Don Dokken was a recent guest on The Classic Metal Show, where co-host Chris Akin, asked him about his former bandmates, guitarist George Lynch and bassist Jeff Pilson’s, new covers album Heavy Hitters, which include songs by Duran Duran, Madonna, Prince Carole King, etc.
Dokken sated (as per blabbermouth.net), “But those are not heavy hitters. No offense, they are good songs, but those are vanilla tunes. [Sings R.E.M’s ‘It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)’] Did they rock ’em up or put some shredding guitar solos [in them]?”
“They must be really bored,” he continued. “But, you know, everybody’s got their mantra; everybody’s got their financial things, I guess. If a record company is willing to give you money to put out pablum, then put out the pablum. But I hope my standards as a songwriter are a little higher than that. If I’m gonna do a remake, I’m gonna do something that was super cool, like Paint It Black by The[Rolling] Stones or Revolution by The Beatles or something that’s awesome and do something like that. I’m not gonna do Carole King.”
“I don’t get it. I don’t know what’s going on with those guys,” the singer added. “I don’t really talk to them much. Lynch and I, we talk once in a while, ’cause he always wanted to move to Santa Fe; that’s his dream. He’s always wanted to come to New Mexico. And I said, ‘Hey, you’re welcome to come on up and stay in the casita’ — as they call ’em up here, a casita, the guest house — ‘and if you wanna go hike’… He hikes; he’s a hiker. So, I’ve got 13 acres. He can get lost very easily. I’m not going looking for him.”
Dokken’s classic lineup — iDon Dokken, George Lynch, Jeff Pilson and drummer “Wild” Mick Brown — reunited for a short Japanese tour in the fall of 2016. It marked the first time in 21 years the four musicians had hit the road together.
A concert DVD focusing on the band’s reunion tour, Return To The East Live (2016), was made available in 2018. An original song was also recorded for th special release titled, It’s Just Another Day, which can be heard here.
26 Responses
heavy hitters could use an al stewart reboot in honor of the upcoming calendar change: “year of the ratt:twenty twenty-juan”. i’m don here. a healthy and happy to dana, eddie and everyjuan else!
LOL!!!
E,
I wish you the same, and thank you for all the laughs during a very trying year. May 2021 bring you many more smiles and good humor, plus health (I wish that for everyone)
D 🙂
IMO, Don Dokken is an idiot. Who cares if he doesn’t “get it” re: Lynch’s and Pilson’s covers album. Perhaps they did it for fun or perhaps they did it to provide for their families. Why does Don even care? I don’t “get it” that Don doesn’t “get it” about their covers album. And I don’t “get it” that news outlets even care about what Don has to say….
I am not sure what the deal is with Dokken? Is he just brutally honest, somewhat of a curmudgeon or a combination of both? LOL!
It could be that he was asked a question and provided an answer. If he just said this on his own, unsolicited then he can be criticized. If not then it’s just his opinion that someone wanted to know.
Myk, I would normally agree with you re: giving an answer to a question. But Don appears to consistently present himself as an A-hole towards George Lynch. Don may have used his answer to the question as an opportunity to further criticize George. IMO, George’s gifted guitar playing is one of the reasons for Dokken’s success, and Don should act respectful about George.
I’m betting he was very excited to give his negative opinion. The guy is pretty much an ass hat. My only point was that he was asked his opinion. It’s not like he voluntarily took out a full page ad in the Washington Post just to slam George Lynch
Myk, you may have just given Don an idea…
In 1986 I saw Dokken open for Twisted Sister. Their Under Lock And Key album was just released less than a week before. Don tried to get the audience to sing along with one of their new songs. Everyone was confused. Nobody was singing. Don was agitated. I was front row. I yelled WTF ARE YOU MAD AT, NOBODY KNOWS THIS SONG YOU IDIOT! My point is, Don Dokken was, is, and will always be an arrogant jerk. During the same show, George was experiencing guitar trouble. The show semi halted. Don steps in front of George and says hey, how does everyone like my outfit? Prick. Then, Twisted proceeded to destroy the place. Don Dokken, you suck and everyone knows it. You never influenced anyone to become a vocalist. Yet, George Lunch has influenced thousands. I recognize this and don’t even listen listen to Lynch. So, shut up you big stupid baby.
Mr. R & R,
You have big cojones sir (and that is meant as a compliment).
D 🙂
Dana, thank you lol
You’re welcome. 😉
Wherever you are, eat, drink, and be Merry Christmas! 😉