Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker is a German hard rock, heavy metal and rock guitarist from Hannover, Germany. Born in 1955, he is known for his work with Scorpions and UFO, and for a long career built around his own projects and collaborations.

Early life and playing style

He starts playing guitar in his early teens after his brother Rudolf brings home a Flying V, which becomes a major influence on him. His younger brother Rudolf Schenker also becomes associated with Scorpions. Schenker is known for an improvisatory style that does not rely on conventional guitar scales in the usual way.

Scorpions and UFO

Schenker is a founding member of Scorpions. He also joins UFO in unusual circumstances, when the band is in Germany and needs a guitarist for a show after Bernie Marsden forgets his passport. Schenker is spotted while soundchecking with Scorpions and is persuaded to play that night. Despite the language barrier, the connection leads to him becoming an important part of the group’s sound. He later signs with Chrysalis Records in 1979 after leaving UFO.

Michael Schenker Group and related projects

In 1979, he forms the Michael Schenker Group. The band becomes known for a changing line-up and repeated personnel conflicts. Original vocalist Gary Barden is replaced by Graham Bonnet in 1982, then Barden returns for Built to Destroy and the live album Rock Will Never Die. After Barden leaves again, Schenker reorganises the group with Robin McAuley as the McAuley–Schenker Group, a line-up that records three albums before the pair part ways.

He later rejoins UFO for Walk on Water, although the reunion ends after a short tour and a fight with vocalist Phil Mogg. He also revives the Michael Schenker Group with new players and continues to record and tour with the band. His later work includes Arachnophobiac and Tales of Rock and Roll, the latter bringing together singers from different periods of the group.

Later career and associated acts

Beyond his main bands, Schenker is associated with McAuley–Schenker Group, G3, Schenker Barden Acoustic Project, Contraband, The Plot, Michael Schenker Fest and Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock. His label is Schenker Songs. He remains identified with classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal and instrumental rock, and is regarded as an influential guitarist whose playing inspires later musicians including Kirk Hammett of Metallica.

Selected collaborations and reputation

He is offered work with Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne, but chooses to focus on his own music rather than become a hired guitarist in another band. His career is marked by both musical acclaim and repeated personnel disputes, yet he continues to attract a dedicated following across Europe and the United States.