Michael Schenker Group
From:
Germany
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Michael Schenker Group News
Below is our complete Michael Schenker Group news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 56 1 2 3 Last
Michael Schenker Group Unveils New Lyric Video
After the release of the two singles "Emergency" and "A King Has Gone" feat. Michael Kiske (Helloween) and the successfully completed European tour for the "50th Anniversary Universal - World Tour", the new MSG studio album "Universal" is finally released today via Atomic Fire!
To celebrate this day, a lyric video for the second song on the album "Under Attack", will also be released!
Michael Schenker adds: "I'm excited about the release of the new album 'Universal' today, Friday, May 27th, 2022. It's a great album, catchy and true craftsmanship. The feedback so far has been very positive. Enjoy and keep on rocking!" More...
Michael Schenker Group Debuts "Emergency" Video
"Emergency" is the haunting opening track of MSG’s upcoming new studio album “Universal”. The first single comes along with an official music video, produced by Justin Griffiths.
"‘Emergency’ is quite a complicated song with different rhythm's but catchy at the same time. It's fun to play and to listen to. Enjoy and Keep On Rocking." comments Michael Schenker.
"Universal" will be released on May 27th, 2022, via Atomic Fire Records and is available as Digipak CD (incl. 2 bonus tracks), colored vinyl, Earbook (CD incl. 2 bonus tracks) and digital album, featuring the following tracks:
1. Emergency
2. Under Attack
3. Calling Baal
4. A King Has Gone
5. The Universe
6. Long Long Road
7. Wrecking Ball
8. Yesterday Is Dead
9. London Calling
10. Sad Is The Song
11. Au Revoir More...
Michael Schenker Group Reveals New Album Details
There are few rock guitarists on this planet who have had such a lasting influence on so many renowned musicians as Michael Schenker. With his outstandingly fluid style, inexhaustible wealth of ideas and instinctive feel for hooks and melodies, Michael Schenker is a living legend who, despite his longstanding and distinguished history, still impresses with his unflagging energy and drive. The blond stringsman from Sarstedt (Germany) began his international career in the early 1970s with the Scorpions, achieved worldwide fame after joining British rock group U.F.O. and then seamlessly continued his exceptional global success story under his own name, as well as with acts such as Michael Schenker Group (MSG for short), Temple Of Rock and Michael Schenker Fest. Schenker and his career, which has spanned more than fifty years, are absolute exceptions in the otherwise short-lived music industry.
Now his latest MSG album is about to be unleashed, scheduled for release on Atomic Fire Records on 27 May 2022 under the programmatic moniker of "Universal". His latest offering will feature all the strengths of this exceptional musician: first-rate songs with anthemic melodies, catchy guitar riffs and inspiring solos. As we have come to expect from him, Schenker has once again enlisted a number of prestigious fellow musicians for the recording of his new studio production, among them, as main vocalist, Ronnie Romero (Rainbow, Vandenberg), who will also be MSG’s frontman on their upcoming tour, Michael Kiske (Helloween) and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), keyboard player Steve Mann (Lionheart), drummers Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Foreigner), Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow) and Bodo Schopf (Eloy), as well as legendary bassists Bob Daisley (Black Sabbath), Barry Sparks (Malmsteen, Dokken) and Barend Courbois (Blind Guardian, Zakk Wylde), with Tony Carey as a very special guest. But more about that later.
First, let’s talk about the basic parameters of the new recording: Like its predecessor "Immortal" (2021) and the Michael Schenker Fest albums "Resurrection" (2018) and "Revelation" (2019), "Universal" was produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss (Lessmann/Voss, Mad Max) at Voss's Kidroom Studio, which has become something of a creative home-away-from-home for Schenker. "Michael Voss is happy to wait until I have worked out an idea and takes the time to really get to know the song, simultaneously developing ideas for the vocals," Schenker describes the fruitful collaboration which has one cog intermesh with the other. "Then we work out the drums, bass and some keyboard parts together. He always has plenty of great ideas up his sleeve." Compositional highlights abound on "Universal", from the haunting opener ‘Emergency’ and the subsequent "Under Attack" with its casually driving groove to "The Universe," featuring an atmospheric duet by Ronnie Romero and Gary Barden, ‘Wrecking Ball’, performed as brilliantly as ever by Ralf Scheepers, and "London Calling" with its homage to the British capital’s musical spirit. More...
W.A.S.P. Announces Tour With Armored Saint
"June 6, 2022 marks the 40th Anniversary of the band that has rocked and shocked, thrashed, trashed and blasted its way into shock and roll history. Your band, the world’s band… my band W.A.S.P.," states an update from Blackie Lawless.
To celebrate, the band will embark on their first U.S tour in a decade and take fans back through 40 years of madness. Coming along for the trek are L.A.’s Armored Saint, who are also celebrating their 40th Anniversary. And as a special treat, Michael Schenker will appear on the Texas and Tulsa shows.
Blackie Lawless commenting on the US tour, "For over 10 years we have not toured on U.S. soil. But starting Oct. 28th, 2022… we return. 10 years I’d want, 10 years I’ve cussed, 10 years I’d lust to return…. To my home land… and be a Wild Child, a Love Machine, to be Blind in Texas, On Your Knees and Headless."
Joined by bassist Mike Duda, and Doug Blair whose time in the band is 26 and 18 years, along with drummer extraordinaire Aquiles Priester, they will take the band and the fans back to where it all started, complete with the stage show extravaganza that many fans never saw live
Blackie concludes: "So join me and the band, and very special guests Armored Saint, as we celebrate W.A.S.P 40th Anniversary Tour… Back in the US…. Back to the Beginning. I’m gonna scream, cause I wanna feed, cause I wanna bleed, cause I Wanna Be Somebody. W.A.S.P. 40th Anniversary Tour… Back in the US…. Back to the Beginning." More...
Michael Schenker Unveils New Album Artwork
Michael Schenker has completed the recording of a brand new MSG album, which is set to be released on Nuclear Blast on January 8th, 2021. The album title will be "Immortal," a perfect statement to describe Michael Schenker's legacy and to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a musician.
Today, Michael Schenker reveals the cover artwork of "Immortal," created by Zsofia Dankova (Powerwolf, Elvenking, Fifth Angel etc.) which you can see below.
The album was predominantly recorded at the Kidroom Studio in Germany, with Michael's long time partner Michael Voss who co-produced the album and also sings on two tracks. "It is always a pleasure to work with Michael Voss, who works around the clock and is a phenomenal musician and producer. He was composing the melody and lyrics for a power ballad I had written the music for, and he ended up singing along. It turned out so amazing, I did not think anyone else could have done a better job for this song. Truly great." More...
Michael Schenker Group Announces New Album
Michael Schenker is currently in the final stages of recording a brand new MSG album, which is set to be released on Nuclear Blast on January 8th, 2021. The album title will be "Immortal," a perfect statement to describe Michael Schenker's legacy and to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a musician. "It's going very well. We have a lot of guest musicians, who will undoubtedly help to make it an exceptional success," says Michael Schenker. He also adds: "First of all I want to say that I am very grateful to any musicians that have helped to create a fitting tribute to my long career on this special release. I want to thank all of them for their incredible contribution."
Nuclear Blast founder Markus Staiger idolised Michael Schenker in his teenage years as his early output set him on the path of hard rock. He comments "I am really looking forward to releasing this brand new MSG album, after the two excellent Michael Schenker Fest records. At the age of 14, the self-titled MSG debut completely blew me away and shaped my taste accordingly, since then I've followed and loved his music and unique compositions. These ten new tracks are pure magic!"
The album was predominantly recorded at the Kidroom Studio in Germany, with Michael's long time partner Michael Voss who co-produced the album and also sings on two tracks. "It is always a pleasure to work with Michael Voss, who works around the clock and is a phenomenal musician and producer. He was composing the melody and lyrics for a power ballad I had written the music for, and he ended up singing along. It turned out so amazing, I did not think anyone else could have done a better job for this song. Truly great." More...
Michael Schenker Fest Recording New Album
Following on from the release of their successful debut album, Resurrection, Michael Schenker Fest are currently recording their second album, co-produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, which is tentatively scheduled to be released in August 2019.
The news is bittersweet however, as the band have been mourning the passing of beloved MSF drummer Ted Mckenna.
Michael Schenker 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." More...
Michael Schenker Announces UK Tour Dates
Michael Schenker Fest are pleased to announce that they will be touring the UK this coming November in celebration of their latest studio album release, Resurrection; out now via Nuclear Blast. The dates will comprise of five headline shows with support coming from multinational melodic metal band Eden's Curse, plus a headline festival appearance at Hard Rock Hell XII.
Touring with internationally renowned guitar maestro Michael Schenker will be three legendary Michael Schenker Group vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley plus Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock vocalist Doogie White. Chris Glen will be appearing on bass with Ted McKenna on drums and Steve Mann on guitar/keys.
Michael Schenker commented:
"Following a really enjoyable and successful North American tour, I'm happy to announce that I'll be touring in the UK and mainland Europe with MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST. On tour we will play an extended set-list with classics from across the M.S.G. eras plus UFO, SCORPIONS, TEMPLE OF ROCK and material from the new album 'Resurrection', too. We have had great fun performing the new songs for the first time in North America - they've had a great reception from the audience. Experiencing the third part of my career in such nice company is a true pleasure. I hope to see you on our UK and European tour, keep on rockin'!" More...
Michael Schenker Gearing Up For U.K. Tour
Michael Schenker will embark on a U.K. tour kicking off at Newcastle O2 Academy on Wednesday, December 10th. Special guest on all dates is the Bournemouth rock band, Western Sand.
Londoners will get a special treat when State Villains, featuring Michael’s son Tyson Schenker on guitar, will open the show at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on December 20th.
To get you in the mood, State Villains are offering fans a free MP3 of the song "Done Crawling" that can be downloaded at this location.
Newcastle O2 Academy Wednesday 10th December
Glasgow O2 ABC Thursday 11th December
Nottingham Rock City Friday 12th December
Manchester Ritz Saturday 13th December
Leeds O2 Academy Monday 15th December
Bilston The Robin Tuesday 16th December
Norwich Waterfront Wednesday 17th December
Bristol O2 Academy Friday 19th December
London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Saturday 20th December More...
Michael Schenker Announces New Tour
Guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a nationwide U.K. tour at the Newcastle O2 Academy on Wednesday, December 10th.
Tickets are available from the 24 hour box office on 0844 478 0898 or from this location. Four days before his U.K. tour kicks off, Schenker will headline Planet Rockstock at Trecco Bay in South Wales on Saturday the 6th of December.
Schenker will perform songs from the new album "Bridge The Gap," which features the “Lord Of The Lost And Lonely” single, plus MSG, UFO, and Scorpions rock classics.
The Bridge The Gap UK tour will feature Schenker’s “Temple of Rock” band, comprising ex-Scorpions member Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards), and ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White.
Planet Rockstock Saturday 6th December
Newcastle O2 Academy Wednesday 10th December
Glasgow O2 ABC Thursday 11th December
Nottingham Rock City Friday 12th December
Manchester Ritz Saturday 13th December
Leeds O2 Academy Monday 15th December
Bilston The Robin Tuesday 16th December
Norwich Waterfront Wednesday 17th December
Bristol O2 Academy Friday 19th December
London O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire Saturday 20th December
Column
Sunday Old School: Michael Schenker Group
The great thing about a lot of legendary metal bands is that you can usually find a connection between several groups. In today’s case, the connection sees a member of not one but two all time great rock acts who went on to release more great music under his own terms. I’m talking, of course, about the former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker. Schenker, along with his brother, Rudolf, were founding members of the Scorpions and performed their first gig when Michael was only eleven years old. Four years later the band recorded and released their debut album, "Lonesome Crow," which saw them hit the road with UFO, who offered the now eighteen year old guitarist the position of their new lead guitar player, which he accepted, despite the handicap of not being able to speak English. His contribution to the band was immediate and successful, writing the bulk of the music for their major label debut, "Phenomenon," which featured such classic UFO songs as "Doctor Doctor" and "Rock Bottom." Despite his excellent song writing, his attitude and performances left something to be desired and his time with the band has been well documented as rocky and uneasy, thanks to his drinking and habit of walking off the stage, which would sometimes cause the cancellation of concerts. After recording the live album, "Strangers in the Night," Schenker finally parted company with UFO and rejoined with his brother in the Scorpions.
His return to the fold was not as joyous as it perhaps could have been. He teamed up with the band while they were recording their album, "Lovedrive" and performed on three of the album’s songs before the band began touring in support of the album. However, after only three months, he was out of the band once more, this time as a result of alcohol abuse, fatigue and an inability to perform live anymore. Now without either of these big name heavy hitters, he attempted to join even larger names and auditioned for such bands as Aerosmith and The Rolling Stones. After the death of his guitarist Randy Rhoads, former Black Sabbath singer, Ozzy Osbourne thought Schenker would be the ideal replacement, as he was a big influence on the fallen guitar player. Schenker did not join up with Ozzy, though reasons for this differ. Osbourne claims that Schenker made too many demands which bordered on the extravagant, which Schenker maintains that he was the one who made the call after he had a feeling that he would be making a serious mistake. More...
Michael Schenker Announces New Album
Michael Schenker will release a brand new studio album entitled "Bridge The Gap" in Germany on Friday, November 22nd. Check out the trailer below.
Released by in-akustik, the album features Schenker’s band Temple of Rock, which consists of ex-Scorpions member Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), plus ex-Rainbow’s Doogie White (vocals) and Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards).
The new album features 13 hard-hitting melodic rock’n’roll songs that showcase Schenker’s distinctive and explosive guitar playing, marking the first time Schenker, Rarebell, and Buchholz appeared on the same album together since the Scorpions’ 1979 “Lovedrive.” More...
Michael Schenker Posts Live CD/DVD Trailer
The critically acclaimed guitarist Michael Schenker has just posted the official trailer for his upcoming "Temple of Rock: Live In Europe" CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. Check out the trailer below. Schenker has also launched the official "Temple of Rock Live" microsite right here.
"Live In Europe," set for release in the UK on Monday December 3rd, will also be available as a Limited Deluxe Edition including 2 CDs, 1 DVD and 1 Blu-ray. The concerts were recorded and filmed in Tilburg, the Netherlands in May 2012, and at 2011’s London’s High Voltage Festival. More...
Michael Schenker Releasing Live CD/DVD
Michael Schenker's “Temple of Rock: Live in Europe” will be released on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and as a Limited Deluxe Edition containing all 3 formats this coming December 3rd, 2012. This release includes songs performed live in Tilburg, The Netherlands in May 2012, and at London’s High Voltage Festival in 2011.
Schenker sees his music as a building block in the construction of the Temple Of Rock. "The Temple is almost finished," explains Michael. “The foundation was laid in the 60s by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. The walls were then built by UFO and others in the 70s. By the 80s it was further reinforced by the likes of the Scorpions, and many more influential rock bands.”
The Tilburg gig features Schenker (lead guitar), Doogie White (vocals), Herman Rarebell (drums), Francis Buchholz (bass), and Wayne Findley (rhythm guitar, keyboards). London's 2011 High Voltage Festival features Michael Voss (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (The Scorpions) who plays rhythm guitar on “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Hanging On,” and “Doctor Doctor,” UFO’s Pete Way who plays bass guitar on “Doctor Doctor,” and vocalists Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey) and Doogie White, who both sing on “Doctor Doctor.” More...
Scorpions Announces North American Tour Dates
German hard rock/heavy metal legends Scorpions has announced a series of headlining shows in the United States and Canada, where they are rumoured to be joined by the Michael Schenker Group (though no confirmation of this has been made.) The trek is part of their farewell world tour and also in support of their latest album, "Comeblack," a collection of re-recorded songs and cover versions.
The initial tour dates are as follows (more to be announced): More...
Former Scorpions/UFO Members Form New Band
German guitar legend Michael Schenker (Michael Shenker Group, former UFO and Scorpions) has announced that he has formed a new band named, Strangers In The Night with UFO bass player Pete Way, former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell and singer Michael Voss. The band are currently in a studio in Brighton, England working on their debut album. You can check out the band's song, "Saturday Night" below. More...
Michael Schenker Joins Scorpions On Stage
German hard rock legends the Scorpions were joined on stage recently in Rosemont, IL by fellow rock legends Carmine Appice and Michael Schenker, who also happens to be the brother of Scorpions guitarist Rudolph Schenker. You can check out video footage of the performance below. The Scorpions are currently on tour supporting their new studio album, "Sting In The Tail," which will be the band's final album. More...
Michael Schenker To Release Live DVD
German heavy metal guitar legend Michael Schenker will be releasing a brand new live DVD/CD package on October 19th entitled, "The 30th Anniversary Concert - Live In Tokyo." The concert features former AC/DC drummer Simon Phillips behind the kit, as well as vocalist Gary Barden, bassist Neil Murray and guitarist/keyboardist Wayne Findley.
The tracklisting for the set is as follows: More...
More Bands Confirmed For Hard Rock Hell IV
The organisers of Britain's Hard Rock Hell festival has announced some more additions to this years lineup. The biggest news is that British heavy metal staples Saxon will be returning to the event this year and that German power metal veterans Helloween will be joining them. Also added to the bill is New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band Blitzkrieg and Swedish glam metal band Fatal Smile. The event is scheduled to take place in Prestatyn, Wales at the Pontins resort from December 3rd-5th.
The lineup now features the following bands: More...
Michael Schenker Announces Special London Show
Legendary heavy metal guitarist Michael Schenker has announced that he will be performing a special concert at London's Sherpherd Bush Empire on June 2nd to celebrate thirty years of the Michael Schenker Group. The concert will feature special appearances by singer Doogie White (Tank, ex-Rainbow,) Herman Rarebell (ex-Scorpions) and bass player Neil Murray (ex-Whitesnake) along with other guests who have yet to be announced.
The lineup for Schenker's May/June European tour is as follows:
Michael Schenker - lead guitar
Gary Barden - vocals
Chris Slade - drums (ex-AC/DC/The Firm) - May/June
Pete Holmes - drums (ex- Black N' Blue) - July
Chris Glenn - bass
Wayne Findlay - guitar/keyboards