Simon RushworthDon Dokken has revealed coronavirus fears have forced George Lynch to pull out of two US concerts next month.
And the furious frontman has launched a blistering attack on his fellow countrymen as America struggles to cope with an upsurge in COVID-19.
Dokken and Lynch Mob were due to play shows on July 17 and July 18.
But Lynch called his former band mate earlier today to reveal his reservations about performing in the current climate.
“I was supposed to do two shows with George in the next three weeks,” Dokken told Rushonrock.
“Lynch Mob was opening up for Dokken in Virginia and Arkansas but George doesn’t feel safe enough due to what’s happening with coronavirus.
“He’s pulled out of the shows but I’m going ahead.”
Dokken, who has been isolated at home in New Mexico, is prepared to take a calculated risk following advice from the shows’ promoters.
But he is livid that fellow Americans are refusing to wake up to the true impact of COVID-19.
And Dokken is aghast that President Donald Trump remains cavalier in the face of a growing crisis.
“The Arkansas venue has staged at least two concerts there already with six-feet social distancing in an open field and I’ve been assured that it will be safe,” he added.
“They check everybody’s temperature going into the show and we won’t be having any contact with people outside of our group.
“There’s more of a risk from me contracting COVID-19 as a result of flying. I know that’s a risk but in this case I’m prepared to take it.
“This thing isn’t going anywhere fast and we can’t shut ourselves away forever.
“But people are stupid as far as I’m concerned.
“All this protesting and marching with no masks on meant the virus was bound to spike.
“Everyone’s suddenly going to the beaches again without any social distancing.
“The scientists warned everybody what would happen. They told us that if we didn’t wear masks and stick to social distancing then this would be a big problem.
“And we’ve got an idiot president who won’t even wear a mask.
“When the president of your own country won’t wear a mask what message does that send out to everyone else?
“I understand that people are frustrated. But we have to do this properly or it won’t go away anytime soon.”
Dokken was speaking to Rushonrock ahead of the release of his upcoming The Lost Songs: 1978-1981 album.
And he revealed that there was one positive to take away from an unprecedented period in modern history.
“Like most musicians this has given me time to write new songs – it’s all we can do,” he added.
“I’ve been working on a new Dokken album remotely with my band mates and it’s a process that’s yielded some fantastic new songs.
“We’re halfway through the new album and it’s sounding great.
“I’ve loved digging into the past with The Lost Songs and it’s brought back a lot of good memories.
“It’s come at a good time.
“But I’m just as excited about releasing the first new Dokken record since Broken Bones in 2012.”
Look out for a full interview with Don Dokken via Rushonrock soon.
The Lost Songs: 1978-1981 is released via Silver Lining Records on August 28. Pre-order it here.
Main Image By Adam Kennedy