A well-worn chapter of 1980s hard rock drumming has re-emerged in physical form. The custom Tama ArtStar II drum set used by “Wild” Mick Brown during Dokken’s late-’80s touring and recording heyday is now available through Donn Bennett’s Drum Vault, and for collectors or fans of rock history, this isn’t just another drum kit; it’s a story told in maple and fiberglass.
Brown, who manned the drum throne for Dokken from 1981 to 2008, was not only known for his solid technique and groove but for an onstage energy that often bordered on unhinged. His playing anchored the band’s biggest records and most memorable tours, and this particular kit was with him during the pivotal 1988–89 stretch, including the band’s stint on the legendary Monsters of Rock tour.
This set isn’t just valuable for where it’s been, it’s one-of-a-kind in its make. Tama built this kit specifically for Brown with several distinctive features. The red sparkle lacquer finish was a first of its kind from Tama at the time, never repeated in the company’s production runs. All drums in the set have interiors treated with a Vibra-Fibe fiberglass finish, a once-popular technique aimed at increasing volume and articulation, famously used by players like Neil Peart and Kenny Aronoff.
The setup also reflects the shift in technology and performance expectations of the era. Each drum includes dual internal piezo triggers with mounted XLR jacks, and the bass drum includes a jack for an internal mic, evidence of how acoustic and electronic technologies were beginning to blend during live rock shows of the late ’80s.
Yet the wear and tear on the kit doesn’t hide its road legacy; it highlights it. The drums bear the expected scars from years of use: scratches in the lacquer, minor pitting in the chrome, and a slightly bent bass drum spur. These aren’t flaws as much as they are fingerprints. One floor tom still shows internal damage from a now-infamous incident where Brown knocked over the entire kit during the closing show of Monsters of Rock in ’88. While the outer shell remains intact, the crack inside tells the tale.
Despite the damage, the set has been carefully cleaned and preserved. The original hoop on one bass drum was replaced, and both hoops were wrapped in red tape to preserve a consistent appearance. Notably, the original Dokken logo head has been faithfully reproduced, and Brown himself has signed both that and a 14-inch snare drum head, both of which come with the set, along with a certificate of authenticity signed by the drummer. The gear was obtained directly from Brown’s brother, Steve Brown, currently of Tesla.
With its powerful tone, tight low end, punchy mids, and focused attack, the set still delivers the kind of sound that defined a generation of hard rock drumming. But perhaps more than that, it serves as a tangible link to the kinetic energy and larger-than-life performances that defined Mick Brown’s place in the pantheon of rock percussion.
For musicians, collectors, or simply those who remember the thunder of ’80s arenas, this is more than gear, it’s living history.