Performing in the second headlining slot on the Rock N America mainstage, Don Dokken and Dokken bring their A game with an hour long set of mainstream 80′s hits and hard/heavy deeper album cuts in a headlining worthy performance.
Formed in the late 70′s by Don Dokken and Mick Brown, Dokken achieved commercial success in the early to mid 80′s with its classic lineup of Don Dokken, George Lynch, Mick Brown, and Jeff Pilson. While the band went separate ways in the late 80′s they continued to record and perform in various incarnations amongst their individual solo projects throughout the 90′s and beyond. The introduction of guitarist Jon Levin in 2003 brought the classic Dokken sound and signature solos back to the band as they perform regularly on the festival and larger touring circuits. The Rock N America lineup of Don Dokken, Sean Mcnabb, BJ Zampa, and Jon Levin is a lethal combination that I hope continues even while rumors persist of a classic lineup reunion.
Shooting Notes:
Dokken’s Rock N America mainstage performance began 30 mins prior to dusk providing for a nice blend of ambient and stage lighting throughout the first 3 songs of their set. The band was in particularly good spirits this night with Don Dokken, Jon Levin, and Sean Mcnabb each spending stage front time mugging for the media which is always welcomed. Jon Levin in particular remains one of my favorite guitarists to shoot as his stage presence, mannerisms, and direct eye contact provide for great photo opportunities. Exposures were quite consistent throughout the set at 1/320 F2.8 ISO1600-3200 which falls well into the sweet spot of the NIkon D700′s which hit the pit with their 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 companions.
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I showed the “crazy eyes Don” pick to my son and he started laughing and blushing. I asked if he was the one that Dokken was making the funny face to. Yup, he says through giggles.
He was also the one that Don had a 3 minute conversation with from the stage after Tooth and Nail.
Jeff -
Thanks for the comment. What an awesome memory for your son! He (your son) was putting all the rockers to shame all weekend. Nice to see he is being raised right and glad the photo brought back some good memories for you. I hope someone caught that conversation on tape. It was wonderful and classic!
-A
very cool pics….will Dokken be playing near MA in the US anytime soon??? Jon cut his his hair he looks different!
Hi Dave -
Thank you for stopping by. I covered this show on a festival assignment. Official info may be found here: http://www.dokken.net/
-A
Hi!! I love all of the pics!! They were shot perfectly! I do have a question about one of them though. What was up with Don flipping someone off? Not that I was offended…I’m not at all! I was laughing about it! Did someone yell out Freebird again? LOL!!!! By the way, when you see Don Dokken again, tell him that I love him…He’s been a major musical part of my life for 24 years & still going strong no matter what! Dokken’s the best & always will be!!
Thank you Leandra. Indeed, they are always fantastic. I am guessing a rock and roll gesture is all. Nothing but good happened during the performance. All the guys have great new albums out in terms of Dokken as well as T&N (Tooth and Nail). Hope to see some more tours from them both this year.
Best,
Allen