Michael Schenker Fest @ the Grove in Anaheim, CA 3/25/2018

Michael Schenker has had a long and storied career in the music business. It all began with his brother Rudolph as a member of the Scorpions and in 1973 he joined forces with UFO to create some of the most iconic hard rock tunes of the late 1970’s. 1980 saw the beginning of the Michael Schenker Group and so began his thirty five plus year solo career.


Fast forward to 2018 we now see the rock guitar hero giving us a nearly three hour concert showcasing every segment of Schenker's musical history has brought along MSG vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley along with Temple Of Rock singer Doogie White to help him along the way. Rounding out the band are former MSG members Ted McKenna (Drums), Steve Mann (Guitar/Keyboards) and Chris Glen (Bass).


Tonight we witnessed Schenker and his band mates tear through thirty tunes with everyone sounding effectively like they should. We were treated to everything from “Armed and Ready” to “Attack of the Mad Axe Man” featuring Gary Barden, “Assault Attack” and “Dancer” from Graham Bonnet, “Save Yourself” and “Anytime” with Robin McAuley.  Added to it were recent Temple of Rock songs like “Vigilante Man” and from the new studio project “Resurrection” most notably “Warrior”. (https://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Michael-Schenker-Fest/dp/B078DZLZFD)


Closing the night out we were treated to a bevy UFO tunes. “Rock Bottom,” “Doctor Doctor,” “Shoot Shoot,” “Natural Thing” and “Lights Out” finished up the marathon.
Michael Schenker Fest gave us everything we could hope for. It was a chance of a lifetime to witness the pure greatness ofMichael Schenker. The show is a definite must see.
Setlist:
Into the Arena
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Cry for the Nations
Attack of the Mad Axeman
Messin' Around
Armed and Ready
Coast to Coast
Desert Song
Dancer
Night Moods
Searching for a Reason
Assault Attack
Captain Nemo
Bad Boys
Save Yourself
Anytime
Heart and Soul
Love Is Not a Game
Searching for Freedom
Live and Let Live
Vigilante Man
Lord of the Lost and Lonely
Take Me to the Church
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Warrior
Rock Bottom
Encore:
Doctor Doctor
Shoot Shoot
Natural Thing
Lights Out
 ​

The full photo album can be found here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157694193309984
 
All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography