Michael Schenker Tour Dates  Message to People of Japan

Your Messages thank you guys!!!!!

[09/05/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Announced for London Rock Festival 2027 with UK-Exclusive "My Years With UFO" Set: Michael Schenker has been announced for the London Rock Festival 2027, where he will perform a UK-exclusive "My Years With UFO" set. The festival will take place in London on May 28th and 29th, 2027, with Michael Schenker scheduled to appear on May 29th.
The performance will celebrate Michael's legendary years with UFO, featuring songs from his classic UFO era. Tickets are on sale now via the official London Rock Festival website. The announcement was made by Michael Schenker's official Facebook page.

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[09/01/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Featured in Two New Japanese Music Magazine Interviews: Michael Schenker is featured in exclusive interviews in two Japanese music magazines, with both articles offering interesting insights into his career and the history of MSG.
The September 2026 issue of BURRN!, already on sale, features an exclusive interview with Michael Schenker titled "The Birth of The Michael Schenker Group". Among other topics, Michael reveals that he had written around 18 songs during the first demo sessions, including an idea that would later become the riff for "Desert Song". He also says that although he does not listen to his past albums, he repeatedly watches videos of his past live performances and officially released concert footage.
The October 2026 issue of Young Guitar, scheduled for release on September 10th, features Michael Schenker as one of the ten guitarists interviewed for the special feature on "FULL METAL JAPAN 2026". The issue also includes the guitar score for "Save Yourself" by McAuley Schenker Group.
For more information, please visit the BURRN! official page and the Young Guitar official page.

[08/28/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group Announces "Don't Sell Your Soul Tour 2027": Michael Schenker Group has announced the first European dates for the "Don't Sell Your Soul Tour 2027". The tour will run from March 18th through April 11th, 2027, with 17 dates currently announced across Luxembourg, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. More dates are expected to be announced soon.
The lineup will feature Michael Schenker on guitar, R.D. Liapakis on vocals, Steve Mann on guitar and keyboards, Barend Courbois on bass, and Bodo Schopf on drums.
The previously announced Dead Man's Hand Festival appearance in Cologne on April 10th is also included as part of the new tour schedule.
Tickets are on sale now via the official ticket page, with VIP Meet & Greet tickets to be announced soon. The announcement was made by Michael Schenker's official Facebook page.

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[08/21/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group Announced for Dead Man's Hand 2027: Michael Schenker Group has been announced for the second edition of the "Dead Man's Hand" Festival, which will take place at Kantine Koln in Cologne, Germany, on April 10th, 2027. Following the festival's successful debut at the legendary Zeche Bochum, the second edition will be presented by Lucky Bob Music Agency.
For tickets and further information, please visit the official ticket page. The announcement was made by Michael Schenker's official Facebook page.

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[08/14/2026 update]
Michael Schenker's "My Years With UFO" to Appear on Rock Legends Cruise XIV: Michael Schenker's "My Years With UFO" will be part of the Rock Legends Cruise XIV, sailing from Miami to Costa Maya, Mexico, aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas from February 21st through 25th, 2027.
For more information and booking, please visit the official Rock Legends Cruise website. The announcement was made by Michael Schenker's official Facebook page.

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[07/25/2026 update]
Michael Schenker to Guest on Gary John Barden's New Solo Album: Former Michael Schenker Group vocalist Gary John Barden will release his new solo album Empowered Emotions on September 18th, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. Michael Schenker makes a special guest appearance on the epic track "Dark Water", performing the lead guitar solo.
The album also features guest appearances by Don Airey, Tommy Denander, Brian Tichy, Barry Sparks and others. Gary's long-time collaborator Michael Voss handled guitars, bass, keyboards and backing vocals throughout the album.
For more details, please see the Blabbermouth article. The news has also been reported by BURRN! Online.

[06/11/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group Announces European Tour Dates for November 2026: Michael Schenker has announced a series of European dates for November 2026 as part of the "Don't Sell Your Soul Tour 2026". The tour will feature Robin McAuley on vocals alongside Michael Schenker, Steve Mann, Bodo Schopf, and Barend Courbois.
According to the official tour schedule, performances are currently confirmed in Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, with additional dates expected to be announced.
For further details, please visit the official tour dates page.

Line-up:
Michael Schenker - Guitar
Robin McAuley - Vocals
Steve Mann - Keys/Guitar
Bodo Schopf - Drums
Barend Courbois - Bass

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[05/05/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group Confirmed for LION ROCK FEST 2026: It has been announced via Michael Schenker's official Facebook page that Michael Schenker Group feat. Robin McAuley will perform live in Spain at the "LION ROCK FEST" on November 7th, 2026.
The event will take place in Leon, Spain. For the original announcement, please see the official Facebook post.
Further details and ticket information are available via the official festival website.

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[04/19/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Regensburg Show Photo Update: Rock'n'Fucking-Roll Pictures has shared a superb set of professional-quality photos from the "Rock Meets Classic" Tour 2026 show at Donau-Arena in Regensburg, Germany. A link to the full concert album is also included. Many thanks for the outstanding contribution!
Click here to view the report.

[04/18/2026 update No.2]
Full Metal Japan 2026 MSG Line-up Information: According to Tokyo Onkyo (promoter) Rock Blog, line-up details for the Michael Schenker Group performance at Full Metal Japan 2026 have been revealed. The band is scheduled to feature Michael Schenker (guitar), Robin McAuley (vocals), Barend Courbois (bass), Bodo Schopf (drums), and Steve Mann (guitar/keyboards). Unlike the January 2026 Japan shows, which focused on the "My Years With UFO" set, this performance is expected to present a different set covering a wider range of MSG material. The show is described as a special set spanning from classic songs to more recent works, although further details such as set length and structure remain unclear at this point. For earlier information regarding this event, please refer to this previous update.

[04/18/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Rock Meets Classic Farewell Tour Photo Update: Guen Ne has shared a great selection of photos from the "Rock Meets Classic" Farewell Tour 2026 show in Kempten, Germany on April 8, 2026. As announced, this tour marks the final edition of Rock Meets Classic. Many thanks to Guen for the wonderful contribution!
Click here to view the report.

[04/17/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Rock Meets Classic Tour Photo Update: Klaus Hellmerich (Soundpics Concert Photography) has shared a selection of excellent photos from the "Rock Meets Classic" Tour 2026 show in Nurnberg, Germany. A link to his full gallery covering the entire show is also included. Many thanks to Klaus for the fantastic contribution!
Click here to view the report.

[04/16/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Rock Meets Classic Tour Photo Update: Alois Braun (Er-em-online) has shared a set of great photos from the "Rock Meets Classic" Tour 2026 show in Regensburg, Germany on April 11, 2026. Many thanks to Alois for the excellent contribution!
Click here to view the report.

[04/16/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Rock Meets Classic Tour Report Update: Alexander Aco Kostic (The Vintage Rock Time Machine) has shared photos and videos from the "Rock Meets Classic" Tour 2026 show in Munich, Germany on April 12, 2026. Many thanks to Alexander for the great contribution!
Click here to view the report.

[04/01/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Confirmed for FULL METAL JAPAN 2026: It has now been officially announced that Michael Schenker Group will perform at the newly launched festival "FULL METAL JAPAN 2026 ~Powered by WACKEN~", taking place at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama on October 24th and 25th, 2026.
According to the official announcement, MSG is scheduled to appear on Day 1 (October 24th), alongside Stratovarius, Rage, and Gus G. & Ronnie Romero, with more artists to be announced.
Day 2 (October 25th) will feature Angra and Hibria with special lineups, among others.
The festival will adopt an all-seated format, a new style for a metal event in Japan.
Ticket pre-sale lotteries via Ticket Pia are scheduled to begin on April 2nd and April 4th.
For more details, please visit the official festival website and the Tokyo Onkyo promoter page.

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[03/29/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Listed for FULL METAL JAPAN 2026 (Unconfirmed Details): Information has surfaced regarding a new festival titled "FULL METAL JAPAN 2026 ~Powered by WACKEN~", reportedly scheduled to take place on October 24th and 25th, 2026 at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama. The promotional material lists Michael Schenker among the performing artists, alongside names such as Stratovarius, Angra, Hibria, Rage, Gus G. and Ronnie Romero. According to the advertisement, a ticket pre-sale lottery via Seven-Eleven is set to begin on April 4th. However, as of now, no official announcement has been found on the artists' or Wacken-related websites, so details remain to be confirmed and should be treated with caution. The information appears to originate from a promotional leaflet reportedly included in Ticket Pia’s April issue, which has not yet been widely available at the time of writing.

Additional note (04/01/2026): The same advertisement has also been confirmed in the April issue of Ticket Pia (published in Japan), where it appears on the back cover. This suggests that the information is based on an official promotional source, although no formal announcement has yet been made by the artists or related parties.

See also MSG Tourdate Page.

[03/25/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Gothenburg Show Report Update: Stefan Terneborn has shared additional photos from the Gothenburg, Sweden show held on March 22, 2026. His contribution includes great live shots as well as photos from the Meet and Greet session. Many thanks to Stefan!
Click here to view the update.

[03/25/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Stockholm Show Report: Anders Acke Pettersson has shared some videos from Michael Schenker's show in Stockholm, Sweden on March 20, 2026, including the opening SE (sound effects) before the performance. Many thanks to Anders!
Click here to read the report.

[03/24/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Stockholm Show Report: Stefan Enarsson has shared a report from the Stockholm, Sweden show. The report includes an impressive collection of 70 live photos and 2 videos capturing the atmosphere of the night. Many thanks to Stefan!
Click here to read the report.

[03/23/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Gothenburg Show Report: Eva Blomberg has shared a report from the Gothenburg, Sweden show, the final date of the My Years with UFO European Tour 2nd Leg.
Her photos include stage shots of each band member, as well as the setlist, signed items, and a group photos with the band members and tour staff. Many thanks to Eva for sharing these with fans.
Click here to read the report.

[03/22/2026 update No.3]
Michael Schenker Falun Show Report: Blackest Eyes has shared a report from the Magasinet in Falun, Sweden show. The video features a part of the solo from "Rock Bottom", with occasional close-up shots of Michael Schenker's hands. The photos include a signed setlist and a shot of the stage before the show.
Click here to read the report.

[03/22/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Oslo Show Review: A review of Michael Schenker’s show at Vulkan Arena, Oslo (March 18, 2026) has been published on Musikknyheter.
Click here to read the review.
The article highlights a high-quality performance focused entirely on UFO-era material, along with a solid band lineup featuring R.D. Liapakis, Steve Mann, Barend Courbois and Bodo Schopf. The review also includes a selection of beautiful live photos that capture the atmosphere of the night. If you don’t read Norwegian, using a translation tool is recommended to fully enjoy the article.

[03/22/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Oslo Show Fan Videos: Tor Erik Myhre has shared several fan-filmed videos from Michael Schenker's March 18, 2026 show at Vulkan Arena in Oslo, Norway. The footage not only captures the performance on stage, but also occasionally turns towards the audience, giving a great sense of the atmosphere inside the venue. Many thanks to Tor Erik for sharing these excellent videos with us. See the report.

[03/17/2026 update No.2]
Gibson Custom Releases Signed Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector's Edition: Gibson has announced the release of a limited Michael Schenker 1971 Flying V Collector's Edition, personally signed by Schenker himself. Limited to just 50 units, each guitar is hand-signed on the back of the headstock and comes housed in a custom replica flight case featuring Michael Schenker Group graphics. Also included are a commemorative mahogany display block with a #56 medallion and a Certificate of Authenticity presented in a matching black and white folio. The model pays tribute to his iconic early-1970s Flying V, featuring period-correct specifications and aged detailing. The official price is set at $16,999, placing it firmly in the high-end collector category. A promotional video featuring Schenker is also available below. For a related previous item, see our earlier news entry. Read more here.



[03/17/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Helsinki Show Review: A detailed review of the March 11, 2026 show at Kulttuuritalo (House of Culture) in Helsinki, Finland has been published by Chaoszine, accompanied by a great selection of live photos. The article highlights a setlist focused on Schenker’s classic UFO material, describing the performance as a nostalgic yet energetic celebration of his 1970s catalogue. While noting some sound balance issues during the show, the reviewer emphasizes the strength of the material and the audience’s enthusiastic response throughout the evening. A recommended read. Read the review here.

[03/12/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Heerlen Show Photos: Photographer Hans Van der Perre (Moments In Rock) has shared an excellent set of photos from the February 26, 2026 show at Parkstad Limburg Theater in Heerlen, Netherlands. Interestingly, his photos also reveal that Michael used a black Flying V during the show, which did not appear in the previously posted photo sets from the same concert. Many thanks to Hans for sharing these great shots with fans. See the photos here.

[03/12/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Helsinki Show Fan Report: Jukka Kaartinen has shared a lively fan report from the March 11, 2026 show at Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki, Finland. His contribution includes a short comment, several videos from the show, and a great set of photos capturing the evening. Many thanks to Jukka for sharing these with fans. See the report here.

[030/09/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Warsaw Show Report: Arkadiusz Maniuk has shared photos from the meet-and-greet at the Michael Schenker show at Progresja in Warsaw, Poland on March 7, 2026. The contribution also includes his caricature updated in 2026. Many thanks to Arkadiusz for sharing these with fans. See the report here.

[03/08/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Warsaw Show Photos/Videos: Anna Sz shares a heartfelt comment from the March 7, 2026 show at Progresja in Warsaw, Poland. After being a UFO fan for 20 years, she finally experienced a full UFO-era set live with Michael Schenker. Many fans will surely relate to that special moment! One photo and two videos from the show are also included. See the report here.

[03/07/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Frankfurt Show Review/Video/Photos: Doris Kloß has contributed a review, a video and photos from Michael Schenker's March 3rd show at Zoom in Frankfurt, Germany. Her photos include a stelist and herself at Meet & Greet. Many thanks to Doris for her passion and contribution.

[03/04/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Paris Show Review: Olivier Carle has contributed another detailed report from the February 27, 2026 show at Le Trianon in Paris, France. Olivier shares an in-depth and highly personal account of the evening, reflecting on his long history of following Michael Schenker from the 1970s to the present day. An English summary translation has also been included for international readers. Many thanks to Olivier for his passionate and comprehensive contribution.

[03/04/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Paris Show Review & Massive Photo Gallery: A new concert report from the February 27, 2026 show at Le Trianon in Paris, France has been added, courtesy of Electric Eye. The article offers a detailed review of the evening along with an extraordinary number of live photos. The selection was so impressive that narrowing it down proved impossible - so I'm pleased to feature the complete gallery. Many thanks to Electric Eye for sharing both the thoughtful review and this extensive collection of images with us. Read the full report and view the gallery here.

[03/02/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Ingolstad Show Videos: Alexander Aco Kostic has contributed very good videos of Only You Can Rock Me, Mother Mary, and Lights Out from Michael Schenker's March 1, 2026 show at Eventhalle Westpark in Ingolstadt, Germany. Many thanks to Alexander for sharing these great videos!

[03/02/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Tilburg Show Photos: Lenn Kralt of LennPhotography has contributed an extensive photo gallery from Michael Schenker's February 24, 2026 show at 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands. With a large selection of images covering many different moments of the evening, fans can enjoy a wide variety of stage scenes, expressions, lighting moods, and performance highlights. Some of these photos are also featured in the Written in Music concert review. Many thanks to Lenn for sharing this impressive and comprehensive photo set with us.

[03/01/2026 update No.3]
Michael Schenker Hamburg Show Report: Lars Petersen has contributed a quick statement about Michael Schenker's Hamburg, Germany show at Große Freiheit 36 on February 22, 2026 including photos of merchandise he bought. Many thanks to Lars!!

[03/01/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Amnéville Concert Show Report & Photos: Ralf Louis has contributed a new concert report from the February 28, 2026 show at Seven Casino in Amnéville, France. Ralf shares his thoughts while editing his latest photos from the evening - including a heartfelt reflection on the growing number of fans experiencing concerts mainly through their phone screens. While many will understand his feelings about preserving the true live atmosphere, for fans who could not attend the show, photo coverage like this is truly appreciated. Michael was once again described as being in incredible form, making it a memorable night for everyone present. Many thanks to Ralf!!

[03/01/2026 update]
Young Guitar April 2026 Issue - Live Report & Gear Feature: The April 2026 issue of Young Guitar (on sale March 10) will feature a special live report and gear coverage of Michael Schenker’s long-awaited Budokan performance. The magazine describes the concert as his first appearance at the legendary Nippon Budokan in 39 years. (Strictly speaking, his last Budokan show took place in February 1988, which would make it 38 years, but the magazine follows the 39-year count.)

［LIVE REPORT & GEAR］39年ぶりに実現した武道館公演を徹底取材！
Michael Schenker マイケル・シェンカー


More details available at Young Guitar’s official website.

[02/28/2026 update No.3]
Michael Schenker Oberhausen Show Review & Photos (Turbinenhalle 2 - February 20, 2026): German website Darkstars.de has published a detailed review and photo gallery from Michael Schenker's February 20 show at Turbinenhalle 2 in Oberhausen. Following the highly acclaimed "My Years With UFO" tour in 2025, the 2026 run continues to celebrate Schenker's golden-era UFO classics - and once again the response was enthusiastic, with a well-filled venue.

This time R.D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy) handled vocals, and according to the review his slightly deeper voice proved to be an excellent fit for the material. Michael was described as being in top form, living up to his reputation as a true guitar legend - even referred to as the "Mozart of the electric guitar." The band delivered a dynamic, perfectly tight performance packed with timeless hits and breathtaking guitar work.

Support on the night came from MALVADA (Brazil), ROOK ROAD (Germany), and THE NIGHT ETERNAL, making it a strong and varied evening of music before MSG took the stage.

The article includes a full concert review and an extensive photo gallery by Chris Strieder.

Read it here:
Darkstars.de - Oberhausen Review & Photos

[02/28/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Tilburg (013) Show Review - Dutch Press Coverage: A detailed review of Michael Schenker's February 25, 2026 show at Rockmuzine.nl has been published under the headline "Gitaargod Michael Schenker betovert 013". The Dutch-language article describes Schenker as a true "guitar god," highlighting his inspired performance and the enduring power of the classic UFO repertoire. While noting that the venue was not completely sold out, the reviewer praises the nostalgic atmosphere, strong support sets, and especially Schenker's flowing guitar work in classics such as "Rock Bottom," "Lights Out," and "Love to Love." The article also features beautiful live photography from the evening. A recommended read for fans.

[02/28/2026 update]
More Michael Schenke Heerlen, Netherlands Show Photo Gallery: A professional photo gallery by RH-Design from Michael Schenker's February 26, 2026 show at Parkstad Limburg Theater in Heerlen, Netherlands has been added. These high-quality concert photographs beautifully capture the atmosphere, stage lighting, and intensity of the evening. Our sincere thanks to RH-Design for granting permission to share these outstanding images.

[02/27/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Heerlen, Netherlands Show Photo Gallery: Frank Wiesman has contributed a beautiful photo gallery from Michael Schenker's February 26, 2026 show at Parkstad Limburg Theater in Heerlen, Netherlands. Although there is no written report this time, the stunning live shots perfectly capture the atmosphere, lighting, and energy of the evening. Many thanks to Frank for sharing these superb images with us.

[02/25/2026 update No.3]
Michael Schenker Tilburg Show Photos & Videos: Rob Hanhart has contributed photos and two beautifully filmed videos from Michael Schenker's February 24, 2026 show at 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands. The videos in particular capture the atmosphere and stage lighting exceptionally well. Many thanks to Rob for sharing his excellent footage and photo set with us.

[02/25/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Hamburg Show Report: Jigal Beez has contributed a second concert report from Michael Schenker's Hamburg, Germany show at Grose Freiheit 36 on February 22, 2026. Following his Bremen review, Jigal describes the electric atmosphere in St. Pauli, the long queue outside the venue, and the powerful return to Michael's UFO classics. He also shares his thoughts on the sound differences compared to Bremen and reflects on Schenker's timeless authority and melodic mastery at age 71. Many thanks to Jigal for once again sharing his impressions and photo with us.

[02/25/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Bremen Show Report: Jigal Beez has contributed his concert report from Michael Schenker's Bremen, Germany show on February 19, 2026. Jigal shares his personal reflections from Michael Schenker's return to his hometown of Bremen, recalling his first MSG experience back in 1988 and the surprise of seeing familiar faces like Bodo Schopf and Steve Mann once again on stage. He also comments on the My Years with UFO tour concept, the performance of R.D. Liapakis, and the emotional closing tribute to Pete Way and Paul Raymond.

[02/23/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Celebrates the UFO Era - Bremen Review: Many thanks to Jigal for sharing a local newspaper review from Bremen, Germany, covering Michael Schenker's February 19 performance at the sold-out Modernes.

Jigal wrote:
"Thank you for keeping me updated with Schenker news for decades now. I really do appreciate all the energy and enthusiasm you put into our common passion."

For many years, local newspapers rarely mentioned Michael Schenker, but this time the Bremen press not only announced the concert on the day of the show, they also published a substantial follow-up review two days later.

The article - originally published in a Bremen local newspaper in February 2026 - praises Schenker as one of hard rock's enduring elite guitarists. The review focuses on the set list drawn strictly from his 1973-1978 UFO years and highlights his remarkably clear guitar tone achieved with minimal effects.

Special mention is made of the intimate club atmosphere, allowing the audience to closely observe his precise fretwork, and of the epic performance of "Rock Bottom," described as a dramatic and electrifying climax of the evening.

The journalist also reflects on Schenker's legacy with UFO, referencing the classic live album "Strangers in the Night," and notes how he continues to command the stage with authority and finesse.

It is always encouraging to see serious mainstream press recognition of Michael Schenker's artistry after so many years of limited coverage in local media.

Thank you again, Jigal, for sharing the clippings and for your continued passion and support.

[02/23/2026 update]
Eric Grönwall Shares Budokan Experience Video Featuring Michael Schenker: Swedish singer Eric Grönwall has shared a new episode documenting his unforgettable experience performing at the legendary Nippon Budokan in Tokyo alongside Michael Schenker. The video captures backstage moments, his first reaction before stepping onto the historic stage, and includes some live performance footage from the sold-out show.

In the episode, Eric expresses his deep respect for Budokan - a venue that has hosted many of the world's greatest artists - and also shares his appreciation for Japan, occasionally introducing Japanese products and reflecting his affection for the country. All episodes include English subtitles, making it easy for international viewers to follow.



Subscribe for more weekly episodes:
The Gronwalls YouTube Channel

[02/13/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group - 6 Disc CD/DVD Box Set Announced: Chrysalis Records has officially announced a 6-disc box set edition of "Live & Ready: The Best of MSG Live 1980-1984". The release is scheduled for April 3, 2026 and will consist of five live CDs and one DVD.

The announcement was made via Chrysalis Records' official YouTube channel, clearly describing the release as a "6-disc set". The same promotional video has been shared by Michael Schenker on his official Facebook page.

This CD/DVD edition is separate from the Record Store Day vinyl release (scheduled for April 18, 2026).

According to reports from GiveToRock.com and Japanese music news site amass.jp, the box set will include a booklet featuring photos and liner notes documenting the band's early live years.

CD1: Manchester Apollo, Manchester - 30th September 1980
Armed And Ready
Cry For The Nations
Victim Of Illusion
Natural Thing
Feels Like A Good Thing
Into The Arena
Looking Out From Nowhere
Rock Bottom
Tales Of Mystery
Lost Horizons
Shoot Shoot
Doctor Doctor
Lights Out

CD2: Nippon Budokan, Tokyo - 12th August 1981
Introduction
Armed And Ready
Cry For The Nations
Attack Of The Mad Axeman
But I Want More
Victim Of Illusion
Into The Arena

CD3: Nippon Budokan, Tokyo - 12th August 1981
On And On
Never Trust A Stranger
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Tales Of Mystery
Cozy Powell Drum Solo
Courvoisier Concerto
Lost Horizons
Doctor Doctor
Are You Ready To Rock

CD4: Hammersmith Odeon, London - 22nd-23rd October 1983
Captain Nemo
Rock My Nights Away
Ready To Rock
Cry For The Nations
Rock You To The Ground
Attack Of The Mad Axeman
Into The Arena
Courvoisier Concerto
Rock Will Never Die
Desert Song
I'm Gonna Make You Mine
Red Sky
Looking For Love
Armed And Ready
Still Love That Little Devil
Doctor Doctor
Thank You

CD5: Seibu Stadium, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan - 11th-12th August 1984
Captain Nemo
Rock My Nights Away
Cry For The Nations
On And On
Lipstick Traces
Bijou Pleasurette
Into The Arena
Courvoisier Concerto
Lost Horizons
I'm Gonna Make You Mine
Armed And Ready
Doctor Doctor

DVD: Hammersmith Odeon 1983 / Seibu Stadium 1984 (Selected Live Footage)
Live performance footage from the above concerts.

Official Promotional Video (Chrysalis Records YouTube):



Michael Schenker Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1667240884682224

Further Reading:
GiveToRock.com Article
amass.jp Japanese News Report

[02/05/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group Classic Live Recordings to Be Released for Record Store Day 2026
Chrysalis Records have announced the release of a new live compilation LP, Live & Ready: The Best of MSG Live 1980 - 1984, scheduled for Record Store Day in April 2026.

According to an official Facebook post by Michael Schenker, the album will be issued on splatter vinyl and released as part of Record Store Day. Fans are encouraged to visit their local record stores on April 18 to secure a copy, as availability will be limited.

This release compiles standout live performances from the formative years of the Michael Schenker Group, spanning shows between 1980 and 1984. The material draws from renowned concerts including Manchester Apollo (1980), Nippon Budokan in Tokyo (1981), Hammersmith Odeon in London (1983), and Seibu Stadium in Tokyo (1984). Several of these performances have not previously been available on vinyl.

The audio has been newly remastered at AIR Mastering, aiming to preserve the authenticity and raw energy of the original recordings while delivering maximum impact. Pressed on high-quality vinyl and presented in premium packaging, this release is positioned as a collector-oriented title for both long-time MSG fans and vinyl enthusiasts.

Live & Ready: The Best of MSG Live 1980 - 1984
LP / Splatter Vinyl / Record Store Day Exclusive
Remastered at AIR Mastering

Tracklist:

Side A:
1. Armed And Ready (Manchester Apollo, Manchester, 30th September 1980)
2. Rock My Nights Away (Seibu Stadium, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan, 12th August 1984)
3. Into The Arena (Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, 12th August 1981)
4. Rock Will Never Die (Hammersmith Odeon, London, 22nd?23rd October 1983)
5. Doctor Doctor (Live at Reading Festival, 29th August 1982)

Side B:
1. I'm Gonna Make You Mine (Live in Japan, 11th-12th August 1984)
2. Still Love That Little Devil (Hammersmith Odeon, London, 22nd-23rd October 1983)
3. Never Trust A Stranger (Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, 12th August 1981)
4. On and On (Seibu Stadium, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan, 12th August 1984)
5. Cry For The Nations (Live at Reading Festival, 29th August 1982)
6. Shoot Shoot (Manchester Apollo, Manchester, 30th September 1980)

[02/02/2026 update No.3]
Michael Schenker 2026 European Tour Second Leg & Festival Appearance Update:
According to the Michael Schenker Official Website, several dates of the 2026 European Tour Second Leg have been updated. As a result, previously listed show information has been revised, and newly confirmed dates in Lithuania, Finland, and Sweden have been added.

See also MSG Tourdate Page for the latest updates.

[02/05/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group Classic Live Recordings to Be Released for Record Store Day 2026
Chrysalis Records have announced the release of a new live compilation LP, Live & Ready: The Best of MSG Live 1980 - 1984, scheduled for Record Store Day in April 2026.

According to an official post by Michael Schenker, the album will be issued on splatter vinyl and released as part of Record Store Day. Fans are encouraged to visit their local record stores on April 18 to secure a copy, as availability will be limited.

This release compiles standout live performances from the formative years of the Michael Schenker Group, spanning shows between 1980 and 1984. The material draws from renowned concerts including Manchester Apollo (1980), Nippon Budokan in Tokyo (1981), Hammersmith Odeon in London (1983), and Seibu Stadium in Tokyo (1984). Several of these performances have not previously been available on vinyl.

The audio has been newly remastered at AIR Mastering, aiming to preserve the authenticity and raw energy of the original recordings while delivering maximum impact. Pressed on high-quality vinyl and presented in premium packaging, this release is positioned as a collector-oriented title for both long-time MSG fans and vinyl enthusiasts.

Live & Ready: The Best of MSG Live 1980 - 1984
LP / Splatter Vinyl / Record Store Day Exclusive
Remastered at AIR Mastering
[02/01/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Japan Tour Merchandise – Post-Show Online Sales Announced: UDO has announced post-show online sales of official merchandise originally sold at Michael Schenker’s recent Japan tour. The online sales are scheduled to begin on February 6, 2026, at 12:00 (JST), via the UDO official shop. At this time, availability of international shipping has not been confirmed. This announcement serves as an archival follow-up to the conclusion of the 2026 Japan tour and may be of interest to collectors and fans who attended the shows.

[02/02/2026 update]
Eric Gronwall Backstage Interview Before Budokan Show: Below is a backstage interview with Michael Schenker Group vocalist Erik Gronwall conducted by Roppongi Rocks prior to the Budokan show. The interview captures Erik's excitement about performing at the legendary venue and his reflections on his own musical journey, including activities outside of MSG. You can watch the full interview below:



Source: Roppongi Rocks interview with Erik Gronwall published on roppongirocks.com

[02/01/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Osaka Show Photo Report: Doris Kloß has contributed a new photo report from Michael Schenker's Osaka, Japan show at Festival Hall on January 29, 2026. Doris attended all three Japan shows on this tour together with her friend Bernd, and it was a real pleasure to meet both of them in person during the three days in Tokyo. Many thanks to Doris for sharing her photos and for contributing this report to the site.

[01/31/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Explains His 1970s-Inspired Stage Outfit in Japan: Michael Schenker has shared a message on his official Facebook page explaining the reason behind his distinctive stage outfit during the recent Japan shows.



In his post, Michael explains that the outfit was chosen to recreate the way he looked in the 1970s, a period when he never had the opportunity to tour Japan. The recent shows therefore became a way to visually and musically reconnect with that era for Japanese fans.

Michael also expressed his gratitude to Erik Gronwall, Derek Sherinian, Brian Tichy, Barry Sparks, and Michael Voss for their performances on the tour, as well as to Michael Amott for joining the band on stage. Additional thanks were extended to UDO Artists, Dragon Productions, earMUSIC, Ward Records, and all parties involved in making the Japan shows possible.

[01/30/2026 update No.2]
Michael Schenker Osaka Show Report: Simon Gunzinger has contributed a new concert report from Michael Schenker's Osaka, Japan show at Festival Hall on January 29, 2026. Simon and Kamilla attended all three Japan shows on this tour and rate the Osaka performance as the best of the three. The review also describes a charming on-stage mishap involving Erik Grönwall and Michael Voss, which brought laughter to both the band and the audience. It was also great to finally meet Simon and Kamilla in person during the two Tokyo shows. Many thanks to Simon for sharing his review and photos with us.

[01/27/2026 update]
Michael Schenker: Hand-Signed LPs Announced to Commemorate Japan Tour: According to a post by Ward Records, a surprise emergency release of hand-signed vinyl editions has been announced to celebrate Michael Schenker's Japan tour.

The following titles were made available in strictly limited quantities, each personally signed by Michael Schenker for Japanese fans:

• Don't Sell Your Soul
  Hand-signed / Limited Edition Heavyweight LP

• My Years With UFO
  Hand-signed / Limited Edition 180g 2LP

At the time of writing, "My Years With UFO" is already listed as sold out via the official Ward Records sales page, while "Don't Sell Your Soul" remains available in limited numbers. Fans interested in securing a copy are strongly advised to place their orders as soon as possible.

For details and availability, please refer to the official Ward Records listing:
https://x.gd/s9f3o

Source: Ward Records (Facebook)
Ward Records Official Facebook Post

[01/29/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Budokan Show Report Added: A new concert report from the January 28, 2026 performance at Budokan, Tokyo has been added. This historic show marked Michael Schenker's first appearance at Budokan in 38 years and featured a packed venue, an outstanding performance, and a special guest appearance by Michael Amott on the final song. The full review, lineup, and complete setlist are available here.

[01/27/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Tokyo Show Report: My concert report from the opening night of the Japanese leg of the My Years with UFO tour at NHK Hall, Tokyo, has been uploaded. Michael Schenker delivered a flawless performance, playing exclusively his white Gibson Flying V throughout the night. The specially assembled Japanese lineup sounded exceptionally tight, with strong solo highlights from Brian Tichy, Derek Sherinian, and Barry Sparks. Michael Voss shared guitar duties and also handled lead vocals on selected songs. While the setlist largely followed the European and U.S. shows, the performance itself was powerful and confident.

[01/25/2026 update No.2]
NAMM 2026 Exhibit Shows Michael Schenker Flying V Display; Limited Edition Model Rumored: At the NAMM 2026 show in Anaheim, California, footage from the event clearly shows a Flying V guitar associated with Michael Schenker on display at the Gibson booth. In a video of the show, the instrument can be seen in the Gibson exhibit starting around 6 minutes and 10 seconds into the recording: NAMM 2026 Day 2 Gibson Display (YouTube).



Separately, a social media post from guitar dealer The Music Zoo describes a "Michael Schenker Limited Edition Flying V" model said to be produced in a limited run of 50 pieces by the Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab, and invites inquiries for orders. The Music Zoo Facebook reel.

As of this update, there has been **no official confirmation from Gibson Brands or Gibson Custom Shop** regarding a limited edition Michael Schenker signature Flying V model in their formal NAMM 2026 press releases or product announcements. The presence of a Schenker-associated Flying V on the NAMM show floor, however, suggests that the instrument was part of Gibson's exhibit during the event, even if an official production model has not yet been documented by the manufacturer.

Readers are advised that information based on social media postings and dealer promotions should be considered **unconfirmed until verified by official announcements** from Gibson or Gibson Custom Shop. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

[01/23/2026 update]
Francis Buchholz, Former Scorpions and Michael Schenker Collaborator, Has Passed Away: Sad news has emerged via a message posted on Facebook announcing the passing of Francis Buchholz. He passed away peacefully after a private battle with cancer, surrounded by his loved ones.

Francis Buchholz is widely known as the longtime bassist of Scorpions during their classic era. After many years, he reconnected musically with Michael Schenker in the mid-2010s, participating in projects associated with Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock period.

Beyond his musicianship, Francis was respected for his professionalism, warmth, and deep commitment to the music, leaving a lasting impression on bandmates and fans alike.

RIP Francis Buchholz. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his music.

Source: Facebook

[01/20/2026 update]
Michael Schenker Group "Heavy Hitters" Deluxe Edition SHM-CD Adds Bonus Tracks: According to HMV Japan, a new SHM-CD release of the Michael Schenker Group album "Heavy Hitters" is scheduled for release in Japan. This Deluxe Edition features several additional bonus tracks that were not included on the original release, attracting attention from fans and collectors.

Originally released in 2005, "Heavy Hitters" is a cover album featuring Michael Schenker alongside various guest musicians. The newly announced Japanese SHM-CD Deluxe Edition expands the original tracklist with extra material, some of which appears to be newly added for this release.

The bonus tracks listed for this Deluxe Edition include a newly recorded version of "Save Yourself", originally released under the McAuley Schenker Group name, a cover of Rush's "Finding My Way", as well as instrumental versions of "Blood Of The Sun", "Doctor Doctor", and "War Pigs".

While it remains unclear whether all of these bonus tracks are entirely unreleased recordings, their inclusion makes this Deluxe Edition a notable addition for long-time Michael Schenker Group fans.

For full details, including the complete track listing and release information, please see the HMV Japan product page:
https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_Michael-Schenker-Group_000000000334549/item_Heavy-Hitters-Deluxe-Edition-SHM-CD

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