When legendary guitarist Michael Schenker decides to put his name on a fest, he sure as hell goes all out. The touring Michael Schenker Fest featured a whopping 2 hour and 45 minute career-spanning set that featured four different singers (Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley, and Doogie White) who rotated through the set, sometimes even trading off vocal duties on the same song. It was great to see them all having a good time on stage together.
Schenker was in top form, all smiles and showing no sign of slowing down as the crowd rocked along to their favorite era. The backing band of Chris Glen (bass, who at one point thanked “San Antonio” for having him), Ted McKenna (drums), and Steve Mann (guitar) held it all down, giving Schenker and vocalists plenty of room the shine. The guitar solo during UFO’s “Rock Bottom” was truly inspired and underscores the influence that Schenker has had on the world of heavy metal and hard rock.
While it was a treat to hear the new material live (Michael Schenker Fest studio album Resurrection in stores now), it was the encore of UFO tunes that really got the room singing along. Overall a great night of music.
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
Michael Schenker
SETLIST
Into the Arena (Michael Schenker Group)
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (Michael Schenker Group)
Cry for the Nations (Michael Schenker Group)
Attack of the Mad Axeman (Michael Schenker Group)
Messin’ Around (Michael Schenker Fest)
Armed and Ready (Michael Schenker Group)
Coast to Coast (Scorpions)
Desert Song (Michael Schenker Group)
Dancer (Michael Schenker Group)
Night Moods (Michael Schenker Fest)
Searching for a Reason (Michael Schenker Group)
Assault Attack (Michael Schenker Group)
Captain Nemo (Michael Schenker Group)
Bad Boys (McAuley-Schenker Group)
Save Yourself (McAuley-Schenker Group)
Anytime (McAuley-Schenker Group)
Heart and Soul (Michael Schenker Fest)
Love Is Not a Game (McAuley-Schenker Group)
Searching for Freedom (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock)
Live and Let Live (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock)
Vigilante Man (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock)
Lord of the Lost and Lonely (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock)
