SEATTLE — Don “The Dodger” Dodge, 64, FOH engineer for major rock acts ranging from Paul Rodgers and Bad Company to Motörhead, Asia and Foreigner, died Nov. 2 at his home in Seattle with family members by his side.
Dodge studied audio mixing at Sound Masters Recording School in Hollywood, CA in the mid-1970. After handling FOH and tour manager duties for Nick Gilder (“Hot Child in the City”) at FOH in 1979-1980, Dodge toured with the Muscle Shoals All Star Band (1981-1982), Pat Benatar (1982-1984), The Jacksons (1984 Victory Tour) and Bonnie Raitt (1986-1987) in roles that ranged from FOH mixer to bass tech, guitar tech, keyboards tech, drum tech, stage tech and stage manager.
The tours mixing FOH with Paul Rodgers, Asia and Foreigner followed (1996-2010). Dodge’s latest tours included FOH duties for Uriah Heep and Cinderella in 2011 and, most recently, the 2013 King of the Mics tour featuring rap artists LL Cool J, Ice Cube and Public Enemy.
Dodge is survived by his wife, Mary Dodge, a son, Daniel Dodge, a daughter, Amanda Bratton, a sister, Bonny Dodge Jones and a brother, Ted Dodge, along with co-workers and friends.
“He always made you smile and feel good,” recalled Robb Smith, a close friend who first met Dodge on The Jacksons tour. Along with the positive vibe Dodge brought backstage, Smith noted that Dodge “loved running FOH.”
A memorial service/life celebration was held on Nov. 9, which would have been Dodge’s 65th birthday, at the Moore Theatre, in Seattle, WA 98101.
A memorial page accepting donations has been set up on the family’s behalf to help cover medical bills; it is at http://www.gofundme.com/fxj0z8.
Photo credit: Carey Quinton Haider
