Michael Schenker started playing guitar at 9 years of age. By the time Michael was 19 he had joined his older
brother Rudolph's band THE SCORPIONS to record their first album Lonesome Crow. While on their first tour, opening
for UFO, Michael was asked to fill in on guitar for a few shows. Between the Scorpions set and UFO set he would rehearse songs
in a bathroom with bassist Pete Way playing both shows nightly and was ultimately asked to join. He joined UFO and recorded
from '74 through '78. Michael is responsible for the trademark guitar sound and songwriting of UFO through their rise
to worldwide success in the 1970's.
Michael felt a need to grow, and burnt out from constant touring, he left UFO to explore a solo career,
but re-joined The Scorpions for the Lovedrive album in 1979. By the early 1980's he had formed The MICHAEL SCHENKER
GROUP and was back in the studio and touring again.
After 4 years with The MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and changes in vocalists (Gary Barden,Graham Bonnett), Michael teamed
with Robin McCauley for 1987's MSG/Perfect Timing release. MSG now stood for McCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP and
after seven years together and only three releases it was time to move forward.
In 1992 he went into the studio to record an all acoustic instrumental album dedicated to his legions of
fans titled "Thank You". For each fan who paid in advance of its release, that persons name appeared on the cover artwork
of the cd. Michael wrote, recorded, and produced the entire cd himself and toured the country for the first time without the
backing of any record label.
By 1995, UFO fans got their wish when Michael re-joined to record Walk On Water and toured the U.S.
with UFO again. Following this tour Michael returned to solo efforts and continues to release some of the most distinct rock
guitar cds ever.
Michael has over 30 years of being considered one of the most admired and influential guitarists of rock
music. His catalog of work is enormous and appears to have no end in sight. Some of the greatest guitarist of the past 3 decades
list him as a major influence and few have been able to capture the emotion and skill Michael delivers to each and every solo
he performs!
appears to have no end in sight.
