Dive into the electrifying fusion of heavy metal and horror that defined a generation.
The Song
"Dream Warriors" is a hard rock anthem by American band Dokken, specifically written for the 1987 film A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. The song was composed by band members George Lynch and Jeff Pilson, who reportedly took lines directly from the movie's script to weave into the lyrics. While A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors had a soundtrack primarily consisting of the film score, "Dream Warriors" was the only original song written for the movie, showcasing its pivotal role in the film's marketing and identity. It was later included as the closing track on Dokken's fourth studio album, Back for the Attack, released in November 1987.
The Artist
Dokken is an American glam metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1978. The classic lineup, featuring Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on lead guitar, Mick Brown on drums, and Jeff Pilson on bass, was stable from 1983 to 1989 and again from 1993 to 1998. The band achieved significant success in the 1980s with several singles charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and sales exceeding 10 million albums worldwide. Despite their success, internal conflicts, particularly between Don Dokken and George Lynch, were well-documented and eventually led to the band's split in 1989.
Chart Performance
Released as a single on February 18, 1987, "Dream Warriors" quickly made its mark on the charts. The song reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Its inclusion in a major horror franchise film undoubtedly contributed to its widespread exposure and success, keeping Dokken in heavy rotation on rock radio while they prepared their next album.
Cultural Impact
"Dream Warriors" cemented its legacy by perfectly blending the worlds of heavy metal and horror, becoming a quintessential track for fans of both genres. The song and its accompanying video played a significant role in the mainstream marketing campaign for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, helping to make Freddy Krueger even more of a pop culture icon. Director Chuck Russell noted that "there is something naturally metal about Freddy Krueger," and the Dokken video was "ahead of its time" in fusing heavy metal and horror into "one big nasty thing."
The music video's frequent rotation on MTV also provided Dokken with substantial airplay, further solidifying their presence in the 1980s music scene. Its enduring appeal is such that it's often requested by Dokken fans decades after its release.
Fun Facts
- Patricia Arquette and Robert Englund, in character as Freddy Krueger, both appeared in the music video for "Dream Warriors." While Arquette's scenes were largely clips from the film, Englund filmed new interactions with the band.
- The music video features Dokken rescuing Kristen Parker (Patricia Arquette's character) from Freddy Krueger through the power of rock music. At the end, Freddy wakes up screaming, exclaiming, "What a nightmare! Who were those guys?"
- According to lead guitarist George Lynch, the band partook in cocaine before shooting the video, with Robert Englund reportedly joining in while in full Freddy costume. Lynch also recalled being so affected by drugs that it took hours to get an acceptable take of him breaking through a breakaway wall.
- "Dream Warriors" holds the distinction of being the first music video ever included on a feature film VHS tape, further showcasing its innovative marketing approach.
- While "Dream Warriors" was specifically written for the movie, another Dokken song, "Into the Fire" from their 1984 album Tooth and Nail, was also included in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and played over the opening credits in theaters.
- The song was recorded at Rumbo Recorders in Canoga Park, CA, a studio owned by Daryl Dragon of Captain & Tennille fame. Neil Kernon produced the track, with assistant engineering by Andy Udoff.