Don Dokken recently opened up about the health issues that led to his viral performance while sitting on a stool. He addressed the circumstances in an interview on The SDR Show.
The Dokken frontman was asked about his various health problems, including spinal issues and a broken ankle that resulted in the widely-circulated video of him performing seated.
“Yeah. On a stool. Actually I just did that my last show last week in St. Louis and it’s never healed. Another f*cked up doctor,” Dokken said. “But you know, to stand on stage for two hours and my break in my ankle was really bad. I shattered both the femur and the fibula.”
The injury occurred at an unfortunate time. The band had major European festival dates already booked.
“And we were just booked to go to Europe to do like eight huge festivals, like 50,000 people. It was booked. It was done. The tickets were booked. And I wish it was glorious like I crashed my motorcycle, but I slipped getting out of the shower, you know, and I broke my foot badly,” he continued. “And the doctor said, ‘You can’t walk on it for at least 8 months.’ And I said, ‘Well, put me in a cast. I got a tour coming up.’ And he said, ‘I’m telling you right now, you want to go to Europe walking up ramps, escalators, on the plane. If you trip and if you fall and those screws ain’t healed yet, we’re going to cut off your foot.'”
Dokken ultimately decided to prioritize his health after consulting with his bandmates. He had to pass up the significant opportunity.
“It wasn’t a worth. I talked to the band. I said, ‘Man, we got this killer European tour.’ And the band said, ‘It’s not worth it, Don. It’s not worth you losing your foot over.’ Just one misstep, one little stumble. Because they screwed the two bones together. And so my foot still f*cked up,” Dokken explained.
The ankle injury represents just one of several health challenges that have plagued the rock veteran in recent years. These issues have significantly impacted his ability to perform at full capacity.
Antimusic reported that Dokken has faced multiple serious health issues beyond the ankle fracture. “I lived a dangerous life. Never broken a bone, and over the last two years, I’m f***ed. They paralyzed my hand; they paralyzed my spine,” he revealed in a recent interview.
The health struggles have also affected the band’s reunion prospects with their classic lineup. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Dokken described their last classic lineup reunion as a “disaster.” His physical limitations played a significant role in the challenges faced during performances.
Dokken continues to tour and perform despite these setbacks. He often requires accommodations for his physical limitations. AOL highlighted that the hard rock legend is suffering from a painful condition that has forced him to adapt his performance style, including the seated performances that went viral.
The singer’s determination to continue performing despite his health challenges reflects his dedication to his fans and the music that has defined his career for decades. His candid discussion of these issues provides insight into the physical toll that years of rock and roll can take on performers. It also highlights the difficult decisions artists must make when balancing their health with their professional commitments.
