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Don Dokken Reflects on METALLICA's Rise and DOKKEN's Struggles

3/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Don Dokken, the lead singer of DOKKEN, said in a recent interview that during the 1988 Monsters Of Rock tour, METALLICA rose rapidly and their performances 'crushed' DOKKEN.
He recalled METALLICA's Jason Newsted asking for his opinion on a track, illustrating the band's early struggles.
He also discussed internal issues within DOKKEN, including drug use among band members, which contributed to their breakup and reflected the era's pressures.

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Story summary

Don Dokken, the lead singer of DOKKEN, said in a recent interview that during the 1988 Monsters Of Rock tour, METALLICA rose rapidly and their performances 'crushed' DOKKEN.
He recalled METALLICA's Jason Newsted asking for his opinion on a track, illustrating the band's early struggles.
He also discussed internal issues within DOKKEN, including drug use among band members, which contributed to their breakup and reflected the era's pressures.