Michael Schenker Group
Blender Theatre
New York City, New York
June 24, 2009
Tony Pijar
Who knew what to expect? Which Schenker would show up (if at all)? The enigmatic vanishing at or the brilliant, inspirational genius? Thankfully, we got the latter. Not only did he show up, but he proceeded to lay waste to the theatre.
The Schenker of a couple years ago is dead. The obesity, wool hats, full beard, and downtrodden look are gone. He is now fit and trim with slicked back blonde hair that looked very befitting. He seemed happy, focused, content, and spiritually connected. Vocalist Gary Barden is finally back in the band, hopefully this time for good. His voice, more than any other vocalist Schenker has employed, complements the music best.
And speaking of the songs, what a set list! The band opened with “Ride on my Way” from “In the Midst of Beauty.” Strange opening, but effective nonetheless. And then we were jolted with “Cry for the Nations”, “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”, “Armed and Ready”, and “Ready to Rock.” Schenker and Barden are a formidable team. “I want you”, another new composition, is hummable, but not spectacular. The kick-ass instrumental, “Into the Arena”, allowed for Schenker to tear it up. God, he’s phenomenal! “Lost Horizons” from their debut album, was played with brooding power that many bands are not able to reach. Contrasting the menacing “Lost Horizons”, was the commercial sounding “Rock my Nights away, “which should have been an FM hit back in the mid 80s. “MSG” is considered to be Schenker’s best release, and the best two songs from it were played at the end of the set – “Attack of the Mad Axe-man” and “On and On.” Of course, we got “Doctor Doctor” and “Rock Bottom” as encores.
I still can’t get over how great Schenker has transformed himself into that lean, mean guitar hero that we all came to adore and revere long ago. Here’s to the rebirth of a musical genius!
