Dokken: Rise
Dokken came together in the late 1970s. Influenced by the works of bands such as Judas Priest and Black Sabbath, Dokken was one of the more technical bands of the 1980s. While many Metal bands of the era were of the Glam genre, Dokken stood out by focusing on skill over style. Guitarist George Lynch emerged as one of the premier guitar players of the ‘80s. The soaring melodic voice of frontman Don Dokken would influence a generation of singers and became one of the signature voices of the era.

Dokken: Europe
Don Dokken knew that his unique voice would play well in Germany and looked for talented musicians to back him up. Don Dokken discovered George Lynch playing in the band Xciter. After much delay, George Lynch finally saw the light and joined up with Don Dokken, bringing drummer Mick Brown with him. This trio formed the core of the band Dokken and would redefine a musical genre. Dokken spent time in Germany, honing its craft. After meeting The Scorpions, Dokken formed a strong bond with the band that would benefit both in the future.

Dokken released its first studio album Breaking the Chains in 1981. Dokken became a huge band in Europe, but Dokken’s sound had not yet caught on in the United States, as the Glam scene in Los Angeles was still underground. Still, the music of Dokken gave fans in America a small glimpse of what the future of music would be. The soaring vocals, skilled guitar, and thundering bass line were all groundbreaking achievements that would help popularize Glam Metal. Single “Live to Rock” would become a hit in the US after Dokken established itself.

Dokken: Metal Hits The USA
In 1984, with an American fan base established thanks to Breaking the Chains, Dokken released their breakthrough hit Tooth and Nail. The addition of a new bass player, Jeff Pilson, brought a heavier and harder sound to Dokken. Single “Just Got Lucky” was a hit and brought attention to Dokken. The next single released was power ballad “Alone Again” which gained Dokken much crossover airplay and brought in even more fans. Hard rocking “Into The Fire” was another hit single. The trio of singles led to Tooth and Nail selling over three million copies worldwide.

Dokken had their first Top 40 appearance with follow-up album Under Lock and Key released in 1985. The album was even more of a hit maker than Tooth and Nail. “In My Dreams” was a No. 24 hit while single “The Hunter” reaching No. 25. The hits continued with “Its Not Love”. The heavy radio play and army of rabid Dokken fans led to Under Lock and Key going platinum. Tours with other Heavy Metal stars like Twisted Sister and Judas Priest increased Dokken’s fame even more.

Dokken: More Platinum
Dokken struck gold again when they released single “Dream Warriors” as part of the Nightmare on Elm Street 3 Soundtrack. “Dream Warriors” helped expand Dokken’s audience to other countries. 1987’s Back for the Attack would become another piece of platinum for Dokken. Single “Burning Like a Flame” charted high and kept the heavy side of the band going. Ballad “Heaven Sent” was the highest charting single for Dokken, peaking at No. 13. Back for the Attack was also the heaviest Dokken album, which boasted a harder edge. Back for the Attack went on to sell four million copies.

Dokken next parlayed their famous and energy-filled live act into another hit album. Live album Beast From the East was critically acclaimed and became another platinum success. Dokken would disband and would be gone from the scene for several years before a long-awaited reunion.

Dokken: Return
Dokken eventually reformed in 1993 and, in the midst of the Grunge movement, released album Dysfunctional in 1994. The album charted at an amazing No. 47 in an era when Glam Metal bands found it hard to sell a single record. Dokken continued to tour and released many albums. Dokken shocked the music world again when 2007 release Lightning Strikes Again splashed onto the music charts. Fans all over the globe continue to make Dokken an incredibly in-demand musical act.