On the the December 25th episode of The SDR Show, Don Dokken discussed the band’s “disaster” 2016 reunion tour.
Dokken, 72, stated, “We did an experiment, and we said, ‘We’ll write one song together.’ And that was It’s Another Day (listen here) We recorded it [and] made a cool video.”
When they discussed the possibility of playing it live, he explained, “I said, ‘I’m not doing America.’ We’ll go to Japan, and we’ll see if we don’t kill each other.”
The band’s Unleashed in the East tour included six shows in October of 2016, plus one American stop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“We did the Japanese tour. It was a disaster, mostly because of me. I just wasn’t on my game,” he said. “We just came back, and I said, ‘I don’t think this is gonna work. So that was the end of that.”
Known for songs like Into the Fire, Alone Again, and Dream Warriors, the band formed in Los Angeles in 1978, before splitting in 1989 and getting back together in ‘93.
When discussing his often tumultuous relationship with iconic guitarist, George Lynch, Dokken said, “We’re old. We’re too old to bicker and fight.”
He said he’s not ruling out a future reunion.
“I said, ‘I might be up for an EP only.’ But I said flat out, ‘It has to sound like Dokken. I’m not trying to insult you, George, but I’ve listened to all your records. It has to be Dokken. That’s what the fans want.’”
additional source: NY Post
11 Responses
I think Don Dokken is a huge douche……
This made me laugh out loud. I love the original Dokken’s catalog, but Don has always been an average singer with an unjustified ego. He is a whiny douche.
RPS, I 100% agree with you about Don’s singing abilities. IMO, Dokken’s success is attributed to the talented musicians in the band, not Don himself. And I don’t blame George Lynch for being unhappy about the band being named after Don’s surname. Shoulda named by band Douche….. :o)
Don is a great singer, or was…..one of the all time greats.
I think it’s great that Don has an open mind to working with George! I did see Dokken two or three years ago at the Big E on the East Coast and was very impressed with the guitar player! Don was blabbing about how he was going to do a long set, then did a short set. He also had someone get him a corn dog on stage and we had to watch him eat it. Haha! Then he would not come out to greet his fans who were trying to talk to him after the show. I had his lastest cd and was hoping to get it signed but no luck!
Yes he is Rattlehead!! My sister and I went to see them in 2019. Small venue so there was a group of people waiting outside by their tour bus to catch a photo and/or an autograph. Ohio in February so it was cold. Mick Brown came out before him and was so cool to all of us despite the cold! He talked to everyone, autographs, photos. He even bummed a cigarette off me! Don came out shortly afterwards, bitching about the cold & was generally bothered that we were all standing there! He half-assed signed a few autographs & literally ran on to the bus. A kid about 14 years old was holding up the Tooth and Nail
album, so excited to see him & Don walked right by him. Didn’t even look at him! So yeah douche pretty much sums it up…..
It seems Dokken‘s reputation precedes him,
It is always disappointing to hear, or read about, musicians, etc. that are rude to their fans. I realize they are human too, with good and bad days, but just explain that to the fans. Say, “Hey guys, I am so appreciative that you stood out in the cold waiting to meet me, but unfortunately, I am under the weather, and cannot stay outside and greet you in the proper manner, I am so sorry and I hope you understand.”
I was fortunate, to meet the Wicked Sensation lineup of Lynch Mob, twice. when I interned at Elektra records. They were all nice and cordial, but Mick Brown was another level of cool.
Lynch, I was told by someone, back in the day, who toured with Dokken as one of the opening bands, said he was a real d–k to him. He thought it had to do with jealousy, and he said he was so bummed, because he idolized Lynch (as I do).
So, that is why there is always that famous saying, “never meet your heroes,” because there is always the chance that you will be disappointed and disillusioned.
Don is taking responsibility and not blaming George for something? Now that IS news.
Please rule out a reunion. You sound horrible and have for years. You rip off the fans by charging them so see an absolute has-been. It hurts me to say so because I feel Dokken is THE most underrated 80’s “hair metal” band. Never did an arena headline. Very sad.