Michael Schenker – Shepherd’s Bush Empire – 31^st May 2013

View: Centre balcony

In the liner notes for last year’s Temple Of Rock – Live In Europe album, Michael Schenker stated that in terms of rock music “there is not much new left to expect” and that he has now entered Stage 3 of his career “which is all about celebration”. This is a sentiment that he pursues with his current tour which is subtitled the “Lovedrive Reunion”.

This is not surprising as Schenker’s current band also features former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz and drummer Herman Rarebell. Consequently the set is liberally peppered with Lovedrive classics. Indeed, the set commences with Lovedrive and Another Piece Of Meat. Later in the set, Coast To Coast crunches satisfyingly and Holiday appears as an encore.

The band as a whole, and Schenker in particular, seem to be enjoying themselves. The impression given seems to be one of mates getting together to bash out some great tunes. Schenker has a real rapport with the crowd and his playing is frequently jaw-dropping. Yet he makes it look so easy! It’s not all about Schenker though. The band are all individually excellent. Herman Rarebell in particular is a picture of unflappable calm.

In keeping with Schenker’s aforementioned assertion regarding ‘celebration’, there is little in the way of new or recent material in the set. Horizons, a Motorhead-like track from the upcoming Bridge The Gap album is essayed, whilst Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead from the Temple Of Rock album is dedicated to recent rock losses Ronnie James Dio and Trevor Bolder.

Other than that, it’s pretty much classics all the way. The 1980s Michael Schenker Group are represented by Assault Attack and Into The Arena, whilst from UFO we get (amongst others) Shoot Shoot and Only You Can Rock Me.

The main set ends with Lights Out, but the band are quickly back for an encore that lasts the best part of half an hour. During Blackout Schenker hands over the solo to keyboardist / guitarist Wayne Findlay, a far cry from his diva-ish behaviour in years gone by. During Rock Bottom Schenker solos with his left hand whilst taking photos of the audience with his right. It’s all so easy – apparently!

OK, so in terms of ‘artistic endeavour’ there’s nothing particularly new going on here, but does it matter? Surely it’s enough to be able to witness one of the best guitarists of his generation cranking out some of the songs that he’s best known for ably aided and abetted by some equally talented mates?

                                                                                                 Mark Kelly