Mr. Scary

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying instrumental "Mr. Scary" by Dokken from their 1987 album Back for the Attack, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the shred! This track, penned by guitarist George Lynch and bassist Jeff Pilson, was intended to be a vocal piece but became a standout instrumental when lead singer Don Dokken couldn't find a vocal fit. In a Songfacts interview, Lynch shared that he stayed up all night at Total Access Recording in Redondo Beach, California, tracking the song, describing the session as "magical" and driven by a "larger inspiration" that pushed the composition to new heights. The result is a blistering showcase of Lynch's virtuosic guitar work, with a riff that one fan on Medium described as "oozing pure evil" and likened to "mechanical hounds gnashing their teeth." Its heavy, ominous tone even earned it a spot in the video game Brütal Legend, cementing its cult status among metalheads.

Interestingly, "Mr. Scary" sparked a notable anecdote involving Guitar Hero. According to a 2024 Reddit post on r/hairmetal, Lynch revealed that Guitar Hero wanted to feature the song, but tensions with Don Dokken, who held partial control over the track, led to legal complications. Feeling slighted, Lynch re-recorded a version called "Son of Scary" in 2011 with drummer Fred Coury, using a seven-string guitar for a heavier sound. While some fans on Reddit prefer the original for its raw energy, others argue the reimagined version surpasses it. Despite its acclaim, "Mr. Scary" surprisingly doesn't always rank among Dokken's top tracks in mainstream lists, which one Medium writer called "absurd" given its iconic status among guitar enthusiasts.

Dokken began in the late 1970s in Los Angeles, emerging from the vibrant glam metal scene alongside bands like Mötley Crüe and Ratt. Originally called the Boyz, the band was formed by Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on lead guitar, and Mick Brown on drums. After Don Dokken moved to Germany in 1981 and signed with Carerre Records, the band, now named Dokken, released their debut album, Breaking the Chains, in 1983. Though it gained traction in Europe, it wasn't until their signing with Elektra Records and the addition of bassist Jeff Pilson that they broke through in the U.S. Their 1984 album Tooth and Nail, featuring hits like "Just Got Lucky" and "Alone Again," sold over a million copies, establishing them as a major force in 80s hard rock. Their blend of Don Dokken's melodic vocals and Lynch's intricate guitar riffs defined their sound, leading to multi-platinum success with albums like Under Lock and Key and Back for the Attack.

Despite their success, internal conflicts, particularly between Don Dokken and George Lynch, led to the band's breakup in 1989. They reunited in 1993 and have since released albums sporadically, with their latest, Heaven Comes Down, dropping in 2023. Dokken's resilience and evolving lineup, now featuring Don Dokken, Jon Levin on guitar, Chris McCarvill on bass, and Mick Brown occasionally on drums, have kept them active in the hard rock scene. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, check out the tribute band Mr. Scary - A Tribute to the legendary Dokken on Facebook, a Las Vegas-based group celebrating Dokken's legacy. Fan discussions also thrive on platforms like r/hairmetal, where devotees share stories and debate the band's best tracks.