Dokken

Dokken formed in Los Angeles in 1978. The band’s early career involved playing at clubs in the Los Angeles area and touring Germany. Initial formations included members like Bobby Blotzer and Juan Croucier before solidifying into the classic lineup. Their 1979 single “Hard Rock Woman” b/w “Broken Heart” was released under the Dokken name. In the early 1980s, the band, featuring Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on guitar, Mick Brown on drums, and Juan Croucier on bass (later replaced by Jeff Pilson), secured a deal with Carrere Records, leading to the release of “Breaking the Chains” in 1981.

Dokken achieved significant commercial success in the mid-1980s. The album “Tooth and Nail,” released in 1984, sold over one million copies in the US and featured hit singles such as “Just Got Lucky,” “Alone Again,” and “Into the Fire.” This success was followed by “Under Lock and Key” in 1985, which also sold over a million copies and included singles like “In My Dreams” and “The Hunter.” The band’s impact extended to film with “Dream Warriors” for “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.” Their album “Back for the Attack,” released in 1987, became their most successful, reaching No. 13 on U.S. charts and attaining platinum status. Their live album “Beast from the East” in 1988 was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

The band experienced a hiatus in 1989 due to internal conflicts but reformed in 1993. Over the years, Dokken has undergone several lineup changes, with Don Dokken remaining the only constant original member. Notable guitarists like Reb Beach and Jon Levin have contributed to their sound. The band continued to release new music, including “Lightning Strikes Again” in 2008 and “Broken Bones” in 2012. The classic lineup briefly reunited for shows in Japan and the US in 2016, releasing the new song “It’s Just Another Day.” Their twelfth studio album, “Heaven Comes Down,” was released in October 2023.