US Tour Kicks Off On April 15th At The Whisky A Go Go
Following the release of their successful first album Resurrection, MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST is currently recording their second album, co-produced by Michael Schenker & Michael Voss, which is tentatively scheduled to be released in August.
The news is bittersweet as the band recently mourned the passing of beloved MSF drummer Ted Mckenna.
Michael comments, "We are totally heartbroken to hear about Ted McKenna - our amazing drummer and dearest friend - passing away. It’s a massive shock and a huge loss to lose Ted so suddenly. He always had a smile on his face and was one of the most sincerely genuine people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. One of the great rock drummers, he always played from the heart and his heart was music. Rest in peace Ted, we will miss you x.”
The band also announced they will be welcoming back Simon Philipps and Bodo Schopf - who each played drums in MSG - to the Michael Schenker Fest line-up. Simon who played on the MSG debut album will return as the main drummer on the upcoming second album. Due to his schedule, he is unable to be the live drummer for the upcoming US tour. This role will be completed by Bodo Schopf, who played on Perfect Timing and Save Yourself. With the sudden passing of Ted Mckenna, Bodo will be featured on the upcoming record but in a smaller role as he had the important job of preparing for the US tour.
Michael states, "We are very grateful to Bodo for being a team player and working out with Simon what needs to be done in order for us to continue as smooth as possible and also to Simon for helping us to make it all possible. Bodo is the perfect choice to continue as the permanent drummer for Michael Schenker Fest. It is a perfect balance between the musicians from the past. It includes everything as a family to continue Michael Schenker Fest."
Bodo comments, "I am very sorry that Ted had to leave us under these tragic circumstances, and I'm proud to rock for him and all the Michael Schenker fans. RIP Ted.”
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST will kick off their US tour on April 15th at the Whisky A GO GO. The trek will include performances in Vancouver, Chicago, and New York before concluding on May 18th in Austin. TX!
Before this kicks off, the MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST family is going to tour North America:
4/15/2019 Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA
4/16/2019 Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA
4/17/2019 Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA
4/19/2019 Palace of Fine Arts - San Francisco, CA
4/20/2019 Ace of Spades - Sacramento, CA
4/21/2019 Revolution Hall - Portland, OR
4/22/2019 Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC
4/24/2019 The Palace (formerly Flames Central) - Calgary, AB CANNADA
On this episode, guitarist Michael Schenker discusses his upcoming Michael Schenker Fest & new album (revealing the name & first single). He also discusses Ozzy, Aerosmith, Rush and more.
Soulfly's Max Cavalera discusses his band's current tour, the 20th anniversary of the band's debut release (& tour plans for it next year), being a solo artist and more.
Finally, Candice Night discusses Blackmore's Night's recent releases, family, meeting Ritchie and Rainbow's new album plans.
Mitch also offers an opinion on backing/taped tracks at live shows.
MSF signs worldwide record deal with Nuclear Blast;
announces new studio album for spring 2018
plus North American tour!
Michael Schenker is one of the most significant rock guitarists in the history of music. He has mesmerised the rock community since the 70's with his characteristic guitar play and contributed not only to SCORPIONS classics such as 'Lovedrive', 'Coast To Coast' and 'Holiday', but also constructed himself a monument during his time in UFO by writing hits like 'Doctor Doctor' and 'Rock Bottom' among others. His playing has influenced several generations of guitar players enormously.
Back in 1979, the "German Wunderkind" decided to be his own boss. He founded the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP aka M.S.G. and released the masterpieces »Assault Attack« and »Built To Destroy«, the live legacy »One Night At Budokan« as well as the McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP pearls »Perfect Timing« and »Save Yourself«. Around that time, outstanding musicians such as Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG etc.), Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE etc.), Cozy Powell (ex-JEFF BECK etc.), Chris Slade (AC/DC), Pete Way (UFO etc.) and Neil Murray (ex-WHITESNAKE) were all invited by Schenker to play with him. M.S.G. also became home of great vocalists, most notably Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet (ex-RAINBOW etc.) and Robin McAuley. Those guys were also a part of the comprehensive MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST, whose celebrated Tokyo show was released as live CD, DVD and Blu-ray this March recently passed.
Now the time has come for Michael Schenker to move another step forward: He fulfills the long-awaited dream of all hard rock fans by etering the studio as MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST. The band have just started the recording process for a brand-new studio album with producer Michael Voss. Its release is set for spring 2018 through Nuclear Blast, the band's new record label.
Comments Schenker, "I am very happy to have signed with Nuclear Blast Records and I am looking forward to releasing a killer MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST studio album in the spring of 2018. The album will bring together past and present in the form of 3 original M.S.G. singers - Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet & Robin McAuley - and the current MICHAEL SCHENKER'S TEMPLE OF ROCK vocalist Doogie White (ex-RAINBOW). Keep on rockin'!"
With this latest signing, a long-desired dream came true for the South Germany-based label. Owner Markus Staiger grew up with Michael Schenker's music and is also one of his greatest admirers. "I'm proud to be able to work with the ultimate guitar god, Michael Schenker. He has always been my idol and he's the reason why I started to play the guitar when I was 13 years old. But I was ungifted in that area, so I had to stop and decided to found a record label instead. It's a great day and I feel happy just like back in the day when I was listening to »Lovedrive« and »Michael Schenker Group« for the very first time, and went nuts! Thanks!"
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST will be playing several shows this year, including two German performances at Bang Your Head!!! Festival and Capitol Offenbach.
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST - Tour Dates:
2017
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST
featuring 3 original M.S.G singers Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley
15.07. D Balingen - Bang Your Head!!! Festival
15.10. J Tokyo - Loud Park Festival
25.10. D Offenbach - Capitol
27.10. E Santander - Escenario Santander
28.10. E Pamplona - Auditorio de Burlada
29.10. E Barcelona - Razzmatazz
31.10. NL Zoetermeer - De Boerderij
02.11. UK London - o2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
03.11. UK Sheffield - o2 Academy
04.11. UK Manchester - o2 Ritz
05.11. UK Hull - City Hall
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST
featuring 3 original M.S.G. singers Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley plus Doogie White (ex-RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER'S TEMPLE OF ROCK)
03/06 USA Silver Springs, MD - The Fillmore
03/07 USA Pittsburgh, PA - Carnegie Music Hall
03/09 USA Boston, MA - Berklee Performance Center
03/10 USA New York, NY - Irving Plaza
03/11 USA Philadelphia, PA - Theatre of Living Arts
03/12 CDN Montreal, QC - Club Soda
03/14 USA Detroit, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre
03/16 USA Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre
03/17 USA Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall
03/18 USA Milwaukee, WI - Pabst Theater
03/19 USA Minneapolis, MN - Cabooze
03/22 USA Seattle, WA - Neptune Theatre
03/24 USA San Jose, CA - Events Center
03/25 USA Anaheim, CA - The Grove
03/26 USA Phoenix, AZ - Marquee Theatre
03/27 USA Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues
03/29 USA Denver, CO - Cervantes Ballroom
03/31 USA San Antonio, TX - Vibes Event Center
04/01 USA Dallas, TX - Bomb Factory
04/03 USA Tampa, FL - The Ritz
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST “LIVE” TOKYO
FEATURING THE ORIGINAL MSG VOCALISTS
GARY BARDEN, GRAHAM BONNET AND ROBIN MCAULEY
TO BE RELEASED ON MARCH 24th 2017!
AVAILABLE ON 2CD, 2CD+DVD COMBO, LP, DVD, BLU-RAY, DIGITAL
Michael Schenker - Lead Guitarist (6 years younger brother of Rudolf Schenker) 1970 - At age 15 - Michael records his first album with the Scorpions creating instant international recognition. 1972 - At age 17 - Michael joins the British Rock Band UFO for 6 Albums reaching their highest success ever. 1978 - At age 23 - Michael leaves UFO after recording Strangers in the Night, becoming one of the most successful rock live albums of all time. 1979 - At age 24 - Michael opens the doors to America for the Scorpions with Lovedrive. 1979 - At age 24 - Michael starts his solo career.
Michael Schenker, one of music’s greatest rock guitarists, will release Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo - a sstunning new live recording and filmed concert released by inakustik on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on Friday 24th March 2017.
Filmed and recorded at Tokyo’s International Forum on August 24, 2016, this historic concert features guest appearances from some of the greatest rock vocalists who have worked with Schenker over the years including M.S.G.’S Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley of the McAuley Schenker Group.
Watch the official trailer for Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo - http://bit.ly/2j8vwL0
“It's been a long time since M.S.G. - Live At Budokan,” says Schenker.
Like a miracle Michael Schenker returns to Japan with his past original singers from the '80's to celebrate the Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo with Barden, Bonnet and McAuley at the amazing Tokyo International Forum. 5000 fans witnessed an anthology moment of quintessential hard rock music of the highest calibre.
Says Schenker, “It’s a miracle that after all these years, something like this took place with the original band members of “M.S.G.”. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. To being able to re-experience, and for the new audience to get a feel of what it was like, is incredibly enjoyable.”
Continues Schenker, “It's an amazing feeling to have all of my M.S.G. Family from the '80's performing together and especially with Graham Bonnet, who I never got to play any concerts after our Assault Attack album that was originally released in 1982. Fortunately, being able to have the participation of original M.S.G. members such as Gary Barden, Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums) being part of it, and somehow, to perform with Robin McAuley and Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards) again as well, is pretty awesome.”
The Band:
Michael Schenker - Lead Guitar
Ted McKenna - Drums
Steve Mann - Guitar, Keyboards
Chris Glen - Bass
The Vocalists:
Gary Barden
Graham Bonnet
Robin McAuley
“It was just one enjoyable event from beginning to end,” says Schenker. “Seeing those happy, excited fans right from the beginning before the show even started, was incredible. It was like Budokan all over again.”
Schenker remains enthusiastic and overjoyed at performing Schenker Fest with Barden, Bonnet and McAuley all under the same roof in Tokyo.
“It’s wonderful how we all got on with each other. It felt incredibly natural, as if it was always like this. Right from the start of rehearsal, the chemistry was great. No problems, just pure fun.”
TRACKLISTING:
1. Intro: Searching For Freedom
2. Into The Arena
3. Attack Of The Mad Axeman ft. Gary Barden
4. Victim Of Illusion ft. Gary Barden
5. Cry For The Nations ft. Gary Barden
6. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie ft. Gary Barden
7. Armed And Ready ft. Gary Barden
8. Coast To Coast
9. Assault Attack ft. Graham Bonnet
10. Desert Song ft. Graham Bonnet
11. Dancer ft. Graham Bonnet
12. Captain Nemo
13. This Is My Heart ft. Robin McAuley
14. Save Yourself ft. Robin McAuley
15. Love Is Not A Game ft. Robin McAuley
16. Shoot Shoot ft. Robin McAuley
17. Rock Bottom ft. Robin McAuley
18. Doctor Doctor ft. Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley
Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo is available in the following formats:
PHYSICAL
2 CD
2 CD + DVD Combo
Vinyl LP
DVD
Blu-ray
DIGITAL
Hi-Res download
Download
Stream
Michael Schenker started his professional career as a recording Artist in 1970 as a young hopeful talent in the Scorpions and followed this with a stint in the British hard rock institution UFO and then his own Michael Schenker Group before moving on to forming The Temple of Rock.
Over the years, Michael has not just experienced the highs and lows of life; but his development as a guitarist has been consistent, from a German Wunderkind to an experienced and technically highly skilled guitarist.
The Michael Schenker Group (abbreviated as M.S.G.) are a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker.
Michael Schenker's solo career instantly took off right from the start 1980 when the eponymous debut album, "Michael Schenker Group", featuring Gary Barden on vocals, entered the top 5 UK Album and Single Charts with Armed and Ready, followed by the release of Live At The Budokan.
In 1982, Graham Bonnet who had just left Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow was temporary replacing Gary Barden and recorded with M.S.G. the album Assault Attack which was to become many musicians’ favorite featuring Chris Glen on bass and Ted McKenna on drums.
In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1992.
M.S.G.’s music is best described as mostly melodic hard rock with progressive undertones. Michael Schenker is famous for his black and white Gibson Flying V and for his unorthodox approach to lead guitar. Michael is sponsored by Dean Guitars and is well known in the neo-classical genre.
Legendary guitarist MICHAEL SCHENKER joins Mitch for episode 221 of One On One With Mitch Lafon.
In the show's only interview, guitarist extraordinaire Michael Schenker dicusses his new On A Mission - Live In Madrid (CD/DVD and or Blu-Ray) release, Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock band, Michael Schenker Fest, working with former Scorpions' bandmates Herman Rarebell & Francis Buchholz, his time with RATT, Scorpions, and his current feelings for his brother (Scorpions' guitarist) Rudolf Schenker.
Quote from the interview:
On A Mission - Live in Madrid (time - 1.53): "I always wanted to do a live album with a Spanish audience. They are always great fun."
Temple Of Rock (time - 5.06): "The idea is to develop it into its own identity - into its own style."
(time - 5.26): "After three albums of Temple Of Rock, we should be able to have enough classics to stand on its own feet, so that Doogie doesn't need to sing covers anymore."
The Michael Schenker Fest with singers Graham Bonnet, Gary Barden and Robin McAuley (time - 6.12): "The idea is - while I'm developing Temple Of Rock to stand on its own feet; I also want to present my past through the original guys."
SCORPIONS & his brother Rudolf Schenker:
(time - 12.21): "I had to fight my way out of Lovedrive because they didn't want to let me go."
(time - 12.29): "Everybody in America (all the managements), they wanted to sign the Scorpions and they thought if I leave the band that it would collapse."
(time - 12.42): "The Scorpions basically followed everything UFO did."
(time - 13.06): "I was his favorite guitarist."
(time - 13.58): "I realized what Rudolf had done. He has asked me to play the black & white guitar, he had asked me to give him the Coast To Coast melodies (those were the most tastiest parts). They never mentioned that I wrote the intro to Holiday (which sets up the song very nicely). Rudolf never missed a concert performing those two songs. Basically, he was trying to distort and make people think that there was not really any Michael Schenker. There was just Rudolf Schenker."
(time - 14.43): "I had a contract with the Scorpions. I was sixth member."
(time - 15.03): "Rudolf actually can't really play guitar properly and that's a fact."
(time - 15.18); "Basically, I started the Scorpions with Klaus."
(time - 16.16): "Basically, Uli was the foundation artistically."
(time - 16.39): "But Rudolf... My generosity was very sadly abused and I don't appreciate that. These days, I'm staying away from the Scorpions as far as a can especially from Rudolf. I can't trust him anymore. I don't know what else he has in his trick box."
(time - 17.15): "Klaus is the only one with the real talent."
(time - 17.33): "So, it's very sad that... on that Scorpions side, everything has become numb & dumb. It has nothing to do with music anymore. They milked what they could milk for the last 23 years with that manager who just died. They haven't done anything since Herman & Francis left."
There wasn't room for 'two Schenkers in the Scorpions' (quote from my July 2015 interview with Rudolf) (time - 18.58): "Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. Rudolf cried on the phone begging me back to the Scorpions when I left them because I went there to help the Scorpions out. I had just left UFO and I was peaking. I was #5 guitarist in America."
(time - 20.09): "I couldn't stand playing Uli's songs. I was a guitarist with a focus on pure expression. I wanted to develop as a guitarist. I did not want to be part of the artificial commercial world."
(time - 21.09): "They changed the story around to make it sound good. 'I had to take my brother because it's my brother.' Bullshit! They begged me into the Scorpions. The fact is I did not want to be part of a commercial touring band anymore. I wanted to do & go my own way."
(time - 22.13): "I would agree that there was no space for two Schenkers because if I would have stayed with the Scorpions my brother would have never experienced what he experienced."
(time - 23.58): speaking of Rudolf: "He's become a fame addict."
(time - 25.09): "He's a con artist. He steals everything that I have done. I'm his younger brother and he thinks he can get away with it."
(time - 25.33): "My sister wrote an email and said, 'Our brother is a greedy wanker."
Legendary guitarist Michael Schenker (UFO, Scorpions, MSG) and two of his bandmates from Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, Herman Rarebell (ex Scorpions) and Doogie White (ex Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow) are interviewed on this week's show. All 3 members choose songs from their current album 'Spirit On A Mission', along with tracks from previous bands.
First up, Michael tells fans what they can expect from the setlist on the band's UK tour in January 2016 (full dates at http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/tour.php ), and also discusses the band's forthcoming third album, and his longterm vision for Temple of Rock. You'll also hear Michael's choice of a classic Scorpions song.
Doogie White then celebrates the 20th anniversary of the album he recorded with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, 'Stranger In Us All', choosing 2 songs and looking back on how he came to join the band, giving an insight into the writing, recording and tour for the album. Doogie also pays tribute to original Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio, and chooses 2 of his favourite songs from Ronnie's tenure with the band.
The Temple of Rock triple threat concludes with drummer Herman Rarebell, who begins the first in a series of 7 interviews covering the newly released remastered reissues of 8 classic Scorpions albums on SPV Records. Herman tells how he came to join the band in 1977 and shares his memories of the recording and tours for the 'Taken By Force' and 'Tokyo Tapes' albums and Uli Jon Roth's departure from the group. Herman also selects two songs from each record.
The show concludes with quickfire interviews with bands who have released some of Rich's favourite albums of 2016; Michael Voss talks about Mad Max's 'Thunder Storm and Passion' collection of re-recorded 80s classics, Joseph Tholl from exciting new Metal band Black Trip discusses their album 'Shadowline', Grave Digger mainman Chris Boltendahl looks at their newly re-recorded compilation of 80s classics 'Exhumation-The Early Years', and heartland Rocker Melissa Etheridge drops in for a chat about her live cd/dvd/blu ray 'A Little Bit of Me - Live In LA'
The award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a nationwide UK tour with his band Temple of Rock starting at the Bilston Robin in Wolverhampton on Wednesday 20th January 2016.
A 48-Hour Planet Rock ticket pre-sale starts at 9am on Wednesday 29th April at www.planetrock.com. Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday1st May via www.thegigcartel.com and the 24-hour box office: 0844 4780898.
Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album Spirit On A Mission which features the singles Vigilante Man and Live and Let Live.
Spirit On A Mission is a rapturous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by some of the best musicians in rock.
The new album features twelve classic rock guitar-driven songs that highlight Schenker’s distinctive and dynamic guitar playing, valiantly underpinned by the ferocious rhythm section of Herman Rarebell and Francis Buchholz, the same rhythm section that originally performed together on the Scorpions’ 1979 album Lovedrive.
Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his personality with every note and phrase, while Wayne Findlay adds a new level to Schenker’s classic sound with his Dean 7-string guitar and keyboard arrangements.
LEGENDARY GUITARIST MICHAEL SCHENKER ANNOUNCES SPRING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR!
Few rock guitarists have as impressive a resume as Michael Schenker does - as he has supplied his six-string talents to such world-renowned acts as the Scorpions, UFO, and the Michael Schenker Group over the years. And it is now confirmed that Schenker will be touring North America come the spring, in support of his killer new disc, 'Spirit on a Mission,' released March 24, 2015.
Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock line-up proves to be one of the strongest that the German guitarist has ever played with, as it features the former Scorpions "Rock You Like A Hurricane" rhythm section of Francis Buchholz (bass) and Herman Rarebell (drums), as well as Doogie White (vocals, formerly of Rainbow), and Wayne Findlay (guitar/keyboards, and longtime Michael Schenker Group member).
The tour kicks off on March 25th at the Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA (the day after the release of 'Spirit on a Mission'), and wraps up on May 2nd at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (with special guest Don Dokken on the bill). In between, the tour will go coast to coast, including a performance at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on April 15th.
“Promotion is definitely the next step,” says Schenker of hitting the road in support of 'Spirit on a Mission.' "Wherever we are needed around the world, we will be there to promote 'Spirit On A Mission.' I want to make Temple of Rock its own entity. Right now it is still using the Michael Schenker platform but eventually I want it to stand on its own feet as Temple of Rock." To get a taste of the new line-up, view the video for the tune "Vigilante Man" here: youtube.com/watch?v=21EaEwU4szU
Undoubtedly, this set of North American dates are the first step towards establishing Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock as a global force.
Temple Of Rock - Spirit On A Mission - World Tourour
Featuring:
Michael Schenker (guitar)
Doogie White (vocals)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Francis Buchholz (bass)
Wayne Findlay (7 string guitar/keyboards)
MAR 25 2015 @ Rockbar Theater in San Jose, CA
MAR 27 2015 @ Tonic in Portland, OR
MAR 28 2015 @ Studio Seven in Seattle, WA
APR 01 2015 @ Boardwalk in Orangevale, CA
APR 02 2015 @ Yoshi's in Oakland, CA
APR 03 2015 @ Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, CA
APR 04 2015 @ M-15 Concert Hall in Corona, CA
APR 07 2015 @ Vamp'd in Las Vegas, NV
APR 08 2015 @ Livewire Concert Hall in Scottsdale, AZ
APR 10 2015 @ Trees in Dallas, TX
APR 11 2015 @ 210 Kapones Live in San Antonio, TX
APR 12 2015 @ 18th Street in San Leon, TX
APR 15 2015 @ Gramercy Theatre in New York, NY
APR 16 2015 @ Eclipse in Binghamton, NY
APR 17 2015 @ Newton Theatre in Newton, NJ
APR 18 2015 @ The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ
APR 20 2015 @ Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, PA
APR 22 2015 @ Rockpile West in Toronto, Ontario Canada
APR 23 2015 @ Concord Music Hall in Chicago, IL (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)
APR 24 2015 @ Harpos Concert Hall in Detroit, MI
APR 25 2015 @ Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL (Enuff Z Nuff guests on this performance)
APR 26 2015 @ Freaksters in Pontiac, IL
APR 28 2015 @ Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO
APR 30 2015 @ Ramona Mainstage in Ramona, CA
MAY 01 2015 @ Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA
MAY 02 2015 @ Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, CA (Special Guest Don Dokken)
Award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker releases a new studio album entitled "Spirit On A Mission" in the UK on Monday 23rd March. Released by in-akustik, the album of all-new material features Schenker’s Temple of Rock band - ex-ScorpionsHerman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), ex-Rainbow’s Doogie White (vocals) and Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards).
The new album features twelve 12 classic rock guitar-driven songs that highlight Schenker’s distinctive and dynamic guitar playing, valiantly underpinned by the ferocious rhythm section of Rarebell and Buchholz, the same rhythm section that originally performed together on the Scorpions’ 1979 album Lovedrive.
Michael remembers how he came up with the name of the new album - "A while ago I was asked how I wanted to be remembered, and I said ‘as a spirit on a mission, spreading the joy of music from a place of pure self expression."
Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his personality with every note and phrase, while Wayne Findlay adds a new level to Schenker’s classic sound with his Dean 7-string guitar and keyboard arrangements.
Spirit On A Mission is a rapturous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by some of the best musicians in rock.
The new album was recorded at Kidroom Studios, Muenster, Germany; the same studio where 2013’s Bridge The Gap album was recorded. The album was produced by Michael Voss and Michael Schenker, and engineered by Voss.
"After the Bridge The GapJapan Tour in March 2014, I started to put new material together for what was to become the Spirit On A Mission album," says Schenker. I went to the recording studio in June 2014 to put down the song arrangements and we finished recording in November."
During the recording of the new album, the original recordings and guitars were stolen from the recording studio. Did this impact on the recording process of the new album?
"Yes we got robbed (some guitars and some music) and got very upset about it," recalls Schenker. "Fortunately it was just performances and not compositions. We caught up and performed the music better than before. It forced us to work extra hard and longer but it made it stronger."
For Schenker, the songwriting and recording process for Spirit On A Mission was very different from the 2012’s Bridge The Gap album.
Says Schenker - "I already knew ahead of time that I wanted to take Spirit On A Mission to the next level by adding more 7-string guitar on some songs to get more of the low heavy sound, and on other songs to keep it very fast and energetic with melodic vocals and a couple of mid tempo’s with more of my writing like in my UFO days."
"Doogie did an amazing job with his melodies and singing," adds Schenker. "Even though we had our instruments, music and equipment stolen from the recording studio, we had to re-record a lot of his vocals again, but when we did it the second time around, it got even better."
"I asked Wayne to come up with a few cool guitar riffs on his 7 string. I added my parts to it and the outcome was very unique. Again, with the addition of Doogie’s vocals, we entered a whole new place that was an extreme pleasurable experience."
The writing process and overall concept for Spirit On A Mission proved to be a fulfilling experience for Schenker and his band.
Says Schenker - "I always write in the same way but this time, especially driven by a precise concept." The picture was album balance for me and combine many years of emotions in one. I wanted lots of double bass drum to keep the fast songs rolling like a train with lots of energy covered with interesting elements, a couple of my UFO days-type of mid tempos and the 7 string low sound to get a very wide range of sounds and emotions."
Michael’s Temple of Rock shared ideas and collaborated in a bigger way on the new album.
"All songs were co-written by Doogie and myself, "recalls Schenker. "Wayne co-wrote five songs. I originally wanted to write the album as a group effort, but I had this concept that needed to be focused on differently. However, Herman and Francis did very well by adding there amazing Rock You Like A Hurricane rhythm section parts that gave it all it needed.
The new album also sees guitarist and keyboard player, Wayne Findlay, takes on a bigger role.
"Wayne has been with me (MSG) since 1999," says Schenker. "In 2004, I met Dean Guitars and they built me a 7 string. I played it for a while but thought it was too much of a sidetrack from what I was doing."
"I always liked that low sound and asked Wayne to look into developing it on the 7 string. A couple of years ago we started to use a bit of Wayne’s 7 string guitar on Bridge The Gap as a slow introduction. Wayne looks like a Neptune (Ocean God) and he loves the ocean. I saw this as an opportunity to have Dean build him a Trident Guitar in order to make his character complete. I wrote a little piece about Wayne called Neptune Rising on the Bridge The Gap album and now on Spirit On A Mission Wayne was ready to co-write five songs, and has now become an essential part of Temple Of Rock."
"Coincidentally," says Schenker, "former Scorpions members Herman Rarebell and Francis Buchholz and myself were out of the loop of rock’n’roll around the same time, but for different reasons. When we recorded 2013’s Bridge The Gap album, we had not played together since the Scorpions’ Lovedrive album (1979). Sprit On A Mission is the second Temple of Rock album to feature the former Scorpions rhythm section.
Former Rainbow singer Doogie White is described by Schenker as an "extremely creative individual with a fantastic range and a voice that never stops". "How many people do you know that can sing nine shows in a row, without a day off and still have a voice with a range like his?" says Schenker. "He’s a real trooper."
What are Schenker’s favourite songs from Spirit On A Mission, and why?
Says Michael – "I love Live and Let Live because it has everything. I love Vigilante Man because it’s heavy and melodic with a great tempo and sound. Something Of The Night turned out to be a fantastic outcome especially with that spooky Howler sound I developed awhile ago. Saviour Machine is an epic. Rock City, Bullet Proof, Restless Heart - I love the fast melodic stuff, and the other 7 string songs with a touch of ’70s rock."
What are Schenker’s overall plans to promote the new album? Does he plan on touring the album by relentless touring and playing summer festivals?
"Promotion is definitely the next step," says Schenker. "and tour-wise, including Festivals, we will play wherever we can to promote "Spirit On A Mission". I want to make Temple Of Rock its own entity. Right now it is still using the Michael Schenker platform but eventually I want it to stand on its own feet as ‘Temple Of Rock’.
1. LIVE AND LET LIVE
2.COMMUNION*
3. VIGILANTE MAN
4.ROCK CITY
5.SAVIOUR MACHINE*
6.SOMETHING OF THE NIGHT
7.ALL OUR YESTERDAYS
8.BULLETPROOF*
9.LET THE DEVIL SCREAM*
10.GOOD TIMES
11.RESTLESS HEART
12.WICKED*
Bonus Track on Deluxe Edition + Vinyl Edition:
Searching For Freedom (Instrumental)
All songs produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss
Engineer: Michal Voss
All songs are written by:
Music - Michael Schenker
Lyrics - Doogie White
Except* Music and Lyrics by
Michael Schenker, Doogie White, Wayne Findlay
First up, Michael Schenker talks about what fans can expect from the set list as his 'Bridge The Gap' tour hits the UK this week. Michael discusses working with former Scorpions compadres Francis Bucholz (bass) and Herman Rarebell (drums) in his Temple of Rock band, and also outlines the way in which both the band, and his songwriting partnerships with vocalist Doogie White (ex Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen) and rhythm guitarist / keyboard player Wayne Findlay, have developed on forthcoming new album 'Spirit on a Mission'. Michael chooses a song from 'Bridge the Gap', and you'll also hear a Scorpions classic from the 'Temple of Rock Live In Europe' album.
The show also features tracks from both support bands for Michael's UK tour, Western Sand, a promising UK rock outfit, and State Villains (playing the London date), who feature Michael's son, Tyson Schenker, on guitar.
Steve Hunter, whose sublime guitar playing has graced albums and tours from the likes of Alice Cooper, Lou Reed and Peter Gabriel, also drops in to discuss his two most recent releases, studio album 'The Manhattan Blues Project'(featuring guests including Joe Satriani, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp), and live CD/DVD 'Tone Poems Live'. In the words of guitar hero Joe Satriani, "Steve Hunter is a great guitarist; and his influence on the American rock guitar style is huge,' and you'll hear exactly what Satch means on tracks from both 'Tone Poems Live' and 'The Manhattan Blues Project.
The show's regular Phil Lynott tribute feature this week puts the spotlight on late Small Faces/Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan, who passed away this week, with a track from Thin Lizzy's 'Fighting' album featuring McLagan on piano.
You can also listen on Thursday 11th December 07:00-09:00 on www.totalrock.com, and on hot new Texas rock and metal station KXZR Radio at www.kxzr.fm
FEATURING SONGS FROM THE NEW ALBUM
"BRIDGE THE GAP" PLUS ALL THE MSG, UFO
AND THE SCORPIONS ROCK CLASSICS
The award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a nationwide UK tour at the Newcastle O2 Academy from 10th December. Tickets are available from the 24 hour box office 0844 478 0898 or from www.thegigcartel.com.
Michael Schenker is proud to announce specials guests for the "Bridge the Gap" tour will be Bournemouth Rockers Western Sand.
At O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 20th December - in addition to Western Sand - the phenomenal State Villains featuring Michael’s son, Tyson Schenker on guitar, will be opening up the show.
The State Villains track "Done Crawling" is available to download from SoundCloud HERE
State Villains (L-R) Pat Casey, Tyson Schenker, Lee Downs, Nik One-Take
Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album "Bridge The Gap" which features the new single "Lord Of The Lost And Lonely".
Four days before his UK tour kicks off, Schenker will headline Planet Rockstock Festival at Trecco Bay in South Wales on Saturday 6th December.
Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his enthusiastic personality with every note and phrase. Wayne Findlay adds another dimension to the dynamic, classic Schenker sound with his Dean 7 string guitar and keyboard orchestrations.
Bridge the Gap is a thunderous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by top drawer musicians.
Bridge The Gap features Schenker’s Temple of Rock band, comprising ex-ScorpionsHerman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White and Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards).
The new LP includes thirteen adrenalin-fuelled melodic rock’n’roll songs that showcase Schenker’s distinctive and explosive guitar playing, valiantly underpinned by the ferocious rhythm section of Rarebell and Buchholz, marking the first time Schenker, Rarebell and Buchholz have appeared on the same album since the Scorpions’ 1979 Lovedrive.
Vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his enthusiastic personality with every note. Wayne Findlay adds another dimension to the dynamic, classic Schenker sound with his Dean 7 string guitar and keyboard orchestrations.
Bridge the Gap is a thunderous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by top drawer musicians.
The album, recorded at Kidroom Studios, Germany, was produced by Schenker and co-produced and engineered by Michael Voss.
"I sent material to Doogie in the New Year and he started writing melodies and lyrics," says Schenker. There was a lot of energy flying about during the recording process. I had the same drive making this album as I had when I was 16. I wanted it fast, heavy and melodic. It felt like bridging the gap from my teenage and Lovedrive years to what I am doing now. I’m back to where I was a long time ago and I love it."
"Never having really written with Michael before, apart from When the Devil Knows You’reDead (from 2011’s Temple of Rock album), I didn’t know how flexible he would be writing wise," recalls Doogie." I recorded some vocal tracks as ideas and when Michael heard them we were off and running. Within two weeks we were in the studio laying down tracks."
Schenker admits that when he wrote this album, he tried to get a balance between songs that are heavy, fast and melodic, complimented by his signature guitar solos.
"I wanted to combine the old with the new," says Schenker. "That’s why the album’s called Bridge The Gap. With Wayne playing 7 string guitar we created some low, heavy modern sounds. Since I play and experiment on a regular basis, I always have some new, fresh sparks to share when I record a new album. I am inspired from within. It’s infinite like a kaleidoscope."
"As former members of the Scorpions, Herman, Francis and I have been out of the loop of rock’n’roll for quite a while. Getting together for the first time since the Lovedrive album is an incredible jump. We’re connecting the past with the present. We’re bridging the gap."
Schenker remains philosophical about the name of the new album. He believes the name reflects what is going on in the fast-moving world around him.
"Everything that is currently going on in this world is showing that people are desperate for change. We need to bridge the gap of poverty. There are too many innocent people getting killed in terrorist attacks. We need to leave all of this chaos behind us. We have to be strong. We have to continue moving forward, working together in a balanced way."
Schenker is amazed how melodic the new album turned out, but he still insists the songs still feature a bit of darkness as well.
"I came up with the name of the album, before I even started writing. When Doogie started writing the lyrics to the new songs he had something to go by."
1. NEPTUNE RISING
2. WHERE THE WILD WINDS BLOW
3. HORIZONS
4. LORD OF THE LOST AND LONELY
5. ROCK'N'ROLL SYMPHONY
6. TO LIVE FOR THE KING
7. LAND OF THUNDER
8. TEMPLE OF THE HOLY
9. SHINE ON
10. BRIDGES WE HAVE BURNED
11. BECAUSE YOU LIED
12. BLACK MOON RISING
13. DANCE FOR THE PIPER
14. FAITH (VOCALS: DON DOKKEN) (BONUS TRACK)
All songs produced by: Michael Schenker and Michael Voss
All songs are written by: Music - Michael Schenker Lyrics - Doogie White Except: ‘Neptune Rising' (Michael Schenker) Bonus track "Faith" appears on the Special Edition,
featuring Don Dokken (vocals)
MICHAEL SCHENKER'S TEMPLE OF ROCK
THE MAKING OF THE NEW ALBUM
Michael Schenker and Herman Rarebell met on and off over the years and eventually decided to do something together. Schenker hadn’t performed UFO material for a while, and decided to put a touring project together with Best of Michael Schenker material. Pete Way showed up at one of Schenker’s MSG Shows and appeared to be in good spirit, and was invited to Brighton to jam together. At the same time, Schenker was about ready to start working on a new album. He went to a studio in Muenster to record a demo. Michael Voss was engineering and laid down guide vocals.
Schenker liked his voice and asked Voss if he wanted to do the singing. When Schenker finished the demo he played it to Pete and Herman. They liked what they heard and immediately offered to become the rhythm section. The result was 2011’s "Temple Of Rock" album which featured guest musicians including Star Trek’s Captain Kirk (William Shatner) who recorded the spoken word intro on the album. Schenker ended up playing on Shatner’s solo album. Vocalist Doogie White also appeared on the album. Schenker wrote a song specially suited for Doogie’s vocals - "Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead".
The song became a favourite on the album and was A-listed on Planet Rock radio in the UK. When it was time for Schenker to go on tour, Michael Voss wasn’t available, so he had to find a replacement.
Having Robin McAuley singing on one song, Schenker thought about having different line-ups between Voss, McAuley and Doogie (based on their availability). Voss toured with Schenker in Japan, McAuley toured with Schenker in the USA, and Doogie toured with Schenker in Europe.
The song became a favourite on the album and was A-listed on Planet Rock radio in the UK. When it was time for Schenker to go on tour, Michael Voss wasn’t available, so he had to find a replacement.
Having Robin McAuley singing on one song, Schenker thought about having different line-ups between Voss, McAuley and Doogie (based on their availability). Voss toured with Schenker in Japan, McAuley toured with Schenker in the USA, and Doogie toured with Schenker in Europe.
When Schenker was getting ready for the European tour, he learned that Pete Way was not well so he asked Herman Rarebell what Francis Buchholz was up to due to the fact that Schenker performed several Scorpions songs in his set. Francis was happy to join for our European tour with Doogie on vocals and Wayne Findlay on guitar and keyboards. The tour was so successful that Schenker decided to film one of the concerts for a live DVD. The band got stronger and stronger and completed their European tour, but more offers were coming in to perform additional gigs.
Schenker seized the opportunity to record an album after the end of the first leg of their European tour. There was a six month window. Doogie was ready to go for it and so was the rest of the band. Schenker started laying down tracks and gave the material to Doogie so he could start writing the lyrics. Off they went recording with Michael Voss as their engineer/ co-producer. Everything went like clockwork and was finished before the set off to tour Russia in April 2013.
The band toured for another three months in Europe and grew stronger. After finishing the second part of the tour, they got back together and remixed and re-mastered the album. Entitled "Bridge The Gap", the album will be released December 2nd 2013. In 2014, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock will embark on a North American tour. "We’re ready to rock," says Schenker.
The award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a nationwide UK tour at the Newcastle O2 Academy from 10th December. Tickets are available from the 24 hour box office 0844 478 0898 or from www.thegigcartel.com.
Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album "Bridge The Gap" which features the new single "Lord Of The Lost And Lonely".
Four days before his UK tour kicks off, Schenker will headline Planet Rockstock Festival at Trecco Bay in South Wales on Saturday 6th December.
Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his enthusiastic personality with every note and phrase. Wayne Findlay adds another dimension to the dynamic, classic Schenker sound with his Dean 7 string guitar and keyboard orchestrations.
Bridge the Gap is a thunderous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by top drawer musicians.
