Dokken emerged as one of the quintessential glam metal bands of the 1980s, blending soaring melodies, shredding guitar work, and anthemic choruses that captured the era's excess and energy. Formed in Los Angeles in 1978 by vocalist Don Dokken, the band quickly gained traction with their debut album Breaking the Chains in 1983, but it was their mid-80s releases like Tooth and Nail (1984), Under Lock and Key (1985), and Back for the Attack (1987) that propelled them to stardom, featuring hits such as "In My Dreams" and "Alone Again."
Their sound, characterized by George Lynch's virtuoso guitar solos and Don Dokken's powerful vocals, resonated with fans of arena rock, helping them sell over 10 million albums worldwide and secure a spot in the hair metal pantheon alongside acts like Mötley Crüe and Ratt. Despite internal tensions, particularly between Don Dokken and Lynch, which led to their 1989 breakup and subsequent reformations, Dokken's legacy endures as a testament to the enduring appeal of 80s hard rock. Their music's mix of technical prowess and emotional depth has influenced countless bands, and even after line up changes and vocal challenges for Don in later years, they continue to tour and release material, proving their resilience in a fickle industry. Overall, Dokken represents the highs of glam metal's golden age - flashy, fun, and fiercely talented - while their story of conflict and comeback adds a layer of gritty authenticity to their polished sound.
Here are some interesting facts about Dokken:
- The band's early roots trace back to Germany, where Don Dokken recorded demos in the late 1970s that caught the attention of producers, leading to their initial European release before breaking big in the US.
- Their hit "Dream Warriors" was specifically written as the theme song for the 1987 horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, boosting their visibility through MTV and movie tie-ins.
- Dokken's classic line-up reunited briefly in the 1990s for the album Dysfunctional (1995), but ongoing feuds resulted in multiple splits and solo projects, including George Lynch's successful band Lynch Mob.
- In 2020, they released The Lost Songs: 1978-1981, a collection of unreleased early tracks that showcased their influences from bands like Van Halen and UFO, offering fans a glimpse into their formative years.
- Don Dokken underwent vocal cord surgery in 2019 due to years of strain, yet he continues performing, highlighting his dedication to the band's enduring career.