Dokken

Dokken is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, active from 1979 to the present. The group is associated with glam metal, hard rock and heavy metal, and becomes one of the better-known bands of the 1980s hard rock and metal scene.

History

The band forms in Los Angeles in 1978. It disbands in 1989 and reunites in 1993. The classic line-up consists of founder Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on lead guitar, Mick Brown on drums and Jeff Pilson on bass. Pilson joins in 1983, replacing Juan Croucier, and this formation remains stable from 1983 to 1989 and again from 1993 to 1998. The classic line-up briefly reunites in 2016.

After a series of changes on guitar, Jon Levin becomes the band’s lead guitarist in 2004. Barry Sparks replaces Pilson on bass in 2001, Sean McNabb succeeds him in 2009, and Chris McCarvill takes over in 2015. After Mick Brown retires from the band in July 2019, Don Dokken becomes the only remaining original member, and BJ Zampa replaces Brown on drums.

Commercial success and recognition

During the 1980s, Dokken achieves commercial success with singles that enter the Billboard Hot 100, including “Alone Again”, “In My Dreams” and “Burning Like a Flame”. The band sells more than 10 million albums worldwide. Its live album Beast from the East receives a nomination for the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 1989.

Albums

Dokken’s studio albums include Breakin' the Chains (credited to Don Dokken), Breaking the Chains, Tooth and Nail, Under Lock and Key, Back for the Attack, Dysfunctional, Shadowlife, Erase the Slate, Long Way Home, Hell to Pay, Lightning Strikes Again, Broken Bones and Heaven Comes Down.

Later recognition

In 2020, the band appears in a list of the 20 greatest hair metal bands of all time published by Yardbarker.