Michael Schenker: Our Complete 1980 MSG Interview (Audio)

A Revealing Conversation at the Start of His Solo Career

This never-before-heard interview captures the extraordinary German metal guitarist Michael Schenker at a key moment in his career. It was taped during October 1980, shortly after the Michael Schenker Group had done its first few tour dates in the U.K. and U.S.

Some background: Eight years earlier, Michael, still a teenager, had joined his brother Rudolf in the Scorpions, performing on the Lonesome Crow album. While on tour he was recruited to join UFO. He co-wrote two of the band’s biggest hits, “Doctor Doctor” and “Rock Bottom,” both on the Phenomenon album, and went on to play on five more UFO albums.

In 1979 Michael briefly rejoined the Scorpions as a favor to Rudolf. Quitting the band midway through their Lovedrive tour, he announced his decision to front his own band. In our wide-ranging interview, he delves into his frustrations with the lineups he’d worked with. Michael’s just-released debut album was simply called The Michael Schenker Group.

One of the most consistent aspects of Michael’s playing is his skill at crafting exhilarating solos packed with melody. As you’ll hear, he was remarkably candid during our interview, which we originally did for an article in Guitar Player magazine.

I am happy to report that Michael is still very active, touring and recording with the Michael Schenker Group, a.k.a. MSG. At the time we produced this podcast, Michael was preparing a collection of UFO cover songs featuring guest performances by a who’s-who of classic hard rock and heavy metal. Called My Years With UFO, it’s scheduled for a September 2024 release.

Thanks to my podcast producer/engineer Nik Hunt for cleaning up the audio of the 44-year-old master tape.

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