Concert Report by John Smith
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 03/11/2004

Hi all

Just thought I'd add my bit about the concert - excellent in my opinion.

Mr S seemed in a good mood - and the band were great.

Was intending to stand at the back to get an overall picture but ended up at the front on the left...Smurfy - was that you jumping up and down behind me during Rock Bottom?

Anyway, the set, in nowhere near the right order, and with one or two missing no doubt:

Ready to Rock
Mother Mary
Assault Attack
Let It Roll
Arachnophobiac
Lights Out
Because I Can
Rock and Roll Believer
Fatal Strike - excellent - one of the best of the more recent stuff
Only You Can Rock Me
Mad Axeman
Too Hot To Handle
Armed and Ready
On and On
Into The Arena
Doctor Doctor
Rock Bottom

Mr S had a bit of bother with his monitor - but shrugged it off and got on with the show - and as I said seemed to be in fine form.

As for the band - they were good. Obviously Mr S's show but they did a fine job - with a genuinely insane bassist of course ;-)

They were on for about 1hr 30 to 1hr 40 - great stuff.

Wish he'd get a shave and a decent tailor tho' ;-)

Managed to meet Battttyyy Martin 'Don't mention the V' and afew of the other SITNers at the end - sorry I missed you in the worlds end - I was only in there for a quick pint at 7.30!

ANyone who missed it - a great shame...and looking forward to comparing and contrasting with UFO later in the year.

JMS
Nice to see the Schenker offspring turn up for the encore - pity they didn't get an intro first!


Concert Report by Dean
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 03/11/2004

On to the show, could it top Dudley? Well I'm not sure if it did or not but it was very, very close. To compare the sound, it was louder at Camden and the individual instruments were better defined and we didn't have the early sound problems of Dudley, but to my ears JB's acoustics suited the show better and Michael's guitar really did cut though there for me once the problems were sorted.

Again at Camden the band put on a real show, giving it their all! Chris' vocals were clearer in the mix and again I thought a top job throughout, across all the songs. Rev played his bass in every possible way, tapped bass, plucked bass, fingered bass, banged bass, helicopter-dredded bass and a few more that words escape me! A man possessed. Not everyones cuppa but I enjoy the dimension he adds. Pete's powerhouse drumming really did cut though at Camden and from where I stood the beat felt like it was hitting me. Fantastic stuff! Wayne impressed again, really attacking his guitar. He had more than his fair share of technical problems but didn't get phased, each time just slung on his spare Carvin and was away again. Great performer.

What can you say about Michael? Well he channelled all his energy into the "V" with quite staggering results. Frequently scanning the audience for feedback, acknowledging, winking, nodding and smiling. It is really humbling to see all these classic tunes played so well right in front of your face.

Highlighs were numerous for me - Into the Arena, On and On, Fatal Strike and the UFO stuff imparticular but lots more also.

Who knows what the future holds for this group of musicians but for the present, for me, this will do very nicely!

Dean


Concert Report by Wilson
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 03/12/2004

I arrived at the Electric Ballroom just after 7pm, and there was already a queue of about 30 people outside. I was looking out for Alan Walsh, but of course he has already met Michael and the band earlier in the afternoon. It was very cold in London last night, and we had to wait for about 30 minutes before the doors finally opened, although it felt much longer before of the cold.

Once we got in, I made my way to the front of the stage on Michael's side where a few people has already gathered - of course Alan was there. I said hello and we spoke about the previous 2 shows which Alan attended. I had already read his reviews on this site but it was fun to talk about this with him.

The support is from a young band Hurricane Party which are quite good fun. Alan didn't want to see them so he went backstage to talk to Michael instead!

The lights dimmed and MSG came on stage, Michael came out with basketball shorts, baseball shirt, sleeve-less jacket, bobble hat, sunglasses and looked fit. He smiled and waved to the crowd. Michael is playing a black '58 style Gibson Flying V, still has the plastic wrapper on the pickguard. The pickups looked stock, and the bridge pickup looked like the height was raised.

Michael did a last tune-up which took a while, so everybody held their breath waiting for the first note! Then the band started the show and kicked into Ready to Rock. MSG did not let up for the duration of the show.

The band was excellent, Rev Jones is a great player and the rhythm section is rock solid. I couldn't hear Chris too well just in front of the stage, but the crowd were really getting into his singing, and there were plenty of hands going up to him all night, especially during the old favourite UFO hits.

Michael wanted his monitor shifted a bit, and he wanted some changes to the level, apart from that, I don't think there were any other problems. I did notice Michael's tech taking a spare Marshall head towards Wayne's side, but there weren't any noticeable disruptions.

The setlist has already been posted (see Dave's site), and I think it's the same as the other shows on this tour.I think it works very well, the newer songs were bunched up in the middle of the set. I don't know if Chris tends to introduce the songs in a similar way for all the shows, but London is only one place in the World that he can introduce Lights Out with "we are in the right city for this next number!!"

The entire set was excellent, for me the highlight was my favourite Into The Arena. It is astonishing that the licks and solos are note for note. I will leave it to experts like Alan to comment on how the Camden show compared to the others. But to me it was virtually faultless. Since Michael's playing is melodic, you can follow every lick and solo. It never ceases to amaze me how fluid his phrasing is, how his fretting and picking is so deliberate and perfectly coordinated. Compared to shred merchants Michael doesn't look like he is playing fast, but the pace is blistering.

Michael smiled and winked at the crowd throughout the show, and bowed in between songs. As usual he was pretty much rooted to his spot on stage, except when he did a mini walkabout along the front during the outro to Armed and Ready.

Tyson and Taro appeared on stage for Doctor Doctor, we did wonder why there were 2 extra Marshal stacks! They played rhythm throughout the track. There were encouraging looks from Michael & the band and they left the stage with high fives from Michael. Great to see.

Michael came out immediately after the show to do the signing, he was really looking after his fans. He was signing everything, not just for people who bought the Thank You 4 CD at the show. A few people brought along MSG & UFO CD selves, one person had the old Assault Attack and One Night In Budokan vinyls. I brought along the pickguard to my Flying V, and Michael was very happy to sign it. Actually my silver marker pen didn't work so well, so I joined the queue again and when it got to my turn, Michael similed and said "Again?". I also had my photos taken with Michael and he was happy to have photos taken with fans throughout the signing.

A fantastic show. It is always special to see Michael play, and it was great to see him playing so well, and seems to be enjoying it so much. I certainly enjoyed it immensely. Come back again soon Michael!

Wilson


Concert Report by Roy
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 03/12/2004

The Camden show on was fantastic Michael seemed to be in high sprits, I was lucky enough to be in the front row right in front of Michael. The band was great and will be one of me best gigs of all time along with UFO at the Astoria in 98.

My highlights were

Into The Arena, Rock Bottom, Only You Can Rock Me, Armed and Ready, and Attack Of the mad Axeman.

I think the show sold out there was a lot of people there, and the reaction MSG got was great so the band should be proud of themselves. Judging by the reviews of the UK and the European tour Michael will be back to do some shows for the next CD.

It was nice to finally see MSG since I had a ticket to see the last MSG tour for the Unforgiven CD in 99 which got cancelled.

Michael signed autographs at the end.

MSG started at 9.10 and ended at 10.50

The set list was the same as the rest of the tour.

Are You Ready To Rock
Mother Mary
Assault Attack
Let It Roll
Fat City N.O.
Lights Out
Because I Can
Rock 'n Roll Believer
Arachnophobiac
Fatal Strike
Into The Arena
Only You Can Rock Me
On And On
Too Hot To Handle
Attack Of The Mad Axeman

Armed And Ready
Doctor Doctor
Rock Bottom

Roy


Concert Report by Jason Ritchie
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 03/12/2004

A decent sized crowd, some 500 plus, considering it was a midweek gig. First up were Hurricane Party, who I'd seen early last year but in a very different style. They now have a new vocalist and more hair than a hairdresser's convention! I was taken back in time to the 80's when Warrant, Dokken, Poison et al ruled the roost. They have a very confident singer and some good tunes including soon-to-be single 'Crown of Thorns' - a catchy little number. 'Liar' had a guitar riff lifted straight of the Sweet's 'Teenage Rampage' and another number was very AC/DC in sound. Many of the crowd seemed to enjoy them and who knows after the runaway success of the Darkness this band maybe next for lift-off.

So to the main event... Firstly I must admit to not having heard much MSG bar the last album, which is very good and a couple of early albums, shame on me. The band kicked off with all guns blazing and Rev the bassist was a whirlwind on stage, twirling his two long ponytails all night. Plenty to put a smile on UFO fans faces including 'Mother Mary', a storming 'Too Hot To Handle' and 'Only You Can Rock Me'. Vocalist Chris Logan has a tough job as he has to sing so many tunes originally done by other vocalists but he pulls it off in style. Plenty of MSG delights as well including 'Attack of the Mad Axeman', 'Assault Attack', 'Rock 'n' Roll Believer' and the superb title track of the new album 'Arachnophobiac'. Schenker of course did some soloing ably assisted by drummer Pete Holmes, the mad bassist and Wayne Findley on guitar/keys. The audience were loving it and with classic like these being aired you'd have to be dead not too!

Encore time saw Schenker's sons join him on guitar for 'Doctor Doctor' and the show ended with 'Rock Bottom'. An excellent performance and hopefully this will convince Michael Schenker that he does still have fans desperate to see him perform live (especially in the US!), as well as boost his confidence.

Jason Ritchie
www.getreadytorock.com


Concert Report by SmUrFy
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 03/12/2004

Now marked as a date in my memory under "Important- Do Not Discard"

I will long remember this gig as one of the best...if not the best I have had the pleasure to see. The venue was average, standing was compulsory (my back was sore after a hard day at work), the beer was expensive...but who cares about all that? MSG fronted by Michael Schenker came back and begged forgiveness. He was duly obliged. I am crap at writing reviews but suffice to say all the classic UFO and MSG renditions were eagerly consumed. For me there were many high points of the night....Light's Out (In London) was very apt for the night....Into The Arena...was storming!....Arachnophobiac...was sung and played with tons of drive!....Doctor Doctor ("is there a doctor in the house" asked Chris Logan for an intro)...Rock Bottom hit me between the eyes and kept hitting me...more! more!...I can't continue writing any more I have to go and play some of these songs now! It's been almost 3days now since the gig and I am still there (if you know what I mean!)

SmUrFy


Concert Report by Alan Walsh
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 03/13/2004

This was Schenker's first gig in the capital since May 1998 (when he played Wembley Arena with MSG) and, with Vanilla Fudge playing at the Underworld, there was some concern as to what the attendance would be. People needn't have worried: Although not sold-out, it was a more than healthy (and rowdy) turn out. Moreover, as he has been since he arrived in Blighty, Schenker's demeanour was relaxed and happy. Additionally, the rest of MSG were in a similar frame of mind (even with Logan having a cold), thus (again) it looked like a great gig was forthcoming.

As Schenker struck the opening chords of 'Ready to Rock', he raised his right hand to his ear as if to beckon a response from those in attendance. The audience cheered, he repeated the action and those out front reciprocated as he ripped into the main body of the song. Head swaying from side to side, eyes closed, with Flying V fixed in its customary position, Schenker guided his band into another set of high octane Rock.

As with the previous shows, it was clear the band were on top form and really enjoying the experience. Considering he was feeling less than one hundred per cent, Logan again was in fine form (being particularly brilliant on 'Assault Attack', 'Arachnophobiac' and 'Attack of the Mad Axeman'). The rest of the band: Jones, Findlay and Holmes thundered along in their customary fashion, providing a solid and fluid backdrop for Schenker's guitar wizardry.

And, what of Schenker? Again (and I'm certain anyone who was at the show will attest to this), he was in sparkling form. 'Mother Mary', 'Let it Roll', 'Only You Can Rock Me' and 'Too Hot to Handle' were excellent. However, the intensity of Schenkers' soloing (and rhythm work) in 'Lights Out' was out of this world, as he played it note perfect, slipping in lead fills like they were going out of fashion (they probably have in some quarters, but not to this audience). Additionally, the newer numbers in the set: 'Fat City' 'Because I Can', 'Rock 'n' Roll Believer' and 'Fatal Strike' were enthusiastically received. But, it was in 'Into the Arena' that Schenker showed why he must (surely) still be rated the best in his field. He absolutely raced into the song, slipped the V between his legs, hunched over, and was truly gone. Where Schenker goes when he's in that mode, only he knows, but it must be one hell of a place to inhabit when you play guitar with such intensity and fluency.

He continued his journey into the unknown in 'On & On' (complete with lead fills), in which his lead work was so beautifully melodic, it bordered on witnessing a spiritual experience. But, it was during 'Attack of the Mad Axemen' where (if you were watching) you would see him enter 'The Zone'. Just as Schenker was about to begin the outro solo, he stared transfixed at the neck of his Flying V (holding the note-with that distinctive vibrato, whilst pulling on the neck), then, he was off. Total and utter mayhem! He was in 'The Zone' for the entirety of the solo, eyes closed, hunched over, left hand moving like lightening over the fret-board, whilst his left foot rested on his cry baby, delicately 'toning', then into a full-blown 'Wha Wha' sound. Every sinew in his body stretching to breaking point, with his face contorted. As he exited 'The Zone' and entered the 'real world' Schenker genuinely looked as though he'd woken from a trance. Totally mesmerising!

For the encore, 'Armed and Ready' did its customary job, with Schenker prowling the stage acknowledging the 'mosh' pit that had developed, keeping those down the front in a state of frenzy. Indeed, throughout the show, those gathered at the front were in a continuous state excitement, with one young fan stating: 'I've never seen him, so I've been waiting years for this.' Later in the set, the same fan looked genuinely bewildered. 'You OK?' I asked. 'Lost for words.' Came the reply. Undoubtedly, (for whatever reason, and in whatever capacity), Schenkers' playing 'moves' people: They 'mosh', they jaw-drop, they smile and (yes) some are moved to tears and disbelief. It is this connection (when he's in this form) that he makes with 'His people' that pulls on their emotional strings and sends them into various states of rapture. It is enigmatic, endearing, encapsulating and enthralling.

As Schenker played the opening bars of 'Doctor Doctor', it became apparent MSG had been joined by two very special guests (Tyson & Taro Schenker). As proud Mum Pam watched her siblings, Schenker (Michael) ripped into the song, Tyson stood behind his father looking every inch the part. Taro standing stage left didn't move at all as Michael tried to entice him over, thus, mid song, Father Schenker burst into fits of laughter. End of song, the Schenker boys took their bow, and immediately Schenker crashed out the opening chords of 'Rock Bottom'.

Again, the familiar pose and head swaying were evident, however, on 'Rock Bottom', as with 'Too Hot to Handle', Schenker takes to the mike for backing vocals. As Schenker entered the solo, he started to improvise (as he always does), but then he gets to that familiar part where he gets serious. Again, he entered 'The Zone' and he was off at a blistering pace. Then came the drum fill (the look of concentration on Schenkers' face was beguiling), he was off into his world, yet again, bending the kneck, pulling & toning the strings, face grimacing in a state of sheer ecstasy/agony (who knows which?), as Wayne Findlay (Keyboards/Guitar) stared in total admiration of what he was witnessing. It was a truly wonderful moment. Suffice to say, it was a virtual take on the 'Strangers' version. His performance was potent, magical and bordered on being spiritual.

Undoubtedly, in this form, Schenker is at the top of his game. I could reiterate all the superlatives that have been used throughout these gigs, but why bother? The truth is, those who saw him play these UK dates witnessed one of (if not the) greatest guitar player in the world in action. He is creative, awe-inspiring, vibrant, wonderous to behold, totally beguiling and presently untouchable. Absolutely brilliant!

Alan S Walsh


Concert Report by Robin
MSG at The Electric Ballroom, Camden, London, U.K.
March 10, 2004
Added on 04/03/2004

Back in January I could hardly believe it, Classic Rock magazine had an advert for MSG performing live in the UK. Could this be true? - Michael Schenker and MSG back in action! One way or another I was definitely going to find out. My nearest venue was the Camden gig. I bought the tickets way in advance and counted down the days.

Michael Schenker had always been my ultimate guitar hero - and number one air guitar material. I remember an MSG gig at Preston Guild Hall in the early 80s, he spotted me pointing to him (whilst everyone else was mesmerized by Gary Barden's on stage antics). He came across to the front of the stage and reached out to offer me his plectrum. I almost got it - but the crowd around me noticed this and I was mobbed (moshed) as they all went for it. Schenker made an 'Ah arr' (no) hand gesture to them, then winked at me before turning back to his Marshall stack to blow out a solo - I'm talking Rock God here.

In the days leading up to the Camden gig I checked Ritchie's web site, sure enough there where rave gig reports from Bradford and Dudley with pictures of HIM! (thanks chaps for those rapid gig reports).

Finally, I'm standing in the queue outside the Electric Ballroom checking the line of people and thinking 'are they all as aware of what is about to happen here tonight - did they see the other gigs this week?'. A couple of young local lads walked past the queue, one asks the other - 'what's all this about?' the other lad answers - 'Oh, just some German guitarist'. I can't help bleating out 'AND!... a bloody rock legend!' I then strike up a conversation with another chap in the queue (Dave) - and thankfully it's not just me that's here on a pilgrimage.

At last I was inside and waiting near the front of the stage for the great man to make his appearance. The support band Hurricane Party where excellent, the lead guitarist was so good at strutting around with his Les Paul I initially thought he must be miming! I will definitely be looking out for them in the future.

Then we got the big wait as the roadies configured the gear for the main act - The Michael Schenker Group. At one point the stage door opened and Schenker popped his head out - smiled and disappeared again. Then the lights dimmed, Rev charged out and picked up his bass, followed shortly by the rest of the group. Schenker calmly tuned his new Black Gibson Flying V. We all waited with baited breath - then the gig fired up.

Check out the well-written gig reports on Ritchie's web site. Needless to say the concert was absolutely superb, the band where full of energy (especially Rev!) Michael Schenker was truly awesome, on blinding form...and this time I got to shake his hand!

I have included a few photos I took during the gig.

Hope he comes back to blighty this summer!

Cheers

Robin

Back to "Concert Report Top"

Back to "I Love Michael Schenker" page