Michael Schenker: The Guitar legend Who Shunned Modern Music to Forge His Own Path
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Michael Schenker, the iconic German guitarist known for his work with the Scorpions and UFO, has revealed a surprising secret to his decades-long career: he hasn’t listened to contemporary music in over 50 years. In a series of interviews, Schenker detailed his unique approach to musical creation, a strategy that has resulted in a distinctive and influential sound.
Speaking to Metal Global, Schenker explained his early influences: “In the beginning, when I was jumpstarted, [I was] inspired by all the late ’60s guitarists. But then, [when I was] 15 years old, I already subconsciously knew that that was something I wanted to do.” This early realization led him to a conscious decision at age 18 to distance himself from contemporary music. He elaborated, “As when I heard the guitarists in the late ’60s, they all had their own style…All different. But [in] the ’80s, everything was the same.And that was basically watered-down ’70s; [they] made it simple and commercialized it [to] make money. But the ’70s [and] late ’60s guitarists, it was art; [they were] pure artists.”
This commitment to self-expression was further emphasized in an interview with Classic Rock magazine: “Never,” he stated unequivocally when asked if he listens to other musicians’ work. “I have never had a record player,nothing. I just watch the news and that’s it. Listening to music would be poison for me.I need to be completely empty in order to create what I need to create.”
However, Schenker’s dedication to his own creative process didn’t mean he was completely oblivious to other guitarists. In a 2019 interview with Decibel magazine, he discussed his reaction to Eddie Van Halen’s debut: “When VAN HALEN did the first album, I couldn’t ignore it. eddie Van Halen, I never knew him until he made the first album, and I was blown away by it.” He also acknowledged yngwie Malmsteen, noting his amazing speed but ultimately finding his work repetitive.These exceptions, however, only served to reinforce Schenker’s unique approach.
Schenker’s beliefs centers on the inherent uniqueness of individual creativity. He explained, “Each one of us holds very unique ideas that are not known to other people until we release them. I somehow knew intuitively that that’s what I needed to do. So, whatever came out of me, it was very attractive to other musicians or other people, because it was always something, like, ‘I never…'” This unwavering commitment to his internal creative wellspring has undeniably shaped his career, resulting in a body of work that stands apart from trends and continues to inspire.
guitar Legend Michael Schenker Announces 2025 European Tour
michael Schenker,a titan of hard rock and heavy metal,is hitting the road.The influential guitarist, known for his work with the Scorpions and UFO, has announced a European tour slated for Spring 2025. This tour commemorates a important milestone: the 50th anniversary of Schenker’s time with the iconic band UFO.
Schenker’s career boasts a remarkable trajectory. His contributions to the Scorpions’ 1972 album, “Lonesome Crow,” marked his early success. He then rose to prominence with UFO, delivering memorable performances on albums like “Phenomenon” and “Lights Out” during the 1970s. A return to the Scorpions for their 1979 album, “Lovedrive,” further solidified his legendary status before he embarked on a solo career with the Michael Schenker Group. Despite occasional career setbacks, Schenker remains a highly influential figure in the genre.
The upcoming tour will feature a special guest: Erik Grönwall, the former Skid Row frontman. Grönwall lends his vocals to “Mother Mary,” a track on Schenker’s new album, “My Years With UFO,” which also boasts a guitar solo by Guns N’ Roses’ Slash. This collaboration promises a high-energy show for fans.
The tour promises a retrospective journey through Schenker’s extensive catalog, offering fans a chance to experience his legendary guitar work live. While specific dates and venues haven’t been fully released, the anticipation is building among fans eager to witness this party of a half-century of musical excellence.
Michael Schenker: A lone Wolf’s Path to Heavy Metal Mastery
Michael Schenker, the legendary German guitarist known for his work with Scorpions and UFO, has made a career out of carving his own path. His unconventional approach to music includes a decades-long abstention from listening to contemporary music, a choice that has resulted in a uniquely influential sound.
Senior Editor David Ramirez of world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Michael Wagner, professor of musicology and guitar expert at Berklee College of Music, to discuss Schenker’s innovative career.
Avoiding the Contemporary: Schenker’s Unique Creative Well
david Ramirez: Dr. Wagner, Michael Schenker’s decision to avoid modern music for over 50 years is undeniably interesting. What do you think motivates this kind of artistic isolation?
Dr. michael Wagner: Schenker’s commitment to artistic purity is something that we see echoed throughout history. Many artists, especially within highly expressive genres like rock, find that external influences can muddy their own unique voice. For Schenker, it seems eliminating contemporary influences allows him to tap into a purer, more individualistic artistic wellspring.
David Ramirez: Schenker mentions feeling inspired by the late 60s guitarists, but perceiving a homogenization in the music of the 80s.Do you think his outlook accurately reflects broader trends in music at that time?
Dr. Michael Wagner: There’s definitely some truth to that. the 80s saw a surge in commercially-driven rock music, often prioritizing accessibility over innovation. It’s likely Schenker felt that this trend stifled the raw creativity he admired in the earlier guitar greats.
Self-Reliance and the Quest for Authenticity
David Ramirez: Schenker has been very candid about his belief that listening to other musicians’ work could be “poison” to his creative process. Do you see any parallels between his approach and those of other renowned artists?
Dr. Michael Wagner: Absolutely. Many artists throughout history have sought to forge their own unique path by minimizing external influences. Think of painters like Caravaggio, who developed a groundbreaking style by rejecting the conventions of his time. Schenker’s approach is essentially an extension of that same artistic impulse — a relentless pursuit of authenticity and originality.
David Ramirez: Schenker’s dedication to his own creative vision is certainly remarkable. Do you think his unwavering commitment to self-expression has been a key factor in his longevity and influence?
Dr. Michael Wagner: undoubtedly. Schenker’s music is deeply personal and imbued with a raw emotional intensity that resonates with listeners. By shielding himself from external influences, he has maintained a unique voice that has inspired generations of musicians. His story reminds us that true artistic vision often requires uncompromising commitment and a willingness to forge one’s own path.
