In recent memory, Michael Schenker’s endeavor to unite rock fans together at his concerts has enraptured his audiences and so it is fitting that his most recent concept of ‘Michael Schenker Fest’ does not disappoint one bit. The project reunites the original Michael/McAuley Schenker Group vocalists – Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keys), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums).
Since the first Michael Schenker Fest concert at Sweden Rock in June 2016 the project has gained serious momentum. Performing at a SOLD-OUT Tokyo show in August 2016 they recorded a live DVD, which has gathered critical acclaim worldwide.
Today, Schenker is proud to announce that he will be touring Michael Schenker Fest throughout Europe in October / November 2017, including four UK concerts taking in O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London (Thursday 2nd November), O2 Academy Sheffield (Friday 3rd November), O2 Ritz, Manchester (Saturday 4th November) and Hull City Hall (Sunday 5th November).
Says Schenker, “It’s a miracle that after all these years, a tour like this will take place with the original band members of “M.S.G.”. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. To being able to re-experience, and for the new audience to get a feel of what it was like, is incredibly enjoyable.”
Continues Schenker, “It’s an amazing feeling to have all of my M.S.G. Family from the ’80’s performing together and especially with Graham Bonnet, who I never got to play any concerts after our Assault Attack album that was originally released in 1982. Fortunately, being able to have the participation of original M.S.G. members including Gary Barden, Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums) being part of it, and to perform with Robin McAuley and Steve Mann (guitar, keyboards) again as well, is pretty awesome.”
The Band
Michael Schenker – Lead Guitar
Ted McKenna – Drums
Steve Mann – Guitar, Keyboards
Chris Glen – Bass
The Vocalists:
Gary Barden
Graham Bonnet
Robin McAuley
Schenker reflects on the concert that was performed in Tokyo in August 2016. “It was just one enjoyable event from beginning to end,” says Schenker. “Seeing those happy, excited fans right from the beginning before the show even started, was incredible. It was like Budokan all over again.”
“It’s wonderful how we all got on with each other. It felt incredibly natural, as if it was always like this. Right from the start of rehearsal, the chemistry was great. No problems, just pure fun. We plan to continue this when we perform the UK concerts in November 2017.”
Thursday 2nd November
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
O2 Priority Pre-Sale (12 noon on Friday 17th March 2017):
https://tickets.o2priority.co.uk/listings/michael-schenker-fest/44677
On general sale from 10am on Monday 20th March 2017:
www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/IEH0211M
Friday 3rd November
O2 Academy Sheffield
O2 Priority (12 noon on Friday 17th March 2017):
https://tickets.o2priority.co.uk/listings/michael-schenker-fest/44676
On general sale from 10am on Monday 20th March 2017: www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F005270B87B778E
Saturday 4th November
O2 Ritz, Manchester
O2 Priority Pre-Sale (12 noon on Friday 17th March 2017):
https://tickets.o2priority.co.uk/listings/michael-schenker-fest/44675
On general sale from 10am on Monday 20th March 2017:
www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F005270DEE6A248
Sunday 5th November
Hull City Hall, Hull
On general sale from 12 noon on Friday 17th March 2017:
www.hullboxoffice.com/events//michael-schenker-fest-featuring-original-msg-vocalists-gary-barden-graham-bonnet-and-robin-mcauley
M.S.G. – Discography:
The Michael Schenker Group (1980) Ft. Gary Barden (vocals)
M.S.G. (1981) Ft. Gary Barden (vocals)
Live At The Budokan (1982) Ft. Gary Barden (vocals)
Assault Attack (1982) Ft. Graham Bonnet (vocals)
Built To Destroy (1983) Ft. Gary Barden (vocals)
Written In The Sand (1996) Ft. Leif Sundin (vocals)
The Unforgiven (1999) Ft. Kelly Keeling (vocals)
Be Aware Of Scorpions (2001) Ft. Chris Logan (vocals)
Arachnophobic (2003) Ft. Chris Logan (vocals)
Tales Of Rock ‘N’ Roll (2006) Ft. Jari Tiura (vocals)
In The Midst Of Beauty (2008) Ft. Gary Barden (vocals)
Live In Tokyo – The 30th Anniversary Concert (2010) Ft. Gary Barden (vocals)
