Concert Report by R.B. Araki
Michael Schenker - My Years With UFO Tour
Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
January 28, 2026 Added on 01/29/2026
Michael Schenker returned to the Budokan for the first time in 38 years, and as the photos show, the venue was fully packed. His popularity in Japan clearly remains undiminished. I was seated not in the arena but on the first floor, second row from the front, stage right - effectively Michael's side - which made for an excellent vantage point.
The band took the stage slightly after the scheduled start time. As on the previous night, Michael appeared in an outfit reminiscent of his 1970s UFO days, complete with platform boots and a blonde wig, which he wore throughout the entire show. He also played exclusively his signature white Flying V from start to finish. His tone was once again exceptional - arguably the cleanest and most beautiful guitar sound I have ever heard at the Budokan.
The setlist, solo sections, and the allocation of guitar parts between Michael and Michael Voss were identical to the opening night at NHK Hall. The only difference came during the final song, Too Hot to Handle, when Michael Amott appeared as a special guest. For the closing section, solos were shared between Schenker, Voss, and Amott. While Amott's guitar was noticeably louder, this contrast only served to highlight the remarkable clarity and elegance of Schenker's tone (no offense intended).
Personally, I felt that the first night's performance had a slightly greater sense of cohesion and perfection, though several people I spoke with afterward preferred the Budokan show. This difference may well be attributed to seating position rather than the performance itself. In any case, there is no doubt that this was a highly satisfying concert overall, even if I had hoped for a few more surprises.
As previously announced, this performance was recorded. Multiple cameras were in operation, including a crane-mounted camera and even a drone flying through the venue. Hopefully, this footage will see an official release in the future. Several friends traveled from overseas specifically for these Japan shows and will also attend the upcoming Osaka performance. I sincerely hope they enjoy the final night of the tour.
Lineup:
Michael Schenker - Guitars
Erik Grönwall - Vocals
Brian Tichy - Drums
Derek Sherinian - Keyboards
Barry Sparks - Bass
Michael Voss - Vocals, Guitars Special guest: Michael Amott - Guitars (on Too Hot to Handle)
Setlist:
1. Natural Thing
2. Only You Can Rock Me
3. Hot 'n' Ready
4. Doctor Doctor
~Barry's Bass Solo~
5. Mother Mary
6. I'm a Loser
7. This Kid's
8. Lights Out
~Brian's Drum Solo~
9. Instrumental Medley (Lipstick Traces / Between the Walls / Belladonna)
10. Love to Love
11. Let It Roll
~Derek's Keyboard Solo~
12. Can You Roll Her
13. Reasons Love
14. Rock Bottom
15. Shoot Shoot
16. Too Hot to Handle
