Michael Schenker's "Temple of Rock" UK/Ireland Tour Dates - April/July 2013

Michael Schenker's current group goes under the banner 'Temple of Rock' and includes ex-Scorpions Herman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass); Wayne Findlay (keyboards/guitar) and Doogie White (ex Rainbow/Yngwee Malmsteen) on vocals.

The 'Temple Of Rock 2013' concerts will include hits spanning Michael Schenker’s artistic career such as UFOs 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor' (I hope Michael includes a few more), MSGs 'Armed and Ready' and 'Into the Arena' ('Desert Song' would be great), and the Scorpions classics 'Another Piece of Meat' and 'Rock You like a Hurricane.' Songs from the Temple of Rock album (released in September 2011) will be included in the set. So expect 'Before the Devil Knows You´re Dead', 'Miss Claustrophobia' and 'Hanging On.'

I've read reviews disparaging the quality of some of the songs, vocals, and production on the Temple of Rock album. I believe that most of the tracks will stand the test of time. As will Michael's guitar riffs, strong song melodies, guitar solos and guitar tone. Michael's past continues to shine in his music. Catch him in performance while you can. The guy's a genius. A truly magnificent guitar player.

No Belfast date: Am I surprised? No. Just another in a long list of artists who play shows in the Irish Republic but don't include Northern Ireland in their tour schedule. 

Temple of Rock Tour Dates:

09 April - Stockton ARC  
10 April - Aberdeen The Lemon Tree
11 April - Edinburgh HMV Picture House
12 April - Newcastle O2 Academy
13 April - Holmfirth, Picturedrome
14 April - Warrington Parr Hall
16 April - Falmouth Princess Pavilion
17 April - Bristol O2 Academy
18 April - Salisbury City Hall  
19 April - Oxford O2 Academy
20 April - Nottingham Rock City
21 April - Norwich The Waterfront
22 April - Vicar Street , Dublin
31 May - O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London 
19 July - 53 Degrees, Preston 
20 July - The Robin 2, Bilston, Wolverhampton
27 July - Sheffield Plug, Matilda Street, Sheffield  

Michael Schenker Official Site

Michael Schenker: "Temple Of Rock World Tour 2012" - Tour Dates and Tickets

As part of his "Temple Of Rock World Tour 2012" Michael Schenker has announced he will be touring with different line ups around the world. The Tour will start in the United States in February/March 2012 featuring Robin McAuley (Vocals), Elliott “Dean” Rubinson (Bass), Wayne Findlay (Keyboards & Guitar), and Pete Holmes (Drums).

The set lists will comprise songs from UFO, MSG, The Scorpions, and new songs from the Temple Of Rock CD released 26/9/11. I have been an admirer of Michael's guitar playing  from the '70s and believe the album is a tremendous achievement for Michael and mirrors his songwriting and guitar playing at its most powerful, passionate and engaging. Despite reading some negative comments, I believe the album captures its welcome share of wonderful moments, and is a record to return to again and again to buoy the spirit.  

U.S. Tour Dates: 15 Feb - 24 Mar 2012

At the end of March 2012 Michael will be joined in Japan with Michael Voss (Vocals), Herman Rarebell (Drums), Elliott “Dean” Rubinson (Bass), and Wayne Findlay (Keyboards & Guitar).

Japan Tour Dates: 27 - 30 Mar 2012

Michael Schenker has announced four UK dates for this tour. The shows will be the first time Schenker's touring band features two ex-Scorpions members: Herman Rarebill (Drums) and Francis Buchholz (Bass). The band line-up will also include Doogie White (Vocals) and Wayne Findlay (Keyboards & Guitar). Personally, I hope Michael adds a few more dates to the tour in the UK & Ireland.

UK Tour Dates

09 May 2012 - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
10 May 2012 - HMV Ritz, Manchester
11 May 2012 - O2 ABC Glasgow (ABC1 & ABC2), Glasgow
12 May 2012 - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London

Michael Schenker Official Site

Amazon's Michael Schenker Store

DVD Review: Michael Schenker Group 'Live In Tokyo - 30th Anniversary Tour' [2010]



This performance was recorded on 13 January 2010 at the Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo during the band's 30th anniversary tour of Japan. Michael is joined by Gary Barden (vocals), Simon Phillips (drums), Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and Neil Murray (bass). While the audio and visuals are great, the lighting and fast alternating camera shots are disappointing, at times. The overall performance of the group, however, is astounding given that the tempo barely slackens during the entire 1 hour & 35 minute concert.

Gary's vocals are gritty, smoky, and one tends to wonder if his voice will hold out until the end of the show. I'm not a fan of hearing an audience sing the chorus of a song(s) while the vocalist temporarily takes a back seat, holding his microphone in their direction. It can be great for those attending the concert but frustrating for those watching & listening to the performance on DVD. Gary does make it to the end of the concert and he is refreshingly unpretentious. It's not an easy task for a rock vocalist to sing with such passion, vitality and feeling while seeking to be heard above the extensive volume produced by a band on stage.

The DVD is worth it alone for the renditions of 'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie' (Michael's soloing and the ending are outstanding, melodic and mind-blowing), "Cry For The Nations", and "Lost Horizons". Some of the tracks and guitar playing (aka "On and On") may be slightly superior on the Japan DVD released in 1995. Nonetheless, this quality DVD provides further proof that Michael is an excellent guitar player and musician who remains greatly underrated and widely imitated. 

Simon Phillips is a revelation on drums. His diverse and refined rhythm patterns accompanied by Neil Murray's superb bass playing and sound create strong pulses that give the overall music extreme energy and passion. Michael's soloing throughout the concert highlights that his unique guitar tone and playing remain a joy to behold. It's good to see Michael back on top where he belongs. Wayne Findlay, whether he is playing guitar or keyboards, is an excellent musician in his own right. His input is essential to the sound and music of the MSG. His imaginative playing and feel are integral to the charm and brilliance of this exceptional concert.

The extras include an interview with each band member, a group rehearsal, and backstage shots which include Michael adjusting his amp & pedal settings, and meeting a crowd of exhilarated fans. This DVD is a must for fans of heavy rock and virtuoso rock guitar playing as displayed throughout the concert by Michael Schenker.

Hard, heavy, metal rock - call it what you will - is a genre that doesn't just belong to the '80s as some musical commentators espouse. It continues to attract a large enthusiastic following world-wide (young & old) which ensures it is as relevant today as it was yesterday. Diverse music forms, for example, blues, jazz, R&B, rockabilly, country, classical, are still played with passion and relevance. As an art form, metal, hard, heavy, rock has the right to be treated with as much respect and value as other types of music. And it should be played loud. Listen to it before it's too late.

Track List

Amazon: DVD Release Date: 11 Oct 2010

Michael Schenker Official Site