US Tour Kicks Off On April 15th At The Whisky A Go Go
Following the release of their successful first album Resurrection, MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST is currently recording their second album, co-produced by Michael Schenker & Michael Voss, which is tentatively scheduled to be released in August.
The news is bittersweet as the band recently mourned the passing of beloved MSF drummer Ted Mckenna.
Michael comments, "We are totally heartbroken to hear about Ted McKenna - our amazing drummer and dearest friend - passing away. It’s a massive shock and a huge loss to lose Ted so suddenly. He always had a smile on his face and was one of the most sincerely genuine people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. One of the great rock drummers, he always played from the heart and his heart was music. Rest in peace Ted, we will miss you x.”
The band also announced they will be welcoming back Simon Philipps and Bodo Schopf - who each played drums in MSG - to the Michael Schenker Fest line-up. Simon who played on the MSG debut album will return as the main drummer on the upcoming second album. Due to his schedule, he is unable to be the live drummer for the upcoming US tour. This role will be completed by Bodo Schopf, who played on Perfect Timing and Save Yourself. With the sudden passing of Ted Mckenna, Bodo will be featured on the upcoming record but in a smaller role as he had the important job of preparing for the US tour.
Michael states, "We are very grateful to Bodo for being a team player and working out with Simon what needs to be done in order for us to continue as smooth as possible and also to Simon for helping us to make it all possible. Bodo is the perfect choice to continue as the permanent drummer for Michael Schenker Fest. It is a perfect balance between the musicians from the past. It includes everything as a family to continue Michael Schenker Fest."
Bodo comments, "I am very sorry that Ted had to leave us under these tragic circumstances, and I'm proud to rock for him and all the Michael Schenker fans. RIP Ted.”
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST will kick off their US tour on April 15th at the Whisky A GO GO. The trek will include performances in Vancouver, Chicago, and New York before concluding on May 18th in Austin. TX!
Before this kicks off, the MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST family is going to tour North America:
4/15/2019 Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA
4/16/2019 Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA
4/17/2019 Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA
4/19/2019 Palace of Fine Arts - San Francisco, CA
4/20/2019 Ace of Spades - Sacramento, CA
4/21/2019 Revolution Hall - Portland, OR
4/22/2019 Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC
4/24/2019 The Palace (formerly Flames Central) - Calgary, AB CANNADA
MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST “LIVE” TOKYO
FEATURING THE ORIGINAL MSG VOCALISTS
GARY BARDEN, GRAHAM BONNET AND ROBIN MCAULEY
TO BE RELEASED ON MARCH 24th 2017!
AVAILABLE ON 2CD, 2CD+DVD COMBO, LP, DVD, BLU-RAY, DIGITAL
Michael Schenker - Lead Guitarist (6 years younger brother of Rudolf Schenker) 1970 - At age 15 - Michael records his first album with the Scorpions creating instant international recognition. 1972 - At age 17 - Michael joins the British Rock Band UFO for 6 Albums reaching their highest success ever. 1978 - At age 23 - Michael leaves UFO after recording Strangers in the Night, becoming one of the most successful rock live albums of all time. 1979 - At age 24 - Michael opens the doors to America for the Scorpions with Lovedrive. 1979 - At age 24 - Michael starts his solo career.
Michael Schenker, one of music’s greatest rock guitarists, will release Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo - a sstunning new live recording and filmed concert released by inakustik on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on Friday 24th March 2017.
Filmed and recorded at Tokyo’s International Forum on August 24, 2016, this historic concert features guest appearances from some of the greatest rock vocalists who have worked with Schenker over the years including M.S.G.’S Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley of the McAuley Schenker Group.
Watch the official trailer for Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo - http://bit.ly/2j8vwL0
“It's been a long time since M.S.G. - Live At Budokan,” says Schenker.
Like a miracle Michael Schenker returns to Japan with his past original singers from the '80's to celebrate the Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo with Barden, Bonnet and McAuley at the amazing Tokyo International Forum. 5000 fans witnessed an anthology moment of quintessential hard rock music of the highest calibre.
Says Schenker, “It’s a miracle that after all these years, something like this took place with the original band members of “M.S.G.”. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. To being able to re-experience, and for the new audience to get a feel of what it was like, is incredibly enjoyable.”
Continues Schenker, “It's an amazing feeling to have all of my M.S.G. Family from the '80's performing together and especially with Graham Bonnet, who I never got to play any concerts after our Assault Attack album that was originally released in 1982. Fortunately, being able to have the participation of original M.S.G. members such as Gary Barden, Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums) being part of it, and somehow, to perform with Robin McAuley and Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards) again as well, is pretty awesome.”
The Band:
Michael Schenker - Lead Guitar
Ted McKenna - Drums
Steve Mann - Guitar, Keyboards
Chris Glen - Bass
The Vocalists:
Gary Barden
Graham Bonnet
Robin McAuley
“It was just one enjoyable event from beginning to end,” says Schenker. “Seeing those happy, excited fans right from the beginning before the show even started, was incredible. It was like Budokan all over again.”
Schenker remains enthusiastic and overjoyed at performing Schenker Fest with Barden, Bonnet and McAuley all under the same roof in Tokyo.
“It’s wonderful how we all got on with each other. It felt incredibly natural, as if it was always like this. Right from the start of rehearsal, the chemistry was great. No problems, just pure fun.”
TRACKLISTING:
1. Intro: Searching For Freedom
2. Into The Arena
3. Attack Of The Mad Axeman ft. Gary Barden
4. Victim Of Illusion ft. Gary Barden
5. Cry For The Nations ft. Gary Barden
6. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie ft. Gary Barden
7. Armed And Ready ft. Gary Barden
8. Coast To Coast
9. Assault Attack ft. Graham Bonnet
10. Desert Song ft. Graham Bonnet
11. Dancer ft. Graham Bonnet
12. Captain Nemo
13. This Is My Heart ft. Robin McAuley
14. Save Yourself ft. Robin McAuley
15. Love Is Not A Game ft. Robin McAuley
16. Shoot Shoot ft. Robin McAuley
17. Rock Bottom ft. Robin McAuley
18. Doctor Doctor ft. Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley
Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo is available in the following formats:
PHYSICAL
2 CD
2 CD + DVD Combo
Vinyl LP
DVD
Blu-ray
DIGITAL
Hi-Res download
Download
Stream
Michael Schenker started his professional career as a recording Artist in 1970 as a young hopeful talent in the Scorpions and followed this with a stint in the British hard rock institution UFO and then his own Michael Schenker Group before moving on to forming The Temple of Rock.
Over the years, Michael has not just experienced the highs and lows of life; but his development as a guitarist has been consistent, from a German Wunderkind to an experienced and technically highly skilled guitarist.
The Michael Schenker Group (abbreviated as M.S.G.) are a guitar-oriented hard rock band formed in 1979 by former Scorpions and UFO guitarist, Michael Schenker.
Michael Schenker's solo career instantly took off right from the start 1980 when the eponymous debut album, "Michael Schenker Group", featuring Gary Barden on vocals, entered the top 5 UK Album and Single Charts with Armed and Ready, followed by the release of Live At The Budokan.
In 1982, Graham Bonnet who had just left Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow was temporary replacing Gary Barden and recorded with M.S.G. the album Assault Attack which was to become many musicians’ favorite featuring Chris Glen on bass and Ted McKenna on drums.
In 1986, Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley formed the McAuley Schenker Group, which lasted until 1992.
M.S.G.’s music is best described as mostly melodic hard rock with progressive undertones. Michael Schenker is famous for his black and white Gibson Flying V and for his unorthodox approach to lead guitar. Michael is sponsored by Dean Guitars and is well known in the neo-classical genre.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of Graham Bonnet Band's new album, 'The Book' on November 4.
Graham Bonnet is a rock legend. With a pedigree that includes Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz, and Impellitteri, he is one of the finest vocalists of his generation. His is a recognizable and unique voice on a number of classic hard rock albums, including Rainbow's 'Down To Earth' (1979), Michael Schenker Group's 'Assault Attack' (1982), Alcatrazz's 'No Parole For Rock 'n' Roll' (1983) and 'Disturbing The Peace' (1985), and Impellitteri's 'Stand In Line' (1988).
The recently formed Graham Bonnet Band, features Graham Bonnet on, of course, lead vocals, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, South American guitar sensation Conrado Pesinato on lead guitar, ex-Alcatrazz man Jimmy Waldo on keys, and Mark Zonder (known for his acclaimed work with Warlord and Fates Warning) on drums.
The new album, 'The Book' offers 11 new songs where Bonnet lays down his legendary vocals over a selection of hard rock tunes that are chock full of great hooks and melodies. 'The songs on the album are very similar to what I have done in the past with Rainbow, Alcatrazz and MSG,' says Graham. 'I think this is what people want to hear from me and won't be disappointed'.
Graham Bonnet is in fine form and the album is easily his best in decades: 11 new tracks that will blow hard rock fans away! The album also includes a bonus disc featuring re-recorded versions of some of the most well known classics he has sung in his solo career and with Rainbow, Alcatrazz, MSG and Impellitteri.
The Graham Bonnet Band has spent the last 12 months touring solidly around the world, with performances at several major European festivals including an acclaimed set at Sweden Rock 2016. 'The Book' will be supported with several shows in the UK and Spain in 2016, with more dates to be added.
'The Book' tracklisting:
CD1 (new songs)
1. Into The Night
2. Welcome To My Home
3. Earth's Child (I Am Your Son)
4. Rider
5. Dead Man Walking
6. Strangest Day
7. The Dance
8. Where Were You?
9. The Book
10. Everybody Wants To Go There
11. California Air
CD2 (re-recorded classics)
1. Eyes Of The World
2. All Night Long
3. Lost In Hollywood
4. Since You Been Gone
5. Night Games
6. S.O.S.
7. Assault Attack
8. Dancer
9. Desert Song
10. Island In The Sun
11. Hiroshima Mon Amour
12. God Blessed Video
13. Will You Be Home Tonight
14. Witchwood
15. Stand In Line
16. Here Comes The Night (Down Without A Fight)
GRAHAM BONNET BAND
Graham Bonnet - lead vocals
Conrado Pesinato - guitars
Jimmy Waldo - keyboards
Beth-Ami Heavenstone - bass
Mark Zonder - drums
Angelo Vafeiadis - keyboards on CD2 (bonus disc)
TOUR DATES
3 November Sala Chango, Madrid, Spain
4 November Sala Totem, Pamplona, Spain
5 November Sala Capitol, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
8 November Boston Music Room, London, UK
9 November Stourbridge, River Rooms, UK
10 November Warehouse 23, Wakefield, UK
11 November Pwllheli, Hard Rock Hell, UK
12 November Manchester, Club Academy, UK
13 November Edinburgh, Bannermans, UK
15 November Doncaster, Diamonds, UK
16 November Think Tank, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
18 November Derry-Londonderry, Nerve Centre, UK
19 November Limelight 2, Belfast, UK
20 November Monroes, Galway, Eire
21 November Voodoo Lounge, Dublin, Eire
22 November Fuel Rock Club, Cardiff, UK
The most powerful voice in rock is coming to Australia and New Zealand next April. [No, I didn't wrote that folks...]
English vocalist Graham Bonnet is synonymous with classic hard rock and heavy metal.
Best known for fronting Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group and Alcatrazz, Graham’s voice is known and cherished by many.
Having last visited our shores as part of the Countdown Rock N Roll Arena extravaganza he is ready to return with
his all-star band featuring Mark Zonder from the legendary Fates Warning.
Graham scored several top 10 hits in Australia in the 1970's with his solo releases including the Dylan classic
It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue, and Warm Ride which peaked at number 1! He then joined Ritchie Blackmore’s
Rainbow, which was formed by Blackmore after he left Deep Purple. The Rainbow album Down To Earth (1979)
was a top 10 worldwide smash hit with platinum singles Since You Been Gone and All Night Long.
Following Rainbow, Graham released his second solo album featuring the hit single Night Games, and then joined
ex-Scorpion legend Michael Schenker in his band MSG for the album Assault Attack.
In the early to mid 80’s Graham formed his own band, Alcatrazz that featured an unknown Yngwie Malmsteen on
guitar. The band quickly became a supergroup in Japan, and Yngwie soon left only to be replaced by another up
and comer, Steve Vai, which propelled Vai onto David Lee Roth and future legendary status...
Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai…it seems Graham with his powerhouse vocals is the perfect match for these Guitar Gods!!
Since then Graham has kept busy in many bands, such as Impellitteri, The Party Boys, Anthem, Forcefield with
Cozy Powell, Mick Moody and Don Airey, featured as a guest on countless albums and has also recently completed
a sold out tour with a symphony orchestra throughout Eastern Europe with himself, Dan McCafferty from Nazareth
and John Lawton from Uriah Heep.
He has also just finished a Japanese tour to sell out crowds with his solo band supporting Michael Schenker's
Temple Of Rock, featuring Herman Rarebell and Francis Bucholz from Scorpions and Doogie White. Graham has
gotten up each night to perform songs from the MSG album he recorded Assault Attack.
Do Not Miss This Night Of Hard Rock Glory!
Graham will be playing all his hits from Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Alcatrazz and many many more.
A limited amount of VIP meet and greet tickets will be available,
these will include a private acoustic performance, something to truly remember.
On the Double Stop Podcast his week is Barry Sparks:
Barry Sparks discusses his life and career. From early bands to such major acts such as Michael Schenker Group (MSG), Yngwie Malmsteen Ted Nugent and B’z. He also discusses his solo albums Glimmer of Hope, Can’t Look Back and his new project Riot On Mars. He also covers his prolific session career and touches upon his brush with Richie Blackmore.
On his brush with Ritchie Blackmore (he got the Blackmore's Night gig but had a scheduling conflict with a Ted Nugent tour - 58:30 "When I was with Ted (Nugent) I auditioned for Blackmore's Night - and got the gig. ... He (Blackmore) was different than I expected. He was funny and really friendly. And most people don't think of him being that way... I wish I got to do it!"
On the origins of Riot On Mars 54:00 "The basis of this record, was at one point going to be half of a UFO record"
On Riot On Mars 1:02:00 "I'm the most proud of this than anything I've done"
On this week's show, you can hear the second of two interviews with former Rainbow vocalists to mark the release of the new Rainbow box set, 'A Light In The Black 1975-1984', as Graham Bonnet talks in depth about his time with Rainbow, his friendship with his predecessor in the band, Ronnie James Dio, his new solo band, Bonnet, and the release of his previously unissued debut solo album, originally recorded in 1975, but never released until now, as 'Private I: The Archives Volume One'.
Graham also discusses his band's forthcoming Japanese tour dates with Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, and you'll hear a selection of tracks from the Rainbow box set, along with a song from 'Private I: The Archives Volume One'.
You can also listen on Tuesday 21st April 12:00-14:00 and Thursday 23rd April 07:00-09:00 on www.totalrock.com
First up, Michael Schenker talks about what fans can expect from the set list as his 'Bridge The Gap' tour hits the UK this week. Michael discusses working with former Scorpions compadres Francis Bucholz (bass) and Herman Rarebell (drums) in his Temple of Rock band, and also outlines the way in which both the band, and his songwriting partnerships with vocalist Doogie White (ex Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen) and rhythm guitarist / keyboard player Wayne Findlay, have developed on forthcoming new album 'Spirit on a Mission'. Michael chooses a song from 'Bridge the Gap', and you'll also hear a Scorpions classic from the 'Temple of Rock Live In Europe' album.
The show also features tracks from both support bands for Michael's UK tour, Western Sand, a promising UK rock outfit, and State Villains (playing the London date), who feature Michael's son, Tyson Schenker, on guitar.
Steve Hunter, whose sublime guitar playing has graced albums and tours from the likes of Alice Cooper, Lou Reed and Peter Gabriel, also drops in to discuss his two most recent releases, studio album 'The Manhattan Blues Project'(featuring guests including Joe Satriani, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp), and live CD/DVD 'Tone Poems Live'. In the words of guitar hero Joe Satriani, "Steve Hunter is a great guitarist; and his influence on the American rock guitar style is huge,' and you'll hear exactly what Satch means on tracks from both 'Tone Poems Live' and 'The Manhattan Blues Project.
The show's regular Phil Lynott tribute feature this week puts the spotlight on late Small Faces/Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan, who passed away this week, with a track from Thin Lizzy's 'Fighting' album featuring McLagan on piano.
You can also listen on Thursday 11th December 07:00-09:00 on www.totalrock.com, and on hot new Texas rock and metal station KXZR Radio at www.kxzr.fm
FEATURING SONGS FROM THE NEW ALBUM
"BRIDGE THE GAP" PLUS ALL THE MSG, UFO
AND THE SCORPIONS ROCK CLASSICS
The award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a nationwide UK tour at the Newcastle O2 Academy from 10th December. Tickets are available from the 24 hour box office 0844 478 0898 or from www.thegigcartel.com.
Michael Schenker is proud to announce specials guests for the "Bridge the Gap" tour will be Bournemouth Rockers Western Sand.
At O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 20th December - in addition to Western Sand - the phenomenal State Villains featuring Michael’s son, Tyson Schenker on guitar, will be opening up the show.
The State Villains track "Done Crawling" is available to download from SoundCloud HERE
State Villains (L-R) Pat Casey, Tyson Schenker, Lee Downs, Nik One-Take
Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album "Bridge The Gap" which features the new single "Lord Of The Lost And Lonely".
Four days before his UK tour kicks off, Schenker will headline Planet Rockstock Festival at Trecco Bay in South Wales on Saturday 6th December.
Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his enthusiastic personality with every note and phrase. Wayne Findlay adds another dimension to the dynamic, classic Schenker sound with his Dean 7 string guitar and keyboard orchestrations.
Bridge the Gap is a thunderous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by top drawer musicians.
Bridge The Gap features Schenker’s Temple of Rock band, comprising ex-ScorpionsHerman Rarebell (drums) and Francis Buchholz (bass), ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White and Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards).
The new LP includes thirteen adrenalin-fuelled melodic rock’n’roll songs that showcase Schenker’s distinctive and explosive guitar playing, valiantly underpinned by the ferocious rhythm section of Rarebell and Buchholz, marking the first time Schenker, Rarebell and Buchholz have appeared on the same album since the Scorpions’ 1979 Lovedrive.
Vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his enthusiastic personality with every note. Wayne Findlay adds another dimension to the dynamic, classic Schenker sound with his Dean 7 string guitar and keyboard orchestrations.
Bridge the Gap is a thunderous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by top drawer musicians.
The album, recorded at Kidroom Studios, Germany, was produced by Schenker and co-produced and engineered by Michael Voss.
"I sent material to Doogie in the New Year and he started writing melodies and lyrics," says Schenker. There was a lot of energy flying about during the recording process. I had the same drive making this album as I had when I was 16. I wanted it fast, heavy and melodic. It felt like bridging the gap from my teenage and Lovedrive years to what I am doing now. I’m back to where I was a long time ago and I love it."
"Never having really written with Michael before, apart from When the Devil Knows You’reDead (from 2011’s Temple of Rock album), I didn’t know how flexible he would be writing wise," recalls Doogie." I recorded some vocal tracks as ideas and when Michael heard them we were off and running. Within two weeks we were in the studio laying down tracks."
Schenker admits that when he wrote this album, he tried to get a balance between songs that are heavy, fast and melodic, complimented by his signature guitar solos.
"I wanted to combine the old with the new," says Schenker. "That’s why the album’s called Bridge The Gap. With Wayne playing 7 string guitar we created some low, heavy modern sounds. Since I play and experiment on a regular basis, I always have some new, fresh sparks to share when I record a new album. I am inspired from within. It’s infinite like a kaleidoscope."
"As former members of the Scorpions, Herman, Francis and I have been out of the loop of rock’n’roll for quite a while. Getting together for the first time since the Lovedrive album is an incredible jump. We’re connecting the past with the present. We’re bridging the gap."
Schenker remains philosophical about the name of the new album. He believes the name reflects what is going on in the fast-moving world around him.
"Everything that is currently going on in this world is showing that people are desperate for change. We need to bridge the gap of poverty. There are too many innocent people getting killed in terrorist attacks. We need to leave all of this chaos behind us. We have to be strong. We have to continue moving forward, working together in a balanced way."
Schenker is amazed how melodic the new album turned out, but he still insists the songs still feature a bit of darkness as well.
"I came up with the name of the album, before I even started writing. When Doogie started writing the lyrics to the new songs he had something to go by."
1. NEPTUNE RISING
2. WHERE THE WILD WINDS BLOW
3. HORIZONS
4. LORD OF THE LOST AND LONELY
5. ROCK'N'ROLL SYMPHONY
6. TO LIVE FOR THE KING
7. LAND OF THUNDER
8. TEMPLE OF THE HOLY
9. SHINE ON
10. BRIDGES WE HAVE BURNED
11. BECAUSE YOU LIED
12. BLACK MOON RISING
13. DANCE FOR THE PIPER
14. FAITH (VOCALS: DON DOKKEN) (BONUS TRACK)
All songs produced by: Michael Schenker and Michael Voss
All songs are written by: Music - Michael Schenker Lyrics - Doogie White Except: ‘Neptune Rising' (Michael Schenker) Bonus track "Faith" appears on the Special Edition,
featuring Don Dokken (vocals)
MICHAEL SCHENKER'S TEMPLE OF ROCK
THE MAKING OF THE NEW ALBUM
Michael Schenker and Herman Rarebell met on and off over the years and eventually decided to do something together. Schenker hadn’t performed UFO material for a while, and decided to put a touring project together with Best of Michael Schenker material. Pete Way showed up at one of Schenker’s MSG Shows and appeared to be in good spirit, and was invited to Brighton to jam together. At the same time, Schenker was about ready to start working on a new album. He went to a studio in Muenster to record a demo. Michael Voss was engineering and laid down guide vocals.
Schenker liked his voice and asked Voss if he wanted to do the singing. When Schenker finished the demo he played it to Pete and Herman. They liked what they heard and immediately offered to become the rhythm section. The result was 2011’s "Temple Of Rock" album which featured guest musicians including Star Trek’s Captain Kirk (William Shatner) who recorded the spoken word intro on the album. Schenker ended up playing on Shatner’s solo album. Vocalist Doogie White also appeared on the album. Schenker wrote a song specially suited for Doogie’s vocals - "Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead".
The song became a favourite on the album and was A-listed on Planet Rock radio in the UK. When it was time for Schenker to go on tour, Michael Voss wasn’t available, so he had to find a replacement.
Having Robin McAuley singing on one song, Schenker thought about having different line-ups between Voss, McAuley and Doogie (based on their availability). Voss toured with Schenker in Japan, McAuley toured with Schenker in the USA, and Doogie toured with Schenker in Europe.
The song became a favourite on the album and was A-listed on Planet Rock radio in the UK. When it was time for Schenker to go on tour, Michael Voss wasn’t available, so he had to find a replacement.
Having Robin McAuley singing on one song, Schenker thought about having different line-ups between Voss, McAuley and Doogie (based on their availability). Voss toured with Schenker in Japan, McAuley toured with Schenker in the USA, and Doogie toured with Schenker in Europe.
When Schenker was getting ready for the European tour, he learned that Pete Way was not well so he asked Herman Rarebell what Francis Buchholz was up to due to the fact that Schenker performed several Scorpions songs in his set. Francis was happy to join for our European tour with Doogie on vocals and Wayne Findlay on guitar and keyboards. The tour was so successful that Schenker decided to film one of the concerts for a live DVD. The band got stronger and stronger and completed their European tour, but more offers were coming in to perform additional gigs.
Schenker seized the opportunity to record an album after the end of the first leg of their European tour. There was a six month window. Doogie was ready to go for it and so was the rest of the band. Schenker started laying down tracks and gave the material to Doogie so he could start writing the lyrics. Off they went recording with Michael Voss as their engineer/ co-producer. Everything went like clockwork and was finished before the set off to tour Russia in April 2013.
The band toured for another three months in Europe and grew stronger. After finishing the second part of the tour, they got back together and remixed and re-mastered the album. Entitled "Bridge The Gap", the album will be released December 2nd 2013. In 2014, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock will embark on a North American tour. "We’re ready to rock," says Schenker.
The award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a nationwide UK tour at the Newcastle O2 Academy from 10th December. Tickets are available from the 24 hour box office 0844 478 0898 or from www.thegigcartel.com.
Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album "Bridge The Gap" which features the new single "Lord Of The Lost And Lonely".
Four days before his UK tour kicks off, Schenker will headline Planet Rockstock Festival at Trecco Bay in South Wales on Saturday 6th December.
Scottish vocalist Doogie White, who co-wrote the album with Schenker, soars across every song, and stamps his enthusiastic personality with every note and phrase. Wayne Findlay adds another dimension to the dynamic, classic Schenker sound with his Dean 7 string guitar and keyboard orchestrations.
Bridge the Gap is a thunderous, explosive collection of brand new songs steeped in shades of dark and light. Musically and lyrically, the new album shows a re-energised guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by top drawer musicians.
