suite 19....
- guitar (1978–1980) - George LynchGeorge Lynch (musician)George Lynch is a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist best known as a member of the band Dokken, his own bands Lynch Mob and Souls of We.-Pre Dokken:...
– guitar (1980–1989, 1994–1997) - John NorumJohn NorumJohn Norum is a rock music guitarist and founder of the Swedish band Europe . Concurrent to his role with Europe, he also maintains a side solo project...
– guitar (Live 1997, Live 1999, 2001–2002) - Reb BeachReb BeachReb Beach is an American rock guitarist. He is a member of the bands Winger and Whitesnake...
– guitar (1998–2001) - Alex De Rosso - guitar (2002–2003)
- Peter BaltesPeter BaltesPeter Baltes, born April 4, 1958 in Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a German hard rock and heavy metal musician. He is a member of the German heavy metal group Accept, which he played as bassist with on 15 albums, selling more than 17 million records around the world...
- bass (1978) - Jeff Tappen - bass (1978–1979)
- Gary Link - bass (1979–1980)
- Juan CroucierJuan CroucierJuan Croucier is a Cuban-American heavy metal musician.-Career:Croucier attended Torrance High School in Torrance, California. Formerly a bassist for well known metal bands Dokken and Ratt during the 1980s, Croucier was also very briefly in Quiet Riot...
– bass (1980–1983) - Jeff PilsonJeff PilsonJeff Pilson is an American bass guitarist, best known for his stint in the heavy metal band Dokken...
- bass, backing vocals (1983–1989, 1993–2001) - Barry SparksBarry SparksBarry Sparks is the former bass player of Yngwie Malmsteen, UFO, Dokken, and Ted Nugent amongst others.-UFO:...
– bass, backing vocals (2001–2009) - Greg Pecka - drums (1978)
- Gary Holland - drums (1978–1980)
Temporary touring members
- Mark Bjorkman - guitar
- Mikkey D - bass (2001 Sweden Rock Festival)
- Jeff Tappen - bass
- Adam HamiltonAdam HamiltonAdam Hamilton was a New Zealand politician. He was the first leader of the National Party during its early years in Opposition.-Early life:...
- bass (9-21-2002) - Greg SmithGreg Smith (musician)Greg Smith is a bassist and vocalist.Greg was born in 1963. He grew up in Valley Stream, New York and attended Valley Stream Central High School.He has collaborated with Wendy O...
- bass (5-22 ~25-2005) - Chris McCarvillChris McCarvillChristopher Lee “Chris” McCarvill , is an American musician best known as the touring and/or recording bass guitarist and backing vocalist with arena rock bands Dokken and House of Lords. He is well known for his energetic and technical virtuosity on the bass and his heartfelt vocal...
- bass (2008 Tour) - Billy Dee - bass (2008 tour)
- Frankie BanaliFrankie BanaliFrankie Banali is an American rock drummer, best known for his work with multi-platinum heavy metal band Quiet Riot. He has been the band's manager during since 1994. He played drums in the heavy metal band W.A.S.P., as well as with Billy Idol...
- drums (9-21-2002) - Jeff MartinJeff Martin (American musician)Jeff Martin is a singer and drummer who has sung for the bands Surgical Steel, Racer X, Leatherwolf, and played drums for the bands Badlands, Blindside Blues Band, and RedSea....
- drums (2008 Tour) - Bobby Marks - drums (2008 Tour)
- Vik "Vikki" Foxx - drums (8-2007)
- BJ Zampa - drums (2008-10 tours)
Discography
Studio albums- Breaking the Chains (1983)
- Tooth and Nail (1984)
- Under Lock and KeyUnder Lock and KeyUnder Lock and Key is the third studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 1985 through Elektra Records.The album contains three singles: "In My Dreams", "It's Not Love" and "The Hunter" all became moderately successful...
(1985) - Back for the AttackBack for the AttackBack For The Attack peaked at #13 on the billboard U.S. charts, and was certified platinum by the RIAA.-Track listing:#"Kiss of Death" — 5:51#"Prisoner" — 4:20#"Night by Night" — 5:23...
(1987) - Dysfunctional (1995)
- ShadowlifeShadowlifeShadowlife is the sixth studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 1997. It marks a change in the band's musical style, moving towards alternative rock...
(1997) - Erase the SlateErase The SlateErase the Slate is the seventh studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 1999. It is the only Dokken album to feature former Winger guitarist Reb Beach.-Track listing:...
(1999) - Long Way HomeLong Way Home (Dokken album)Long Way Home is the eighth studio album by heavy metal band Dokken, released in 2002.Alternate versions of the album cover featured a special lighting effect around the body of the model....
(2002) - Hell to Pay (2004)
- Lightning Strikes AgainLightning Strikes AgainLightning Strikes Again is the tenth studio album by heavy metal band Dokken. It was originally scheduled for release on October 24, 2007, in Japan and on October 29 worldwide, but was postponed until 2008. The album was eventually released on May 13 in the US.The album entered the Billboard Top...
(2008)