I must admit that a weird thing happened, at least to m y humble knowledge: while planning for this gig, I was not aware that there would be 2 (!) support bands before Schenker. There was not an announcement from the official organizers, and the event page was never updated. That said, we arrived at Kägelbanan in Stockholm a bit after the doors were supposed to be open for the public and suddenly found ourselves towards the middle of the first support band. Unfortunately, I could not see them from the beginning to fully enjoy their sound, but I must say that the Norwegian band Invasion played very well. With their dynamic performance, loud sound and heavy rock melodies, they pleased the audience and warmed up the atmosphere. It is definitely a band with promising future within the melodic hard rock scene and it’s worth checking them out. (apologies for a missing picture)

The second support act continued the “Norwegian invasion”, the Stargazer delivered the goods, with their classic melodic hard rock and very heavy riffs, played a really nice show. Inspired from the classic 80s melodic rock scene, the distinctive vocals and heavy riffs is their trademark. Although their sound did not come through very clear, as there were some inconsistencies, I must admit that it was a very enjoyable show from their side. I am sure that I will catch them again somewhere in Scandinavia.

Anticipation for the highlight of the night was growing as more and more people gathered for a full house in Kägelbanan, a surprise to some, but I can’t say that I did not expect it. After all, any Michael Schenker gig is a major attraction, adding also to the fact that this tour is a special one, with a special playlist, etc. ‘Natural Thing’ kicked off the show and the crowd is already feeling majestic! The white Gibson flying V does magical things and the audience is getting frenzy. All the classic UFO tunes are here: ‘Hot N Ready’, ‘Doctor Doctor’, ‘This Kid’s’, you name it. The whole band is in great form, and, although this tour was coming to an end, they all played like there is no tomorrow, with huge energy, passion and leaving nobody unhappy.

Roberto Dimitri Liapakis (known as ‘Lia’) performed all classics really well, with a distinctive honor to be fronting the “My Years with UFO” tour, I haven’t seen him before, but I have to give him a lot of credit. Bodo Schopf on drums, Steve Mann on rhythm guitars, keyboards and backing vocals, and Barend Courbois on bass, all well-known artists from other bands/projects and also old friends of Schenker, did delivered the goods in a professional and joyful way.

Michael Schenker and UFO is a relationship that has gone through a lot of paradoxes, tensions, good and bad times throughout these years. I believe that nobody can deny that the albums they did with Schenker on lead guitar in the 70s are their best ever made and they are the fans favorites of course. The live album “Strangers in the Nights”, recorded in 1978 and released in 1979 was the final of a fantastic era, where the band reached their peak and unbelievable heights of stardom and fame in both continents. This live album is, to my humble opinion, one of the best live albums ever by a rock band. Therefore, contributing to such a major thing and building on the UFO legacy, we the fans are able now to enjoy him playing live the songs he co-wrote during those years. It was an emotional moment when he dedicated one of the songs (If I am not mistaken it was ‘Shoot Shoot’) to Pete Way and Paul Raymond (RIP both). Of course, ‘Rock Bottom’ has probably my favorite Michael Schenker guitar solo and it was the highlight of the night.

Feeling blessed to be able to have seen such a legend and a guitar idol for me, playing songs from one of my all time favorite bands, I mean, expectations were exceeded and surpassed way beyond. Definitely a night to remember! Till next time ‘Mad Axeman’!

Live Report, Videos and Pictures
by Antonis Mantzavinos

Playlist:

1. Natural Thing
2. Only You Can Rock Me
3. Hot ‘n’ Ready
4. Doctor Doctor
5. Bass Solo
6. Mother Mary
7. I’m a Loser
8. This Kid’s
9. Lights Out
10. Drum Solo
11. Instrumental Medley
12. Love to Love
13. Let It Roll
14. Can You Roll Her
15. Reasons Love
16. Rock Bottom
17. Shoot Shoot
18. Too Hot to Handle

Το άρθρο MICHAEL SCHENKER, STARGAZER, INVASION – KÄGELBANAN, STOCKHOLM – 20/03/2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.

The world of rock guitar has always been illuminated by a few virtuosic stars who shine brighter than the rest, and among them, Michael Schenker stands out as a comet blazing across the night sky.

His tenure with the British hard rock band UFO during the 1970s remains one of the most celebrated periods in the annals of rock, elevating UFO from underground sensations to rock legends.

Now, in 2024, Michael Schenker is set to celebrate those glory days with his new album “My Years With UFO” alongside today’s rock elite.

Produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, the new album marks the 50th anniversary of Schenker’s era with UFO, spanning from 1972 to 1978. The “German Wunderkind” was asked to join UFO at just 17 years old. Touring the globe as a teenager, Schenker became a driving force behind some of UFO’s most loved tracks, such as “Doctor Doctor”, “Rock Bottom” and “Only You Can Rock Me”.

The second single off the new album, “Rock Bottom”, is an epic, 11-minute track once again showcasing an incredible lineup featuring Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY, HELLOWEEN) on vocals, Derek Sherinian on keys, Brian Tichy on drums and Barry Sparks on bass.

Although Michael Schenker’s era with UFO spanned only six years, his influence as a young songwriter and exceptional guitarist had already left a lasting mark on rock. During these meteoric years, the UFO albums “Phenomenon”, “Force It”, “No Heavy Petting”, “Lights Out”, “Obsession” and the seminal live album “Strangers In The Night” were recorded, each contributing significantly to the genre. “Strangers In The Night” particularly stands out as one of the most influential live rock albums of all time and is still regarded as a cornerstone in any rock enthusiast’s collection.

In this celebratory album, Michael Schenker presents 11 of UFO’s greatest hits from this magical era with an impressive lineup of guest stars. Joining Schenker on this journey are Derek Sherinian on keyboards, Brian Tichy on drums, and Barry Sparks on bass.

The stellar roster of guest artists includes Axl Rose (GUNS N’ ROSES),Slash (GUNS N’ ROSES),Kai Hansen (HELLOWEEN),Roger Glover (DEEP PURPLE),Joey Tempest (EUROPE),Biff Byford (SAXON),Jeff Scott Soto (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOURNEY),John Norum (EUROPE),Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER),Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE),Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW),Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, CACTUS),Adrian Vandenberg (WHITESNAKE),Michael Voss, Stephen Pearcy (RATT) and Erik Grönwall (SKID ROW).

This album is the introduction to an upcoming trilogy, as Michael Schenker has signed an exclusive three-album deal with earMUSIC, with additional albums to follow in 2025 and 2026.

“My Years With UFO” will be released worldwide on September 20 via earMUSIC and is available for pre-order.

“My Years With UFO” track listing:

01. Natural Thing (feat. Dee Snider, Joel Hoekstra)
02. Only You Can Rock Me (feat. Joey Tempest, Roger Glover)
03. Doctor, Doctor (feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Carmine Appice)
04. Mother Mary (feat. Slash, Erik Grönwall)
05. This Kids (feat. Biff Byford)
06. Love To Love (feat. Axl Rose)
07. Lights Out (feat. Jeff Scott Soto, John Norum)
08. Rock Bottom (feat. Kai Hansen)
09. Too Hot To Handle (feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Adrian Vandenberg, Carmine Appice)
10. Let It Roll (feat. Michael Voss)
11. Shoot, Shoot (feat. Stephen Pearcy)

Το άρθρο MICHAEL SCHENKER: RELEASES “ROCK BOTTOM” SINGLE εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Myth Of Rock.