Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Dokken's Tooth and Nail almost never happened.
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield digs into a fascinating May 1985 Hit Parader article that captured Dokken at one of the most critical moments of their career. The band's record contract was hanging by a thread, Tooth and Nail had to succeed, and yet the members were already struggling with the personality conflicts that would eventually become legendary.
Along the way, you'll discover behind-the-scenes stories about Don Dokken, George Lynch, Jeff Pilson, and Mick Brown, their tour opening for Ronnie James Dio, why producer Tom Werman walked away from the band, and how Roy Thomas Baker ended up helping finish Under Lock and Key. Robert also explores period newspaper coverage, rare magazine interviews, and little-known details that reveal just how close Dokken came to falling apart before they became one of the biggest hard rock bands of the 1980s.
Plus, test your knowledge with today's rock trivia challenge and stick around until the end for a special invitation to join Robert on an upcoming adventure through Thailand and Southeast Asia.
If you love the history behind classic hard rock, subscribe for more deep dives into the stories behind the albums, artists, and moments that defined rock music.
0:00 The article begins with backstage dysfunction
0:18 Why this Tooth and Nail article is so important
1:15 Rock Trivia Challenge
2:34 Inside the 1985 Hit Parader feature
8:03 The hidden evidence of Dokken's dysfunction
13:24 Opening for Ronnie James Dio on the Last in Line tour
15:50 Life on the road during the 1985 tour
20:20 Rare newspaper coverage from the Lakeland concert
23:49 Rock Trivia answers
25:53 Join me on a trip to Thailand!
#Dokken #ToothAndNail #GeorgeLynch #DonDokken #JeffPilson #MickBrown #RonnieJamesDio #TomWerman #HairMetal #80sRock #HeavyMetal #ClassicRock #RockHistory #AudioMover
Dokken's Tooth and Nail almost never happened.
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield digs into a fascinating May 1985 Hit Parader article that captured Dokken at one of the most critical moments of their career. The band's record contract was hanging by a thread, Tooth and Nail had to succeed, and yet the members were already struggling with the personality conflicts that would eventually become legendary.
Along the way, you'll discover behind-the-scenes stories about Don Dokken, George Lynch, Jeff Pilson, and Mick Brown, their tour opening for Ronnie James Dio, why producer Tom Werman walked away from the band, and how Roy Thomas Baker ended up helping finish Under Lock and Key. Robert also explores period newspaper coverage, rare magazine interviews, and little-known details that reveal just how close Dokken came to falling apart before they became one of the biggest hard rock bands of the 1980s.
Plus, test your knowledge with today's rock trivia challenge and stick around until the end for a special invitation to join Robert on an upcoming adventure through Thailand and Southeast Asia.
If you love the history behind classic hard rock, subscribe for more deep dives into the stories behind the albums, artists, and moments that defined rock music.
0:00 The article begins with backstage dysfunction
0:18 Why this Tooth and Nail article is so important
1:15 Rock Trivia Challenge
2:34 Inside the 1985 Hit Parader feature
8:03 The hidden evidence of Dokken's dysfunction
13:24 Opening for Ronnie James Dio on the Last in Line tour
15:50 Life on the road during the 1985 tour
20:20 Rare newspaper coverage from the Lakeland concert
23:49 Rock Trivia answers
25:53 Join me on a trip to Thailand!
#Dokken #ToothAndNail #GeorgeLynch #DonDokken #JeffPilson #MickBrown #RonnieJamesDio #TomWerman #HairMetal #80sRock #HeavyMetal #ClassicRock #RockHistory #AudioMover
