|
Gilford NH- It has been nearly three years since Dokken toured New England on their "Hell To Pay" tour. Tonight Dokken appeared on a bill with Poison and Ratt. Dokken hit the stage at 6:30 P.M. and performed one of the strongest sets of the evening. In my opinion tonight’s Dokken's performance proved that this latest incarnation of Dokken is possibly the strongest the band has ever been since the original line-up featuring Jeff Pilson and George Lynch.
Guitarist Jon Levin has a guitar style that is reminiscent of early Dokken, but at the same time, Jon has his own style that is fresh and exciting.
 |
Opening with,” Unchain The Night", Don Dokken took center stage and command of the crowd. Don's vocal style was strong, and had a rich timber that was prevalent in so many of the Dokken's hits during their heyday.
The band rolled,” Into The Fire:” as the venue was pretty full for the early 6:30 pm. start, proving that there is a demand for 80's music. These songs are more than just nostalgic; they have inspired so many musicians.
Dokken rolled through a vast array of hits that spanned their extensive career. Dokken even performed their hit,” Dream Warriors", inspired from the movie,” Nightmare On Elm Street." Don yelled to the crowd,” How many of you have been rocking with Dokken since day one? This song is for you."
Dokken, who are known for their heaviness, as well as their melodic hits, slammed into,” Kiss Of Death".
My favorite highlight of the night was when the band performed one of their first hits,” Alone Again". Don's signature, melodic vocal style took control, as the song sparked a spontaneous sing along. One of the reasons that Don enjoys performing on the East Coast so much, is because the audience here really gets into the music, and is not afraid to show their appreciation of the songs. Don enthuses," We are so happy to be performing here tonight. It is such a beautiful night for a concert. It is all about the fans. I could be home sitting on my ass in LA, but I am here tonight to perform for the fans. The East Coast audiences love to sing along to the songs. In LA, they think it is not cool to dance or have a good time at a concert. People shouldn't go to a Dokken concert if they don't want to participate and sing along".
Another highlight included the Dokken song that started it all, "Breakin The Chains". Don commented,” I wrote this song in 1979 with Blotz. It was before, we even had a record deal. I was in Germany, at the time."
 |
The band then performed,” It’s Not Love", and Don said,” This song was really cool because we did a great video for it, riding all around LA. in a fire truck” This song also featured a great bass solo from Barry Sparks. It was cool to hear Don to introduce Barry, as Dokken's bass player. You might remember Barry once toured with Ted Nugent. But, he is back where he belongs with Dokken. The band was missing their drummer Mick Brown, because he is playing drums for Ted on Ted's summer tour. Ex-Enuff'Z'Nuff drummer Vik Foxx filled in for Mick. Also guitarist Jon Levin was on fire, as he shredded the catchy guitar hook.
The set was going strong, but Don didn't want to just feature all the hits. Don said,” Well we have played all of the hits, do you want to hear some metal now"? The band ripped into,” Tooth and Nail".
As the set was coming to a close, Don yelled,” We got to go", as he crooned the classic opening line,” In My Dreams it's Still The Same, You're Love Is Strong, It Still Remains". The audience was on there feet, singing along to every word.
Tonight was just the first stop on the East Coast, as Dokken performs a solo show in Long Island on Saturday, and prepares for a European Double headlining tour with Kingdom Come in September.
Dokken Set List
Unchain The Night
Into The Fire
Dream Warriors
Kiss Of Death
Just Got Lucky
Along Again
Breakin The Chains
It's Not Love
Tooth and Nail
In My Dreams - Encore Buy Dokken merch here
|
|
