DOKKEN is set to embark on a series of tour dates throughout the initial nine months of 2024
The band, led by Don Dokken, continues its tour in support of the latest album, “Heaven Comes Down.” The itinerary includes three U.S. shows in early March and early April, followed by a European leg starting in early August, featuring appearances at various festivals, including Germany’s Wacken Open Air.
DOKKEN 2024 tour dates:
Mar. 01 – Aradia Theatre – St. Charles, IL
Mar. 02 – Medina Entertainment Center – Medina, MN
Apr. 06 – Ground Zero Music Fest – Bandera, TX
Aug. 1-3 – Wacken Open Air – Wacken, Germany
Aug. 1-3 – Skogsrojet – Stockholm, Sweden
Aug. 7-9 – Leyendas Del Rock – Alicante, Spain
Aug. 10 – Alcatraz Metal Fest – Kortrijk, Belgium
Aug. 15-17 – Rock Castle Open Air – Moravsky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Aug. 16-17 – Jailbreak – Faengslet Horsens, Denmark
Sep. 14 – Feather Falls Casino – Oroville, CA
Sep. 27 – Golden Nugget – Las Vegas, NV
Following the commercial disappointment of DOKKEN‘s previous studio release, “Broken Bones,” in 2012, Don Dokken openly questioned the band’s future in terms of making another record. Criticized by fans for diminished performances due to radiation treatments for stomach cancer and subsequent vocal-cord surgery, he took a hiatus to regroup and evaluate the band’s standing in the rock scene.
Reflecting on that challenging period, Don admitted to the Bradenton Herald, “I was getting so bad I had to say, ‘Guys, I’m just destroying our brand. I suck.'” A hiatus allowed him to address health issues, including weight gain and an inability to sing, following radiation therapy.
In November 2019, Don underwent neck and spine surgery, temporarily sidelining his ability to play the guitar.
DOKKEN‘s 13th studio album, “Heaven Comes Down,” was released on October 27, 2023, through Silver Lining Music. Produced by Bill Palmer and Don Dokken, and mixed by Kevin Shirley (AEROSMITH, IRON MAIDEN), it follows the aforementioned “Broken Bones.”
DOKKEN, a prominent rock band in the 1980s glam metal and hard rock scene, originated in Los Angeles, California. The band’s roots can be traced back to 1978 when vocalist Don Dokken joined forces with drummer Mick Brown. The duo’s collaboration eventually expanded with the addition of guitarist George Lynch and bassist Juan Croucier. This lineup marked the formation of a full-fledged band.
The band’s early years were characterized by the flourishing Sunset Strip music scene, where they honed their skills and built a local fanbase. The band’s energetic performances and melodic yet heavy sound quickly caught the attention of the industry. In 1983, the foursome released their debut album, “Breaking the Chains,” which showcased their signature blend of catchy hooks and Lynch‘s impressive guitar work. Despite moderate success, internal tensions led to Juan Croucier‘s departure. He would eventually find a home with the band RATT while Jeff Pilson would take over the bassist position within the band.
The classic DOKKEN lineup, consisting of Don Dokken, George Lynch, Jeff Pilson and Mick Brown, solidified in the mid-1980s. This configuration propelled the band to greater heights with albums like “Tooth and Nail” (1984) and “Under Lock and Key” (1985), establishing DOKKEN as a force in the glam metal scene. The power ballad “Alone Again” from “Tooth and Nail” remains one of their most memorable songs.
DOKKEN‘s commercial peak came with the album “Back for the Attack” (1987), featuring hits like “Dream Warriors,” the theme song for the film “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.” However, internal conflicts reached a boiling point, leading to George Lynch‘s departure in 1989.
Despite lineup changes, the group continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with Don Dokken remaining a constant presence. Notable releases include “Dysfunctional” (1995) and “Erase the Slate” (1999).
In August 2020, DOKKEN released an album titled “The Lost Songs: 1978-1981” through Silver Lining Music. This collection showcases material crafted and recorded by the eager and youthful Don Dokken as he embarked on a musical journey that spanned both Southern California and Northern Germany. The album features captivating sleeve art by the renowned U.S. artist Tokyo Hiro, known for his work with legends like MOTÖRHEAD and MOTLEY CRÜE.
Notably, DOKKEN‘s classic lineup, comprised of Don Dokken, guitarist George Lynch, bassist Jeff Pilson, and drummer “Wild” Mick Brown, reunited for a brief Japanese tour in October 2016. This marked a remarkable return to the stage for all four members, breaking a 21-year hiatus.
For fans eager to relive this memorable reunion tour, a DOKKEN concert DVD titled “Return To The East Live (2016)” was released in 2018, providing a captivating glimpse into their triumphant return to the live music scene.
