In a recent interview with Cassius Morris, DOKKEN frontman Don Dokken discussed the band’s 2023 album, Heaven Comes Down, and hinted that it might be DOKKEN’s final studio record. Reflecting on his 50 years in the music industry and 13 albums, Don explained, “I feel after 50 years and 13 records, I figure I’ve written enough music. I’m okay with it… [But] never say never. Maybe [former DOKKEN guitarist] George Lynch and I will get together and write an EP…”
Dokken elaborated on the idea, noting that he doesn’t feel he has the spiritual energy to create a full-length album. “That’s a lot of work,” he said. *”But I said we might wanna do four or five [songs].” He also recalled how DOKKEN recorded a new song, [It’s] Just Another Day, eight years ago with all the original members. “We went to Japan [and played a few shows with that lineup], and that was an experiment to see how we got along and all that. And that was a cool video.”
The 71-year-old frontman also opened up about how his 2019 neck and spinal surgery impacted the making of Heaven Comes Down. He and George Lynch had briefly discussed collaborating on a new record, but Don pointed out the stylistic differences between their recent projects. “[George and I] had talked about doing a record. But if you listen to the last five George Lynch projects, they’re totally different than the direction I’m going.” Don continued, “He’s gone this way; I’ve gone that way. So I don’t know if spiritually we could get together and write a song that works, that we’re all on the same page about.”
Despite the challenges, Don still expressed interest in collaborating with Lynch, saying, “What I would wanna do is, let’s say I say, ‘Hey, George, why don’t you write me like four guitar riffs and let me see if one speaks to me in my heart and my spirit?’ Just like the song ‘Just Another Day’… we wrote that one song, all original members.”
The discussion also touched on the retirement of DOKKEN’s former drummer Mick Brown. Don praised Mick’s contribution to the band, calling him “the machine”, but acknowledged his decision to retire due to the physical toll drumming had taken on his body. “I’ve always said the drummers have the hardest job — your elbows, your hands, arthritis, your kneecaps, your ankles, your feet, your back… Mick was the DOKKEN machine.”
Looking ahead, Don revealed that he might retire from live performances soon, saying, “Probably within the year.” He compared his situation to legendary musicians like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger, noting that while these icons continue performing in their 80s, Don’s time will eventually come to an end. “So I think the time will come that I’ll announce that it’s over.”
Don also explained his desire for a quieter life, saying, “I wanna enjoy my life. I don’t want to just keep singing and writing until I drop. I wanna be in my home far away from everybody. I live on top of this mountain [in New Mexico]. No neighbors. [I’ve] got the dogs. It’s the perfect life.”
Reflecting on his career, Don emphasized that he no longer needs to tour to make ends meet. “I think I’ve made my point musically,” he said, pointing to the gold and platinum records on his wall. “If I can’t compose, I’m screwed. I am effed.”
