Concert Review - MSG

MSG = OMG!!

Ok, so I got that from my teenage daughter...but I know what it means. It applies here.

I last saw Michael Schenker with MSG during the early 2000's (foggy as to what year...old age). What I remember from that show was his appearance...slightly chubby with a long brown beard...much like he was just rescued from some lost island.

Being the first time I saw him, I thought he was ok...nothing really to measure him against except his records with UFO and MSG (and Scorpions...if you can figure out what he played on those albums!). In hindsight now, and after reading all I have about his troubles...I can see in minds eye he was going through the motions...lost at times, but getting the job done. All of this became apparent to me only after seeing MSG (complete with original lead singer Gary Barden) at the House Of Blues In Chicago this past Monday night.

I decided a few months ago this was a show I could not miss, with Gary back in the fold and all. I had also been reading about Michael and how he is now clean and sober. This plus a very accomodating Sarah (thanks!) at the H.O.B. lead me to this evening of music.

Immediately after the band took the stage, the difference in Michael was apparent...beard gone, slimmed down, and trademark blonde hair slicked back...he looked READY! The rest of the band proved to be tight, and Gary's vocal put all the early MSG material back in it's proper place. He also did a great job with UFO material like "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor, Doctor".

On this night, Micheal showed why he is in a very elite class of hard rock guitar players, that includes others IMO like Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoades just to name a few. Michael's signature riffs have always been memorable (for years I have had the "Ready To Rock" riff popping in and out of my brain without warning), and his versatility is impressive. His masterful lead work was certainly inventive on this night, to say the least...

OMG!

(here is video of a bit of his "Rock Bottom" solo from the NYC show on the tour)


It comes down to this. I thought I have seen it all over the years, but Michael showed all of us at the Chicago H.O.B. that there is indeed more to see...and hear.

~Zander
Host - The Rockin' 80's Radio Show