Dead End Drive-In: Now Showing – Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock – ‘On A Mission: Live in Madrid’
Written by Johnny H
Sunday, 08 May 2016 04:00
Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock – ‘On A Mission: Live in Madrid’ (Inakustik)
I seem to have been looking over my shoulder quite a bit lately with my trips to the Dead End Drive-In, and this DVD/Blu-ray (which is also available on 2CD, digital and CD/Blu-ray Limited Edition) from Michael Schenker and his Temple Of Rock is certainly no exception to that rule. The only difference being I suppose is that unlike my previous viewing pleasures at least Temple Of Rock are still a functioning band….or are they? I’m getting ahead of myself though as per usual, because there’s a DVD to be reviewed here.
Filmed in the Joy Eslava Theatre on November 19th 2015 this DVD features the extraordinary six string talents of guitarist Michael Schenker, playing alongside his ex-Scorpions bandmates, bassist Francis Buchholz and drummer Herman Rarebell, his long time MSG keyboardist/guitarist Wayne Findlay and ex- Rainbow and Malmsteen vocalist Doogie White. The main feature capturing the band in all their live glory, in an expertly filmed concert lasting just a few minutes under two hours. Don’t go looking for tons of bonus features though, there are some, but these are scant and once watched will probably never be played again, well unless you are actually in them.
To the matter at hand then and taking tracks from Schenker’s illustrious back catalogue when he played with such monumental bands as; UFO, Scorpions and MSG and mixing them with newer songs from the Temple Of Rock albums, what you have here via the main feature is an up close and personal live document that any diehard fan will probably already have on pre-order anyway. It’s released via Inakustik on 13th May for those of you who haven’t.
To be honest an encounter with the band at Steelhouse Festival aside I’ve not really followed Temple Of Rock that closely live, although I was something of a Schenker nerd back in the day having first seen MSG back in 1981 on the On The Rack tour and witnessing every subsequent UK jaunt up to and including a support slot with Whitesnake as the McAuley Schenker Group. It’s the idea of the aforementioned mix of old and new that doesn’t sit that comfortably with me, especially when “classic” Scorpions anthems sung so uniquely with that distinctive nasal twang by Klaus Meine aren’t really Doogie White’s vocal strong point. I should also point out that some of White’s Gary Barden reinterpretations raise more than just an eyebrow with me at times too. The full on metal vocal to the normally quiet falsetto part of MSG’s ‘Attack Of The Mad Axeman’ being one such example. This is not really White’s fault though, he’s a very accomplished singer, especially on Temple Of Rock’s own material, but having him jumping from being Phil Mogg (whose songs he does a sterling job of handling) to Meine and then to Barden, I find that I am always comparing his performance to the original versions of the songs he’s singing and as such I’m perhaps being unfairly distracted away from what is otherwise a very decent performance from the Scot.
This small gripe aside the rest of what Temple of Rock do is exactly what you would expect from musicians who have sold millions of albums and played countless enormodomes worldwide during their collective careers. The DVDs excellent use of multiple cameras and crystal clear sound only helping to accentuate this. Schenker himself seems to be relishing the attention afforded him by the cameras and in the process turns in a particularly stunning performance on the guitar.
Now before I finish, I should perhaps respond to my opening gambit regarding the long term future of Temple Of Rock, because I really do hope that they are going to be an ongoing concern, not least because the guys involved look like they are having an absolute ball doing what they do here. It’s just that with the news that Schenker (who seems wise enough to be doing what Blackmore wouldn’t dare) will be reuniting with ex MSG vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, for a supposed “one off” show at next month’s Sweden Rock festival – I can’t help but wonder if Michael Schenker Fest might actually become more than just a one off? Who knows? But as it also reunites the guitarist with key people (like Chris Glenn, Steve Mann and Ted McKenna) from his MSG past you can’t help but think the money men might be watching this one with interest.
I can just see it now as I gaze into my crystal ball(s), Bristol Colston Hall, a long since sold out show, okay perhaps maybe not with Starfighters supporting them. I’d certainly be at the front of the queue to buy a ticket to see those three singers all together again…wouldn’t you? Now, what was that I was saying about looking over my shoulder?
http://www.michaelschenkerhimself.com/home.php
To pick up your copy of ‘On A Mission – Live In Madrid’ – CLICK HERE
