In a new interview with Robert Edwards of Talkin’ Bout Rock, DON DOKKEN opened up about the ongoing discussions surrounding a potential new EP featuring members of the classic DOKKEN lineup. Fans have been eager to know whether George Lynch, Jeff Pilson, and Don might come together again, even if only for a short project. While nothing is confirmed, Don made it clear that the idea has definitely been discussed.
Reflecting on recent live shows where LYNCH MOB has appeared on the same bill as the current DOKKEN lineup, Don confirmed the conversations have already taken place.
He explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):
“Yeah, we talked about it, ’cause [George] comes on the road [when we play gigs with the current DOKKEN lineup] and he plays [on the same bill] with … [LYNCH] MOB. So I said, ‘Look, if you wanna do an EP,’ it’d be up to them to do it.”
For fans longing to hear the classic lineup together again, that comment alone offers hope. Yet Don also emphasized that creating new music would require cooperation and initiative from the other members, especially given the physical challenges he now faces.
Don Dokken’s Health Challenges Shape His Musical Future
In the interview, Don openly discussed the lasting complications from his 2019 neck and spinal surgery. The operation left his right arm nearly paralyzed — a devastating outcome for someone whose musical identity was deeply tied to playing guitar.
Addressing the issue, Don shared:
“I can’t play guitar anymore, which is one of my biggest bummers, because if you see my hand, [the left hand is] fine; [the right] one doesn’t move. That’s all I got. So I can’t play guitar anymore. It was a botched spinal surgery, and the doctor was a butcher. And so it was just one bad calamity after the other. So I said, ‘Well, we’ll keep going.’ I can still sing.”
Although he can no longer play guitar, Don made it clear he remains committed to the band as a vocalist and lyricist. His determination reflects the same resilience that carried DOKKEN through decades of lineup changes, tours, and personal challenges.
Clarifying His Retirement Comments
During the conversation, Don also addressed headlines that emerged earlier in 2025, in which he suggested he might play his final DOKKEN concert “probably within the year.” Those remarks led many fans to believe he was preparing to step away entirely. However, Don clarified what he really meant.
He explained:
“I don’t know what retirement means. When I say I’m thinking about retiring, kind of what I meant was we’re gonna slow down. We don’t wanna do 250 shows a year. You get older and you have other interests.”
He went on to describe how age changes priorities:
“You wanna be home, you wanna enjoy your career, all the success you had. You wanna be home in the garden and working and building things and stuff like that, and renovating the house. And you don’t wanna live on a tour bus, ’cause we’re older now…”
Don then pointed out that many rock legends are beginning to scale back their touring schedules or retire altogether. He referenced several artists:
“A lot of bands — KISS, I can name… There’s a plethora of bands that are saying, ‘All right, we had a good ride, we had fun, we were famous. Let the youngsters come in and take over.'”
He even mentioned recent conversations with peers:
“I think I talked to [WINGER’s] Kip Winger. He’s doing an orchestra album. He’s gonna retire. George Lynch says he’s gonna retire. But you know that stupid saying, you never say never, right?”
Despite discussing retirement, Don made it clear that special opportunities could still bring the band together, including major festival appearances such as Wacken Open Air or Sweden Rock.
The Reality of Touring Today
Another major point Don raised during the interview was the rising cost of touring. Even successful rock bands must now contend with skyrocketing expenses across all aspects of live performance.
He explained:
“But to go on tour now costs a fortune. Gas is tripled in price. Bus rentals are tripled in price. Hotels are tripled in price. It’s kind of a negative return.”
Because of that, Don says the band now tours more for enjoyment than financial necessity. Despite the challenges, he’s played a significant number of shows this year:
“I’ve done a hundred shows this year so far. That’s a lot of shows, for me. So we’ve done a hundred. And we have another one in two days. And I said, ‘Let’s take a break for the holidays.’ So we are — we’re gonna take a break for the holidays.”
The combination of financial strain, physical limitations, and personal priorities has influenced DOKKEN’s evolving approach to live performances. Still, Don emphasized that he’s far from finished.
The Possibility of New Music With George Lynch and Jeff Pilson
Returning to the topic fans care about most, Don addressed whether he could see himself recording a new EP with George Lynch and Jeff Pilson. His answer remained optimistic — but grounded.
He explained:
“Yeah, it’s fun [to share the stage with George]. And George and I, we get along. And people like to see him up there play a couple of DOKKEN songs.”
However, he acknowledged that age and physical strain make everything more difficult:
“But you get older and it becomes harder and harder to play. And then you come home and you wanna rest for a couple days.”
Even so, Don made it clear that if his former bandmates want to write and record music, he would absolutely participate:
“If those guys wanna get together and write me some music, I’d write the lyrics and sing it. And I’ll participate like I always did. So that’s where we’re at now.”
This statement offers the most concrete possibility fans have heard in years.
A Future That Remains Open — But Balanced
While Don Dokken isn’t promising a full reunion or a massive tour, he isn’t shutting the door either. The potential for a classic DOKKEN EP depends largely on whether Lynch and Pilson want to move forward creatively. Don’s willingness to contribute lyrics and vocals shows that the spirit of the band remains alive, even as circumstances evolve.
For longtime fans, the door isn’t closed — it’s simply resting on its hinges, waiting for the right moment.
