Michael Schenker Temple of Rock – Live in Europe

When this DVD arrived in the office I was hit with a mix of excitement and trepidation, Excitement at the thought of such a great guitarist running through a live set of all his classics (and backed by a band featuring members of The Scorpions and Rainbow) plus a further set from the High Voltage Festival (seeing Pete Way pop along for the fun!). Trepidation at the possibility that the man occaisionally known as Mad Mickey may be past his best. So what does this multi format package hold in store?

In very brief terms the shows included perfectly illustrate Michael’s genius. Not just that they present a masterclass in the art of video packages – high quality sound, lots of options and value for money by the tonne. The main event, a concert from Tilburg in the Netherlands, was recorded in May 2012 that noticeably distinguishes itself from previous releases due to the line-up that includes Michael Schenker (lead guitar), Doogie White (vocals), Herman Rarebell (drums), Francis Buchholz (bass) and Wayne Findley (rhythm guitar, keyboards).

In addition to this Tilburg concert, the presentation experience also includes London’s 2011 High Voltage Festival with Michael Voss (vocals), featuring awe-inspiring guest appearances from Schenker’s friends and musical companions including his brother Rudolf Schenker (The Scorpions) who plays rhythm guitar on “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “Hanging On” and “Doctor Doctor”, UFO’s Pete Way who plays bass guitar on “Doctor Doctor”, and vocalists Jeff Scott Soto (ex-Journey), and Doogie White, who jointly sing on “Doctor Doctor”.

From the moment “Into The Arena” and “Armed & Ready” burst forth from the speakers, you can immediately hear (see?) that Michael is on form with solo’s rippling across the stage. Like all great lead guitarists there are, at times, the kind of  self indulgence that the greatest player often exhibit. That said, there are but a handful that are capable of this type of rock genuis – Schenker is one of those and its a pleasure to indulgeyourself by listening to/watching this show.

It’ s a stellar performance wiping away the reported irritations with his last live record, here is a superior band, a far better sound quality and a much more rounded and lively celebration of the man himself. Doogie White also puts in a sterling performance (he was previously a great success on Rainbow’s “Stranger in Us All”) and absolutely storms it on the MSG tracks.

Sound quality is impeccable throughout all shows and they allow you to really grasp the talent that is Michael Schenker – so much so that I am now putting a concerted effort into adding some of his techniques into my guitar playing style. Occaisionally the video quality can appear a little grainy – however I for one feel that this simply adds to the package. You get more of a sense of being there and to me that is vital if a recording of any show is to prove value for money – that feeling of “I need to watch that again”. I have always been a fan of live recordings (audio or video) as it gives a new slant on those tracks we have known and loved for years. The best make you realise why you loved them – and make you go back for more. Michael Schenker Temple of Rock is one of these – a guitarist at the top of his game, surrounded by talented musicians and together they make what could have been simply a wave of nostalgia hit you like a tsunami of joy, excitement and expertise.

All in all, there has never been such extensive and high quality material from Michael Schenker for your viewing and listening pleasure.

Released by Inakustik, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock: Live in Europe is available on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and Limited Deluxe Edition. 

This is an essential live rock’n’roll release includes songs performed live in Tilburg, The Netherlands in May 2012, plus songs performed at London’s 2011 High Voltage Festival.

Visit the official Temple Of Rock – Live in Europe Microsite: www.temple-of-Rock-live.com 

LIVE IN TILBURG

TRACK LISTING

• Into The Arena
• Armed And Ready
• Lovedrive
• Another Piece Of Meat
• Hanging On
• Cry For The Nations
• Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
• Coast To Coast
• Assault Attack
• Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead
• Lights Out
• On And On
• Let It Roll
• Shoot Shoot
• Rock You Like A Hurricane
• Rock Bottom
• Holiday
• Blackout
• Doctor Doctor 

 

THE MUSICIANS

Michael Schenker (lead guitars)
Doogie White (lead vocals)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Francis Buchholz (bass)
Wayne Findlay (keyboards, guitars, backing vocals)
Michael Voss (lead vocals, guitar – Special guest on ‘Hanging On’)

LIVE AT HIGH VOLTAGE

TRACK LISTING

• Armed And Ready
• Another Piece Of Meat
• Rock You Like A Hurricane
  (ft. Rudolph Schenker)
• Hanging On (ft. Rudolph Schenker)
• Doctor Doctor (ft. Rudolph Schenker)

 

THE MUSICIANS

Michael Schenker (lead guitars)
Michael Voss (lead vocals, guitar)
Herman Rarebell (drums)
Wayne Findlay (keyboards, guitars, backing vocals)
Elliott Dean Rubinson (bass)

SPECIAL GUESTS

Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar on Rock You Like A Hurricane, Hanging On, Doctor Doctor)
Pete Way (bass guitar on Doctor Doctor)
Jeff Scott Soto (vocals on Doctor Doctor)
Doogie White (vocals on Doctor Doctor)

FORMATS & SPECIAL FEATURES

CD EDITION – 2 DISC
Recording from 2012’s Tilburg, Netherlands concert
Recording (extracts) from London’s 2011
High Voltage Festival

DVD EDITION – 1 DISC
Recording from 2012’s Tilburg, Netherlands concert
Recording (extracts) from London’s 2011
High Voltage Festival
Bonus-Footage‚ Before The Show (Tilburg)
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, dts, Stereo

BLU-RAY EDITION – 1 DISC
Recording from 2012’s Tilburg, Netherlands concert
Recording (extracts) from London’s 2011
High Voltage Festival
Bonus-Footage‚ Before The Show (Tilburg)
Bonus-Footage‚ Sound check (Tilburg)
Audio: DTS HD Master, Stereo

LIMITED DELUXE EDITION – 4 DISCS
Includes 2 CDs, 1 Blu-ray, 1 Bonus DVD.
Bonus DVD includes the following content:  

• Brighton Rehearsal
• Doogie’s Video Impressions

MICHAEL SCHENKER “TEMPLE OF ROCK”
APRIL 2013 UK TOUR

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Michael Schenker. Photo Credit: © Steve Brinkman