Michael Schenker news and features

“Ozzy knew that I was Randy’s favorite guitar player. The only way I could think of getting out of the gig was by making outrageous demands”: Why Michael Schenker turned down the opportunity of a lifetime with Ozzy Osbourne after Randy Rhoads died

By Matt Owen published 12 January 24

The German virtuoso once received a call in the middle of the night from Osbourne asking him to join the band – but Schenker wasn't sold on the opportunity

How to play rock guitar like the legendary Michael Schenker

By Martin Cooper published 14 December 22

Schenker's pyrotechnic style lit up albums from UFO, Scorpions and MSG, and this lesson takes you inside his rhythm and lead approaches. Two-tone Flying V optional, attitude essential

Dear Guitar Hero: Michael Schenker Talks Scorpions, Influences, Early Gear, Gibson Flying V's and More —with Video

By Guitar World Staff last updated 4 November 22

Rudolf (left) and Michael Schenker perform with the Scorpions at the Hammersmith Apollo in London

Scorpions' Rudolf Schenker on his relationship with his brother Michael: "I think, sooner or later, we will play together again"

By Jackson Maxwell published 13 April 22

"He’s an amazing guitar player, an amazing person," Rudolf said of his younger brother, Michael, adding that he wishes "him all the best"

Steve Lukather, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Sherinian and Michael Schenker

Derek Sherinian taps Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Nuno Bettencourt, Zakk Wylde, Michael Schenker and more for new album, Vortex

By Matt Owen published 13 April 22

Steve Stevens, Mike Stern and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal also feature on the record, which is due July 1 via InsideOutMusic

Michael Schenker performs at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on October 31, 2021 in London

Michael Schenker Group announce new album, Universal

By Jackson Maxwell published 3 March 22

On one of the album's tracks – a tribute to the late metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio – Schenker is backed by three former members of Rainbow

[L-R] Adrian Smith, Eddie Van Halen, Dr. Know and Glenn Tipton

The 25 greatest rock guitar albums of 1982

By Greg Prato published 2 March 22

40 years ago, a surge of classic albums birthed fresh genres and saw old favorites give their sound a new lease of life – we chart some of the very best rock records to emerge from this prolific era for guitar

Tracii Gunns and Michael Sweet on the unlikely story behind their black metal-inspired side-project, Sunbomb

By Brad Angle published 12 August 21

Black metal, NWOBHM, doom... Sunbomb sees the hard rock stalwarts reveal their dark side

Michael Schenker: “Doctor Doctor was the sound of me developing. You can hear it in the vibrato... I was always fascinated by vibrato“

By Amit Sharma published 25 May 21

As Schenker reveals the secrets of his unique style, his message is simple: “Be yourself. Don’t try to be anybody else”

Michael Schenker: "Rudolf doesn’t have much talent as a guitarist - I needed to pave the path for him. I’m saying that with an open heart"

By Mark McStea published 4 February 20

Whether he’s talking about the Scorpions, UFO, his new album or the 'distortion of his image', the German guitar legend is as candid as ever

Michael Schenker looks back at UFO's Strangers In The Night

By Mark McStea published 25 October 19

The iconic guitarist's memories of one of the best live albums of all time

Listen to Michael Schenker put his Dean V through its paces on new song Sleeping With the Light On

By Richard Bienstock published 13 August 19

The legendary UFO and Scorpions guitarist ventures into full-on power-ballad territory

Michael Schenker Fest Share New Single and Video, “Rock Steady”

By Richard Bienstock published 14 June 19

The band’s forthcoming album, ‘Revelation,’ is due September 20.

Watch Michael Schenker Shred “Lights Out” Onstage in San Francisco

By Richard Bienstock published 24 May 19

The guitarist ripped through the UFO classic during his current Michael Schenker Fest tour.

Michael Schenker Fest Kick Off New North American Tour

By Richard Bienstock published 16 April 19

The former Scorpions and U.F.O. guitarist has also released a lyric video for “The Girl With the Stars in Her Eyes.”

Michael Schenker Fest Announce New Album

By Jackson Maxwell published 28 March 19

'Revelation' will arrive via Nuclear Blast on August 23.

Kirk Hammett and Michael Schenker Jam Behind the Scenes on 'That Metal Show'

By Damian Fanelli published 10 January 19

Metallica's lead axeman jams with one of his idols.

Doug Aldrich Master Class: 10 Steps to Monster Chops, Part II

By Doug Aldrich and Andy Aledort published 21 September 18

Guitarist extraordinaire Doug Aldrich offers a slew of exciting and inspiring licks and technical exercises to help you become the player you aspire to be.

Michael Schenker Fest Premiere "Take Me to the Church" Music Video

By Guitar World Staff published 17 August 18

Legendary guitarist's latest video was filmed in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The Secrets Behind Michael Schenker's Tone on UFO's "Only You Can Rock Me"

By Chris Gill published 25 June 18