Michael Schenker was back and do I need to say any more about this? The guitarist had not been touring to this region for a fTew years and he was finally making the wishes of his many fans come true by doing some dates with his kick ass band. He would return with singer Gary Barden, and they would be supporting the bands newest CD “In The Midst Of Beauty” at the Blender Theatre in New York City. It was a night loaded with excellent music and special surprises that no one would soon forget. To read more just scroll past the bands logo below to see our item.
Artist: Michael Schenker Group Venue: Blender Theater (New York, NY) Opener: Date: 6/24/2009 Label: MVD Audio
For the scores of Michael Schenker Group fans in the USA it seems as though their prayers have been answered as after absence of about five years, the influential axe slinger would again be doing some shows in the region. The last time that I caught him performing was back in 2004 at Mulcahy’s in Long Island, and from there is seemed as though every return engagement would be fraught with mystery, question about whether or not it would take place and eventual cancellation. It became frustrating for the fans of the guitarist who had always stood by him over the years and wondered if the personal demons that seemed to be plaguing him and the tours would be something that they could take for much longer. Fortunately for everyone involved, the musician would get himself together once again and be able to deliver a solid album with “In The Midst Of Beauty”. It was a CD that would reunite him with vocalist Gary Barden, who was the first singer for the Michael Schenker Group, and the guy who had sung on such classic albums as “Michael Schenker Group”, “M.S.G.” and the live effort “One Night At Budokan”. Based on this reunion we had heard reports of the material being focused on the pairs earliest years together and there was not a Metal fan in the club tonight who had any arguments about it. The show would be at the Blender Theater or the Gramercy Theatre, whatever they are officially calling it these days and it would be a sold out show. That’s good because it meant that about 650 fans were in the venue and that is one hell of a welcome back if you asked me. Here is how the night went down for those who might have missed out. Continue reading Michael Schenker Group @ Blender Theater at Gramercy (6/24/2009)→
Artist: Michael Schenker Group Title: “World Wide Live 2004” Label: Music Video Distributors Release Date: 10/26/2004 Genre: Hard Rock Rating: 7.5/10
Michael Schenker is truly one of the legends in Hard Rock and his guitar work is often referenced by many of today’s greats as their inspiration when they first began to play the instrument. Known for his killer performances as a member of the band UFO and then solo with MSG, Schenker has continued to satisfy those who are hungry for fantastic axe wizardry. Filmed in Poland during the Metalmania Festival 2004 viewers of this DVD will get a good example of what MSG brings to the table musically. The lineup is of course Michael on guitar as well as Chris Logan (vocals), Peter Holmes (drums), Rev Jones (bass), and Wayne Findlay (guitar/keyboards). The tour was in support of MSG’s “Arachnophobiac” CD and for those that saw the select dates the band played they will enjoy this most as a nice reminder of those shows. The set seems a little shorter on the DVD than I recall them doing live, but it is still nice to be able to sit and watch something in the comforts of your own home. Some highlights were definitely the classic UFO numbers and of the 14 songs there is an excellent sampling of this material. Tunes such as “Lights Out” and “Only You Can Rock Me” are among my favorites and I can attest that Chris Logan does a good job on the Phil Mogg stuff even without sounding exact. Bassist Rev Jones is very interesting to watch as he is an utter madman on the bass and stage. Findlay offers a fine accompaniment to the arrangements on either guitar or his keyboards based on the needs of the song. The drumming laid down by Peter Holmes (who come people will recall from Black and Blue) is nothing short of powerful and defining. Continue reading “World Wide Live 2004” by Michael Schenker Group→
Artist: Michael Schenker Group Venue: Mulcahy’s LI-NY Opener: Label: Massacre Records: Date: 12-13-2003
There is probably no argument among music fans about Micheal Schenker being one the true Rock Guitar Gods of our time. His accomplishments on the guitar are legend due to his many successful recordings with The Scorpions, UFO and finally as a solo artist with The Michael Schenker Group. Recently, Michael took MSG and some of his best material back on the road for a few shows in my vicinity. Added to the luck would be my chance to see Stu Hamm playing the bass (since he is one of the greatest bassists ever). However, upon arrival I was told that this was not to be the case as Stu only records with Mike and does not tour. The members of the MSG that night were Chris Logan: Vocals, Rev Jones: Bass, Pete Holmes: drums and Wayne Findley: keyboards & guitar. I was never able to see Mike in years past so I was glad to get the chance and to bring the report to you all. Continue reading Michael Schenker Group @ Mulcahy’s (12/13/2003)→
Artist: Michael Schenker Group Venue: The Wreck Room (Wallington, NJ) Opener: Uli Jon Roth Label: Massacre Records Date: 09-16-2004
Michael Schenker Group has returned to the NY Area once again, and this time the appearance is all the more special. Seeing MSG is always a guaranteed good time for fans of the Guitar God for he is a leader in the field of hard rock guitar. However, this time he would be supported by the one and only Uli Jon Roth who many will remember as the guitarist in Scorpions many years ago. While Uli has been a solo performer for a long time it was not until discussing this appearance with fellow fans that we realized that while Michael does not tour here often, Uli had not been to the United States in almost 20 years.
Tonight Uli Jon Roth would perform his set with a rhythm player and a keyboardist. Many of the drums and lush orchestrations that are on his albums needed to be programmed and performed via computer for these particular live shows. One cannot travel a small club tour overseas with a full company of string instruments. His backdrop was a unique sight as behind Uli was a projected movie screen that showed wild psychedelic images or the orchestra accompaniment. Uli dresses very Rennaissance styled with a large feathered hat, and a shirt that matches this era, it actually went along well with his orchestra compositions. It’s a very Hendrix manner of dress. Continue reading Michael Schenker Group @ The Wreck Room (9/16/2004)→
