UFO and SCORPIONS credited guitarist Michael Schenker, born in Sarstedt on January 10th 1955, is renowned for his fluid, melodic and distinctive of playing as well as his trademark black and white Gibson flying V guitar. Unfortunately, this musical genius is tempered with a reputation for disappearing acts mid tour, this having happened during spells with UFO on numerous occasions, and various mood swings attributed to substance abuse and the wayward character of genius.

The teenage guitarist got his first professional leg up when, along with ex-MUSHROOMS vocalist Klaus Meine, he joined his elder brother Rudolf Schenker's band SCORPIONS in December 1970. Previous to this, Michael Schenker had travelled through his first act THE INNOVATES in 1966 through CRY and CRY EXPRESS in 1968 and COPERNICUS. In 1972 the SCORPIONS released their debut album 'Lonesome Crow' with a line-up featuring the Schenker brothers, Meine, bassist Lother Heimberg and drummer Wolfgang Dziony. The album was the first of many in succession to be produced by Conny Plank. 'Lonesome Crow' is an adventurous, Jazzy effort markedly different in to later works.

Michael Schenker, however, was to leave the group and was persuaded to join UFO in bizarre circumstances. Arriving in Regensburg in June 1973 to support UFO the SCORPIONS were dumbfounded when the headline act asked to borrow their gear and guitarist. Michael Schenker accepted the offer, appearing with both bands onstage for the gig until UFO's regular guitarist at the time BERNIE MARSDEN arrived to complete the dates. The inevitable happened and following the tour Michael jumped ship to UFO, being replaced in the SCORPIONS by another German guitar legend - ULI JON ROTH.

Schenker's inaugural recording effort with UFO would be the 'Phenomenon' album, produced by TEN YEARS AFTER bassist Leo Lyons, boasted what were to become two all time classic Rock tracks, namely 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor'. 1975's 'Force It' and 1976's 'No Heavy Petting' continued the upward trend for the band. Although UFO had made steady progress to that point, their albums potential was hindered by lacklustre production. However, 1977's 'Lights Out' saw the band utilising the services of Ron Nevison and sowing the first seeds of their American success. Unfortunately, on the eve of their debut American tour supporting RUSH Schenker performed what was to be the first of his notorious disappearing acts. Former guitarist PAUL CHAPMAN (now firmly ensconced in LONE STAR) was hastily drafted in on a temporary basis before the wayward Schenker was located in Europe and persuaded to finish the tour.

In spite of internal frictions UFO's persistence had paid off with American radio taking to 'Too Hot to Handle', and the 'Lights Out' album remaining on the Billboard charts for nearly half a year peaking at no. 23 and earning the band a well deserved gold album. American reaction to the band's polished Hard Rock sound meant that it was sensible to relocate. The band all moved to Los Angeles and began recording 'Obsession', once more produced by Ron Nevison, in February 1978.

They returned home for a successful British tour during the summer and with a further run of American dates BLUE ÖYSTER CULT and with co-headliners JUDAS PRIEST followed, but by October Schenker had quit for good returning to Germany for another brief liaison with the SCORPIONS for their 'Lovedrive' album.

Upon officially leaving UFO in October of 1978, his parting shot being the landmark 'Strangers In The Night' live album, Schenker conducted an abortive attempt at a new band unit with the MONTROSE rhythm section of drummer Denny Carmassi and bassist Bill Church, but this led to nothing. Schenker was also invited to audition for AEROSMITH to fill Joe Perry's shoes but one studio meeting between the two parties was as far as that proposed union got.

The guitarist knuckled down from 1980 onwards to produce some exceptional albums. The MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP's early albums with former FRAZER NASH vocalist Gary Barden elevated the band to world-wide headlining status. The first MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP album, produced by DEEP PURPLE's bassist ROGER GLOVER, was recorded with Schenker, Barden, former FANCY bassist Mo Foster and ace session drummer Simon Phillips. RAINBOW man DON AIREY was also obliging with keyboards.

The touring band consisted of Schenker, Barden, bassist Chris Glen, RAINBOW veteran drummer COZY POWELL and Schenker's former UFO cohort Paul Raymond on guitar and keyboards. The first world tour, including dates opening for MOLLY HATCHET in America, established the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP as a major draw and highlighted Schenker's cult guitar hero status.

It would be the touring band that would cut the Ron Nevison produced second album, 'MSG II' and, as. the group had recorded dates on their Japanese tour of '81 it wasn't long before a double live effort emerged in the Far East. Fan fanaticism for new product meant that imports of the Japanese release only 'One Night At Budokan' album, recorded at the world famous venue on August 12th, 1981, were on sale in Britain for a then whopping £18. Chrysalis eventually gave the album a release in Britain and Europe. (A subsequent Japanese re-release in 2001 added both 'Tales Of Mystery', omitted from the original album and a Cozy Powell drum solo from an Osaka show).

Before the group set to work on the new studio album for 1982 Gary Barden was, much to the mystification of his many fans, unceremoniously fired. Reports filtered through that the band's management had been keen to elevate Schenker's career by way of introducing a name singer in order to quickly recoup the apparent huge recording costs of the 'MSG' album. Schenker in vain tried to enlist GRAND PRIX vocalist ROBIN McAULEY but was turned down. In his stead came erstwhile RAINBOW vocalist GRAHAM BONNET to join the fold to record the Martin Birch produced 'Assault Attack'. Paul Raymond also left to pursue his solo project RUFFIANS with ex-ANGEL vocalist Frank Dimono and CHEAP TRICK bassist John Brandt.

In the midst of rehearsing for 'Assault Attack' Schenker received a call from OZZY OSBOURNE requesting his services after the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, but this offer proved unfeasible. Nevertheless, Schenker regrouped with ex-SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND and RORY GALLAGHER drummer Ted McKenna replacing the also departed Cozy Powell. Keyboard player Tommy Eyre was used for the recording, but MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP adopted ex-SHEENA EASTON band man Andy Nye for the touring band.

At one of the new MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP line up's first gigs in Sheffield to warm up for the group's forthcoming appearance at the Reading Festival, a drunken Bonnet pulled live rhythm guitarist Steve Casey out from behind some amps and introduced him to the crowd, much to Schenker's annoyance. The singer wandered offstage and didn't come back again. Bonnet upped and left, necessitating the surprising return of Barden for their headlining 1982 Reading Festival appearance and two German festivals, after which the estranged vocalist was re-recruited on a permanent basis.

Reunited with Barden MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP toured Britain and Japan before settling down to record 'Built To Destroy' with more than an eye to the American market. One track, 'Red Sky', would be a co-composition with BARON ROJO bass player Jose Luis Campuzano Sherpa. Although the material was strong the resultant mixes were judged so dire that they were completely remixed by Jack Douglas for the American release. In August 1983 ex-TED NUGENT, ST. PARADISE and WHITFORD/ST. HOLMES man DEREK ST. HOLMES was recruited for live work on guitar and vocals.

However, St. Holmes packed his bags suddenly mid tour. Meantime, the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP found a valuable stand in with ex-ARGENT, PHOENIX and CHARLIE man John Verity. However, Verity's stay was short lived and he performed only one gig in Middlesborough with the band. Whatever, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP would release a live album from the tour, 'Rock Will Never Die', which had a guest appearance from Michael's brother Rudolph of the SCORPIONS and also SCORPIONS vocalist Klaus Miene on the old UFO chestnut 'Doctor, Doctor'.

Gary Barden left again, this time for good creating STATETROOPER, and MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP started rehearsing with former KGB man Ray Kennedy who was also to leave before the end of the year. February 1984 saw Chris Glen finally leaving the ranks. Bassist Dennis Feldman, previously with SPEEDWAY BOULEVARD and BALANCE, was to fill Glen's shoes, but towards the end of 1984 he left to work with Australians HEAVEN and, at a critical juncture, Nye and McKenna also left the ranks.

Schenker promptly retired to New York and rehearsals with former ORION THE HUNTER, of 'The Hunter' album infamy, vocalist Fran Cosmo. They would be joined by Bruce Smith, bassist from ORION THE HUNTER, and British guitarist Roland Jones. Songwriting sessions at the Mayflower Hotel and rehearsals at S.I.R. Studios in New York produced a demo that was recorded in MOTT THE HOOPLE vocalist Ian Hunter's studio. However, this line-up disbanded after approximately six months. The guitarist then set about auditioning proposed vocalists. Included in the runners was ex-AIRRACE vocalist Keith Murrell. However, the all new MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP transpired as the McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP, with Michael's new frontman being Irish born ex-GRAND PRIX man ROBIN MCAULEY. The pair built up a completely fresh band comprising of bassist Rocky Newton, guitarist Steve Mann and German drummer Bodo Schopf. The latter's credits include British act JUICY LUCY. Both Newton and Mann had credits with LIONHEART whilst the guitarist could cite prior membership of such esteemed acts as FAST BUCK (with a pre THIN LIZZY Scott Gorham), BANDANA, LIAR, STRATUS, TYTAN and SCORCHED EARTH.

This line-up debuted live in front of an enormous festival audience in Germany at the 'Rock Am Ring' festival billed alongside OZZY OSBOURNE and the SCORPIONS. The group subsequently relocated to Los Angeles and were intent on cracking the American market. The resulting 'Perfect Timing' album, produced by Andy Johns, sold fairly well being backed up with support tours to the likes of WHITESNAKE, RUSH and DEF LEPPARD. Mann was unable to tour due to a family illness and American ex-STEELER and TALAS man MITCH PERRY filled in for live work before Mann's return in August of 1988 in time to record the follow up.

That next album, the Frank Filipetti produced 'Save Yourself', quite miracalously saw Schenker retaining the same line up. Touring saw the band opening for GREAT WHITE and going out as headliners with the BLACK CROWES as guests. Between albums Schenker turned up on MTV guesting with RATT for their 'unplugged' sessions and contributed guitar solos to their 'Detonator' album.

The work with RATT led to the formation of an ad hoc 'supergroup' called CONTRABAND that comprised of SHARK ISLAND vocalist Richard Black, VIXEN bassist Share Pederson, L.A. GUNS guitarist Tracii Guns and RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer. The resulting album was typically an average affair, but nonetheless CONTRABAND guested on RATT's American tour, but with an ever depleting line up, as individual members' own band commitments came to the fore with Pederson unable to make the tour at all and Black leaving after two gigs.

In 1991 McAuley and Schenker switched management to Alan Cobeck and immediately fired the rest of McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP with a view to recording the next album with various 'guest stars' rather than hired musicians. As it turned out, DOKKEN bassist Jeff Pilson and ex KINGDOM COME drummer James Kottak did the honours.

Schenker once more staggered his fans when, upon the album's completion, he announced he was going on hunger strike in order to draw attention to the worlds's needy. The proposed culmination of this hunger strike was a show featuring the original MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP line up, UFO and the SCORPIONS at the Irvine Meadows amphitheatre in California. The show never happened.

Rumours abounded that Schenker was now letting a German astrological guru dictate his career as the guitarist underwent rehabilitation to counter his alcohol problem. The guitarist was also earning money by giving celebrity guitar lessons for a whopping $200 an hour fee! It was at one of these lessons that Schenker met his manager to be Bella Piper.

McAuley and Schenker geared up for live action with a sprinkling of acoustic shows. McAULEY SCHENKER GROUP in America were becoming increasingly reliant on UFO covers when playing live and with the reunion of UFO mainmen PHIL MOGG and PETE WAY in the early 90s rumours abounded that Schenker was to rejoin the classic 1978 UFO line up. Although contact was made it was to be a further two years before Schenker reunited with Mogg and Way, during which time UFO released the 'High Stakes And Dangerous Men' album with guitarist Lawrence Archer. Finally, in November 1993 Schenker relented to tour Germany with UFO.

The UFO shows included a sprinkling of instrumental numbers from Schenker's 1994 'Thank You' acoustic album. In an unorthodox move Schenker had asked his fans to pay upfront for the album by mail order and in return they would be peronally thanked on the album sleeve, hence the album title. Acoustic guitar for the album was recorded by Paul Guerin, Schenker's guitar tech and former member of RED DOGS, the FIREBYRDS and Brian Robertson's outfit THE CLAN.

The guitarist recorded a quite superb comeback album with UFO, 'Walk On Water', and the band undertook a lengthy American tour. After more than 70 very successful shows Schenker quit yet again. Schenker was soon back in action and recruiting members for a revised version of MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP. This new act included ex-GREAT KING RAT vocalist Leif Sundin, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Shane Gaalas, although an American tour had to be cancelled due over Sundin's refused entry into the country due to visa problems.

Schenker would re-arrange the shows and toured America presenting the new UFO album 'Walk On Water' within the context of a live show titled 'The Michael Schenker Story'. Sundin's vocal position for the tour was taken by American singer David Van Landing (a brief member of CRIMSON GLORY previously as well as EROTIC LIQUID CULTURE). Sundin was to return, alongside Van Landing, for the Japanese leg of the tour.

Schenker, now sporting jet black dyed hair (including facial hair!), buried the hatchet with UFO once more to complete a well received European tour. He then set up his own dates with MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP as part of the G3 concept concerts in conjunction with JOE SATRIANI and fellow German axe hero and ex SCORPIONS member ULI JON ROTH.

Schenker's renewed work ethic continued unabated during 1999 as he issued his next studio album 'The Unforgiven'. Another new face, former BATON ROUGE man Kelly Keeling, fronted the band that saw Seth Bernstein on rhythm guitar, ARTENSION's John Onder on bass and Gaalas (now a member of his own COSMOSQUAD alongside Barry Sparks) maintaining his position. However, for live dates in America Schenker pulled in STEELHOUSE LANE and MUDPIE vocalist Keith Slack to front the band. Keeling assembled THE WELL with erstwhile MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP man MITCH PERRY.

The 2000 all instrumental 'Adventures Of The Imagination' album saw the esteemed Aynsley Dunbar on drums. Dunbar had of course supplied drums on the debut MOGG/WAY album. That same year Schenker was back in UFO (along with Dunbar) for their album 'Covenant'. It was on this tour that fans attending gigs also had the opportunity to purchase a CD titled 'The Odd Trio'. An exclusively instrumental release the album credited Schenker, bassist Harry Cobham and drummer Kathy Brown. However, many fans noticed a distinct similarity in the facial features of all three- even 'Kathy Brown'- surmising that this one one of the guitarist's displays of odd humour.

The guitarist's career was seemingly put in jeopardy after a UFO show at Manchester in November. An obviously drunk and overweight Schenker not only taunted other band members but also the audience. Refusing to play any lead solos Schenker also sported a black eye, the direct result of a headbutt from THE QUIREBOYS singer SPIKE. Needless to say after this debacle UFO's remaining dates were cancelled.

This maverick display from the German would soon result in a another reconciliation with his UFO colleagues. Getting back to solo work the guitarist employed vocalist Chris Logan for a new record ironically entitled 'Be Aware Of Scorpions'. The Japanese version of the album would boast an extra bonus track 'Ride The Lightning' with lead vocals from Jeff Martin, known for his vocal skills in RACER X and his drumming abilities with BADLANDS and, of course, UFO. Schenker's band saw Schenker, Logan and Martin (on drums) joined by ex-FORTE and BLACK SYMPHONY man Ghames 'Reverend' Jones on bass. Schenker would also find time to get in some studio time with UFO bassist PETE WAY during July and August of 2001 for a further project band billed as THE PLOT.

Touring to promote 'Be Aware Of Scorpions' found the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP back for a projected series of Japanese headliners during December. However, Jeff Martin quit the band with reports stating the drummer could not handle the consequences of Michael's drinking and the tour was duly cancelled. Shortly after rumours circulated that Schenker was ensconced in the studio working on a purely instrumental venture in collusion with erstwhile MEGADETH guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN and DOKKEN / COSMOSQUAD bassist Barry Sparks.

American dates for the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP were announced as commencing with a three night run at the Chicago House Of Blues from the 26th November. The support act for this string of dates fired fans anticipation as it emerged that the Schenker / Way combo of THE PLOT would be doing the honours. However, as it transpired THE PLOT would perform four numbers in the middle of Schenker's set.

The tour began with a series of sold out shows and strong performances but at the 6th of December gig at Palo Alto's Icon Supperclub disaster struck. Schenker opened the show with 'Into The Arena' but was unable to finish it. The audience were told the guitarist was ill and tickets for the non show refunded. Some of the gigs would be re-scheduled but soon after cancelled. Fans would be mystified as Schenker then proceeded to sell a collection of guitars and even a tour bus on internet auctions. Schenker's famous no. 1 Flying V reportedly sold for just $18,000. During 2002 the guitarist busied himself with recording of a fresh UFO album 'Sharks' for September issue. Unfortunately the record turned out to be one of the German's less inspired moments.

2003 brought a rash of news on the Schenker front. The guitarist exited from UFO, relinquishing any claims on the band title, (enabling Mogg & Way to immediately recuit JOHN NORUM) and set to work on his solo career. The guitarist put up for sale yet more personal items, including guitars and clothing, as he announced a new record deal with the Dutch indie label Mascot Records.

Schenker unveiled yet another new band line up in April for a new studio album 'Arachnophobia' comprising vocalist Chris Logan, the JOE SATRIANI and STEVE VAI credited bass player Stu Hamm and Jeremy Colson, also of STEVE VAI repute, on the drums. Despite this, and with 'Arachnaphobic' still waiting in the wings, reports emerged the German had forged another new project entitled SCHUGAR/SCHENKER working with Amy Schugar, guitarist Fred Robinson, bassist Mark Lehman and drummer Matt Indes. This outfit released a demo album entitled 'Under Construction' in November.

The Schenker faithful would be pleased to see an apparent return to form with 'Arachnophobia' but this subsequently turned to alarm. Credited as a guest musician on the record, NIGHT RANGER guitarist JEFF WATSON subsequently revealed in interviews that Schenker had disappeared in the midst of recording. Watson therefore laid down the bulk of the guitar work on the record including many solos.

The band announced a November / December run of US dates, predictably sporting a newly revised line-up. Alongside Schenker, Logan and Reverend Jones would be guitarist / keyboard player Wayne Findlay with the BLACK 'N' BLUE, TED NUGENT, BLACK SYMPHONY and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN credited Pete Holmes on the drums.

As 2004 was ushered the guitarist announced a further spin off project in union with the GAMMA and ROBIN TROWER band credited vocalist Davey Pattison. This duo, provisionally billed as SCHENKER/PATTISON unveiled plans for an album of seventies Hard Rock cover versions. Meantime the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP lined up a series of European dates for February and March.

In May someone purporting to be Schenker's personal manager Nancy Lewis posted an online message to fans asking they pray for him as he was "very sick and if he does not get well soon, it may end him as well as his career". The claims were subsequently revealed to have been planted by an imposter but did serve to highlight fans concerns over the guitarists's health and career difficulties. Nevertheless, Schenker did comment that his divorce had left him near destitute, revealing at his lowest ebb his personal possessions amounted to "a bicycle, a few shirts and a few trousers".

A unexpected appearance for Schenker occurred at BARON ROJO's 24th July 2004 gig at the Pavello Olimpic de Badalona in Barcelona, Spain as support to JUDAS PRIEST. Schenker joined the Spanish veterans to perform a version of the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP's 'Assault Attack'. The guitarist also recorded a guest appearance on a Blues Rock album from SIGGI SCHWARZ & THE ELECTRIC GUITAR LEGENDS, performing on five tracks, 'Born Under A Bad Sign', 'Messin With The Kid', 'Upside Down', 'Chevrolet' and 'Steppin' Out'. Schenker also notably reunited with ROBIN McAULEY to front up a cover of IRON MAIDEN's 'Run To The Hills' for a 2005 tribute album.

In October Dean Guitars issued a Michael Schenker Signature V guitar. 100 limited edition models would be signed and numbered by Michael himself. Reuniting with Siggi Schwarz, Schenker formed up a live band with his guitar ally for a brief burst of German gigs in December.

In January 2005 the guitarist unveiled the details of his covers album 'Heavy Hitters'. Produced by the MEAT LOAF credited Bob Kulick the record ran through a selection of seventies Rock tracks assembled with a swathe of guest artists. UFO's 'Doctor Doctor' saw the inclusion of the SOUL SIRKUS pairing of vocalist JEFF SCOTT SOTO and bassist Marco Mendoza with Brett Chassen on drums. 'All Shook Up' was fronted by JOE LYNN TURNER backed by DOKKEN's Jeff Pilson and the veteran drummer Aynsley Dunbar. For NAZARETH's 'Hair Of The Dog' Schenker drafted ex-IRON MAIDEN singer PAUL DIANNO, the OZZY OSBOURNE credited Phil Soussan on bass and erstwhile BLACK SABBATH and DIO drummer Vinnie Appice. SEBASTIAN BACH featured on 'I Don't Live Today' alongside THE FIRM bassist TONY FRANKLIN and KISS drummer Eric Singer. BLACK SABBATH's 'War Pigs' was sung by ex-JUDAS PRIEST man Ripper Owens with Dunbar on drums and ALICE IN CHAINS man Mike Inez on bass. PINK FLOYD's 'Money' would be vocalised by TOMMY SHAW. The DIO rhythm section of bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Simon Wright partnered with MOUNTAIN's LESLIE WEST on 'Blood Of The Sun'. GARY MOORE's 'Out In The Fields' saw a reunion with Gary Barden with QUIET RIOT's Chuck Wright on bass and Brett Chassen on drums whilst Pilson and Dunbar lent support to SLAUGHTER's Mark Slaughter on 'I'm Not Talking'.

A noteworthy gig came on 20th January at The Vault 350 in Long Beach when the guitarist was briefly rejoined onstage by former singer ROBIN McAULEY. Another band veteran, GRAHAM BONNET, had rehearsed for the show but dropped out due to illness. Schenker assembled a trio of singer Kelly Keeling and keyboard player Wayne Findlay for a round of "Unplugged California" tour dates in March. These shows would be advertised as an "intimate evening" with Michael Schenker, complete with tables and chairs. However, the shows would be postponed.

The guitarist renewed ties with former band singer GARY JOHN BARDEN in October, donating a solo to the track 'Let Me Down' on the solo album 'Songs From The Thai Room'.

Personal legal difficulties forced the guitarist to leave the USA in November, Schenker posting on his website explaining "I am being threatened with my passport being suspended, my assets frozen and jail time". However, as confusion reigned once again, just a day later Schenker stated that all issues had been resolved and that he was to tour the USA in December alongside MOUNTAIN legend LESLIE WEST. It would be revealed later that year that Schenker, together with ACCEPT's WOLF HOFFMAN and ULI JON ROTH, was in negotations to conduct a "German G3" tour of Europe in 2006.

Schenker guested on GARY JOHN BARDEN's 2006 solo album, 'The Agony And Xtasy'. The SCORPIONS again put on a celebratory event including former members for their headline show at the 'Wacken Open Air' festival on August 3rd billed 'A Night to Remember - A Journey in Time'. Not only did the band perform many archive songs featuring ULI JON ROTH, HERMAN RAREBELL and MICHAEL SCHENKER but they encored with 'In Search Of The Peace Of Mind' including all three players plus Michael's son Tyson Schenker on guitar.

US dates for the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP were announced then scrapped. In August the guitarist posted several personal communications between himself and singer Jari Tiura on his personal website, blaming him for the tour's cancellation. After stating "I have quit playing" Schenker went on to say "I am tired of changing musicians and singers. MSG is finished and I am not inspired anymore." Shortly afterwards, all content was removed from Schenker's personal website and replaced by an inverted MSG logo.