Michael Schenker
Encyclopedia
Michael Schenker is a German rock
guitarist, best known for his tenure in UFO
, in addition to his solo band
. He first rose to fame as a founding member of the Scorpions
, then achieved fame in the mid 1970s as the lead guitar player for UFO
. Since leaving UFO in 1978, he has been leading the Michael Schenker Group
in various incarnations. He is the younger brother of Rudolf Schenker
, who is still a guitarist with the Scorpions. His career has had many ups and downs, partly due to a long history of alcoholism and personal problems; still, Schenker continues to perform and record and to maintain a following, and is called "a legendary figure in the history of metal guitar."
guitar, which captured his imagination. He played his first gig when he was 11,3 with Rudy and the Scorpions in a nightclub. Schenker debuted with Scorpions
on their debut album Lonesome Crow
at age 17.
The Scorpions went on tour after recording their first album, opening up for upcoming UK band UFO
in Germany. Schenker was offered the position of lead guitar player (taking over for Bernie Marsden
, himself a temporary replacement for Mick Bolton) and, with the blessing of his brother, accepted (the Scorpions replaced him with Uli Roth), even though he didn't speak English.
Schenker wrote the music for most of UFO's major label (Chrysalis Records
) debut album Phenomenon. His career with UFO was turbulent, sometimes walking off mid-song causing shows to be canceled. Despite having a series of successful albums and tours, Schenker finally left UFO soon after the last show of their US tour in Palo Alto, California
, in October 1978; during this tour, the band recorded their seminal live album Strangers in the Night
, which was released after he left the band.
Schenker's playing with UFO attracted attention from music critics and especially from the guitar community; in fact, according to some writers, UFO is only to be distinguished for having had Schenker in their ranks.
Schenker briefly re-joined the Scorpions
in late 1978, when they were recording the album Lovedrive
(he plays lead guitar on three songs, "Another Piece Of Meat", "Coast To Coast" and "Lovedrive"). In 1979, Schenker toured with the band in support of the album, but left the band 3 months later, following occasions when he could not perform on stage due to fatigue and alcohol problems. He was permanently replaced by Matthias Jabs
, who had originally joined the Scorpions before Schenker's return.
Schenker auditioned for Aerosmith
in 1979 after Joe Perry
left; according to Martin Huxley, Schenker stormed out of the room after some Nazi-jokes were made. He also considered playing for Ozzy Osbourne
; Osbourne said in a 1982 Hit Parader interview that he did contact Schenker following the death of Randy Rhoads
: "It so happens I did contact Michael Schenker, but he wanted a king's ransom before he'd do anything...I don't need that annoyance." Schenker himself, in an interview with KNAC
radio, claims he was the one to say "no" to Ozzy: "If I would have joined Ozzy Osbourne, I would have screwed up my life. I was almost about to do it, and something told me: DON'T!!"
(MSG). The history of MSG is strewn with personality conflicts and incidents. In 1982, original singer Gary Barden
, who sang on the first two studio albums, The Michael Schenker Group
and MSG
as well as the band's third release (the live album One Night at Budokan
) was fired in favor of Graham Bonnet
(Rainbow
, Alcatrazz
). Bonnet lasted one album (Assault Attack
) and was fired from the band because he often lost his voice during shows, although the actual firing happened after he dropped his pants in a warm-up gig in Sheffield before the Reading Festival
. Barden was called in at the last minute and did the show with only a few hours rehearsal. He stayed with MSG for the recording of a new studio album (Built to Destroy
) and the band's second live album (Rock Will Never Die
).
After Barden's second departure, Schenker reorganized the band around himself and new singer Robin McAuley
and renamed it the McAuley Schenker Group
. The new incarnation of MSG was steered toward a more commercial hard rock sound. After three albums, Schenker and McAuley parted company. In the meantime, he briefly replaced Robbin Crosby
in Ratt
, appearing on their 1990 MTV Unplugged
performance.
In 1995, Schenker briefly rejoined UFO for their reunion album Walk on Water and toured with them briefly. Schenker then resurrected the Michael Schenker Group with all new members and recorded three more albums, Written in the Sand
, The Unforgiven
, and Be Aware of Scorpions
. He later rejoined UFO for two further releases, Covenant
and Sharks
.
and supporting it with two years of touring. In 2004, recognition came from Dean Guitars
, which began producing a Schenker signature Dean V
(with subtle differences from the Gibson, but with the split black and white trademark Schenker finish).
2005 brought the 25th anniversary of the Michael Schenker Group
. Schenker put together a new album of songs called Tales of Rock'n'Roll to celebrate the anniversary and enlisted singers from each iteration of the band to sing on the album. However, in that same year the collection Heavy Hitters
, a set of covers featuring Schenker and a revolving group of heavy metal all-stars, was marketed as a Michael Schenker Group album, with the result that Schenker only received a flat fee.
After nearly-disastrous North American and European tours in 2007, which saw canceled shows and less-than-stellar performances caused by heavy drinking, Schenker regained his composure and hit the road in the UK as Michael Schenker & Friends in 2008. Early 2008, Schenker worked with Gary Barden, Don Airey
, Simon Phillips
, and Neil Murray
on a new MSG album In the Midst of Beauty
, which was released in May 2008, followed by touring.
In 2009 Schenker toured extensively including Russia, UK and the US with MSG including original members Gary Barden and Chris Glenn. With Schenker now clean shaven and having lost weight many fans commented that he both looked and sounded his best, with the tour receiving rave reviews from loyal fans.
In November 2010, Michael Schenker was honored with the Marshall “11” award in London along other rock legends including Ron Wood and Slash. The award was presented to Schenker by Alice Cooper, with Jimmy Page, Toni Iommi, and John Paul Jones also in attendance. The award is given to "those artists and musicians who represent rock 'n' roll excess and livin' on the edge."
, in the years following his departure from UFO, he turned down offers to join Aerosmith
, The Rolling Stones
(which he refused in light of their former guitarist, Brian Jones having died in mysterious circumstances) and Ozzy Osbourne
following the death of Randy Rhoads
. He also asked Geddy Lee
and Alex Lifeson
of Rush
to leave their band and help him form the Michael Schenker Group. They turned down his offer and the original lineup was instead completed by Gary Barden
, Denny Carmassi
and Billy Sheehan
.
, which he typically played through a wah-wah pedal
(used as a parametric equalizer
to strengthen the "sweet spot") and Marshall amplifiers
. His "unmistakable midrange tone" emphasized by the partially engaged wah, as exemplified on the song "Rock Bottom" from the UFO album Strangers in the Night
, was listed among the 50 greatest tones of all time by Guitar Player
magazine. In recent years Schenker has switched to using a signature model Dean V
.
In 2007 Dean Guitars, after producing a signature Schenker Dean V, also made two acoustic models with the familiar black and white "V" design.
and James Hetfield
(Metallica), Dave Mustaine
(Megadeth), Adrian Smith
(Iron Maiden), Michael Amott
(Arch Enemy - Spiritual Beggars), Chris Caffery
(Savatage), Gus G (Ozzy - Firewind), George Lynch
(Dokken - Lynch Mob), Doug Aldrich
(Whitesnake - Dio), Warren DeMartini
(Ratt), Frank Hannon
(Tesla), Slash
(Guns N' Roses - Velvet Revolver), Michael Wilton
(Queensrÿche), Paul Gilbert
(Racer X - Mr. Big), Roland Grapow
(Masterplan - ex-Helloween), Aaron Aedy (Paradise Lost), Alex Skolnick
and Eric Peterson
(Testament), Andy LaRocque
(King Diamond), Gary Holt
(Exodus), Erik Turner
(Warrant), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Andy DiGelsomina
(Lyraka), Hans Ziller
(Bonfire), Jim Matheos
(Fates Warning), Michael Denner
and Hank Shermann
(Mercyful Fate), Tak Matsumoto
(B'z - TMG), among many others.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
guitarist, best known for his tenure in UFO
UFO (band)
UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who were formed in 1969. UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
, in addition to his solo band
Michael Schenker Group
The Michael Schenker Group is a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1992. After that, the Michael Schenker Group was reformed.The...
. He first rose to fame as a founding member of the Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
, then achieved fame in the mid 1970s as the lead guitar player for UFO
UFO (band)
UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who were formed in 1969. UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
. Since leaving UFO in 1978, he has been leading the Michael Schenker Group
Michael Schenker Group
The Michael Schenker Group is a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1992. After that, the Michael Schenker Group was reformed.The...
in various incarnations. He is the younger brother of Rudolf Schenker
Rudolf Schenker
Rudolf Schenker is a German guitarist and founding member of heavy metal band Scorpions, being the rhythm/lead guitarist and one of the main song-writers of the band...
, who is still a guitarist with the Scorpions. His career has had many ups and downs, partly due to a long history of alcoholism and personal problems; still, Schenker continues to perform and record and to maintain a following, and is called "a legendary figure in the history of metal guitar."
Early career: Scorpions, UFO
Michael Schenker started playing guitar at an early age, after his brother Rudolf brought home a Gibson Flying VGibson Flying V
-External links:*, , , , and , from the Gibson website*, a June 2001 article from Guitar Collector magazine*, a tribute site that lists all models and re-issues and most notable players**...
guitar, which captured his imagination. He played his first gig when he was 11,3 with Rudy and the Scorpions in a nightclub. Schenker debuted with Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
on their debut album Lonesome Crow
Lonesome Crow
-Personnel:Credits for Lonesome Crow adapted from Allmusic.Scorpions*Klaus Meine - vocals*Michael Schenker - lead guitar, backing vocals*Rudolf Schenker - rhythm guitar, backing vocals*Lothar Heimberg - bass guitar, backing vocals...
at age 17.
The Scorpions went on tour after recording their first album, opening up for upcoming UK band UFO
UFO (band)
UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who were formed in 1969. UFO became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal...
in Germany. Schenker was offered the position of lead guitar player (taking over for Bernie Marsden
Bernie Marsden
-External links:*...
, himself a temporary replacement for Mick Bolton) and, with the blessing of his brother, accepted (the Scorpions replaced him with Uli Roth), even though he didn't speak English.
Schenker wrote the music for most of UFO's major label (Chrysalis Records
Chrysalis Records
Chrysalis Records was a British record label that was created in 1969. The name was both a reference to the pupal stage of a butterfly and a combination of its founders names, Chris Wright and Terry Ellis...
) debut album Phenomenon. His career with UFO was turbulent, sometimes walking off mid-song causing shows to be canceled. Despite having a series of successful albums and tours, Schenker finally left UFO soon after the last show of their US tour in Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto, California
Palo Alto is a California charter city located in the northwest corner of Santa Clara County, in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, United States. The city shares its borders with East Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Stanford, Portola Valley, and Menlo Park. It is...
, in October 1978; during this tour, the band recorded their seminal live album Strangers in the Night
Strangers in the Night (UFO album)
Strangers in the Night with original subtitle A Double Live Album is a live album by the British rock band UFO, first released in 1979 on the Chrysalis label....
, which was released after he left the band.
Schenker's playing with UFO attracted attention from music critics and especially from the guitar community; in fact, according to some writers, UFO is only to be distinguished for having had Schenker in their ranks.
Schenker briefly re-joined the Scorpions
Scorpions (band)
Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
in late 1978, when they were recording the album Lovedrive
Lovedrive
Lovedrive is the sixth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions, released in 1979. Lovedrive was a major evolution of the band's sound, which exhibited their "classic style" that would be later developed over their next few albums. Michael Schenker, younger brother of rhythm guitarist...
(he plays lead guitar on three songs, "Another Piece Of Meat", "Coast To Coast" and "Lovedrive"). In 1979, Schenker toured with the band in support of the album, but left the band 3 months later, following occasions when he could not perform on stage due to fatigue and alcohol problems. He was permanently replaced by Matthias Jabs
Matthias Jabs
Matthias Jabs is a German guitarist and songwriter. He is a member of the heavy metal band Scorpions. Before joining the Scorpions, Jabs had played for the bands Lady, Fargo and Deadlock....
, who had originally joined the Scorpions before Schenker's return.
Schenker auditioned for Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
in 1979 after Joe Perry
Joe Perry (musician)
Anthony Joseph "Joe" Perry is the lead guitarist, backing and occasional lead vocalist, and contributing songwriter for the rock band Aerosmith. He is influenced by many rock artists especially The Rolling Stones and The Beatles...
left; according to Martin Huxley, Schenker stormed out of the room after some Nazi-jokes were made. He also considered playing for Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
; Osbourne said in a 1982 Hit Parader interview that he did contact Schenker following the death of Randy Rhoads
Randy Rhoads
Randall William "Randy" Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. A devoted student of classical guitar, Rhoads often combined his classical music influences with his own heavy metal style. While on tour with Ozzy Osbourne, he would seek out...
: "It so happens I did contact Michael Schenker, but he wanted a king's ransom before he'd do anything...I don't need that annoyance." Schenker himself, in an interview with KNAC
KNAC
KNAC is an internet based heavy metal music radio station. It was previously a Los Angeles, California area FM radio station.-KNAC at 105.5 FM:...
radio, claims he was the one to say "no" to Ozzy: "If I would have joined Ozzy Osbourne, I would have screwed up my life. I was almost about to do it, and something told me: DON'T!!"
Solo career
In 1979, Schenker entered upon a solo career by founding the Michael Schenker GroupMichael Schenker Group
The Michael Schenker Group is a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1992. After that, the Michael Schenker Group was reformed.The...
(MSG). The history of MSG is strewn with personality conflicts and incidents. In 1982, original singer Gary Barden
Gary Barden
Gary John Barden is an English singer-songwriter, best known for his work with the Michael Schenker Group....
, who sang on the first two studio albums, The Michael Schenker Group
The Michael Schenker Group (album)
The Michael Schenker Group is the first album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group.Made #1 on KTUH's charts on the week of September 29, 1980.The song "Armed and Ready" is featured in the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica.- Original album :...
and MSG
MSG (album)
MSG is the second album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group. The band was formed in 1979 by the former Scorpions and UFO guitarist Michael Schenker....
as well as the band's third release (the live album One Night at Budokan
One Night at Budokan
-1982 Original LP:All songs written by Michael Schenker and Gary Barden except where noted.-Side 1:# "Armed and Ready" - 6:20# "Cry for the Nations" - 5:32# "Attack of the Mad Axeman" - 4:50-Side 2:# "But I Want More" - 5:24# "Victim of Illusion" - 6:18...
) was fired in favor of Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet
Graham Bonnet is an English rock vocalist, and songwriter. He has recorded and performed as a solo artist, and as a member of several hard rock and heavy metal bands including Rainbow, the Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz, and Impellitteri.-Early days:Bonnet was born in Skegness in 1947...
(Rainbow
Rainbow (band)
Rainbow were an English rock band, controlled by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore from 1975 to 1984 and 1994 to 1997. It was originally established with American rock band Elf's members, though over the years Rainbow went through many line-up changes with no two studio albums featuring the same line-up...
, Alcatrazz
Alcatrazz
Alcatrazz is an American heavy metal band formed in 1983 by Graham Bonnet, Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea.-History:The band's initial line-up consisted of former Rainbow frontman Graham Bonnet, young Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen who had recently left American band Steeler, Gary Shea and Jimmy...
). Bonnet lasted one album (Assault Attack
Assault Attack
Assault Attack is the third studio album from The Michael Schenker Group, and the only album to feature former Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet...
) and was fired from the band because he often lost his voice during shows, although the actual firing happened after he dropped his pants in a warm-up gig in Sheffield before the Reading Festival
Reading and Leeds Festivals
The Reading and Leeds Festivals are a pair of annual music festivals that take place in Reading and Leeds in England. The events take place simultaneously on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend, sharing the same bill. The Reading Festival is held at Little John's Farm...
. Barden was called in at the last minute and did the show with only a few hours rehearsal. He stayed with MSG for the recording of a new studio album (Built to Destroy
Built to Destroy
Built to Destroy is the fourth album by the Michael Schenker Group . Gary Barden returned to the group on vocals following the departure of Graham Bonnet amidst tensions with Michael Schenker....
) and the band's second live album (Rock Will Never Die
Rock Will Never Die
Rock Will Never Die is a Michael Schenker Group live album released in 1984 and recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in London, over two nights in October 1983. The concert was also release in VHS with the same title. This is the last album recorded with Gary Barden before he rejoined the band in 2008...
).
After Barden's second departure, Schenker reorganized the band around himself and new singer Robin McAuley
Robin McAuley
Robin McAuley is an Irish rock vocalist known mostly for his work in McAuley Schenker Group and before that Grand Prix recording 2 albums...
and renamed it the McAuley Schenker Group
McAuley Schenker Group
McAuley Schenker Group was a band featuring core members Robin McAuley and Michael Schenker , a successor to Schenker's earlier band Michael Schenker Group. McAuley was initially contacted to replace singer Gary Barden in MSG...
. The new incarnation of MSG was steered toward a more commercial hard rock sound. After three albums, Schenker and McAuley parted company. In the meantime, he briefly replaced Robbin Crosby
Robbin Crosby
Robbin Crosby was an American guitarist who was a member of glam metal band Ratt, earning several platinum albums in the U.S. in the mid-to-late 1980s. Crosby was HIV positive, but died from a heroin overdose in 2002....
in Ratt
Ratt
Ratt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt...
, appearing on their 1990 MTV Unplugged
MTV Unplugged
MTV Unplugged is a TV series showcasing many popular musical artists usually playing acoustic instruments. The show has received the George Foster Peabody Award and 3 Primetime Emmy nominations among many accolades.-Unplugged:...
performance.
In 1995, Schenker briefly rejoined UFO for their reunion album Walk on Water and toured with them briefly. Schenker then resurrected the Michael Schenker Group with all new members and recorded three more albums, Written in the Sand
Written in the Sand
Written in the Sand is a studio album by the Michael Schenker Group, the first group effort after the McAuley Schenker era. Re-energized by the short-lived reunion with UFO and by the recording of Walk on Water, Michael Schenker collected yet another group of players and recorded Written in the Sand...
, The Unforgiven
The Unforgiven (album)
The Unforgiven is the sixth studio album released in 1999 by the German hard rock band Michael Schenker Group.-Track listing:All tracks by Michael Schenker & Kelly Keeling# "Rude Awakening" – 5:02# "The Mess I've Made" – 4:31...
, and Be Aware of Scorpions
Be Aware of Scorpions
Be Aware of Scorpions is the seventh album released in 2001 by the German hard rock band Michael Schenker Group.-Track listing:All tracks by Schenker & Logan, expect where noted# "No Turning Back" – 4:36# "My Time's Up" – 3:37...
. He later rejoined UFO for two further releases, Covenant
Covenant (UFO album)
Covenant is the fifteenth album by the British hard rock band UFO. It was published as a limited edition 2-disc album, with disc 1, entitled Covenant, containing entirely new material, and disc 2, entitled UFO Live USA, containing a collection of classics performed live...
and Sharks
Sharks (album)
Sharks is the sixteenth album by the British hard rock band UFO. It is the last album to feature longtime German lead guitarist Michael Schenker.-Track listing:-Japanese edition bonus tracks:-Band members:* Phil Mogg - vocals...
.
2000 and after
Schenker fell on hard times in the early 2000s. His marriage turned for the worse and he disappeared, leaving the couples the couple's son and daughter with the mother, and his manager allegedly ran off with his earnings; Schenker ended up having to sell three of his prized Flying V guitars. He picked himself up and got back to the business of making and performing music, recording the album ArachnophobiacArachnophobiac
Arachnophobiac is the eighth studio album released in 2003 by the German hard rock band Michael Schenker Group. After exiting UFO, rumors spread about Schenker's health and well-being. But the longtime guitar hero silenced his doubters with an extensive tour, as well as an all-new solo release...
and supporting it with two years of touring. In 2004, recognition came from Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars is an American manufacturer of guitars. It was founded in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Illinois and is currently under the ownership of Armadillo Enterprises in Tampa, Florida.- History :...
, which began producing a Schenker signature Dean V
Dean V
The Dean V is an electric guitar made by Dean Guitars. It was released at the same time as the Dean ML, Dean Cadillac and Dean Z in 1977. It has the recognisable V shaped Dean Headstock and V shaped tailpiece...
(with subtle differences from the Gibson, but with the split black and white trademark Schenker finish).
2005 brought the 25th anniversary of the Michael Schenker Group
Michael Schenker Group
The Michael Schenker Group is a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1992. After that, the Michael Schenker Group was reformed.The...
. Schenker put together a new album of songs called Tales of Rock'n'Roll to celebrate the anniversary and enlisted singers from each iteration of the band to sing on the album. However, in that same year the collection Heavy Hitters
Heavy Hitters
Heavy Hitters is a 2005 cover album by the Michael Schenker Group. Originally planned by Schenker as a collection of covers featuring himself and a "revolving all-star cast of guest musicians," the album was labeled and marketed as an MSG album, with the result that Schenker received only a flat...
, a set of covers featuring Schenker and a revolving group of heavy metal all-stars, was marketed as a Michael Schenker Group album, with the result that Schenker only received a flat fee.
After nearly-disastrous North American and European tours in 2007, which saw canceled shows and less-than-stellar performances caused by heavy drinking, Schenker regained his composure and hit the road in the UK as Michael Schenker & Friends in 2008. Early 2008, Schenker worked with Gary Barden, Don Airey
Don Airey
Donald Airey has been the keyboardist in the rock band Deep Purple since 2002, succeeding Jon Lord...
, Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips is an English jazz, pop and rock drummer.-Career:Phillips began to play professionally at the age of twelve in his father's Dixieland band for four years. He was then offered the chance to play in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar...
, and Neil Murray
Neil Murray (British musician)
Philip Neil Murray is a Scottish bass player, best known for his work in Whitesnake and Black Sabbath.-Early days:Originally a drummer, Murray formed his first band with school friends in 1967 and his musical tastes were heavily influenced by the mid-1960s 'blues boom' bands and musicians,...
on a new MSG album In the Midst of Beauty
In the Midst of Beauty
In the Midst of Beauty is the tenth studio album by the Michael Schenker Group . The album was released on 13 May, 2008 and marked the comeback of the original MSG singer, Gary Barden, so the MSG name is added with Schenker - Barden on the album's cover.By Schenker's own notes to the CD, "This...
, which was released in May 2008, followed by touring.
In 2009 Schenker toured extensively including Russia, UK and the US with MSG including original members Gary Barden and Chris Glenn. With Schenker now clean shaven and having lost weight many fans commented that he both looked and sounded his best, with the tour receiving rave reviews from loyal fans.
In November 2010, Michael Schenker was honored with the Marshall “11” award in London along other rock legends including Ron Wood and Slash. The award was presented to Schenker by Alice Cooper, with Jimmy Page, Toni Iommi, and John Paul Jones also in attendance. The award is given to "those artists and musicians who represent rock 'n' roll excess and livin' on the edge."
Trivia
According to an interview with Schenker on the DVD version of The Michael Schenker Story LiveThe Michael Schenker Story Live
The Michael Schenker Story Live is a live album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group, released in May 1997 through Michael Schenker's own record company....
, in the years following his departure from UFO, he turned down offers to join Aerosmith
Aerosmith
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "The Bad Boys from Boston" and "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, and rhythm and blues, and has inspired many...
, The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
(which he refused in light of their former guitarist, Brian Jones having died in mysterious circumstances) and Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
following the death of Randy Rhoads
Randy Rhoads
Randall William "Randy" Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. A devoted student of classical guitar, Rhoads often combined his classical music influences with his own heavy metal style. While on tour with Ozzy Osbourne, he would seek out...
. He also asked Geddy Lee
Geddy Lee
Gary Lee Weinrib, OC, better known as Geddy Lee , is a Canadian musician, best known as the lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the Canadian rock group Rush...
and Alex Lifeson
Alex Lifeson
Aleksandar Živojinović, OC, better known by his stage name Alex Lifeson, is a second generation Serbian-Canadian musician, best known as the guitarist of the Canadian rock band Rush. In the summer of 1968, Lifeson founded the band that would become Rush with friend, drummer John Rutsey...
of Rush
Rush (band)
Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...
to leave their band and help him form the Michael Schenker Group. They turned down his offer and the original lineup was instead completed by Gary Barden
Gary Barden
Gary John Barden is an English singer-songwriter, best known for his work with the Michael Schenker Group....
, Denny Carmassi
Denny Carmassi
Denny Carmassi is an American drummer.Carmassi was a member of the first four line-ups of the band Montrose. After Montrose, he played with his former Montrose bandmate Sammy Hagar as a solo artist, and with his former Montrose bandmates Ronnie Montrose and Jim Alcivar in the band Gamma.He also...
and Billy Sheehan
Billy Sheehan
William "Billy" Sheehan is an American bassist known for his work with Talas, Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, and Niacin. Sheehan has won the "Best Rock Bass Player" readers' poll from Guitar Player Magazine five times for his "lead bass" playing style...
.
Instruments and sound
Schenker's main guitar for much of his career was a Gibson Flying VGibson Flying V
-External links:*, , , , and , from the Gibson website*, a June 2001 article from Guitar Collector magazine*, a tribute site that lists all models and re-issues and most notable players**...
, which he typically played through a wah-wah pedal
Wah-wah pedal
A wah-wah pedal is a type of guitar effects pedal that alters the tone of the signal to create a distinctive effect, mimicking the human voice...
(used as a parametric equalizer
Equalization
Equalization, is the process of adjusting the balance between frequency components within an electronic signal. The most well known use of equalization is in sound recording and reproduction but there are many other applications in electronics and telecommunications. The circuit or equipment used...
to strengthen the "sweet spot") and Marshall amplifiers
Marshall Amplification
Marshall Amplification is a British company, founded by drummer Jim Marshall, that designs and manufactures music amplifiers, brands personal headphones/earphones , and, after acquiring Natal Drums, drums and bongos. Marshall amplifiers, and specifically their guitar amplifiers, are among the most...
. His "unmistakable midrange tone" emphasized by the partially engaged wah, as exemplified on the song "Rock Bottom" from the UFO album Strangers in the Night
Strangers in the Night (UFO album)
Strangers in the Night with original subtitle A Double Live Album is a live album by the British rock band UFO, first released in 1979 on the Chrysalis label....
, was listed among the 50 greatest tones of all time by Guitar Player
Guitar Player
Guitar Player is a popular magazine for guitarists founded in 1967. It contains articles, interviews, reviews and lessons of an eclectic collection of artists, genres and products. It has been in print since the late 1960s and during the 1980s, under editor Tom Wheeler, the publication was...
magazine. In recent years Schenker has switched to using a signature model Dean V
Dean V
The Dean V is an electric guitar made by Dean Guitars. It was released at the same time as the Dean ML, Dean Cadillac and Dean Z in 1977. It has the recognisable V shaped Dean Headstock and V shaped tailpiece...
.
In 2007 Dean Guitars, after producing a signature Schenker Dean V, also made two acoustic models with the familiar black and white "V" design.
In video games
- The Michael Schenker Group's song, "Armed and Ready", featured in Guitar Hero: MetallicaGuitar Hero: MetallicaGuitar Hero: Metallica is a music video game developed by Neversoft and distributed by Activision. The game was released in North America on the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 on March 29, 2009 and on PlayStation 2 on April 14, 2009, with a European release in May 2009...
. - The song "Assault Attack" was featured in Brütal LegendBrütal LegendBrütal Legend is an action-adventure/real-time strategy game created by Double Fine Productions and published by Electronic Arts for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game was released during October 2009 in North America and Europe...
.
Awards and recognition
He is included in several 'Greatest Guitarist' lists- Placed on Guitar WorldGuitar WorldGuitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year...
magazine's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists.
- On 2010 Michael Schenker was honored with the Marshall “11” award.
Influence
Schenker has been on the covers of many guitar magazines and has influenced many notable guitar players, including Kirk HammettKirk Hammett
Kirk Lee Hammett is the lead guitarist and a songwriter in the heavy metal band Metallica and has been a member of the band since 1983. Before joining Metallica he formed and named the band Exodus. In 2003, Hammett was ranked 11th on Rolling Stones list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time...
and James Hetfield
James Hetfield
James Alan Hetfield is the rhythm guitarist, co-founder, main songwriter, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Metallica. Hetfield co-founded Metallica in October 1981 after answering a classified advertisement by drummer Lars Ulrich in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler,...
(Metallica), Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
(Megadeth), Adrian Smith
Adrian Smith
Adrian Frederick "H" Smith is an English musician and one of three guitarists in the heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. He is also one of the band's regular songwriters and, along with bassist Steve Harris, performs backing vocals on some songs.-Biography:While at school, Smith purchased his first...
(Iron Maiden), Michael Amott
Michael Amott
Michael Amott is a Swedish guitarist, songwriter, founding member of the bands Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars, and Carnage, as well as a member of the death metal band Carcass. He is the older brother of Christopher Amott...
(Arch Enemy - Spiritual Beggars), Chris Caffery
Chris Caffery
Chris Caffery is a heavy metal guitarist who is best known for his work as a member of Savatage and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra...
(Savatage), Gus G (Ozzy - Firewind), George Lynch
George Lynch (musician)
George Lynch is a hard rock/heavy metal guitarist best known as a member of the band Dokken, his own bands Lynch Mob and Souls of We.-Pre Dokken:...
(Dokken - Lynch Mob), Doug Aldrich
Doug Aldrich
Doug Aldrich , is a Los Angeles-based hard rock guitarist, since 2003 a member of Whitesnake. He founded the band Burning Rain with Keith St.John in 1998 and has played previously with the bands Dio, Lion, Hurricane, House of Lords, and Bad Moon Rising...
(Whitesnake - Dio), Warren DeMartini
Warren DeMartini
Warren Justin DeMartini , nicknamed Torch, is the lead guitarist for Ratt, a popular American band during the mid-to-late 1980s Los Angeles glam metal scene.-Early life:...
(Ratt), Frank Hannon
Frank Hannon
-Frank Hannon :Born October 3, 1966 in Sacramento, California) is best known as the guitarist, songwriter and a co-founder of the multi-platinum band TESLA, and is now established as a solo singer / songwriter with his album ""...
(Tesla), Slash
Slash (musician)
Saul Hudson , known by his stage name Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During his later years with Guns N'...
(Guns N' Roses - Velvet Revolver), Michael Wilton
Michael Wilton
Michael Wilton is an American guitarist for the progressive metal band Queensrÿche. Wilton attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle where he met future Queensrÿche drummer Scott Rockenfield and began recording in 1981...
(Queensrÿche), Paul Gilbert
Paul Gilbert
Paul Brandon Gilbert is an American guitarist. He is well known for his technical guitar work with Racer X and Mr...
(Racer X - Mr. Big), Roland Grapow
Roland Grapow
Roland Grapow, born 30 August 1959 in Hamburg, Germany is a professional guitarist and music producer. Roland is best known for his time in the power metal band Helloween, who he played with for 12 years after replacing founding member Kai Hansen...
(Masterplan - ex-Helloween), Aaron Aedy (Paradise Lost), Alex Skolnick
Alex Skolnick
Alexander Nathan Skolnick is an American jazz and metal guitarist. He was a member of the San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal band Testament from 1983 until his departure in 1993...
and Eric Peterson
Eric Peterson
Eric Neal Peterson, C.M. is a Canadian stage and television actor, known for his roles in three major Canadian series – Street Legal, Corner Gas and This is Wonderland.-Personal life:...
(Testament), Andy LaRocque
Andy LaRocque
Andy LaRocque is best known as a guitarist, songwriter, and occasional synth player for the band King Diamond.-Biography:...
(King Diamond), Gary Holt
Gary Holt (musician)
Gary Wayne Holt is an American guitarist from the San Francisco Bay Area. He is the lead guitarist of Exodus.-Biography:...
(Exodus), Erik Turner
Erik Turner
Erik Turner is best known as the rhythm guitarist in American glam metal band Warrant. Turner co-founded Warrant in Los Angeles, California in July 1984 with bassist Jerry Dixon....
(Warrant), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Andy DiGelsomina
Andy DiGelsomina
Andy DiGelsomina is a composer, lyricist, and guitarist. He came to prominence working with internationally acclaimed vocalists Graham Bonnet, Veronica Freeman, and Tommy Heart for his heavy metal opera, Lyraka...
(Lyraka), Hans Ziller
Hans Ziller
Hans Ziller is the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and primary composer of the German 1980s melodic hard rock band Bonfire. He founded the band called Cacumen as a teenager in 1972. He has appeared on all of the band's albums, except Knock Out...
(Bonfire), Jim Matheos
Jim Matheos
Jim Matheos , is the American guitarist and primary songwriter for the progressive metal band Fates Warning. As of bassist Joe DiBiase's departure in 1996, he is the band's only permanent member...
(Fates Warning), Michael Denner
Michael Denner
Michael Denner is a Danish heavy metal guitarist.Denner is a fourth generation musician. Denner is known for playing a Gibson Flying V guitar. He lists his inspirations as Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker and Ollie Halsall. He was a member of Mercyful Fate and King Diamond amongst others...
and Hank Shermann
Hank Shermann
Hank Shermann is a Danish heavy metal guitarist. He began playing guitar in 1977.Shermann is best known for his work with Mercyful Fate, a band influential on Metallica. He has also played with the groups Brats, Fate, Zoser Mez, Gutrix, Virus 7, and his last main focus, Force Of Evil...
(Mercyful Fate), Tak Matsumoto
Tak Matsumoto
is a Grammy Award-winning Japanese guitarist, producer, arranger, composer, singer and songwriter. In addition to guitarist and lead composer for the hard rock band B'z, he has also had a successful solo career.-Background:...
(B'z - TMG), among many others.
with Scorpions
- Lonesome CrowLonesome Crow-Personnel:Credits for Lonesome Crow adapted from Allmusic.Scorpions*Klaus Meine - vocals*Michael Schenker - lead guitar, backing vocals*Rudolf Schenker - rhythm guitar, backing vocals*Lothar Heimberg - bass guitar, backing vocals...
(1972) - Fly to the RainbowFly to the Rainbow-Personnel:Scorpions*Klaus Meine – lead vocals*Ulrich Roth – lead guitar, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Drifting Sun" and co lead-vocals in "Fly To The Rainbow"...
(1974) (co-writer) - LovedriveLovedriveLovedrive is the sixth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions, released in 1979. Lovedrive was a major evolution of the band's sound, which exhibited their "classic style" that would be later developed over their next few albums. Michael Schenker, younger brother of rhythm guitarist...
(1979)
with UFO
- PhenomenonPhenomenon (UFO album)Phenomenon is the third studio album by the British rock band UFO, released in May 1974.- Production :This was the third studio album and the debut on Chrysalis. UFO left their blues-based "space rock" sound behind, in part due to the presence of new guitarist Michael Schenker. The album was...
(1974) - Force ItForce ItForce It is the fourth album by UFO, released in 1975. It became their first album to chart in the United States.The album was produced by Ten Years After bass player Leo Lyons...
(1975) - No Heavy PettingNo Heavy PettingNo Heavy Petting is the fifth studio album by the British rock band UFO, released in 1976. It is the first UFO album with staff keyboards player.In 1994, a CD including this album and Lights Out was released by BGO Records.-Side one:...
(1976) - Lights OutLights Out (UFO album)Lights Out is the sixth studio album by the British rock band UFO, released in May and also on October 11, 1977 . All songs are band originals except for "Alone Again Or" which is a cover of a song by the band Love....
(1977) - ObsessionObsession (UFO album)Obsession is the seventh album by the British rock band UFO, released in 1978. This was the final studio album to feature Michael Schenker on lead guitar until he returned to the band in 1993....
(1978) - Strangers in the NightStrangers in the Night (UFO album)Strangers in the Night with original subtitle A Double Live Album is a live album by the British rock band UFO, first released in 1979 on the Chrysalis label....
(1979, Live) - The Best OfThe Best Of (UFO album)The Best of UFO is a compilation album of the British hard rock band UFO. The album was produced by EMI Music and distributed by CEMA Special Markets as part of the compilation series 'Ten Best Series' in 2002...
(1992, compilation) - Walk on Water (1995)
- CovenantCovenant (UFO album)Covenant is the fifteenth album by the British hard rock band UFO. It was published as a limited edition 2-disc album, with disc 1, entitled Covenant, containing entirely new material, and disc 2, entitled UFO Live USA, containing a collection of classics performed live...
(2000) - SharksSharks (album)Sharks is the sixteenth album by the British hard rock band UFO. It is the last album to feature longtime German lead guitarist Michael Schenker.-Track listing:-Japanese edition bonus tracks:-Band members:* Phil Mogg - vocals...
(2002)
with Michael Schenker Group
- The Michael Schenker GroupThe Michael Schenker Group (album)The Michael Schenker Group is the first album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group.Made #1 on KTUH's charts on the week of September 29, 1980.The song "Armed and Ready" is featured in the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica.- Original album :...
(1980) - MSGMSG (album)MSG is the second album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group. The band was formed in 1979 by the former Scorpions and UFO guitarist Michael Schenker....
(1981) - One Night at BudokanOne Night at Budokan-1982 Original LP:All songs written by Michael Schenker and Gary Barden except where noted.-Side 1:# "Armed and Ready" - 6:20# "Cry for the Nations" - 5:32# "Attack of the Mad Axeman" - 4:50-Side 2:# "But I Want More" - 5:24# "Victim of Illusion" - 6:18...
(1981, live) - Assault AttackAssault AttackAssault Attack is the third studio album from The Michael Schenker Group, and the only album to feature former Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet...
(1982) - Built to DestroyBuilt to DestroyBuilt to Destroy is the fourth album by the Michael Schenker Group . Gary Barden returned to the group on vocals following the departure of Graham Bonnet amidst tensions with Michael Schenker....
(1983) - Rock Will Never DieRock Will Never DieRock Will Never Die is a Michael Schenker Group live album released in 1984 and recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in London, over two nights in October 1983. The concert was also release in VHS with the same title. This is the last album recorded with Gary Barden before he rejoined the band in 2008...
(1984, live) - Written in the SandWritten in the SandWritten in the Sand is a studio album by the Michael Schenker Group, the first group effort after the McAuley Schenker era. Re-energized by the short-lived reunion with UFO and by the recording of Walk on Water, Michael Schenker collected yet another group of players and recorded Written in the Sand...
(1996) - The Michael Schenker Story LiveThe Michael Schenker Story LiveThe Michael Schenker Story Live is a live album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group, released in May 1997 through Michael Schenker's own record company....
(1997, live) - The UnforgivenThe Unforgiven (album)The Unforgiven is the sixth studio album released in 1999 by the German hard rock band Michael Schenker Group.-Track listing:All tracks by Michael Schenker & Kelly Keeling# "Rude Awakening" – 5:02# "The Mess I've Made" – 4:31...
(1999) - The Unforgiven World TourThe Unforgiven World TourThe Unforgiven World Tour is a live album by the Michael Schenker Group, released in 1999.This is a double-CD live album recorded during three performances in May, 1999 at The Edge, Palo Alto, California. The material dates from throughout Schenker's career, including selections by the Scorpions,...
(1999, live) - Be Aware of ScorpionsBe Aware of ScorpionsBe Aware of Scorpions is the seventh album released in 2001 by the German hard rock band Michael Schenker Group.-Track listing:All tracks by Schenker & Logan, expect where noted# "No Turning Back" – 4:36# "My Time's Up" – 3:37...
(2001) - ArachnophobiacArachnophobiacArachnophobiac is the eighth studio album released in 2003 by the German hard rock band Michael Schenker Group. After exiting UFO, rumors spread about Schenker's health and well-being. But the longtime guitar hero silenced his doubters with an extensive tour, as well as an all-new solo release...
(2003) - Heavy HittersHeavy HittersHeavy Hitters is a 2005 cover album by the Michael Schenker Group. Originally planned by Schenker as a collection of covers featuring himself and a "revolving all-star cast of guest musicians," the album was labeled and marketed as an MSG album, with the result that Schenker received only a flat...
(2005) - Tales of Rock'n'RollTales of Rock'n'RollTales of Rock'n'Roll is the nineth studio album by the Michael Schenker Group. It was released in 2006 after two years of work, to celebrate 25 years of activity of the Michael Schenker Group. The music of the album was initially composed for a UFO concept album, but Michael Schenker used it for...
(2006) - In the Midst of BeautyIn the Midst of BeautyIn the Midst of Beauty is the tenth studio album by the Michael Schenker Group . The album was released on 13 May, 2008 and marked the comeback of the original MSG singer, Gary Barden, so the MSG name is added with Schenker - Barden on the album's cover.By Schenker's own notes to the CD, "This...
(2008) - The 30th Anniversary Concert – Live in Tokyo (2010, live)
With McAuley Schenker Group
- Perfect Timing (1987)
- Save Yourself (1989)
- M.S.G.M.S.G. (McAuley Schenker Group album)M.S.G. is the third and final studio album from Michael Schenker and Robin McAuley's project, the McAuley Schenker Group. It was released in 1992....
(1992) - Nightmare : The Acoustic M.S.G.Nightmare : The Acoustic M.S.G.Nightmare - The Acoustic MSG is an EP by the McAuley Schenker Group, released only in Japan, as a companion to the album M.S.G.. It contains acoustic versions of songs from M.S.G. and Save Yourself and follows the flow of unplugged recordings which were very trendy in those years...
(1992) - "Unplugged" Live (1992, live)
Solo
- Thank You (1993)
- Thank You 2 (1998)
- Thank You with Orchestra (1999)
- Adventures of the ImaginationAdventures of the ImaginationAdventures of the Imagination is a solo album released in 2000 by guitar virtuoso Michael Schenker. The album is Schenker's fourth all-instrumental effort and over-all critical response was positive.-Track listing:All songs composed by Michael Schenker....
(2000) - The Odd TrioThe Odd TrioThe Odd Trio is a solo album released in 2000 by guitar virtuoso Michael Schenker. Schenker himself talks about this album on his website: "This album came about in 2000 when I had the urge to record an album playing all instruments. I thought of it as a fun thing to do and decided to disguise...
(2000) - Thank You 3 (2001)
- Dreams and Expressions (2001)
- Thank You 4 (2003)
- Temple of Rock (2011)
Other Schenker projects
- Look at Me Now (Bernie Marsden Album) (1981) as guest
- ContrabandContraband (band)Contraband was a short-lived supergroup/side project that included members of several famous rock bands from the 1980s, such as The Michael Schenker Group, Ratt, Vixen, Shark Island and L.A. Guns....
(1991) - Legends of Rock at Castle DoningtonLegends of Rock at Castle DoningtonLegends Of Rock: Live At Castle Donington is a DVD released by Uli Jon Roth. It features Uli's headlining show at Castle Donington in 2001, along with his special guests Michael Schenker, Phil Mogg and Pete Way from UFO, and Jack Bruce from Cream...
(2001, Live) - The PlotThe Plot (band)The Plot was a heavy rock band formed in 2003 by bassist Pete Way and his long time friend, guitarist Michael Schenker. The two wanted to form a band like UFO again and asked Phil Mogg and Andy Parker to regroup with them, but tension was still fiery between the ex-bandmates, although Way, Schenker...
(2003) - Under ConstructionUnder Construction (Schugar/Schenker album)Under Construction is a 2003 album recorded by Amy Schugar, lead guitarist, singer, songwriter, and bandleader from the San Francisco Bay Area, in collaboration with Michael Schenker.Schugar toured with the Michael Schenker Group...
(2003) - Schenker-Pattison Summit - The Endless Jam (2004)
- Siggi Schwarz & The Electricguitar Legends (2004)
- Schenker-Pattison Summit - The Endless Jam Continues (2005)
- Siggi Schwarz & The Rock Legends (2005)
- Heavy Metal ThunderHeavy Metal Thunder (video game)- Reception :The game sold 3,367 copies the week of its release. It received a score of 30 out of 40 by the Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu. American multimedia website IGN considered the gameplay simple, but praised the amount of animation used and called the theme song "catchy"...
(2005) - Numbers from the BeastMusic in tribute of Iron MaidenThis is a list of albums recorded in tribute to the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden.- A Call to Irons :A Call to Irons is one of the earlier tribute albums released to honour the heavy metal band Iron Maiden...
(2005) - Agony & The Xtasy (Gary BardenGary BardenGary John Barden is an English singer-songwriter, best known for his work with the Michael Schenker Group....
Solo Album) (2006) - Siggi Schwarz and Michael Schenker - Live Together (2006, Live)
- Doctor Doctor: The Kulick Sessions (2008) (Heavy HittersHeavy HittersHeavy Hitters is a 2005 cover album by the Michael Schenker Group. Originally planned by Schenker as a collection of covers featuring himself and a "revolving all-star cast of guest musicians," the album was labeled and marketed as an MSG album, with the result that Schenker received only a flat...
+ 4 additional tracks) - Schenker BardenGary BardenGary John Barden is an English singer-songwriter, best known for his work with the Michael Schenker Group....
Acoustic Project - Gipsy Lady (2009) - Metal X-Mas (2CD Special Edition)We Wish you a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New YearWe Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year is a compilation album of Christmas songs played by an all-star collection of hard rock and metal artists...
(2010) - Strangers In The Night (2010)
- By Invitation OnlyBy Invitation Only-By Invitation Only tracklisting::# "Run To The Hills" #* Vocals: Robin McAuley#* Rhythm Guitar: Pete Fletcher #* Bass: Tony Franklin #* Drums: Brian Tichy...
(2011) - Searching for Major TomSearching for Major TomSeeking Major Tom is the fourth studio album by William Shatner. It was released October 11, 2011 in the US by Cleopatra Records. The album features many noted musicians, including Sheryl Crow, John Wetton, Patrick Moraz, Ritchie Blackmore, Alan Parsons, Peter Frampton, Nick Valensi, Zakk Wylde,...
(2011)
Compilations
- The Essential Michael Schenker Group (Best Of-style compilation, 1992)
- The Story Of Michael Schenker (1994, Compilation)
- The Michael Schenker Story Live (1994): see also The Michael Schenker Story LiveThe Michael Schenker Story LiveThe Michael Schenker Story Live is a live album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group, released in May 1997 through Michael Schenker's own record company....
, the audio recording. - Forever And More: The Best Of Michael Schenker (2003)
- Greatest Riffs (2009, US-only compilation)
- Instrumental Intensity (2010, Shrapnel RecordsShrapnel RecordsShrapnel Records is a guitar-oriented record label started in 1980 by record producer Mike Varney. Guitarist Marty Friedman , one of the label's most successful artists, first appeared on the album Unsung Guitar Heroes II in 1980 with the band Vixen. Vixen would later change their name to Hawaii...
compilation)
MSG videography
- Rock Will Never DieRock Will Never DieRock Will Never Die is a Michael Schenker Group live album released in 1984 and recorded at Hammersmith Odeon in London, over two nights in October 1983. The concert was also release in VHS with the same title. This is the last album recorded with Gary Barden before he rejoined the band in 2008...
(1984) - The Michael Schenker Story LiveThe Michael Schenker Story LiveThe Michael Schenker Story Live is a live album by the hard rock band Michael Schenker Group, released in May 1997 through Michael Schenker's own record company....
(1999) - Live in Tokyo 1997 (2000)
- World Wide Live 2004 (2004)
- The 30th Anniversary Concert – Live in Tokyo (2010)