Michael Schenker hasn’t been performing in San Antonio since he was 16 years old. It only feels that way.
But the guitar god has been playing since that tender age, and 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of his recording debut way back when on Scorpions’ Lonesome Crow album.
Schenker marked the milestone last Friday night while providing direct support to W.A.S.P. on the latter’s 40th anniversary headlining tour at Tech Port Center + Arena. This time, the veteran instrumentalist brought an all-new lineup of vocalist Ronnie Romero, guitarist/keyboardist Steve Mann, bassist Barend Courbois and drummer Bodo Schopf.
Although Schenker this time left all Scorpions offerings at home — unlike his two previous visits with vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley and Doogie White under the moniker Michael Schenker Fest — his band’s performance was no less one to appreciate.
Once again billed as Michael Schenker Group, it was proven long ago that no matter his band’s label, Schenker’s showings are always special. Performing 11 songs for approximately 70 minutes, Schenker featured six UFO classics intertwined with past and more recent MSG tunes. Watch ATM’s Facebook Live footage of “Lights Out” and the rarely played 1983 MSG song “Red Sky.”
Schenker’s patented Flying-V, which he discussed exclusively with ATM during his 2018 visit (watch here), was in full effect once again. However, the Tech Port Arena only has one side of the balcony that housed some of the approximately 1,300 fans on hand, and it was opposite of stage left, which is where Schenker chose to remain throughout his performance, including during his customary extended jam on UFO mainstay “Rock Bottom.” For those lucky enough to be closer to the man, Schenker’s skilled hands were also a sight to behold during “Let It Roll” and “Armed and Ready,” both of which can be viewed below the 25-photo gallery.
Schenker released Universal in May with Romero on most of the songs’ vocals, but none of those tunes were played. Rather, the set included “Sail the Darkness,” which Romero revealed was the first tune the pair wrote together on 2021 album Immortal.
Romero may have been making his live San Antonio debut, and he shined on vocals. It’s not easy to step in for a musician of Schenker’s stature, particularly given Schenker’s history with his aforementioned slew of more renowned singers, but Romero more than passed the test. Mann, Courbois and Schopf also were seamless additions to the latest reincarnation of MSG.
Schenker was only slated to join W.A.S.P. on five dates, with four of those happening in the Lone Star State. In some eyes (of Texas), that was perfectly appropriate given that Schenker is often in a class by himself — and demonstrated why once again in his latest Alamo City exhibition of excellence.
SETLIST: Into the Arena, Doctor Doctor, Looking For Love, Lights Out, Red Sky, Shoot Shoot, Sail the Darkness, Let It Roll, Armed and Ready, Rock Bottom, Only You Can Rock Me
