Breaking the Chains

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin Breaking the Chains by Dokken from their debut album of the same name! This track has some killer stories behind it. Inspired by the German metal band Accept’s song Balls to the Wall, frontman Don Dokken wrote Breaking the Chains in 1981 while working with the Scorpions in Germany. He was struck by Accept’s lead singer Udo Dirkschneider belting out the phrase “We’re gonna break the chaaains!” and thought, “What a great phrase.” Don crafted the song with a dual meaning: breaking free from a toxic relationship and a broader sense of liberation, giving it that raw, anthemic vibe we love. The song’s music video is a wild ride, featuring guitarist George Lynch shredding on a guitar with chains for strings—a visual so iconic it screams ‘80s metal. Though the song only hit #32 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, it stayed on the chart for 13 weeks, building Dokken’s early fanbase.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s production journey. Originally released in Europe in 1981 under the title Breakin’ the Chains on Carrere Records, the album was credited to “Don Dokken” rather than the band, with 500 copies featuring unique cover art. The European version had different mixes and song titles, like “Paris” instead of the live “Paris Is Burning.” When Elektra Records picked it up for the U.S. in 1983, they remixed the tracks, swapped out “We’re Illegal” for “Live to Rock (Rock to Live),” and polished it for American audiences. Despite the effort, the album didn’t chart high, peaking at #136 on the Billboard 200, but it got Dokken on tour with Blue Öyster Cult, setting the stage for their breakout with Tooth and Nail. Fans on X still rave about the song’s high-energy vibe and the quirky, chain-heavy video, with one user in 2020 calling it a “representative track and masterpiece” despite its “full of flaws” PV.

Let’s dive into how Dokken got their start. Formed in Los Angeles in 1978, the band was spearheaded by vocalist Don Dokken, whose early career took him to Germany to demo vocals for the Scorpions’ Blackout album when their singer Klaus Meine faced vocal cord issues. This gig opened doors, connecting Don with Accept’s manager, Gaby Hauke, who helped secure a deal with Carrere Records. Don recruited guitarist George Lynch and drummer Mick Brown from the band Xciter, along with bassist Juan Croucier, to record Breaking the Chains between July and September 1981. The band’s early days were gritty, with Don navigating a revolving door of musicians and even stepping in as a studio musician for German singer Udo Lindenberg. By 1983, Croucier left for Ratt, and Jeff Pilson joined as bassist, solidifying the classic lineup that would carry Dokken to fame with hits like Alone Again and In My Dreams. Their blend of melodic hard rock and heavy metal edge made them stand out in the ‘80s glam metal scene, selling over 10 million albums worldwide.

Stay connected with Dokken through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates on tours and releases. Fans can also join the Dokken Fan Club on Facebook to share their love for the band and swap stories with fellow metalheads. For more on guitarist George Lynch, check out his official website. Zoo Freaks, keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let’s keep breaking those chains!