Dokken Santa Fe Casino, Las Vegas 02-12-2010

By Deb Rao

Hot off the heels of a very successful West Coast Thanksgiving trek, DOKKEN has commenced their 2010 Winter Tour making a special stop in a sold out performance in Las Vegas at the Santa Fe Casino on February 13th. I spoke with fans who came as far as Washington, DC to attend the event.

From the opening song "Kiss Of Death" to the final two song encore, DOKKEN gave an enthusiastic performance as the band unleashed their classic hits including "Breaking The Chains", "It's Not Love", "Alone Again" and  "This Fire" from their latest studio release," Lightning Strikes Again." 

Front man Don Dokken was in a great mood as he told funny stories about the making of the video "Into the Fire" with all the scantily clad girls in the music video back in the day of the video heyday on MTV. 

Highlights of the set included the sing along to "Alone Again", and the funky jam with Jon Levin guitar solo and also featured bassist Sean McNabb and drummer Mick Brown laying down the heavy rhythm grooves on "Too High To Fly." Dokken ended their set with "In My Dreams" only to be called back to the stage for a second encore and performed "Paris Is Burning."

One thing was for certain Dokken has many hits that have survived the test of time that left many fans taking a walk down memory lane here tonight. The audience enjoyed a great night of music from one of the top bands to emerge out of the 80's genre that never sold their souls to conform with the ever-changing musical trends and remain still a top draw in 2010.

I had the opportunity to discuss the current tour with Dokken front man Don Dokken and future touring plans.

When asked about the Dokken Winter tour in progress and Vegas show Don commented,"We have had two great shows this weekend. Last night we played in New Mexico that was great. Last year when we played in Vegas at the Santa Fe we had 800 people. This year we sold it out. Most of the Dokken fans here tonight are over 40 and have been with us from day one. Las Vegas is one of the hardest hit cities with the economy. It is good to see music still surviving the hard times. Music has always helped me get through hard times."

When asked about a possible Dokken re-union with George Lynch and Jeff Pilson

Don Dokken commented,"It is what the fans want. I will be making an announcement soon about the Re-union tour that will take place next year May 2011." 

Dokken Set List 
Kiss Of Death
The Hunter
Breaking The Chains 
Into The Fire
Dream Warriors
This Fire
Alone Again
Too High Too Fly
It's Not Love
Tooth And Nail
When Heaven Comes Down
In My Dreams 
Paris Is Burning