MICHAEL SCHENKER's TEMPLE OF ROCK To Release On A Mission - Live In Madrid CD/DVD
By
Larry Petro,
News Monkey
Thursday, April 7, 2016 @ 4:26 PM
Due Out End Of April
- advertisement -
What on the surface might appear to be a platitude, is a serious invitation for the fans of the “Mad Axeman” and one they are happyto take him up on. Where else could aficionados of high-class guitar rock see such an emotional and energetic show? And one featuringa line-up that leaves connoisseurs of the international music scene rapturously clicking their tongues in appreciation. First of all Michael Schenker himself. He started his career in 1969 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 his current band. In all these years, Michael has not just experienced the highs and lows of a music career; he has also constantly developed from a “German Wunderkind” to an experienced and technically highly skilled guitarist. He played for and with anybody of significance and repute – often on one-off occasions and is now reunited with some of his old colleagues – such as the former rhythm section of the SCORPIONS, bass-player Francis Buchholz and drummer Herman “The German” Rarebell. Guitarist and keyboard-player Wayne Findley is another musician who has worked with Michael over a long time. The two know each other from their time in the MSG. But what would such a great band be without a singer who can also set his own standards? They found just such a vocalist in Doogie White (formerly of RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S RAINBOW) and he is nowpart of the fixed line-up of Michael Schenker‘s TEMPLE OF ROCK and has mastered the vast majority of Michael Schenker‘s repertoire. Since the foundation of Michael Schenker’s TEMPLE OF ROCK in 2011, the five top musicians have recorded the
albums Live In Europe (2012), Bridge The Gap (2013) and Spirit On A Mission (2015).
During their world tour of 2015/2016, the line-up set up their Temple of Rock in the Joy Eslava theatre in central Madrid. Michael Schenker and his crew chose this unique location with care for the recording of this concert. The historical 3-story musical theatre creates an especially intimate atmosphere between the musicians and their audience, one that would be felt musically and visually. On the evening of 19/11/2015, a sold-out Joy Eslava saw convincing evidence of just how powerful and exciting a concert from Michael Schenker’s TEMPLE OF ROCK can be. At the same time – and this was the special feature of this night – it became clear just how close the band and the audience were and how they drove each other on to even better performances. The musicians clapped along with the fans as they sung along to hits old and new with great enthusiasm. All musical phases of Michael Schenker‘s career were included and the evening became a joyful party as well as a clear message of how positively Michael Schenker‘s music can enrich the listener‘s life. Just as the name of the venue in Madrid promises.
The set got off to an ideal start with “Doctor Doctor” from the UFO era and within seconds, fans and band alike had warmed up to the temperature at which rock melts. This high level of enthusiasm was maintained throughout the entire show and made the heavy rock show into a special event that will stay forever in the memories of the musicians and those watching. The sheer density of hits from four decades, including (among many others) “Lovedrive” and “Blackout”(SCORPIONS), “Lights Out” and “Rock Bottom” (UFO) or “Victim Of Illusion” (MSG) as well as more recent songs from the last three TEMPLE OF ROCK albums made sure that it was an unforgettable evening.
Michael Schenker played various guitars, including for the first time his new double-neck Flying-M with 2 necks, each with 6 strings, with each neck tuned differently.
In keeping with the calibre of the event, it was recorded using appropriate top sound and video technology. An immense effort went into the filming. 4K technology cameras provide perfect, crystal clear pictures. Additional room microphones were placed at different heights in the auditorium, meaning that an additional Dolby Atmos 3D mix will be available on the Blu-ray edition.
Check out the video trailer below!
The concert will be available in the following formats: