The “Blonde Bomber” is the nickname for German guitarist Michael Schenker known for ventures with the Scorpions, UFO and his solo bands The Michael Schenker Group, M.S.G, and the McAuley Schenker Group.
Releasing 14 studio albums which includes the latest, Michael Schenker Fest – Resurrection, released March 2 via Nuclear Blast. It went straight to #21 on the Billboard Independent Album Chart.
As I arrived I noticed the fans lined up around the building waiting for the doors to open at 7 p.m. It has been three years since I have seen Michael Schenker, on the Temple of Rock tour in 2015 , long overdue.
The Michael Schenker Fest hit the City National Grove of Anaheim on Sunday, March 25. I would say the most highly anticipated show of the year. The packed house was in for an extraordinary show. Schenker brought four original vocalists from the past to present, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley and Doogie White. Also, his band which includes bassist Chris Glen and drummer Ted McKenna from M.S.G, and guitarist/keyboardist Steve Mann from the McAuley Schenker Group.
The night began with Schenker in the spotlight for the instrumental Into the Arena off the album The Michael Schenker Group.
One thing I noticed right away, I don’t remember Schenker ever speaking, tonight was perfect as he takes the mic and introduces the first phenomenal vocalist Gary Barden. Songs include Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, Cry for the Nations, Attack of the Mad Axeman, Messin’ Around off the new release Resurrection, followed by Armed and Ready. It had been forty years since Michael wrote this song, a classic Scorpions‘ song Coast to Coast. I, like all the other fans, really enjoy Barden’s stage presence.
Handing over the stage to the next phenomenal vocalist Graham Bonnet to the roar of the fans. Presenting the fans songs from the album Assault Attack, were Desert Song, Dancer, Searching for a Reason, Assault Attack and from the current release Resurrection, Night Moods.
Bringing back to the stage frontman Gary Barden for Captain Nemo from the album Built to Destroy.
Passing the mic to the McAuley Schenker era, as phenomenal vocalist Robin McAuley takes the stage to the fans delight. It’s been years since I have heard McAuley sing, his voice is strong as ever, belting out Bad Boys, Save Yourself and for the first time in thirty years singing Anytime. Also adding Heart and Soul from the new album Resurrection, ending his portion with Love Is Not a Game. WOW!!
Schenker in the spotlight one more time, doing that thing he does so well: making those Dean flying V guitars sing, in the instrumental Searching for Freedom, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock cover.
We’ve seen the frontman of the past now it’s time to close the circle with the present, from the Temple of Rock era, entering the stage Doogie White to close out the show. With songs Live and Let Live, Vigilante Man, Lord of the Lost and Lonely, and one of my favorite songs off the new release Resurrection, Take Me to the Church. Closing out his portion of the show with a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, with Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. Much respect!!
Michael Schenker Fest – Resurrection album undoubtedly is the best collaboration to date. I was intrigued from the start. The final hook for me was the first song release. The show ended with all four frontmen – Barden, Bonnet, McAuley and White – performing Warrior off the new album Resurrection with a well-deserved standing ovation.
But wait, they’re not done, as Schenker asks the fans if they want more, “Do you want more?” The cheer was deafening ending with Schenker’s UFO era.
Coming to the stage, McAuley, Barden and White for Rock Bottom from the Phenomenon album.
Bonnet, Barden, and McAuley performed Doctor, Doctor from the Phenomenon album.
Robin McAuley sang Shoot, Shoot from the Force It album.
Doogie White sang Natural Thing from the No Heavy Lifting album.
Closing out this show with everyone on stage, the perfect song, perfect farewell. Lights Out, as the last notes were being sung, the stage went dark.
I know this is early in the year, but this show will be high on the list if not the best of the year. All these phenomenal artists have their own projects, I hope to see another Michael Schenker Fest, maybe adding other artists.
Connect with Michael Schenker online: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
All photos by Tammy Greene
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