Don Dokken discusses his current relationship with ex-DOKKEN guitarist George Lynch
In recent years, George Lynch has frequently made guest appearances alongside DOKKEN on stage, delivering electrifying renditions of three iconic classics: “Kiss Of Death,” “When Heaven Comes Down,” and “Tooth And Nail.” Typically, George kicks off the shows with his longtime band, LYNCH MOB, and then, as a special treat to conclude the evening, he joins DOKKEN on stage for a memorable encore, providing fans with an unforgettable closing performance.
In a new interview with 80’s Glam Metalcast, Don stated about his relationship with his former bandmate (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “George is George… We talked about it. He first came out and did a couple songs at the end of the show. Then he put LYNCH MOB back together, so they’ve been opening — his whole band — and then he comes on stage for his couple songs.
“But as George and I said, we’re too old to argue anymore. Can’t take the stress. But George is very eccentric, I’m eccentric, and it’s no secret we didn’t get along since day one and it ran its course. But all these years later, it’s like, we’re not BFFs. We don’t hang out, even though he moved to New Mexico. I live in New Mexico. He moved to New Mexico. That’s kind of funny. Very strange. But George is George. I’m me. But it ran its course. We did the reunion with George playing a couple songs, but I just said, ‘Okay, we’re done with that.'”
Don continued: “Jon Levin‘s my guitar player. He’s been in DOKKEN longer than George. I mean, Jon will tell you openly, he grew up — he’s the youngest in the band — he grew up listening to DOKKEN and his favorite guitar player was George. So he’s got that George Lynch style. As George said once to the press, ‘Jon Levin plays me better than me.’ The sound of the guitar, his scales. But I tell Jon, ‘Do what you want, man. You can spread your wings on other songs and just be Jon.’ But that’s just the way he plays.”
In October 2016, the legendary DOKKEN lineup comprising Don, George, bassist Jeff Pilson, and “Wild” Mick Brown on drums reunited for a remarkable performance at the Loud Park festival in Japan. Thankfully, cameras captured this momentous occasion, and Frontiers Music Srl later released “Return To The East Live 2016” in April 2018.
This release not only showcased the unforgettable Japanese performance but also included footage from the classic lineup’s sole U.S. show in September 2016 at Badlands in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. To sweeten the deal, the package featured a new song titled “It’s Just Another Day,” marking the first DOKKEN track featuring the classic lineup since 1997’s “Shadowlife.” Additionally, it included two acoustic reimaginings of beloved classic tracks.
Following the Japanese reunion dates, DOKKEN has continued to captivate audiences with their current lineup, featuring bassist Chris McCarvill, Levin, and drummer BJ Zampa, who is known for his work with HOUSE OF LORDS.
Excitingly, DOKKEN recently wrapped up the recording of their new studio album, “Heaven Comes Down,” slated for release on October 27 via Silver Lining Music. This record marks a significant milestone as the band’s first studio release since 2012’s “Broken Bones.”