A quick review of the show for those that are interested...
Michael Shenker Group-The Galaxy
Anaheim, California 6.4.04
I can’t begin to tell you how geeked I was to get a chance to finally see Schenker live. He had canceled the last show in Portland, OR when he was playing with UFO in’98. Since then he has basically skipped, Oregon all together, a disappointment for me. Michael Schenker group hit the stage at about 10:45 PM, I had arrived at about 10:00 PM, just in time to miss one of the opening bands. Judging from the reaction of the various fans, that I spoke with, I didn’t miss much. Schenker appeared on stage with his trademark Flying V then the lights dimmed. The opening number was "Lights Out," kinda different opening with a track, that is reserved for an encore. Regardless, of my thoughts on the choice of opener, Schenker played a flawlessly & looking a bit older, he appeared to be Kerry King’s old man, the shorts, the T-shirt, sunglasses & boots. Michael never known for his stage presence, didn’t surprise, he chose his designated spot on the left side of the stage & didn’t move a muscle, but didn't miss a lick! The setlist included "On & On," "Attack of the Mad Axeman," "Only You Can Rock Me(my personal favorite)" toward the middle of the set, they stopped the momentum they had built by playing newer MSG material, "Fat City," Arachnophobiac," "Fatal Strike" & Rock & Roll Believer." Chris Logan has to be the luckiest bastard on the face of the planet, he’s definitely the weak link in the band. His voice began to deteriorate halfway through the set, he makes great effort to show some range, but he just can't. I was very impressed with Rev. Jones, as the show went on he showed off his chops, when they tore through "Into The Arena," I was speechless, his style reminded me of Billy Sheehan's and Pete Holmes was good, but he’s not Shane Gaalaas. Pete Holmes, did however, get a chance to show some of his percussion pyrotechnics, which he didn't really get to do when he played with Black 'N Blue. The band played on & then came out for the encore, "Doctor, Doctor," "Armed & Ready" & "Rock Bottom." The show ended with a bang at 11.55 PM. At that time you could see Schenker was pleased by the audience’s response, grinning & tossing picks into the crowd. Never experiencing him live & not knowing if his next "meltdown" is around the corner, I was delighted to have been there. Overall, a great show, no make-up, no flash pots, no gimmicks, just the band & a stage, the way it should be. Afterward, keeping with the intimate setting, Schenker came out & signed things for the fans. He was soft spoken, humble & really appreciated all the people that turned out for the show.
SIXXSWINE \m/
Michael Shenker Group-The Galaxy
Anaheim, California 6.4.04
I can’t begin to tell you how geeked I was to get a chance to finally see Schenker live. He had canceled the last show in Portland, OR when he was playing with UFO in’98. Since then he has basically skipped, Oregon all together, a disappointment for me. Michael Schenker group hit the stage at about 10:45 PM, I had arrived at about 10:00 PM, just in time to miss one of the opening bands. Judging from the reaction of the various fans, that I spoke with, I didn’t miss much. Schenker appeared on stage with his trademark Flying V then the lights dimmed. The opening number was "Lights Out," kinda different opening with a track, that is reserved for an encore. Regardless, of my thoughts on the choice of opener, Schenker played a flawlessly & looking a bit older, he appeared to be Kerry King’s old man, the shorts, the T-shirt, sunglasses & boots. Michael never known for his stage presence, didn’t surprise, he chose his designated spot on the left side of the stage & didn’t move a muscle, but didn't miss a lick! The setlist included "On & On," "Attack of the Mad Axeman," "Only You Can Rock Me(my personal favorite)" toward the middle of the set, they stopped the momentum they had built by playing newer MSG material, "Fat City," Arachnophobiac," "Fatal Strike" & Rock & Roll Believer." Chris Logan has to be the luckiest bastard on the face of the planet, he’s definitely the weak link in the band. His voice began to deteriorate halfway through the set, he makes great effort to show some range, but he just can't. I was very impressed with Rev. Jones, as the show went on he showed off his chops, when they tore through "Into The Arena," I was speechless, his style reminded me of Billy Sheehan's and Pete Holmes was good, but he’s not Shane Gaalaas. Pete Holmes, did however, get a chance to show some of his percussion pyrotechnics, which he didn't really get to do when he played with Black 'N Blue. The band played on & then came out for the encore, "Doctor, Doctor," "Armed & Ready" & "Rock Bottom." The show ended with a bang at 11.55 PM. At that time you could see Schenker was pleased by the audience’s response, grinning & tossing picks into the crowd. Never experiencing him live & not knowing if his next "meltdown" is around the corner, I was delighted to have been there. Overall, a great show, no make-up, no flash pots, no gimmicks, just the band & a stage, the way it should be. Afterward, keeping with the intimate setting, Schenker came out & signed things for the fans. He was soft spoken, humble & really appreciated all the people that turned out for the show.
SIXXSWINE \m/
