As expected, Schenker has still got it and is as good as he ever was.
As far as content and performance goes, I knew I wouldn't have any complaints about this release as I have, for a long time, been an admirer of Michael Schenker's sound and style. There are twenty-two songs in total on this DVD (the same with the 2CD, Blu-ray and limited Deluxe Editions which are also available), which includes material from across Schenker's UFO, Scorpions, MSG and Temple Of Rock career.
I suppose it's quite brave to open up with what is probably your most celebrated song, but 'Doctor, Doctor' is first out of the gates, while other UFO songs such as 'Lights Out', 'Too Ho (that's what it says on the cover) To Handle', 'Only You Can Rock Me' and 'Rock Bottom' are spread out nicely across the set. Scorpions' 'Love Drive' and 'Coast To Coast' are played together, while 'Rock You Like A Hurricane' comes three quarters of the way through. Some MSG classics like 'Victim Of Illusion' and 'Attack Of The Mad Axeman' are also dusted off, but he as he does these days, he mainly plays the later stuff from his catalogue.
As expected, Schenker has still got it and is as good as he ever was. The thing I like about this film is that it has quite a few close-ups of the man's fingers as he makes his excellent lead breaks look absolutely effortless.
If I have a criticism of this DVD it's that you will need a reasonably good 5:1 sound system to get the best out of it. I first played it on one machine, in stereo, and the sound was very woolly, to the extent that I could hardly discern Michael Schenker's guitar in the mix. Once I swapped player and put it on 5:1, the whole thing came alive.
As is often the case, there are extras available and these include some footage from the sound check and outside the venue; the queue is filmed but not spoken to, strangely, until Doogie White appears to ask them who they are queueing to see, which is also a little on the strange side if I am honest.
This collection is available now, apart from the BD 4K version, which will be available soon.
Andy Brailsford
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