MICHAEL SCHENKER – The Temple Of The Guitar
Image Credit: ®Laurence Harvey
1. Hello Michael, you have a new album in the market. Please let us know about it.
It’s our second album with same line up for Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock album, which is titled “Spirit On A Mission”.
The album features vocalist Doogie White (ex-Rainbow) drummer Herman Rarebell (ex-Scorpions) and bassist Francis Buchholz (ex-Scorpions, MSG), and guitarist and keyboardist Wayne Findlay. Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock stands for my past and present, especially live.
2. How do you interpret the title of your album?
I was asked once as to who I want to be remembered as. I answered (like in Sprit on a Mission) to spread the joy of music from a place of pure self expression. When it came down to looking for an album title I decided on – Spirit On A Mission.
3. How different is the band since the previous album?
We are progressing step by step and are developing Temple Of Rock to stand on its on feet. We are still using the same Michael Schenker platform , Record deal etc. On this album we have added more 7 string guitar and included Wayne Findlay as a songwriter. I think by the time we do our 3rd album we are basically at the point for Temple Of Rock to be its own entity with its own unique style and sound.
Image Credit: ®Laurence Harvey
4. Do you feel that Spirit on a mission is a mature album for the band?
Spirit On A Mission is a great step forward.
5. I guess that you are on tour right now. How is the experience of this tour?
Touring is great. I am having a lot of fun. We start Oct.22nd in Europe and will be filming a new DVD in Madrid 19th to be released in early 2016.
6. How different is the music industry at the moment and how do you adjust yourself to the current situation?
I always do what I do – expressing who I am. I don’t follow the scene at all. I have very little knowledge on what’s going on.
Image Credit: ®Jay Hawkins
7. The track “Nightmare” from MSG is considered an all time classic for the Greek fans, there are mainstream radio stations that still play it. How influential was the success of this track for the rest of your career?
It’s a great song. Very dreamy, but I don’t know how influential it was.
Since you are mentioning Greek Fans – Do they know that I wrote and played the intro to Holiday? I just recently discovered that I did not get credited on the Lovedrive album for that. I also co wrote Coast to Coast and played all the melody guitars, including the lead break. Also, I discovered that the Lovedrive story that was created for the Lovedrive release is not a true version. That’s just something on the side.
8. Is it true that you were about to join Ozzy Ozbourne’s band?
Yes, I was asked, but could not do it because (I left the Scorpions on the Lovedrive tour for the same reason) I did not want to be trapped in having to play all the old material. I want to create, not copy, I have my own vision.
9. Do you listen to the material of new guitarists?
I have not listened to other music for 43 years. At least not focused on and stopped copying others since I was 17 or 18 years old. I knew intuitively that that was the right thing for me to do, but I am sure there are great ones out there.
Image Credit: ®Laurence Harvey
10. Have you ever heard of Gus G, the Greek guitarist of Ozzy?
Yes I have heard of him.
11. Are you in touch with any members of UFO?
Sometimes I see Phil Mogg on the street in the Town where I live, but lately not anymore. I think he is hiding from me 🙂
12. What is your opinion about the latest albums of the Scorpions?
I do not consume other music. It keeps me fresh, pure and energetic.
Image Credit: ®John Bull
The award-winning, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will embark on a nationwide UK tour with his band Temple of Rock starting at the Bilston Robin in Wolverhampton on Wednesday January 20, 2016. Schenker will perform tracks from his current studio album Spirit On A Mission which features the singles Vigilante Man and Live and Let Live. Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday May 1 via www.thegigcartel.com, and the 24-hour box office: 0844 478 0898.
MICHAEL SCHENKER’S TEMPLE OF ROCK
JANUARY 2016 UK TOUR
24 HOUR BOX OFFICE – 0844 478 0898
BOOK ONLINE – www.thegigcartel.com
ALL TICKETS PRICED £22.50
BILSTON, ROBIN WEDNESDAY 20th JANUARY 2016
HOLMFIRTH, PICTUREDROME THURSDAY 21st JANUARY 2016
EDINBURGH, QUEEN’S HALL FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY 2016
INVERNESS, IRON WORKS SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY 2016
GATESHEAD, SAGE MONDAY 25th JANUARY 2016
LIVEPOOL, ACADEMY TUESDAY 26th JANUARY 2016
MANCHESTER, ACADEMY 2 THURSDAY 28th JANUARY 2016
NOTTINGHAM, ROCK CITY FRIDAY 29th JANUARY 2016
ISLINGTON, ASSEMBLY HALL SATURDAY 30th JANUARY 2016
Michael Schenker Information: http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/
