Celebrating 50 years since his time with UFO, Michael Schenker is at KK’s to launch the UK leg of his “My Years With UFO” tour. Backed by his band, the German guitar virtuoso is set to deliver a night of hard rock nostalgia, packed with classic tracks and trademark flair.
There’s a sense of ceremony as Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant Song’ blasts through the PA, setting the scene for one of rock’s great guitar heroes. Schenker takes the stage, white Flying V in hand and quirky fur hat planted firmly on his head, to an instant roar of approval. It’s an eccentric look – particularly under hot stage lights – but somehow it suits him. Then comes the unmistakable opening riff of ‘Natural Thing’, and the night is officially underway.
With his road-seasoned band, Schenker dives headfirst into the UFO catalogue that made his name. Swedish vocalist Erik Grönwall (H.E.A.T, Skid Row) delivers these classics with Mogg-esque power and presence, capturing their spirit without slipping into imitation. Steve Mann handles keys and rhythm guitar, alongside bassist Barend Courbois and drummer Bodo Schopf. They hit the gas early with ‘Only You Can Rock Me’, ‘Doctor Doctor’ and ‘Mother Mary’ – tracks that still carry the same bite and swagger as they did in their prime.
Each track pulled from the mid-’70s “Schenker-era” run of albums defines not just UFO, but a whole generation of melodic hard rock, and of course Schenker’s brilliance. ‘I’m a Loser’ and ‘This Kid’s’ come before the anthemic ‘Lights Out’ explodes into life – still sounding urgent decades on. The instrumental pairing of ‘Lipstick Traces’ and ‘Between the Walls’ provides a reflective interlude that reveals Schenker’s melodic touch and expressive depth – and from where I’m standing, it has the audience fully immersed.
The dramatic ‘Love to Love’ drips with emotion, building slowly to its sweeping climax as Schenker’s lead lines soar above the band, reminding everyone why, at 70, his playing continues to inspire. ‘Let It Roll’ and ‘Can You Roll Her’ bring things back into full stomp before ‘Reasons Love’ adds a highlight from the 1976 album: ‘No Heavy Petting’.
If any track defines Schenker’s legacy, it’s ‘Rock Bottom’. Tonight it’s more than just a song – it’s a centrepiece, with an extended closing section that becomes a masterclass in guitar storytelling. It’s a showcase of tone, control, and instinct, and as the band fade into the background, Schenker lets the Flying V do the talking – and his audience is transfixed.
Wrapping things up with punch and precision, ‘Shoot Shoot’ and ‘Too Hot to Handle’ are final reminders of just how many great songs came from Schenker’s time with UFO. He may not have said much throughout the show – just a few thank-yous and a quick band introduction – but he hasn’t needed to. There’s no speech at the end, no grand farewell. Just a wave, another “thank you,” and a final moment of connection between a legend and his fans. After 50 years, Michael Schenker doesn’t need to prove anything. But tonight, he proved it anyway.
Review & Photography: Steve Johnston
