{"id":54333,"date":"2017-03-12T15:10:25","date_gmt":"2017-03-12T20:10:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=54333"},"modified":"2017-03-12T15:12:27","modified_gmt":"2017-03-12T20:12:27","slug":"michael-schenker-fest-live-tokyo-international-forum-hall-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2017\/michael-schenker-fest-live-tokyo-international-forum-hall-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Michael Schenker Fest: Live Tokyo International Forum Hall"},"content":{"rendered":"

by John Kindred<\/span>
\n— Publisher —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"Michael Schenker returns with his latest multi-media release of the Michael Schenker Fest: Tokyo International Forum Hall<\/em> on the inakustik music label.<\/p>\n

The Michael Schenker Fest, a celebration of music from the legendary guitarist, made a handful of appearances exclusively in Japan in the fall on of 2016. The concert performance at Toyko\u2019s International Forum on Aug. 24, 2016, was recorded for release on Blu-ray, DVD, CD and digital formats. <\/p>\n

On this special tour, Schenker focused on his solo band MSG, performing music from the catalog of albums from which the band recorded during the \u201880s. The uniqueness of these \u201cperformances\u201d was the inclusion of three of the singers who helped put a stamp on the sound of MSG in that era of Schenker\u2019s career. Vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, each, shared the stage, as the set list laid out the chronological order of songs from each singer\u2019s perspective albums they recorded as a member of MSG.<\/p>\n

Schenker also returned to the stage, once again, with original MSG band members Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums) and Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards), who was part of the McAuley Schenker Group.<\/p>\n

The 5,000 fans in attendance surely weren\u2019t disappointed as Schenker, armed with his signature flying V guitar, rocked the sold-out venue.<\/p>\n

All the classic MSG songs are here, and the band performs the instrumental song \u201cCoast to Coast,\u201d which Schenker recorded with the Scorpions on 1979\u2019s Lovedrive<\/em> album. It covers the staples of MSG\u2019s catalog, which fans have been listening to for years on the live CDs and DVDs released by the Schenker. Barden is also in fine form here. Bonnet\u2019s gritty, gravely vocals have not changed much over the years. It is a bonus to hear McAuley-era songs, and his performance is strong. It would be great to hear a complete live album with McAuley, something from the past or recent recordings. The only official release is the Unplugged<\/em> live album. He also sings on two UFO classics, \u201cShoot Shoot\u201d and \u201cRock Bottom,\u201d both superbly done.<\/p>\n

Schenker, himself, is on fire. His live performance is reminiscent of Uli Jon Roth, as his confidence is noticeable. He is rock steady; his musical voice majestically rolls through his fingers to each note he strikes on the guitar, re-creating the solos and rhythms he once laid down on vinyl. For any listener who doubts his magical touch, look no further than his extended guitar solo on \u201cRock Bottom.\u201d It is a testament to his mastery of the guitar. <\/p>\n

As with all multi-format releases, the Blu-ray features the most features. The CD and digital release offer a traveling companion. The DVD, well I guess people still use those, so it\u2019s still needed. This a definite must-have for Schenker fans. <\/p>\n

Genre: Hard Rock<\/p>\n

Band:
\nMichael Schenker – Lead Guitar
\nTed McKenna – Drums
\nSteve Mann – Guitar, Keyboards
\nChris Glen – Bass<\/p>\n

The Vocalists:
\nGary Barden
\nGraham Bonnet
\nRobin McAuley<\/p>\n

Track listing:
\n01. Intro: Searching For Freedom
\n02. Into The Arena
\n03. Attack Of The Mad Axeman ft. Gary Barden
\n04. Victim Of Illusion ft. Gary Barden
\n05. Cry For The Nations ft. Gary Barden
\n06. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie ft. Gary Barden
\n07. Armed And Ready ft. Gary Barden
\n08. Coast To Coast
\n09. Assault Attack ft. Graham Bonnet
\n10. Desert Song ft. Graham Bonnet
\n11. Dancer ft. Graham Bonnet
\n12. Captain Nemo
\n13. This Is My Heart ft. Robin McAuley
\n14. Save Yourself ft. Robin McAuley
\n15. Love Is Not A Game ft. Robin McAuley
\n16. Shoot Shoot ft. Robin McAuley
\n17. Rock Bottom ft. Robin McAuley
\n18. Doctor Doctor ft. Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley<\/p>\n

Label: inakustik<\/p>\n

Web: http:\/\/www.michaelschenkerhimself.com\/<\/p>\n

Official Trailer:
\n


\n