Michael Schenker shred through more than 40 years of guitar riffs when he performed during Michael Schenker Fest at The Ritz Ybor in Tampa, Florida.
The “Blonde Bomber” was joined on stage by the four vocalists from his solo career: Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley and Doogie White. Also performing was bassist Chris Glen, drummer Ted McKenna and guitarist/keyboard player Steve Mann. Although it was the last night of the tour, the band played like it was the first. Their energy level was infectious and fed the crowd’s enthusiasm.
The guitar style of the German wunderkind is unmistakable. Playing his trademark Flying V guitar, he showcased a blend of pentatonic scales and hammer-on technique. The melody lines in every song were crafted with hard-rock precision. There was never any doubt that his instrument is an extension of him and that he is the master of the six string.
The concert was a musical journey through an incredible rock and roll career. The band played tunes from Michael Schenker Group, McAuley Schenker Group, Scorpions, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock and UFO. Fans sang along and pumped their fists to the songs they loved when they first heard them. The band performed 30 songs and gave everyone in attendance even more reason to love hard-hitting rock and roll tunes.
Michael Schenker Fest Setlist
Gary Barden on Vocals
Into the Arena
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Cry for the Nations
Attack of the MAd Axeman
Messin’ Around
Armed and Ready
Graham Bonnet on Vocals
Cost to Coast
Desert Song
Dancer
Night Moods
Searching for a Reason
Assault Attack
Captain Nemo
Robin McAuley on Vocals
Bad Boys
Save Yourself
Anytime
Heart and Soul
Love is not a Game
Doogie White on Vocals
Searching for Freedom
Live and Let Live
Vigilante Men
Lord of the Lost and Lonely
Take Me to the Church
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
Barden, Bonnet, McAuley and White on Vocals
Warrior
Rock Bottom
Doctor Doctor
Shoot Shoot
Natural Thing
Lights Out