What was already one of the standout moments at this year’s Wacken Open Air—the world’s largest metal festival—turned into something even more unforgettable when Michael Schenker delivered a surprise no one expected.
After powering through a blazing “My Years With UFO” set on Thursday night (July 31) in front of tens of thousands, the legendary guitarist used the world’s loudest stage to announce the upcoming release of a brand-new MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP studio album, titled “Don’t Sell Your Soul”, due out on October 3 via earMUSIC.
To mark the occasion, Schenker and his band closed the show with a world-exclusive live debut of the new album’s title track — a powerful encore that caught the Wacken crowd off guard and was met with roaring enthusiasm across the muddy festival grounds.
Earlier in the set, fans at Wacken were treated to a truly unforgettable moment: GUNS N’ ROSES guitarist Slash made a surprise appearance, joining Schenker on stage for a blistering performance of the UFO classic “Mother Mary.” Two of rock’s most legendary guitarists, side by side — a sight that few in the audience will ever forget.
Don’t Sell Your Soul is the latest studio album from the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and serves as the second installment in a trilogy that began with 2024’s My Years With UFO.
Produced by Schenker and Michael Voss, Don’t Sell Your Soul was recorded with a lineup of trusted collaborators: Bodo Schopf (drums), Barend Courbois (bass), and Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards). Handling lead vocals is the exceptional Erik Grönwall, former SKID ROW frontman and widely considered one of the finest rock voices of his generation. The album also features guest vocal appearances from Robin McAuley, Roberto Dimitri “Lia” Liapakis and Voss.
There are guitar legends — and then there’s Michael Schenker. From his early rise with the SCORPIONS and his game-changing contributions to UFO, to founding the Michael Schenker Group in 1979, Schenker has consistently set the standard for hard rock and metal guitar. Decades on, MSG continues to reflect his unwavering artistic vision, with “Don’t Sell Your Soul” being the latest powerful chapter in that legacy.
“Don’t Sell Your Soul” track listing:
01. Don’t Sell Your Soul
02. Danger Zone
03. Eye Of The Strom
04. Janey The Fox
05. I Can’t Stand Waiting
06. Sign Of The Times
07. The Chosen
08. It’s You
09. Sixstring Shotgun
10. Flesh And Bone
11. Surrender
