Dokken was rockin’ the State Theater!

By Brent Michael, Rock At Night Tampa Correspondent

Venue: The State Theatre, St. Petersburg, Florida–December 14, 2017

Since 1979 the name “Dokken” has been associated with a hard rock/heavy metal sound and many famous international bands. Current and former members have worked in or with The Scorpions, Thin Lizzy, Great White, Quiet Riot, Judas Priest, Dio, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Kiss, Van Halen, Metallica, Whitesnake, Kingdom Come, and more – the list of musicians involved with the band reads like a “Who’s Who” of rock and metal. Through it all, the band has retained Don Dokken (Vocals) and “Wild” Mick Brown (Drums), adding Chris McCarvill (Bass) and Jon Levin (Guitars) – although Jon wasn’t on this tour, his strings being filled by Ira Black, who has also played with I Am Morbid, Westfield Massacre, Metal Church, Vicious Rumors, Heathen, and Lizzy Borden.

 
The band played many recognized and favorite tunes, including “Breaking The Chains,”  “Just Got Lucky”, “Into the Fire”, “Burning Like a Flame”, “In My Dreams”, “Dream Warriors”, and more. Dokken is not a theatrical band, the only costume change was when Don removed his hat, their focus is the music. The band is, in my opinion, under-appreciated; though the State was packed and the crowd enthusiastic, they belong in the same category as the other rock legends mentioned before. Perhaps their new album, scheduled for release in 2018, will again see them climb up that commercial hill back where they belong, and cover bands will be playing their songs!
Unlike many bands who join forces with other bands to tour as a group, with perhaps one local act at each stop, Dokken has see fit to introduce as many local acts as the can at each stop. This time, they were supported by TEER from Zephyrhills, Florida, and Undercover Betty from Tampa (and points north), who are reviewed separately.

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Brent Michael