It has been nearly a decade since the classic Dokken lineup last reunited, and frontman Don Dokken says he does not remember the experience fondly.
The band’s classic lineup, featuring Don Dokken, guitarist George Lynch, drummer Mick Brown and bassist Jeff Pilson, reunited in 2016 for the first time since 1997, performing a short run of shows in Japan.
In a recent interview with “The SDR Show,” Don Dokken discussed how the reunion came together.
“We did an experiment, and we said, ‘We’ll write one song together,’” Don Dokken said. With the classic lineup back together, the possibility of touring again was raised.
“I said, ‘I’m not doing America. We’ll go to Japan, and we’ll see if we don’t kill each other,’” he said. “We did the Japanese tour. It was a disaster, mostly because of me. I just wasn’t on my game.”
After the tour, Dokken said the group decided not to continue.
“We just came back and I said, ‘I don’t think this is gonna work,’” he said. “So that was the end of that.”
Working With George Lynch Again?
A key element of Dokken’s classic era was the chemistry between Don Dokken and George Lynch. While the two shared a successful partnership, they were also known for frequent infighting. During the “SDR Show” interview, Don Dokken said he and Lynch have moved beyond their past disputes, with Lynch making guest appearances at recent Dokken shows.
“We’re old — we’re too old to bicker and fight, even though a couple years ago he went at it again with the lawsuits,” Don Dokken said. “But that’s in the past. So, we’re both gray-haired now.”
Dokken also revealed that he and Lynch have talked about working together on new material. However, Dokken said there is one important condition.
“I talked to George when we played, and I said, ‘I might be up for an EP only.’ But I said flat out, ‘It has to sound like Dokken,’” Don Dokken said. “I’m not trying to insult you, George, but I’ve listened to all your records. It has to be Dokken. That’s what the fans want. They don’t want to hear tripped out stuff. George puts out what he puts out, but it has nothing to do with the way I write.”