Michael Schenker Fest Hits The Cabooze

Last updated on March 23rd, 2018 at 10:22 pm

I love The Cabooze for music. The sound and vibe are usually pretty great, and you know it’s a sellout (or at least close to it) when the rafters and the lower seats are full. Of course, with the full general admission crowd, the usual problem persists. There is absolutely no clearance to walk from one side of the venue to the other.

Starting out the night with a fun blast was Minneapolis based Flipp. They came out with a very punk-style half-hour set. Loud Music, loud outfits and a comedic take on rock and roll. You may recognize frontman Brynn Arens, who also runs another band… The Odd Fathers. While I was unfamiliar with this band, originally started in the 90’s, I’m going to make sure to see them again. They enticed the crowd with songs like “Wish I Was A Planet,” and the infectious “Hair Do.”

Between his time with the Scorpions, multiple versions of MSG (Michael Schenker Group and McAuley Schenker Group) and, as a founding member of UFO, Michael Schenker shouldn’t need an introduction. He is one of the great rock guitarists.

He brought with him three singers (Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley) for this North American Tour

If you were at the Cabooze, you came for the music (obviously), and the most important aspect of this night was the guitar work of Michael Schenker. He didn’t disappoint, rocking multiple solos during this 2 1/2 hour set.

Gary Barden, the voice of most of the older MSG music, started the night out with the usual walk-in song “Into The Arena” which led into “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” and “Cry For The Nations.”

The second act started with a Scorpions cover of “Coast to Coast.” Graham Bonnet came in on “Desert Song” and “Dancer.”

Next came Robin McAuley who, between MSG and fronting Survivor
(2006-2011), has become a favorite of mine. He sang a crowd favorite, “Anytime” followed by “Love Is Not A Game” and then the new single “Heart And Soul.” This last song is from the new album, Resurrection, from Michael Schenker Fest (MSF??)

Michael Schenker never fails in the arena of great guitar. With his blazing work throughout the night, he tore it up on tracks including “Captain Nemo”, “Live and Let Live” and “Take Me To The Church.” It’s no wonder he’s been an inspiration to so many guitar players including Zakk Wylde, Kirk Hammett, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Finally, the crowd got what they wanted with songs from Schenker’s early work with UFO, featuring some classic Schenker guitar in “Rock Bottom.”

Then, the 4 song encore with consisted of “Doctor Doctor,” “Shoot Shoot,” “Natural Thing” and finally, appropriately enough, “Lights Out.” Bravo!

Michael Schenker took the crowd through a glorious two and a half hour journey of hits, a little new music and plenty of screaming guitar work! Can’t think of a better way to start the week. Can you?