When Heaven Comes Down

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as we spin When Heaven Comes Down by Dokken from their killer 1984 album Tooth and Nail! This track is a moody, riff-heavy banger, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share. According to Songfacts, guitarist George Lynch wrote this song alongside bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer Mick Brown, with frontman Don Dokken delivering lyrics that playfully jab at the idea of an apocalyptic rapture. The song’s creation happened at Lynch’s home studio, where he and Pilson jammed it out one night. Lynch stayed up late, recording the chorus melody using a cheap plastic mic, an Octavider, and a Fostex 4-track cassette recorder, giving it that raw, gritty vibe. Fans on Heavy Metal Overload rave about its “Kashmir-esque drama” and Lynch’s “classy and tasteful” guitar solo with just a hint of shred. Interestingly, this song often makes a comeback at live shows, with George Lynch occasionally joining the band on stage to perform it, alongside classics like Kiss of Death and Tooth and Nail, as noted in a 2023 Blabbermouth post.

Let’s dive into how Dokken got their start. Formed in 1978 in Los Angeles, the band emerged from the heart of the Sunset Strip’s rock scene, rubbing shoulders with acts like Mötley Crüe and Ratt. Don Dokken, the band’s charismatic vocalist, founded the group, initially teaming up with guitarist George Lynch, bassist Juan Croucier, and drummer Mick Brown. Their early days were gritty, playing local clubs while trying to land a record deal. After releasing their debut Breaking the Chains in Europe in 1981 via Carrere Records, they caught the attention of Elektra Records, thanks to savvy management from Q Prime Inc., who also repped Def Leppard. By 1983, with Jeff Pilson replacing Croucier (who left for Ratt), they dropped Tooth and Nail, which skyrocketed them to fame with hits like Into the Fire and Alone Again. The album sold over a million copies in the U.S. alone, cementing their place in the 80s hard rock pantheon, as detailed on Wikipedia. Despite internal tensions, particularly between Don Dokken and Lynch, the band’s melodic yet heavy sound made them a staple of MTV and radio.

Want to keep up with Dokken? Check out their official website at dokken.net for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and updates. Over on X, they’ve been hyping their 2023 album Heaven Comes Down, with posts about their single Fugitive racking up a million views. For Zoo Freaks who can’t get enough, join the fan community at the Dokken Wiki, a treasure trove of band lore. You can also connect with fellow fans in the Dokken Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards share memories, rare photos, and news about the band’s latest moves. So, keep it locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep rockin’ with Dokken!