Why does Don Dokken continue to tour when his voice is 100% shot? Does he need the money?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ย. 2024
- It's no secret that Don Dokken's voice has been terrible for several years now. It just seems to get worse and worse every year. And he does not seem to enjoy the shows. He looks bored, tired, and uninterested. If this is the case, why does Don continue to do live shows? Does he actually need the money? Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe.
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Notice: Everything stated in this video is opinion and speculation from myself. None of it should be taken as fact, nor is any of it intended that way. I have no direct knowledge of the situation, therefore it is all speculation. Anyone watching this video is entitled to make up their own mind and opinion on the matter. Also, this video is not meant to deter anyone from attending Dokken live shows, purchasing Dokken music, or doing anything Dokken related. Decide for yourself.
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#georgelynch
#80smusic
sometimes its not about needing the money as much as it could be just wanting the money, or simply never wanting to sit at home, or just missing the limelight. Who knows.
He looks awfully bored up on stage. I can't imagine being even more bored sitting at home, but who knows.
@@thebaldshredder
He just doesn’t take care of himself. Or his voice. He hasn’t for years. look at Mickey Thomas. He’s in his early 70s, and he still sounds amazing. It’s because he takes care of himself.
Vince Neil is 61, and he doesn’t take care of myself, he sounds like shit too.
Tony Harnell, takes care of them self and he still sounds great. So does Michael Sweet, Even recently, Geoff Tate has been sounding really good!
@@TarynnElizabeth619 sammy hagar
@@jeffdubuque3755 His voice is OK. But it’s not as good as it was. Definitely a lot better than some guys his age, about the same as David Coverdale . Mickey Thomas still has the best voice of the guys in the 70’s.
@@TarynnElizabeth619 a lot better then coverdale/
Don had a very good voice back in the day and some awesome screams and high notes. Sadly, those days are long gone.
Yes, very sadly.
Don's voice has been done for more than 20 years, folks hearing is blinded.
@@danielfair4675 Agree you can hear his vocal decline as far back as 1999 on "Erase the Slate" with Reb Beach on guitar ! But it was 100 times better then now ...
All that screaming has a price. Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney are good evidence.
@@lionheartroar3104 That's true, combined with getting older, etc. The thing is if singers can hit those high notes and cool screams, they're going to do it. Gotta go for the brass ring when you are young and capable of certain things.
Don's vocals and Lynch's crunch tone can't be replicated
Last Dokken concert I went to back in 2019, I sang the high parts for him from the crowd. 😂
Same! Saw him in jersey! Mick was still in the band
Same, its hard when he tries so hard to get that range he once had, but still much respect for him and his life, well he is a legend! I sing these songs every time i get asked to and people like it, still will never be a Don Dokken, much respect to this great legend.
I think people still go see him because they know they will have to sing for him and people like that part.
If you spent your whole life singing, touring, writing and performing music and had a reasonably successful career in your genre, then having to give it up must hurt like hell; just imagine confronting that. It's what he's done his whole life, so regardless of monetary needs, he'll have to deal with the loss of his voice, the physical problems he has had and the fact that it look like his career is pretty much done. So, THAT is what is likely going on with Don Dokken. It's easy to say he needs to just pack it in, and I agree he should unless he can find a way to recover his voice, but I have sympathy for the bloke.
He was a producer before he was a singer. He should consider going back to producing or perhaps he could write songs for other groups. Music history is loaded with artists who wrote songs for others, even while they were still popular themselves. I'm saddened by the decline in his voice but one thing he should stop doing, and it MAY HELP him get his voice back, is to quit smoking especially since he battled cancer. Either way, I'm praying for him and wish him the best. 🤲
Whether he can sing or not he will always be a legend
What does that even mean?????
@@randalclarke5487exactly what they said he's a legend
@@randalclarke5487it’s copium. I like Dokken and I think they should play gigs as long as they want to and there are still people who will buy a ticket, but legends they are not lol. The term is overused to the point of being meaningless. Did dokken even have a top 10 single or top 10 album? Good band… was an opening act even at the peak of their popularity.
I saw Dokken at The Surf in Clear Lake, IA last night, it was a full house! I was thrilled to be able to see them regardless of his vocal issues. I am a huge fan of their music and the band was awesome. The band members seem to Love their job and I assume want to keep it!
I totally agree 👍 with you maybe he is not the singer he used to be but their is still alot of fans that would love to see them me included
Feel the same way. Seen then twice in the last year. The new band, although certainly not Lynch & Co. held their own and were awesome to say the least. And their melodies made up for the loss of Don’s voice. I will say I admire him for still getting up there, despite all the flack, and giving it his best shot. Can’t say that I blame him…
Clear Lake IA IS where music died right?
I have always considered myself a hardcore Dokken fan. Ever since "Tooth and Nail", I have bought every Dokken album. As a guitar player and a singer I have tried to model everything I have done musically to that. George was the one that made me practice and Don was the one that made me want to sing. Back in those days I had that kind of voice. That being said, I can understand the reality and frustration Don is feeling and probably has felt for some time. I hit that point much earlier in my life, but luckily I had a trade to fall back on. But it was still a hard dose of reality. I think about it every time I see a live show. I think to myself, " I remember when I could do that". But I agree with both sides that I am hearing. While it is depressing to watch someone you use to idolize who can't do it anymore, he might not have any other options. And yes he brings in George so he can sell tickets. I'm not trying to take anything away from Don, in the 80's and 90's he was the king if you ask me. But maybe he could get into producing and working in the studio rather than live performing. Just saying.
Regardless Don should feel blessed he is still able to do so .
True, he was GREAT in the 80’s.
One of my favorite singers, if not
the favorite singer back then.
Raspy, soulful etc. They were also
a great band with great songs.
Probably the best in their genre. ✌️
80s Dokken was top notch.
@@thebaldshredder dude , this isn't necessary, everyone knows he's a cancer survivor and got messed up bad from a back surgery. He's a hero and you are a nobody. Your overdramatization is pure cheeze and disrespectful. If you really loved rock you wouldn't be trying to capitalize on Mr. DOKKEN's misfortune. We can all see for ourselfs what is going on and we don't need some drama queen to tell us in exxaggerated style. The real story is that MR. DOKKEN is a total hero, legend and warrior to go out in the midst of these struggles and I don't care if he's doing it for financial or personal reasons. Mr. DOKKEN IMO is one of the coolest guys in rock, ever that wrote some of the greatest rock songs and that worked hard to make it in a tough industry and was robbed by cirsumstannces of the fame he really deserved. I know there a lot of G. Lynch fawns out there and I respect his playing but, though he has matured was a total premadona ego freak to the point it broke Don's will to continue with him at the cusp of massive acceptance. The stories are all out there. Fronting a band well is the hardest job. Don's voice what great and original and wasn't a typical R.Plant copycat and he wrote great songs that people still want to hear and new people are picking up every day. G.Lynch probably would have gone nowhere if it wasn't for Don (in spite of his great skills) Don, the fact is, he is still around and that in itself is a blessing and shows the enduring qualityh of his music and his love for the business. On top of that I have seen some improvement in a more recent video. The fact is, you don't have to listen or go to his shows and making a video on this topic is fine but show some respect for a rock and roll legend that neverr got his full squeeze and is doing what he wants---- and BTW, DON said all the people on the net talking shit on him can "kiss my ass" and I agree. Please take this video down - it really makes me sick. From an OG DOKKEN fan from their first LP on vinyl.
You can take a rocker off the road, but it isn't easy to take the spirit of the road, or touring out of the rocker. Don can do something else, but his life has been music. I think that he doesn't want to be sitting down at home waiting for the Grim Reaper.
I know he doesn't sound the same as when he recorded his Hit songs. He is still worth going to see because of his stage presence and he is witty and fun when you see him perform. How can anyone expect an older person to sound the same as when they are younger? I would still go see him. Tickets to see him are also reasonably priced.
Don has zero stage presence..
Tickets should be free. This old, fat, cantankerous, apathetic, non singing buffoon is an embarrassment to himself and all that have and will witness the horse shite. I don't expect him to sing like he used to, but I damn sure don't expect him to mumble his way through a set like a drunk crooner wannabe. Damn this dude was good.......a while ago.
I 100 percent agree I would go also
@@Remco96187 Steven Tyler sounds the same
Steven Tyler sounds the same
I have a lot of respect for Don Dokken, but I also feel real sad for him since his powerful voice is gone.
All I’m gonna say is thank god for Don’s Bass player for a recent show where Don left the stage for more than ten minutes while the bass player ripped the best bass solo while hitting high range vocals to save the day Steel Panther should get that guy haha
The bass player does a LOT of singing in the live shows. He's singing all the high parts.
Yeah he’s got some serious talent
I was at that show, Don left to piss lol
Agreed... Chris McCarvill kills it on backing vocals. He's got the chops.
If people still wanna see Dokken . I see no problems with Don still performing if that's what he wants to do.
Of course. If Don wants to do live shows, he can. If people want to buy tickets to see it, they can. That's not my point. He can't sing anymore. At all. So why does he still do it?
@@thebaldshredder I just listen to Two latest performances. I All Honesty . I Really don't think he sounds that bad . Compared to Other singers and the Biggest problem I hear is In the tech / Monitor / Volume/ And It sounds to me like he's using 0% of Effects whatsoever . There is no rules against singers using some effects. I remember in the day Don used Echo as well as his voice was always loud enough to cut through the rest of band . I think the techs or someone has totally drop the ball with doing anything to help the sound of Don's Performance . And I will note yes he is singing at lowered register . But I still hear he's unique vocal character that I sincerely think the sound tech has done nothing to bring out in the mix .
He is not even singing..it is flat vocal monotone.
@@barbaradascalos4411 He's singing . I would still rather hear him . Than any pop singer out there.
There is no melody cause he is speaking the lyrics..it's just not singing.
It’s tough man. I’m 52 and have been a touring drummer all my adult life. If I ever had to get a straight job I’d be screwed because I don’t know how to do anything else. So maybe Don is just doing what he’s always done because he doesn’t know what else to do.
This is sad, his voice was at the top of the metal world. This isnt aging...its cigs
UPDATE: Speaking to Don Today, he is Retiring at The End of the Unannounced Tour that will begin at the end of the year. After a botched Surgery, his Right Arm is Paralyzed from the Shoulder Down. He wishes everybody well. Thanks 4 the Support 🫶🏻
why did he play professional sports?? uhm no
@@clovismeaux9532 you sound like a Brokie
oh dam that sux! hope he can recover from the surgery that def sux
According to celebrity net worth, don dokken is worth 10 million dollars
The last 3 generations have gone through this. It is normal. Since the advent of recording, both video and audio, it is easy to see the changes over time. I remember being a kid in the 70s and my grandparents going to these type of concerts for the music of their day. Then my parents. If you are 65+, no way will you meet the expectations of those that want what they hear/can hear from the past. I dont know Don, but his issues with smoking and his health are no secret. I will not go to one of his shows, a Motley show, Ratt, etc. I know the monster that time is to singers and I dont know of anybody that can do what they did in their 20s/30s.
Don had throat cancer maybe 8 years ago from smoking cigarettes and will probably never recover. He had major damage in his lower back vertibre so he probably can't move very well either. I don't think anyone would've thought in 1986 any of these singers would still be doing it at 69 years old.
Saw Dokken here in Dallas twice, once last year and last May.
Don could not sing.
But, it was fantastic to see him and the band belt out Dokken classics!
It was LOUD. So loud that his inability to sing was kinda lost in the mix. I had a blast!
Then there's George.....hasn't lost a beat.
Met Don after the show....autographs all around and a bit of chatting.
Well like I said, I think it's a different experience when you are in the crowd, music blasting, adrenaline pumping, etc. For sure that's going to be more enjoyable than watching on TH-cam, and you're less likely to notice if his singing is not great. Anyway, I'm glad you had a blast. I've met Don a couple of times and he was super cool.
I had the same experience as you. Band were on fire, the music was great, Don was clearly enjoying himself... Had a great time... can't wait to see them again.
Weird, I heard him live last year and his voice was fine, and what do you mean George hasn't lost a beat? Have you seen side by sides of him in his prime and trying to play his solos now? They've both lost a beat but they can both still do what they do
@@spartansquid5931 are YOU the same as when you were in your "prime", whenever that was......
@@stratrat57 No one stays the same as in their prime, you went out of your way to talk about George as if he still is though.
I saw them on the Under Lock and Key tour. My favorite band. If he'd come near where I live, I'd go see him again. It's called aging. It happens to us all.
It's also called retiring, which most people his age have done.
@@thebaldshredder I think you should retire. you look 20 years older.
Exactly, its called RETIREMENT
Don was already a bit older than his contemporaries when they were at their peak (as were George and Mick, Jeff is a bit younger than them). So he went in with 10 fewer good years left to begin with.
Then again, Ronnie James Dio was 11 years older than Don, and sounded great up until he died.
I was at one of his shows this July. I cringed the entire time! So sad, he was terrible!! He was one of my favorites, everything you said is so true. As long as his fans still pay, he's going to keep going. Just terrible.
Some people don't seem to mind. I wouldn't want to see it live, but to each their own.
Yeah it's not shameful to lose your voice it's shameful pretending
I've been a Dokken fan since first hearing Breaking The Chains in '83 and I can think of few bands I've seen live more than Dokken, except maybe Scorps, Maiden or Rush. Definitely one of my favorite bands ever. But the decline in Don's voice is undeniable. He had an incredible voice in his prime. He never ran around like Diamond Dave, but he had good stage presence and one of the best voices in metal. Don has lost so much range they almost sound like they're playing in Drop C. Almost all Dokken songs in the good old days were tuned to E flat, which is standard live tuning.
Yep, that exactly what I'm saying. Thanks.
@@thebaldshredder It's a sad thing to see such a decline, but I can't afford to pay to see a concert that I know from the outset I'll be disappointed with. I have to think more about day to day living than a night on the town seeing an inferior Dokken, Whitesnake or Crue.
Richard Ive not checked the tunings but I know youre on top of that stuff- are they tuning super low? George did in Souls of We
In the recent live clips they're tuned a half step down.
Dokken is and was a really CLEAN vocalist with a lot of volume. Don hitting a Bb is not the same as Ozzy hitting Bb with a lot of brightness and buzz.
it is really amazing how Oz still has a voice and Don has less range . What is the world coming to? First Global Warming now this!
I think Global Warming has effected Don's Voice.
My last concert for Dokken was probably over 8 years ago up in Bergen County in New Jersey. The only concert I actually walked out on. I have not seen them since. They were my favorite band for close to 40 years. So disappointing. He has written so many mid-tempo songs that he might actually be able to sing but everyone wants the 80's songs. I have seen them over 20 times so I would be perfectly fine with Dokken play lesser know songs that Don may actually be able to sing.
I've recently been to a Dokken show here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Don Dokken lives in Santa Fe, NM now. I love going to see Dokken. I understand, when I go to a Dokken show, it's not going to be Don Dokken of 1984. Some nights, he's into it and seems to be having a good time. He always has great buys behind him and they help him vocally get through a show. I still like going to see Dokken more for nostalgic reasons. And I support him going on as long as he can because that's what he does. It's who he is.
as an aging singer... problem lies with these singers trying to sing the same "hit" songs year in and year out as they age. our voices change as we age and singing a song we wrote in 1983 compared to now is apples and oranges....Don Dokken is one of my biggest influences from back in the day. I do drink but never smoked... Don did, don't know if that took it's toll or not. he's still a legend and always will be, after my throat surgery my voice changed so drastically that I had to leave the band I played with at the time.. I could no longer sing certain songs. pushing 60 ...I no longer sing in the wild... just in my own house/truck/shower. retire with the dignity you deserve Don.
Pretty sad. Don doesn't seem worried about his dignity or legacy.
Chain smoking and chain drinking does that to your voice
You don’t just talk your way bullshit all the way through to the pay check
No you can’t
I can sing like I used to bullshit. I can I can prove it. One lie to cross ref. I’m singing like a bird again guys let me get a dokken deal and pay you all 100 bucks. And I’ll buy the house. Get Kelly to sing on the whole thing write play guitar do the harmonies 🎏🎏🎏🪞🎈🎈🎈🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩 he makes me so mad
I talked with Don backstage he said he bought a mountain in I think Montana and is happy and enjoying that he sold his Beverly Hills homes. Honestly Don did ok in sacramento and just to be able and see him live with George and Jon was amazing please don’t be so rough he’s still got the magic
He bought a mountain? How do you buy a mountain? Anyway, not trying to be rough on Don. I really like him, honestly. It just pains me to see his performances now. And I'm not sure what magic he still has.
He moved to New Mexico.
@@thebaldshredder Lol..."magic" LOL...🤣👍Yeah, I'm NOT sure either!
I just watched one where he reminded me of Ozzy, walking around like he's lost, could hardly stand up. George is still killing it.
Poor guy. He loves what he wants to do. He's been doing it for so long. He misses that life. But we get old and shit starts to go down hill. Life......
Yes, absolutely. I love Don, I really do. I'm younger than him, and I can already feel the affects of age. It sucks. And I'm sure it is VERY hard to step away from that spotlight, but there comes a point where it needs to end. I guess only Don can decide when that time is here.
@@thebaldshredder excatly
In his time...absolutely 💯
Ya gotta give him credit at least he's still out there.
Awesome
I saw Don about six years ago in San Antonio and he struggled. He is 70 after all. Those days of Under Lock and Key / Back for the Attack are never coming back. What I would do to go back to 1981-89.
The 80s ruled. So glad I lived through it.
I saw him in 2019 just before the covid lockdown, and I felt so bad for him. It was one of the saddest things I've ever seen. And as a huge Dokken fan in the 80's, I just wanted it to end for his sake. I doubt things have improved since then. I think he does it because that is just what he does. He's a rockstar i his head and he just can't stop.
His voice has been shot ever since having vocal surgery 13 years ago. He didn't really rest it then it was like starting all over. He ruined it
I think it's definitely the combination of health problems (spine surgery, vocal chord surgery, cancer) + having to perform with guys he's been on bad terms with (George, Jeff), that limits his performance. He has to be doing it for the fans, I think there is still a demand for Dokken and he wants to keep carrying the flame of his baby basically as long as he can
Oh yeah, there is definitely still some demand. People are still buying tickets.
If only he’d taken care of himself like Bruce Dickinson, Halford, Kip Winger, ect all did.
I saw one of the performances with George last Dec in Hollywood. I was bummed that he couldn't sing anymore (I was unaware he lost his voice). It was great to see him and George on stage together though. I was hyped just to see them. Just found your channel today. Love your videos man.
Thanks man! Glad you found me.
Was it an official Dokken show? I am surprised to hear that Don & George would even be in the same room together if there was no big money involved to give them motivation.
In his day, his voice was the "laser light show" of rock vocals. Now he sounds like a drunk old guy reciting poetry in a "local" coffee house.
If he enjoys doing it, and the people are still coming to see him, he should keep doing it.
Fans in general enjoy seeing people who they like, regardless of Olympic performance levels. As musicians, we may look at it differently.
From what I understand, he had some sort of throat cancer or something like that a few years ago as well, on top of his age.
"If he enjoys doing it" as you say. And I really hope he does. If he enjoys and the audience likes it, then that's ok.
@ Mikal
Yes, in 2012, Don had overcome stomach cancer, radiation treatments and vocal-cord surgery, and had lasting physical health limitations. Then he had to have neck and spinal surgery in early November 2019.
There were some complications; Don's right arm and hand were partially paralyzed as well as overall weakness in his body.
It's a wonder that he can perform at all.
@@c2jones Given all these limitations, I applaud him for even TRYING, let alone doing.
I won't speculate on why Don continues to perform, it is probably a multitude of reasons why but I will say that most of these guys seem not to know when it is over. We the audience should tell them by not attending their performances. But I guess that is too much to ask of people intent on hanging on to the 80s. Just my 2 cents!
Don & Jon are vocally finish yet Robin Zander keeps killing it!!!!
Some singers can maintain their vocal abilities later in life, while others like Don can't.
Robin is 90% falsetto. That helps a lot.
Zander doesn't sing 12 octaves above his normal voice or scream.
You can have the best, safest technique in the world but if you get injured during a surgery for your back, there’s not much you can do about it. Sometimes it’s just the luck of the draw.
Don is a smoker
You’d think he would find a guy who can replicate his sound. And he just essentially manage Dokken. He would still make a bunch of money.
This ones a tough topic cuz I have SO MUCH love for Don! Dokken was really my fave band as a kid. Well AcDc but as far as Obscure its Dokken. I think he WANTS to tour! I dont know if he needs the money- I myself wish the industry would sign some NEW BANDS! I worked at Tower Records in my 20s and there were SOOO MANY BANDS comin out! We are SO screwed! Side note: I see Mick at the Biker Bars here in Phx and he’s the nicest dude ever!
Yeah I really hope it's that he WANTS to do it and doesn't have to. And I've met Mick a couple of times. Super nice.
metal bands are dying off, won't see a big surge ever again and thats fine by me, metal is an 80's and 90's thing, some 70's too, but the 80's was the height of it from crue to possessed to watch tower to candlemass and all in between.
It hurts like hell to say this but Don needs to quit now, HIS VOICE IS SHOT, SO IS JON BON JOVI VOICE, GUYS, PLEASE STOP TORTURING US , PLEASE STOP THE TORTURE,..
Man I just looked up some of his last live performances. Rough!
Yeah it's really bad. And for a huge fan like me, it's hard to watch.
Part of it is because of his back surgery in 2021.
The music of Don Dokken is necessary to keep Freddy Krueger away.
Any of us who play his material incorrectly shall be punished.
Remember, Only bald shred is real shred.
You know, there comes a time in everyone’s life when we can no longer do what may have come very easy for us in our youth. Singing is certainly one of those things. There are a few who can pull it off, and I do mean a few. You have your Sammie Hagar, Glen Hughes or Steven Tyler types out there but they are the exception to the rule - they are lucky.
I understand not wanting to leave something you have done your whole life but performing may not be in the cards anymore. I think with Don’s experience in the music business he would possibly make a really good producer or promoter, maybe a manager, I just think the time has come to leave this aspect of the business but his involvement doesn’t need to stop there. I wish him the best.
Its got to be a multitude of different reasons. As a singer myself, I know Don definitely doesn’t like the fact that he can’t sing them like back then. It probably makes him feel like a fraud, even if its not totally in his forward conscience, imposter syndrome has to be at least hitting a little. Then, to top it, he does have a lot of medical issues that would impair him even further. He probably still does love to perform and write, which is why he does that over anything else and moving on, but it’s likely frustrating that the best of his career’s success as far as recognition and financial happened almost 40 years ago.
I agree your vocals just aren’t what they once were when we get older. I think Sammy Hagar is that one guy that even in his 70,s still sounds great and still great stage presence
Sammy still sounds great
Yes I was at a Dokken show about 5 Yrs ago at Erie’s Roar on the Shore bike festival. I wanted him to be good but he couldn’t sing at all. I truly felt bad for him to be up there ruining his own songs. I’m amazed the band plays through. They have to realize how bad he is. Don just talks the lyrics. I’m sad for him. Although I was disappointed, I’m glad it was a free concert paid by the venue because I would have demanded my money back.
I think a lot of the reason is something that happens to all of us. We are defined for something. I have been doing radio for 18 years. I am not enjoying it as much as I did. I have left radio twice, and yet it is one of those things of “well this is who I am, this is what I am known for and I am getting older.” Singing defines Don I think.
Yes he's a singer and always will be. But he sounds terrible now.
Dokken is/was one of my favorite bands. I've seem them live with Lynch, Norum, Beach, etc. It's hard to watch Don these days. He doesn't even look like he's happy to be there. Like it's painful to tour. Which was why Mick retired.
I’m a huge Dokken fan. Just saw Dokken this year. Was a fan back in the day and still am. Absolutely love Don Dokken. Gotta remember, this is the guy that not only sung but wrote all those killer songs we grew up with!!
So what if he can’t do a lot of the physical stuff he used to. Most of us, including our heroes can’t do a lot of the things we did as kids cuz we ALL get older. Look, I’d still see Arnold Schwarzenegger if he were in town. Does he have same physique? No. Can he bench what he used to? No. Our heroes all get older, like we do. It shouldn’t diminish the love, respect, and admiration we have for them. If you love Dokken for the awesome tunes and memories he gave us all go and see him. It’s awesome just being in the same room with any hero you might love. If you’re there just to hear the same notes sung in the 80’s and 90’s go buy it on iTunes and stop bitching. Maybe join a gym and walk the walk,instead of being a hypocrite, holding the guy responsible for not physically performing like he did 30-40 years ago.
How am I being a hypocrite? I'm not overweight or out of shape. I play guitar just as well as I ever have. I don't record myself playing a sloppy solo and then upload it and expect people to just like it anyway. I don't smoke or drink and I live a healthy lifestyle. Don should do the same. You missed a lot of my points. It's not about hitting the high notes. If he has to sing lower, that's fine. But even that sounds terrible because there is no melody, soul, or life in his voice anymore. He doesn't take care of himself and he's never taken care of his voice.
@ Al
You make a long list of great points. I'm with you on everything (limiting to that pertaining to Don) in your post.
@@thebaldshredder
As you acknowledged in your video, Don did have some significant medical issues which affected his voice. It's not all strictly a neglect of himself, though the decadence was there. Smoking and drinking in particular.
People critique Geoff Tate (63) for his inability to carry notes as he once used to while honoring Todd La Torre (48), who's many years younger, though still smokes. Age catches up if one is smoking. It will happen to Todd.
And it’s guys like you that go out, buy the tickets and still go to these shows. I personally don’t get it, but it’s people like you that keep these guys going.
There are quite an array of singers/musicians out there who don't know when to call it a day. Sadly they seem to be grasping for past magic and are in denial of starting a new stage in their lives.
I saw Dokken (band called ' Don Dokken' ) back in '91, this was his first 'solo' tour ( Name dispute with Lynch, Pilson and Brown that legally resulted in having to add 'Don' in front of DOKKEN). Wouldn't you know that Don was suffering with laryngitis that night......he was all apologetic saying stuff like " sorry I have laryngitis but we just couldnt cancel on you guy's, had to come and rock you anyways", something to that effect. That band was AMAZING, everyone in it was well established ( Jon Norum ( Europe) Mikky Dee ( King Diamond) Peter Baltes ( Accept) and Billy White, who was unknown, but co- wrote half the album and was as good a lead guitarist as you could want. Don's voice was really bad that night, but he still , even with laryngitis, sounded better than he does now. Jon Norum and Peter Baltes were the saving grace that night concerning vocals, they stepped up and helped out alot. Norum ( as well as White) played VERY well, ( as always).
That was a great band!
This is a must have record for any dokken fan. In ways, it is far superior to any of the other dokken records. Norum is a beast, and dokkens voice was smooth as glass. a perfect record.
That Up From The Ashes album is probably my favorite of all Don's material, followed by Under Lock & Key and Back For The Attack.
I haven't been to a show Dokken has done since 2005. He has been abysmal since then.
Forgot Peter Baltes played with him!
As a huge Dokken fan myself, he needs to quit. Aging and health problems are going to take their toll. Within the next 10 years, most of the artists we knew from the 80s will either be gone or too old to function properly.
I wish I could disagree with you, but you are 100% right!! I’ve been a fan since ‘82… but I just can’t fathom how he believes, in his head, that this is a good representation of HIM and HIS (and Dokken’s) legacy…! It sounds like he’s not even trying. And his physicality, or lack there of, does not help!! We have to know when it’s time to start pack it up and leave on a high note. To be willing to accept that we are not who we once were. He was one of the best high tenors bands of his era. Great range, pitch, vibrato, etc. But that was then and this is now
I feel bad for him: great musician who rips on the guitar but was also the 1980s answer to Boston's Brad Delp (RIP). He hit those high notes with full throttle - not falsetto, but open-throat. I'm now 52 and getting older sometimes sucks.
Don's was my favourite voice of the 80's and "Beast from the East" is in my top 10 live albums of all time. That said i watched a Dokken live recording a few years back and Don was listless, seemed contemptuous of the audience and was even coughing into the mic - this is not something i want any part of so i just listen to the old stuff and remember the good times.
I still love live music but i'm only gonna go to concerts and buy DVD's from bands who put on a good show - bands such as Nightwish, Epica and Sabaton are my current favourites - these guys give 100% and don't act as if they're entitled to an audience due to past hits.
Great video! When Don says he doesn't need the money, the devil's advocate side of me suspects that either he's being dishonest, or he enjoys delivering sub-par performances. But as you said, he doesn't appear to be having a good time onstage. I think what Eddie Trunk has said about these aging artists is true, that they've spent most of their life performing and they don't know what to do with themselves without that. And I think these artists should follow Trunk's advice and not "stay too late at the party."
I saw Dokken at the York Fairgrounds in Pa in late July. Don was definitely drunk… actually left the stage for awhile to take a piss leaving the band to do impromptu solo’s until he came back. He did look bored but in his defense the crowd was sparse. Even though his singing wasn’t the best I loved the show. I posted 2 clips to my channel if you care to watch.
Thank god for that backing band. They make the songs sound great. Jon is awesome on guitar. When you are there, live and in person, music blasting, having a good time, I think it's definitely a different experience than watching on TH-cam. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for posting. I think I'll take a look.
Yeah, pretty sad. Lifeless. I thought it was Vince Meal, straight from catering until I heard the voice.
Don Dokken was one of the top 10 metal vocalist in the world... he used to be a premier frontman.
But time has caught up with him it's part of life man thank you for everything you did Don Dokken.. I am still enjoying the music till this day because it's great music. Breaking the chains, under lock and key ,back for the attack ,tooth and nail.... yeah that's me.
Don is worth about $13 million. He doesn’t need the money at all. He’s doing better than a lot of the eighties guys. But his voice is just gone. He was an outstanding, unique singer up through his early fifties. But his voice is long gone, and he should retire.
I agreed with everything you said friend…I also am a huge Dokken fan but I would like to make one point….I’ve been a professional singer for almost 35 years and I was fortunate to have worked with one of the great vocal therapists in the country for almost 4 years….I learned a bit….and age has a lot less to do with voice then most of us think….look at Ronnie James Dio…his tone had aged but was still singing every note on the money…..most of the time the problem is isn’t really age as much as refusing t do the work and warm up work needed to maintain that voice….I’m 50 years old and singing better than I ever have….Don has had other health problems that could be playing a part….not sure….I also heard Don say in an interview awhile back that if he wanted to retire he could have done that in the mid 90s….so I doubt it’s money driven…but who knows…all the best…love the channel….J
Thanks. Yeah I remember Jeff Pilson saying that Don never warmed up or took care of his voice.
Also look at Graham Bonnet he hasn’t lost much at all.
@@thebaldshredderand the cigarettes didn't help. Same thing happened with Whitney Houston. Her vocal coach stated, in an interview after her death, that her smoking messed up her voice, although everyone thought it was due to the drug use. Singers should NEVER smoke !!! Your vocal range is dependent on oxygen, and lung capacity. I know because my mother was a chain smoker and even though she was not a professional singer, her voice became more rough and coarse with time. ?
Dokken should do what skid row did. Get a young singer who sounds exactly like a dokken cover band and just let don and George play guitar. Or like David Coverdale with whitesnake. He’s got a guy on keyboard who will come in at the end of a phrase and sing harmony and then he takes over and takes the note into space. It totally complements and saves Coverdale and makes for a great sounding experience.
I have seen Dokken well over a dozen times now. Six of them in their hay day 1984-1995 all original!! The remaining times have been with Alex DeRosso, Reb Beach on Guitar as well as Jon Levin. Seen them as recently as 2018-19. (M3 Festival) I have to agree his performances are nowhere near what they were. Dokken WAS and IS still my favorite band. George is the reason I play guitar, but even though he is a shell of himself, I still enjoy hearing them for nostalgias sake. Also to see the other people there who knew of them when they were in their prime, to talk about the days of Old.
Very cool my friend. 🤘
I have to say that live CD with Reb Beach was the best LIVE Dokken recording [and guitar solos] I've ever heard. No disrespect meant to George, I know he likes to mix it up. But those studio solos take me back to times when I was with the hottest girls I could get.
Probably because people are still willing to pay and relive their glory days. They are not what they used to be either.
Mick toured with the Nuge. Maybe he could afford to retire. Who knows.
There are guys there didn’t abuse themselves too that are still amazing. Michael Sweet for example. He is working on his third album with George Lynch and has so many projects now. I feel bad for Don. Such an amazing catalog of songs. I wish him well.
I still respect him for getting up there. You can't kill Rock N Roll. In the words of the great Def Leppard. "Rock Rock Till you Drop.... Rock Rock Never Stop" lol🤣. Awesome video brother.
I just hope it's because he loves it and wants to keep doing it.
@@thebaldshredder Me too. Your and my era was the best ever for music. Kids today even think so. That's why the resurgence in 80's and 90's metal. Hell, Rage Against the Machine is even on tour tearing it up.
@ Fulton
Or, "it's better to burn out than fade away."
But Don can remain relevant in the industry by continuing to produce and develop other bands and projects.
At this point for Don, it’s a Spoken Word Tour.
People don't care, we just want to see Dokken. It's better to have a bad singing Don than some other guy up there. I appreciate that he still get on stage for us regardless of if he can still sing or not.
That's cool Jason. If you can buy a ticket, go to the show, and walk away feeling happy and satisfied, then that's all that matters. Keep rockin' with Dokken.
Unfortunately, I do agree with you and it’s the exact reason I cannot bring myself to buy a ticket for a show now. It’s sad for two reasons, 1) if In the crowd, I can actually sing better than Don Dokken then it’s clearly over for attending future shows for me and 2) as much as I want to bring a younger generation to go see something great, That reality is, this will not happen. In fact the exact opposite will occur. Don may not be calling quits but as for me it’s clearly time to give up the live shows until someone has already been born to step in with energy, vitality and a proper voice who can take over the front spot. Much love Don.
I saw Dokken a few weeks ago with George Lynch performing with them in the last few songs. The band was great and George kicked ass as usual. Don, however, was horrendous. It was almost like he was just speaking the words instead of singing them. Kudos to him for trying to continue but still it's really sad to see.
Yes it is sad for fans to witness.
Kudos? no. Don needs to stop. when your son is a commercial pilot for Delta (formerly with jet Blue), it's time to retire. looks like Don too. can you imagine saying yeah, my dad is Don Dokken. its time to stop.. Lynch sounds great. even that was a mistake, out of greed, to not let Lynch play HIS shit. and Lynch said so, he said its a financial issue for Don, so i just come on stage and do these 3 songs and leave and they're playing all my stuff? *Don owns the rights to Dokken
Shredder, I saw this show last night, & it’s everything you’re saying. I prepared my wife for a fantastic show musically, but Don is going to be horrible. It’s painful to watch. Total love & respect for a true 80’s icon, but it’s a shame to see him struggle like this.
It is unfortunate. Don as well as a lot of fans are in some serious denial.
Exactly! I saw Dokken in 2017 and Don couldn’t sing then. Dokken is one of my personal favorite bands. Unfortunately, a lot of rock stars stay too long at the party
Don has overstayed by a long shot
Don said as long as the crowd comes he will come!! The voice is gone. Sorry to say. I still like his talent. He has already proven his ability to sing and play guitar.🤔🤔🤐🤐
Jeff Pilson could outsing Don even back in the early days.
Yes this is true, but I still prefer the sound of Don's voice back then. But with both of them, and Mick singing too, wow! Killer harmonies that put them a step above most other bands.
Check out 'One Live Night'. Semi-acoustic show in '95. Jeff and Mick sing.
Yep. I got the CD as soon as it was released. It was actually an import when it first came out. And, I have the cover signed by all 4 guys.
Indeed
Another huge Dokken fan here. My first arena show was Dokken and Priest. I saw them several times on the way up and a few times during reunion shows over the years including 3 years ago. Don sounded decent on a few songs, but overall it was disappointing. I still love them and appreciate that they're still out there playing.
I just recently saw Lynch’s band out here in Vegas and he’s still got the chops! I saw Dokken a couple of years ago and... well... Don was just awful! I was so excited to see one of my most influential bands that started me on the road to guitar playing but left the show after hearing 4 songs! Don’s voice and lack of stage presence was disappointing. It was sad to have to see the band I most enjoyed in my youth sound like that.
I haven't been to a Dokken show in many years. I don't want to hear Don like that. So disappointing.
I saw them out our local Casino and was working as an audio tech and what a day that was. Mick Brown was the drummer. No Lynch though. Great white with Jack Russel , one of their last performances when the actually had the full real band together, that was the icing on the cake in that show. the opener. He was good though. Russell could barely walk and sat on a stool all night but the pipes were there.
You are being too Harsh! "Kiss of Death!" 💋 Woodhaven, Michigan 7/9/22 was good performance! Reminded me of Carnival of Souls, when Paul Stanley voice was going bad, and they changed the Tone and Melody to fit the changes. Like Alice n Chains, Pearl Jam, Testament, Skid Row "Tear it Down!" etc. One of My Favorite CD's... I would Love 💕 a New Dokken CD!
I think my comments are warranted based on his recent performances. However, if people go to a show and they feel happy with it, then it's all good.
Agree !! Don has been Vince Neiling the song Lyrics for years and he seems bored and going through the motions ?? Lynch was a major factor and influence on me becoming a Shredder on Guitar !!
LOL I'm another HUGE Dokken fan from about '83. Mostly for me... it was about Lynch. But honestly.. that Band was awesome. Musically, on a different level than a lot of the 80s glam bands. Don Dokken doesn't have ANY self-awareness. Never did. And he's like a lot of these older Cats from the 80s. The Age of Excess. They just can't let go. They don't realize... it's over. It's done. And I'm not talking about every single one of them. A few of them can still do it. But others... who knows man. Can't let go. The ego is way to large to let go. And probably some of them do actually need the money, b'c they blew thru their cash.. and made bad business decisions. Others... probably not. Again.. who knows?
I totally agree. Also, Jon Bon Jovi is probably the worst of all the formally great singers. His voice is also totally gone!
He still has the passion for music, I'm sure. There was talks about a new Dokken studio album not too long ago if I'm not mistaken.
Yes he was talking about using the leftover songs from Broken Bones.
@@thebaldshredder
Broken Bones never got its due. Burning Tears my personal favorite. If there's more tracks in that arsenal, would love to hear them.
1:18 That Def Lep poster! Does that say Jon Butcher Axis? I played the Boston club scene 70s-80s. We shared a few of the same billings with him/band.
Yes it does
The back surgery he had was botched. He is in tons of pain. I watched one video where you could see the pain in his face. It was suppose to a lower back surgery (I've had 3 myself) but somehow the surgery screwed up a nerve in his neck that screwed up his arm. I can tell you from experience that the pain is what is causing the problem NOT the pain meds. As long as you're taking the meds. correctly without alcohol you'll do fine. If he was over medicating or mixing he wouldn't be standing. The amount of pain I've seen on his face tells me he isn't getting good pain meds. because doctors are to afraid to prescribe them.
In 2012, Don had overcome stomach cancer, radiation treatments and vocal-cord surgery, and had lasting physical health limitations.
Then he had to have neck and spinal surgery in early November 2019. There were some complications; Don's right arm and hand were partially paralyzed as well as overall weakness in his body.
It's a wonder that he can perform at all. I hold utmost respect for him. But it's just not there enough to persist with it. He was my favorite vocalist for many years and he has a great mind.
Don suffers from depression...he is catatonic up there on that stage and he needs to retire now. And he's not the only one that needs to retire out there, but Don has no energy whatsoever !!
I was a big Dokken fan back in the day when they released their iconic albums back in the '80s when Don's voice was great. I like Don, and I respect who Don is, but now his stage performance has been sub par I have to say. He tries, and that is very brave of him, and that's why I admire Don. The band is still there, but Don's voice isn't the way it used to be unfortunately. George Lynch still has the guitar riffs, and Jeff Pilson is a really great bass player, and vocalist, and poor Mick Brown, I do miss him playing the drums. I only wish him well. Sometimes you just have to hang it all up, and move on.
No one 70 years old is going to sound "as they used to" 40 years ago in their prime, especially as vocal cords are biological organs, unlike instruments which are not. When your voice IS the instrument, few hold up well, close to four decades later.
Don has had multiple medical matters and surgeries. He's lucky to be able to do this at all.
I share utmost respect for Don and the Dokken legacy as you have mentioned and am equally concerned with Don's intentions with all this. I'm sure he sees Geoff Tate who has made a bit of a resurgence as well as Rob Halford and Sammy Hagar who have held up, though much more limited and says why not. But Don's voice just isn't there. He's a great producer and band developer. That's where he should be.
When all is said and mentioned, Don is of course a legend anyway, because he's brought a great band together, and they excelled in popularity in the '80s. He should be recognized as such. Right now, I just feel badly for him, even though on stage, he tries hard to make the fans happy. That's one thing I like about Don, he's a "people's" person.
@@Dan.d649
Exceptional post. Perfectly stated. 🙌
He lives comfortably in Santa Fe I chatted with him few years ago here in New Mexico he was great his guitarist Levin is as good as Lynch if not better! Fans should watch Wacken 2018 solo incredible one of the best and I have seen everybody! Cheers!
Saw Dokken in 2020, just 10 minutes from my house! Don was in good spirits and proud to be one of the few bands touring that year. He can't do what he used to do, but I enjoyed it. Jon Levin didn't want to tour at that time, so they brought Reb Beach back in. It was a pleasant surprise to hear him play live. He sounded great! Lynch was supposed to be there but canceled. That was the second time I was supposed to see George Lynch live and he didn't show! I'll see him one of these days! Still a very cool show.
I saw Dokken with Reb on the Poison tour in 2001 I think. Good show.
@@thebaldshredder
Same here. In S Florida.
I don’t think Don is broke. In fact he has 3 houses (1 in Beverly Hills, 1 in Santa Fe NM, and 1 in the UK).
Same can be said for Vince Neil. Saw the summer tour twice and Poison blew everyone off the stage both times.
Dons voice has been on a decline since Erase The Slate 1999. It may have started slightly before that even. He was a god back in 84-90.
Yep
I saw them in 1999 and he sounded awesome but by 2007 his voice was already shot.
Saw him in April 2022 and it was a great live show! Never expected him to hit the high notes and running around on stage like he was 28 years old. It was a great live show. Don't judge by these cell phone videos. It's live music!! I loved Rokken with Dokken and would go again!
well @ Terry....he must have had a good day....I've sen him couple times the past couple years and he's horrible
I’m a truck driver (Otr 18 wheeler).
A lot of times I pull into a truck stop and there are old retired truck drivers hanging around, So they can still talk trucking .
In case you’re not aware, 80’s style Metal is making a return in 2023 (Check out A Band called “Ana Moll”).
Anyway and like these old retired truck drivers that were in the industry for yrs and yrs , So is Don Dokken to the Metal Scene.
So people just can’t handle retirement and they just can’t let go . Ever .
I hope this makes sense ?
Absolutely
And just one more thing (and this is not to insult or bash you in anyway, Because I do understand your point as well).
However, There is a reason why there are still fans in the stands .
Maybe we just can’t let go ever either ?
I’m listening to “Under Lock and Key” as I type this .
Yes I know this. I'm a gigantic Dokken fan. Always will be.
I loved Dokken back in the day because they were just a few degrees better than the typical '80s LA metal band. That being said, even then I felt like Don was always the literal weak link. I don't mean that I didn't like his voice, it's just that his voice always sounded a little weak. Singers like Dee Snider and Sebastian Bach had these pipes you could clearly hear were coated in asbestos but Don's voice always sounded a little "delicate" (for lack of a better word) compared to most of his contemporaries. Wish him the best but maybe it's time for him to move into management or production? Jon Bon Jovi had the same issues all the way back in the late '80s and we all know how his voice is now.
His voice is just beyond shot at this point. He can't even hold a simple melody in a lower register. If he can't afford to retire, I feel bad for him.
Don has always been a melodic singer, he’s even said it himself in interviews that he’s never been a screamer or a growler.. just wasn’t his style. Plus I never looked at him as the weak link in that band, he’s one of the main reasons why I love Dokken. I love how his voice was smooth & melodic but still had some attitude. I think his voice was a lot more unique compared to Snider & Bach, and most of the other singers at that time. Unfortunately it was the chain-smoking and bourbon that killed Don’s voice, too much of that will eventually strip your vocal chords apart.
Yep, smoking and drinking and not taking care of his voice.
@@thebaldshredder Absolutely
While I liked Snider and Bach, I cannot see how either of them could be compared to Don in his prime. Indeed Don's voice sounded much better in studio tracks than live, but that's far from unique.
It’s kinda like old boxers that can’t hang up the gloves.
I will always love Don. He knows he can't hit the notes he did when he was using, he is honest about it 😏 He literally said so after a song he bit it on...
I saw George Lynch a few months ago...with Jimmy DeAnda...they are both incredible...I wish Don would have been with them...
Good question. I saw a house tour of his from a few years back. Huge house with a huge property so maybe the upkeep aint cheap.😅
Don gigs because Don wants to gig.
You live by the sword, you die by it.
Any artist will tell you that.
You go see Don, because you want to see the songs and reminisce.
Don has paid his dues ten times over.
You don't like it, don't go.
It's as simple as that.
I saw him about 1.5 years ago and it was sad to watch him, we ended up leaving after 45 minutes. I looked up his net worth and it said 10 million but I don't know how correct that is.
His voice is just gone. It's not just the high notes. He can't even carry the melody with the beat even when he's singing lower. And I also question how accurate those Google searches are for net worth.