Dokken: From Hair Metal to Hard Rock Legend

For many rock and metal fans, the name Dokken evokes thoughts of big hair and outrageous make up. After all, the 80s was a time of glitzy glamour for many bands so it's not surprising that Dokken were part of this scene. But beneath the flashy exterior lies an artist with plenty of musical depth and influence over classic hard rock sounds which is still being appreciated today. For this blog post we will be exploring both good and bad features about the iconic band Dokken by diving into their successes, music legacy, commercial problems as well as broken lineups throughout their run in music history!

For many rock and metal fans, the name Dokken evokes thoughts of big hair and outrageous make up. After all, the 80s was a time of glitzy glamour for many bands so it's not surprising that Dokken were part of this scene. But beneath the flashy exterior lies an artist with plenty of musical depth and influence over classic hard rock sounds which is still being appreciated today. However, Dokken's success was not without challenges. In this blog post, we will be exploring both good and bad features about the iconic band Dokken by diving into their successes, music legacy, commercial problems as well as broken lineups throughout their run in music history!

Dokken was formed in Los Angeles in the late 70s by the lead vocalist Don Dokken and guitarist George Lynch. They started their career with an album titled Breaking the Chains. Though not an immediate success, as their second album Tooth and Nail came out in 1984, they gained massive success with MTV's growing popularity. Dokken started getting recognized and appreciated for their melodic hard rock sound, and with the strength of hits like Alone Again and Just Got Lucky, they were named one of the essential bands of the 80s hair metal scene.

Despite the commercial success, the band faced internal conflicts and line-up changes. The artistic differences and power struggles between Don Dokken and George Lynch, the lead vocalist and the guitarist respectively, became an issue that erupted in Lynch's departure from the band in 1989. While they reunited for a brief period in 1993, the subsequent breakups and shuffling personnel made it challenging to maintain their relevance and momentum in the industry. However, they did release a few albums that have become classics over the years, such as Back for the Attack and Under Lock and Key.

Dokken's influence on the rock and metal genre is undeniable. The band has inspired and influenced numerous artists in the industry. George Lynch, with his six-string wizardry, became a guitar hero and continues to wield a considerable influence over the hard rock and metal guitarists of today. Don Dokken's vocal range and distinctive style has also been emulated by many artists throughout the years. Even bands that sound nothing like them pay homage to Dokken’s influence.

The band’s popularity may have fizzled out as hair metal started to decline, but they remain relevant today despite the setbacks and controversies throughout their career. Dokken’s music continues to be popular, and their influence on modern hard rock bands is palpable. Bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium, and Shinedown have cited Dokken as a significant influence in their music.

Dokken might be remembered as a band that provided the soundtrack to the era of aquanet, leather, and metal. But they were more than just a hair metal band. Dokken’s legacy extends beyond their glitz and glamour and is still being appreciated today. With their musical depth and significant influence over classic hard rock sounds, the band remains an essential part of the genre. Their success and struggles throughout their career serve as a testament to the complexity of maintaining relevance in the music industry. Regardless, Dokken's impact on the rock and metal world remains prevalent and remarkable.