Kiss of Death

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some killer vibes as the Zoo Crew spins "Kiss of Death" by Dokken from their 1987 album Back for the Attack. This track, kicking off the album with a blistering 5:51 runtime, was inspired by a deeply personal and topical issue. In a Songfacts interview, lead singer Don Dokken revealed that the song was written after his uncle tragically died from AIDS. At the time, AIDS was stigmatized as a "gay disease," and Don recalled a conversation with drummer Mick Brown, who naively remarked he couldn’t get AIDS because he only slept with "good-looking chicks." Don’s response—that the disease doesn’t care about appearances—sparked the song’s creation, addressing the dangers of one-night stands and the ignorance surrounding AIDS in the '80s. The track’s heavy riffs, led by guitarist George Lynch, dominate for a full minute before the vocals kick in, showcasing Lynch’s status as a top-tier metal guitarist.

Another piece of trivia comes from the tension behind the scenes. Posts on Reddit and fan discussions highlight how Back for the Attack was made under intense band conflict, particularly between Don Dokken and George Lynch. Despite their feuding, fans on X praise the song’s raw energy, with one user, @StarKoichi, calling it Dokken’s “most loud and destructive” track, noting its decadent lyrics as a metaphor for AIDS. The song’s dark, topical edge was bold for a glam metal band, and fans on the Classic Rock Forum still rave about its “angry groove” and Lynch’s shredding, proving its lasting impact.

Dokken’s journey began in the late 1970s in Los Angeles, where Don Dokken, born in 1953, teamed up with drummer Mick Brown and guitarist George Lynch to form The Boyz. Initially a raw, hard-rocking outfit, they evolved into Dokken by 1981 when Don moved to Germany and signed with Carrere Records. Their debut album, Breaking the Chains, released in 1983, gained traction in Europe but struggled in the U.S. until Elektra Records picked them up. The addition of bassist Jeff Pilson solidified their classic lineup, and their 1984 album Tooth and Nail, with hits like "Into the Fire" and "Alone Again," catapulted them to fame, selling over a million copies. By the time Back for the Attack dropped, Dokken was a staple of the L.A. glam metal scene, alongside bands like Mötley Crüe and Ratt, known for Don’s melodic vocals and Lynch’s virtuosic guitar work.

Despite their success, internal strife led to a breakup in 1989, with Don pursuing a solo career and Lynch forming Lynch Mob. The band reunited in 1992 but faced challenges with inconsistent lineups and mixed reviews. Still, Dokken persists, releasing their 13th studio album, Heaven Comes Down, in 2023, proving their resilience. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out the Dokken Wiki or join fan discussions on the Dokken Fan Club on Facebook and the Classic Rock Forum. Keep rockin’ with the Zoo Crew!