Michael Schenker // The Waterfront - 21.04.2013

For those in the know Michael Schenker is a living legend, a guitarist who first made his name playing on the Scorpions debut album way back in 1972 when he was just seventeen. He left them shortly after to join up with former space rock and soon to be hard rock band U.F.O. where he stayed until finally forming his own group M.S.G. in 1979. It’s fair to say however, that no matter how highly regarded his guitar playing is, his career is almost as well known for the many conflicts with band mates as it is for his well documented problems with alcohol. Reports from the current tour though suggest he has finally laid his demons to rest, assembled a crack band around him and is finally at ease with his legacy.

It was obvious from the off that these positive reports are all true because quite simply Schenker was on fire for all of this two hour show. Backed by a rhythm section consisting of two former Scorpions band mates and ex Rainbow vocalist Doogie White a hit laden two hour set was delivered to a packed crowd. Somewhat surprisingly perhaps the vast majority of the set consisted of songs from his former bands, with the majority of his solo work coming from his early 80’s peak. Not exactly the strongest endorsement of his recent material. Still, no-one was really there to hear new songs, it was all about reliving our younger days – and he more than delivered what was required over the course of the twenty song set.

The gig started off with a couple of Scorpions numbers before a batch of M.S.G songs, which immediately had the crowd singing along. Personally I thought the U.F.O songs that were played worked the best and most suited Doogie White’s voice and were certainly the songs which drew the strongest reaction from the crowd. A word about Doogie White actually – he certainly has a great rock voice but his stage mannerisms struck me as slightly amusing. I’m not sure I really want the lyrics acted out in dramatic fashion whilst they’re being sung….it was all a bit too Jack Black for my liking.