Schenker armed and ready at the Wulfrun
Saturday 29th May 2010, 8:24AM BST.
Michael Schenker Group
Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
Concert review and photos by Ian Harvey
Fans of Teutonic rock icon Michael Schenker never know quite what they’re going to get when the lights go down for a concert.
Will it be the scorching lead guitarist who made his name with The Scorpions and UFO, or the shambolic, out-of-control character that earned him the nickname “Mad Mickey” – a man liable to forget his solos and walk off the stage halfway through a show?
Luckily it was the former at the Wulfrun last night as the Michael Schenker Group’s 30th anniversary tour rolled into the city.
See our concert photo gallery to the right
Reunited with original singer Gary Barden and, by all accounts a reformed character these days, Schenker was on blistering form, delivering a feast of melodic metal treats, including Armed And Ready and Attack Of The Mad Axeman, as well as some UFO surprises in the shape of Lights Out and Rock Bottom.
Armed with his trademark Flying V guitar, he still has the guitar prowess that saw him recruited by The Scorpions aged just 17.
Unfortunately Schenker remains an enigmatic presence. He spent most of the gig skulking in the shadows, barely acknowledging a packed Wulfrun, save for the odd foray to the front of the stage. It was left to Barden to whip the crowd into action.
And sadly there was no time for the second planned encore, UFO’s all-time classic Doctor Doctor.
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Skulking?????? Schenker was definately not skulking. Anyone who has ever seen Schenker before will know that the man does not hide in the shadows…..he simply stands to the side and lets his talent do the talking….no posing or throwing stupid shapes…..like some so called guitar heroes I could mention. Michael Schenker is just a class musician, not a poseur.
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I totally agree with you Paul. I have been watching Michael since the 70′s and he has done many crazy things over the years, but skulking isn’t one of them.
I think the difference between present Michael and old Michael is the support that he gets these days.He has some great advisers around him and he seems happier with who he is.
I think people with as much talent as Michael do walk a fine line between sanity and madness but i for one wouldn’t have him any other way.May the mad axe man reign for years to come, bring on London this Wednesday when we might get to see a certain Mr Mogg performing too!!!
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What a concert! I had never seen them before but I was really impressed. To suggest that schenker was skulking in the shadows is complete nonsense, he was really enjoying himself, as were the rest of the band. He often came to the front of the stage and really worked the audience well. I shall definetly go to see them again.
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This was an awesome night starting off with the most incredible female fronted band from Greece…4bitten… check them out if u were late!
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