As a teenager in the 70's who looked up to Michael Schenker as a Guitar God above all others for his uniquely melodic lead style, phrasing and tone and followed him religiously through UFO, MSG, Scorpions, Contraband, etc., I--like many--have for the last 30 years been dreaming of a day when he would clean himself up, take himself and his playing seriously and return to the player we know he can be. Last night in San Francisco--the first night of his reunion tour with Robin McAuley--was that night. He was clean; he was healthy; he was smiling, singing and slapping hands of the people near the stage; and--most importantly--he was absolutely on fire on the guitar. Having seen him a number of times through the years (including when he almost knocked over a Marshall stack as he stumbled drunkenly into it while doing a sloppy lead), this was a different man. He was amazing. He was better than he has ever been. He showed a speed, dexterity and style that was the best of classic Schenker coupled with a compulsion to prove that he has everything he ever had and then some. It was the second coming of Christ for the entire crowd.
Let me also say that the entire band was firing on all cyliders. Robin McAuley's voice was strong and the perfect match for the UFO, Scorpions and MSG songs that made up the set. He was amazing and fantastic frontman. Pete Holmes (Drums), Elliot Rubinson (bass) and Wayne Findlay (Keys and guitar) made a solid backbone to the band.
If you are a Schenker fan or someone who simply wants to drop jaw and see what playing the guitar should look and sound like, run--don't walk--to the new and improved MSG tour.
Let me also say that the entire band was firing on all cyliders. Robin McAuley's voice was strong and the perfect match for the UFO, Scorpions and MSG songs that made up the set. He was amazing and fantastic frontman. Pete Holmes (Drums), Elliot Rubinson (bass) and Wayne Findlay (Keys and guitar) made a solid backbone to the band.
If you are a Schenker fan or someone who simply wants to drop jaw and see what playing the guitar should look and sound like, run--don't walk--to the new and improved MSG tour.
He is getting back with all his old peops! He played with Simon Phillips,Gary Barden & Neal Murray on that one, so it would be cool to see him back with Robin again after all these years!Last time I saw them play together was at the Warefield with Great White Feb 24th 1990, still got my ticket stub 
