Albeit humid and muggy with light rain showers, it was a good night of ‘80s and early 90’s throwback hard rock at the impeccable Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, Ohio on Saturday, Sept. 19 with a trio of legendary headlining acts: Dokken, Lita Ford, Lynch Mob.
Still doing what they love after decades, each artist took the stage as though it was the late-1980s.
George Lynch shredded and his guitar wailed. The full band did not disappoint; all were true showmen alongside crowd engaging powerhouse vocalist Andrew Freeman.
Lynch Mob performed for 45-minutes with a rockin’ setlist that focused on 1989 debut album Wicked Sensation. They released farewell album Dancing With The Devil last year via Frontiers Records, with Gabriel Colón on vocals.
Celebrating her 68th birthday, trailblazer Lita Ford rocked the stage with aggressive guitar parts. After taking a little bit of time warming up, she displayed fervor that could match songstresses of today.
Bobby Rock delivered a fantastic drum solo, using all his bells and whistles.
The crowd adored Ford’s song performance from her Runaways’ days: “Cherry Bomb.” At Ford’s request, everyone waved their cellphone lights in the air during “Close My Eyes Forever,” her 1988 duet with the late great Ozzy Osbourne.
Dokken toke the stage with “Kiss Of Death” from 1987 album Back For The Attack, followed by a set of classics and fan favorites, including: “Dream Warriors,” “Just Got Lucky,” “Breaking The Chains,” “Alone Again,” “In My Dreams,” and others.
Don Dokken—founder, vocalist of 50 years—introduced most of the songs by year with brief stories.
Sounding somewhat tired verbally and vocally monotone, he persevered through the set. In a 2020 interview regarding his vocal capabilities, Dokken said: “I have good days and I have bad days.”
Dokken walked slowly and carefully across the stage due to chronic issues post surgery in 2019 and additional mobility complications; a chair was placed on stage for him near the drum riser.
Guitarist Jon Levin dominated the stage with frequent front stage guitar solos and connective crowd interactions.
“It’s good to see straight forward rock and roll is still alive and well,” commented Dokken as he looked at the packed crowd with gratitude.
Notably, there was a special closing encore, as a reunion of sorts, with Don Dokken and George Lynch (ex-Dokken lead guitarist circa 1981-1989, 1993-1998) sharing the stage.
After some friendly banter and smiles, they
performed “Unchain The Night” and “When Heaven Comes Down.”
With Lynch and Dokken in their early 70s and Ford pushing 70, they proved their love for rock and roll remains spirited.
Tour Dates
https://www.litafordonline.com
DON & GEORGE
DOKKEN
LITA FORD
LYNCH MOB
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