Legendary guitarist Michael Schenker joins Mitch for episode 221 of One On One With Mitch Lafon. 

In the show's only interview, guitarist extraordinaire Michael Schenker discusses his new On A Mission - Live In Madrid (CD/DVD and or Blu-Ray) release, Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock band, Michael Schenker Fest, working with former Scorpions' bandmates Herman Rarebell and Francis Buchholz, his time with RATT, Scorpions, and his current feelings for his brother (Scorpions' guitarist) Rudolf Schenker.

On his brother Rudolf Schenker:

(time - 12.21): "I had to fight my way out of Lovedrive because they didn't want to let me go."

(time - 12.29): "Everybody in America (all the managements), they wanted to sign the Scorpions and they thought if I leave the band that it would collapse."

(time - 12.42): "The Scorpions basically followed everything UFO did."

(time - 13.06): "I was his favorite guitarist."

(time - 13.58): "I realized what Rudolf had done. He has asked me to play the black & white guitar, he had asked me to give him the ‘Coast To Coast’ melodies (those were the most tastiest parts). They never mentioned that I wrote the intro to ‘Holiday’ (which sets up the song very nicely). Rudolf never missed a concert performing those two songs. Basically, he was trying to distort and make people think that there was not really any Michael Schenker. There was just Rudolf Schenker."

(time - 14.43): "I had a contract with the Scorpions. I was sixth member."

(time - 15.03): "Rudolf actually can't really play guitar properly and that's a fact."

(time - 15.18); "Basically, I started the Scorpions with Klaus."

(time - 16.16): "Basically, Uli was the foundation artistically."

(time - 16.39): "But Rudolf... My generosity was very sadly abused and I don't appreciate that. These days, I'm staying away from the Scorpions as far as a can especially from Rudolf. I can't trust him anymore. I don't know what else he has in his trick box."

(time - 17.15): "Klaus is the only one with the real talent."

(time - 17.33): "So, it's very sad that... on that Scorpions side everything has become numb & dumb. It has nothing to do with music anymore. They milked what they could milk for the last 23 years with that manager who just died. They haven't done anything since Herman (Rarebell, former drummer) and Francis (Buchholz, former bassist) left."

There wasn't room for 'two Schenkers in the Scorpions' (quote from my July 2015 interview with Rudolf) (time - 18.58): "Rubbish. Absolute rubbish. Rudolf cried on the phone begging me back to the Scorpions when I left them because I went there to help the Scorpions out. I had just left UFO and I was peaking. I was #5 guitarist in America."

(time - 20.09): "I couldn't stand playing Uli's songs. I was a guitarist with a focus on pure expression. I wanted to develop as a guitarist. I did not want to be part of the artificial commercial world."

(time - 21.09): "They changed the story around to make it sound good. 'I had to take my brother because it's my brother.' Bullshit! They begged me into the Scorpions. The fact is I did not want to be part of a commercial touring band anymore. I wanted to do & go my own way."

(time - 22.13): "I would agree that there was no space for two Schenkers because if I would have stayed with the Scorpions my brother would have never experienced what he experienced."

(time - 23.58): speaking of Rudolf: "He's become a fame addict."

(time - 25.09): "He's a con artist. He steals everything that I have done. I'm his younger brother and he thinks he can get away with it."

(time - 25.33): "My sister wrote an email and said, 'Our brother is a greedy wanker."

Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock will released On A Mission: Live In Madrid on CD, DVD and Blu-ray on April 27th in Japan, April 29th in Europe, and May 6th in North America via Inakustik. The set was recorded on November 19th, 2015 at Joy Eslava in Madrid, Spain. A video trailer can be found below.

Besides the Double CD, Blue-ray and DVD-version there is also a Limited Edition Collector's Box available. It is limited  to 5000 copies worldwide and provided with an individual serial number.

A summery follows: What on the surface might appear to be a platitude, is a serious invitation for the fans of the “Mad Axeman” and one they are happy to take him up on. Where else could aficionados of high-class guitar rock see such an emotional and energetic show? And one featuring a lineup that leaves connoisseurs of the international music scene rapturously clicking their tongues in appreciation.

During their world tour of 2015/2016, the lineup set up their Temple Of Rock in the Joy Eslava theatre in central Madrid. Michael Schenker and his crew chose this unique location with care for the recording of this concert. The musicians clapped along with the fans as they sung along to hits old and new with great enthusiasm. All musical phases of Michael Schenker's career were included and the evening became a joyful party as well as a clear message of how positively Michael Schenker's music can enrich the listener's life.

Michael Schenker played various guitars, including for the first time his new double-neck Flying-M with 2 necks, each with 6 strings, with each neck tuned differently.

Tracklisting:

Disc 1
“Ocean Odyssey” - Intro
“Doctor Doctor”
“Live And Let Live”
“Lights Out”
“Where the Wild Winds Blow”
“Natural Thing”
“Before The Devil Knows You're Dead”
“Victim Of Illusion”
“Lovedrive”
“Coast To Coast”
“Vigilante Man”
“Rock My Nights Away”

Disc 2
“Saviour Machine”
“Too Hot To Handle”
“Only You Can Rock Me”
“Lord of the Lost and Lonely”
“Rock You Like A Hurricane”
“Rock Bottom”
“Horizons”
“Attack Of The Mad Axeman”
“Communion”
“Blackout”

Disc 3:
“Searching For Freedom” – Outro

Bonus Material:
- Rehearsal
- Before The Show
- Soundcheck
- Individual interviews with each band member

Musicians:

Michael Schenker – Guitar
Doogie White – Vocals
Wayne Findlay – Guitar, Keyboard
Francis Buchholz – Bass
Herman Rarebell – Drums

Trailer:

More info and audio clips at this location.

Schenker has put together a very special show, Michael Schenker Fest, for this year’s Sweden Rock festival, taking place June 8th - 11th in in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

Michael Schenker Fest will feature three original MSG singers - Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley. Also on board is Ted McKenna (drums), Chris Glen (bass) and Steve Mann (guitar / keyboards). Combined, these men are responsible for such albums as Michael Schenker Group (1980), Assault Attack (1982) and Save Yourself (1989). Expect to hear a multitude of classic tracks.

Michael Schenker Fest will take place on June 11th at Sweden Rock Festival. More festival details at this location.