Michael Schenker Group
Encyclopedia
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 music is best described as mostly melodic hard rock with progressive undertones. Schenker is famous for his half-black, half-white Gibson Flying V
and for his unorthodox approach to lead guitar. He is sponsored by Dean Guitars
and is well known in the neo-classical genre.
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
band formed in 1979 by former 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...
and 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...
guitarist, Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
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...
. In 1986, Schenker and vocalist 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...
formed 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...
, which lasted until 1992. After that, the Michael Schenker Group was reformed.
The music is best described as mostly melodic hard rock with progressive undertones. Schenker is famous for his half-black, half-white Gibson Flying V
Gibson 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**...
and for his unorthodox approach to lead guitar. He is sponsored by 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 :...
and is well known in the neo-classical genre.
Studio albums
- 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) - 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) - 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 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) - 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) - Temple of Rock (2011)
Live albums
- 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...
(1982) (UK Silver) - 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) - BBC Radio 1 Live in Concert (1993)
- 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) - 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) - The Mad Axeman Live (2007)
- Walk the Stage: The Official Bootleg Box Set (2009)
- The 30th Anniversary Concert – Live in Tokyo (2010)
Current members
- Michael SchenkerMichael SchenkerMichael 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...
- lead guitar (1979-1986, 1992–present) - Gary BardenGary BardenGary John Barden is an English singer-songwriter, best known for his work with the Michael Schenker Group....
- lead & backing vocals (1979–1982, 1982–1984, 2008–present) - Chris GlenChris GlenChristopher 'Chris' Glen is a Scottish bass guitarist who has played in The Jade, Tear Gas, The Party Boys, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and The Michael Schenker Group...
- bass (1980–1984, 2008–present) - Wayne Findlay - keyboard, rhythm guitar & backing vocals (1999–present)
- Pete HolmesPete HolmesPete Holmes is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and cartoonist based in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:Holmes was born in Lexington, Massachusetts, United States....
- Drums (2004-2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011-Present)
Former members
- Graham BonnetGraham BonnetGraham 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...
- lead vocals (1982) - Ray KennedyRaymond Louis KennedyRaymond Louis Kennedy is a singer, songwriter, musician and record producer based in Los Angeles, California. His works span multiple genres including R&B, pop, rock, jazz, fusion, acid rock, country and many others...
- lead vocals (1984) - Leif Sundin - lead vocals (1995–1997, 2007–2008)
- David Van Landing - lead vocals (1997–1999, 2011)
- Keith Slack - lead vocals (1999)
- Kelly KeelingKelly KeelingKelly Keeling is an American musician and songwriter. Keeling started playing at the age of 14 and first appeared on the music scene as the lead singer of the American heavy metal band Baton Rouge...
- lead vocals (1999–2000) - Chris Logan - lead and backing vocals (2001–2004, 2006)
- Jari Tiura - lead vocals (2006)
- Derek St. HolmesDerek St. HolmesDerek St. Holmes is an American musician best known as the vocalist and rhythm guitar player for Ted Nugent's successful early solo career.-Early years:...
- guitars and vocals (1983) - Don AireyDon AireyDonald Airey has been the keyboardist in the rock band Deep Purple since 2002, succeeding Jon Lord...
- keyboards (1980, 2008) - Paul RaymondPaul Raymond (musician)Paul Martin Raymond is an English keyboardist/guitarist.Raymond began his musical career as a keyboardist/vocalist for the band, Plastic Penny, in 1967. He left after the band split up in 1968. He replaced Christine Perfect in British blues band Chicken Shack when she left to join Fleetwood Mac...
- guitars and keyboards (1980–1981) - Tommy EyreTommy EyreTommy Eyre was a session keyboardist from Sheffield, England, who appeared on records by Joe Cocker, John Martyn, Alex Harvey, Greg Lake, Michael Schenker, Gary Moore, B.B. King, John Mayall, Tracy Chapman and Wham!...
- keyboards (1982) - Andy NyeAndy NyeAndy Nye is an English musician, songwriter and record producer, best known for being a member of the rock band The Michael Schenker Group at their peak in the 1980s...
- keyboards (1982–1984) - Seth Berstein - keyboards and guitars(1997–1999)
- Billy SheehanBilly SheehanWilliam "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...
- bass (1979) - Mo FosterMo FosterMo Foster is a British session musician, playing primarily jazz, jazz-fusion and rock bass guitar. He is also a music producer and songwriter/composer. In over 40 years as a musician Foster has played on and produced countless albums, singles, and film soundtracks...
- bass (1980) - Dennis Feldman - bass (1984)
- Barry SparksBarry SparksBarry Sparks is the former bass player of Yngwie Malmsteen, UFO, Dokken, and Ted Nugent amongst others.-UFO:...
- bass (1997–2000) - John Onder - bass (1999)
- Stuart HammStuart HammStuart "Stu" Hamm is an American bass guitar player, known for his session and live work with numerous artists as well for his unconventional playing style and solo recordings.-Beginning career:...
- bass (2003) - Pete WayPete WayPeter 'Pete' Frederick Way is a bass player.He is the bassist of UFO, Waysted and formerly, Fastway and Ozzy Osbourne....
- bass (2006) - Neil MurrayNeil MurrayNeil Murray may refer to:*Neil Murray , British musician who has played bass for a number of notable rock bands*Neil Murray , Australian singer/songwriter who has worked solo and as a member of the Warumpi Band...
- bass (2008, 2010) - Rev Jones - bass (2001–2006, 2008, 2009, 2010)
- Elliott "Dean" Robinson - bass (2010, 2011)
- Denny CarmassiDenny CarmassiDenny 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...
- drums (1979) - Simon PhillipsSimon PhillipsSimon 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...
- drums (1980, 2008, 2010) - Cozy PowellCozy PowellColin Flooks , better known as Cozy Powell, was an English rock drummer who made his name with many major rock bands.-Early history:...
- drums (1980–1982) - Ted McKennaTed McKennaEdward 'Ted' McKenna , is a Scottish drummer who has played with the bands Tear Gas, Rory Gallagher, The Party Boys, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and The Michael Schenker Group. He also toured with Ian Gillan for a short period alongside fellow former SAHB bassist, Chris Glen...
- drums (1982–1984, 2008) - Shane Gaalaas - drums (1997–2000)
- Jeff MartinJeff Martin (American musician)Jeff Martin is a singer and drummer who has sung for the bands Surgical Steel, Racer X, Leatherwolf, and played drums for the bands Badlands, Blindside Blues Band, and RedSea....
- drums (2001) - Jeremy Colson - drums (2003)
- Chris SladeChris SladeChris Slade is a Welsh rock drummer.-Career:Slade has worked with Gary Numan, Tom Jones, Olivia Newton-John , and Uriah Heep. He was a member of Manfred Mann's Earth Band from 1972 to 1978...
- drums (2008, 2009, 2010) - Carmine AppiceCarmine AppiceCarmine Appice is an American rock drummer of Italian background and is the older brother of drummer Vinny Appice by 12 years. He received a classical music training and was influenced by the jazz drumming of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa early on...
- drums (2010, 2011)