Concert Report by Les MSG at Garage, Glasgow, UK May 20, 2006 Added on 05/21/2006
Hi Ritchie
I just got back from the Glasgow gig so I thought I'd send you a quick review.
We arrived ten minutes after the doors opened and Faster Inferno were already on stage. I thought they were very good and would like to hear more from them. After a quick stage change Nikki Puppet came on. I wasn't so impressed by them - not really my thing.
Another stage change followed. However, when the setlists were brought out by the stage crew we could see some of the songs had been scored off and sure enough we got a reduced set. This was probably because of a 10 pm curfew but it was disappointing. I could easily have done without Nikki Puppet for more MSG!
The actual setlist was -
Assault Attack
Are You Ready To Rock
Let It Roll
Dust To Dust
Love Trade
Shadow Lady
Lights Out
Into The Arena
Only You Can Rock Me
Attack Of The Mad Axeman
Doctor Doctor
Rock Bottom
There was no encore. Although I was disappointed by the short set what they did play was absolutely brilliant. It's probably the best I've ever seen Michael play. The highlights for me were Into the Arena and Only You Can Rock Me (the solo was just amazing!!). Doctor Doctor and Rock Bottom were also outstanding. Michael looked great and was smiling and waving to the crowd. Rev was his usual mad self with his helicopter hair!! I thought Jari was good, moving around the stage and interacting with the crowd more than I expected after reading earlier reviews.
Despite the short set it was still an amazing performance and I'd thoroughly recommend it. You are in for a treat if the Japanese tour goes ahead.
Best wishes
Les
Concert Photo by Rob MSG at Garage, Glasgow, UK May 20, 2006 Added on 05/21/2006 & 05/22/2006
Didn't realise that the 7.00 on the tickets meant just that and arrived a bit late for Schenker junior, as they were already on stage, pity as I'd liked to have heard a bit more as I have liked what I've heard so far. His playing was similar to his fathers in places, a bit like the very early Scorpions (lonesome crow) stuff, and the excellent flying V Schenker sound. Would be good if he got a bit of backing and some encouragement/tours/studio time to develop further. Next up was Nikki Puppet who were a bit strange but had a not bad guitarist who seemed a bit out of place with the motley crew surrounding him.
Next up MSG, about 300 in the crowd, set list was as follows:
Assault attack
Are You Ready To Rock
Let It Roll
Dust To Dust
Love Trade
Shadow Lady
Lights Out
Into The Arena
Only You Can Rock Me
Attack Of The Mad Axeman
Doctor Doctor
Rock Bottom
For me the search is still on for a vocalist as Jari didn't do it much for me as a singer/front man not much stage presence at all. But then again next to Rev nobody has much stage presence. He was ok on the newer material but I would have chosen the more melodic tracks such as Angel of Avalon. Struggled a bit with Let it roll, forgot where in the song he was during Lights out. Highlights for me were Into the arena, Attack of the mad axeman and Rock bottom. Michael was smiling, waving and bowing all night. Would have loved to have heard But i want more and On and on and a much longer set than 1 hour 10 minutes, but for a mere ￡12.50 excellent value for a musician of this calibre, considering I've paid more to see a tribute band in the past?????
Having seen Schenker on his last few tours to the UK he is definitely in the best shape I've seen him in and dressed to suit, not like some drop out and playing the best guitar that I've heard from him in ages. Things are looking good (for now).
