Dokken in Concert
Dokken on Tour
Back in 2016, LA pop-metal pioneer Don Dokken put the 21st-century iteration of his eponymous band on pause and reunited its classic ‘80s version for a tour of the country where they were most warmly received in their heyday: Japan. The trip resulted in a live album, Return to the East (a sequel to 1988's iconic, Grammy-nominated concert set, Beast from the East) as well as this lineup's first new recording together in over 20 years, "It's Another Day." The reunion proved to be short-lived — guitarist George Lynch returned to the group he'd been leading since the ‘90s, Lynch Mob, while original drummer Mick Brown hung up the sticks for good in 2019. But this band has survived many personnel changes before, and Dokken have entered the 2020s with a revamped roster that includes guitarist Jon Levin (Don's right-hand man since the early 2000s) and the House of Lords rhythm section of drummer BJ Zampa and bassist Chris McCarvill.
Dokken Background
Some people are just born with perfectly rock ‘n' roll names, and when Don Dokken's first group, Airborn, were forced to rebrand due to legal issues in 1978, he wisely went with his surname as a replacement. Over the next decade, Dokken would become a one-word shorthand for ‘80s pop-metal in all its shrieking, fist-pumping glory. But before they became fixtures of the Sunset Strip scene, Dokken cut their teeth in the notorious metal hotbed of Germany, where the band recorded their first album, 1981's Breaking the Chains (and where Don burnished his powerful pipes in recording sessions with Scorpions). Two years later, the album was re-released in the US through Elektra Records, introducing stateside audiences to Don's melodically majestic vocals and guitarist George Lynch's dexterity with muscular riffs and shredtastic solos. As the hair-metal explosion raged through the ‘80s, the band would become fixtures on MTV thanks to the crunch-rock confections like "In My Dreams" and the epic power ballad "Alone Again." The group's golden period came to an end in 1989 when Lynch departed to form his own band, Lynch Mob, and Don released his solo debut. But since then, Don has kept the Dokken name alive for over four decades through a series of reinventions and reformations, demonstrating his undiminished desire to get your fists and cigarette lighters in the air.
Band sounded good, but embarrassed for D Dokken’s voice. He struggled to sing, hold the microphone, and walk. We walked out after a few songs. Difficult to listen to as his voice was horrible. Worst concert we have been to in 30 years. Nice venue with comfortable seating. Drink prices were reasonable. Hosts who seated us were great.
Look, I love Dokken. Even the most recent album is a really strong addition to their catalogue. However, it has been well documented that Don's voice has been shot for some time. Ironically, by focusing on the heavier classics, they were able to get through them a little easier. The band is tight, but it may be time for Don to think about hanging it up. George was electric and still has the chops!!! If you love Dokken and understand what to expect, it can be very enjoyable.
Very good concert. The performance was on top. They performed all classic songs as well form the new album.
After missing Dokken in 88 at the Monsters of Rock I never thought I'd see Don and George on the same stage. While it isn't an 80's version of Dokken the show was great. Lots of reviews and comments on Don's voice and he still sounds good. He has to stay in his range and that's fine by me. He is still having a great time up there and so did we.
Ok show but sound system or auditorium seem to be bass heavy and drum heavy. Not sure which caused this or if it was a combination of the 2, but the sound issue took away from the experience. Also, since I can’t drink alcohol, it would have been nice if there was a zero alcohol beer available to us.
We had a great time, however I feel like the sound system had quite a few problems. The first band just sounded terrible, definitely need to work on sound quality. Dokken was great except he had microphone and ear piece problems. I would expect better from a premiere venue.
I have been a big fan of dokken for years now and it was incredible to see them live! This was my first time seeing them live and they were amazing! Don can no longer hit the high notes like he did when he was young but despite everything he has been through with his health issues he did really well! And for being 71 his voice sounded really good and he performed all his old songs with a mix of his new songs and he also interacted with the crowd the whole time and told stories from the 80s. He is very funny and seems very sweet, he also is very dedicated to his music and fans and told us all that he will never stop touring and showing up at the Venues until no one shows up to his shows anymore. I will definitely see them again when they come back! I’ll always keep rockin with dokken! 🤘🏼
It was a good concert, but the sound quality really needed work. You couldn't hear the lead guitar, and the.vocals weren't too clear. But other than that a really good show
The opening act for Dokken was a local band called Cranberry Suit. They were awesome! Definitely want to see them again. Tucsonians should watch out for this up and coming band!
Poor Don, yes he’s doing what he loves, but….. he looks like he’s in pain, can barely carry a time, and looks tired. He was singing so low I couldn’t hear him and I was in the front! His band is great.
