Guitar legend Michael Schenker celebrates the 50th anniversary of his time with UFO live on tour!

By joining UFO at the end of 1973, the then 18-year-old Michael Schenker made a significant contribution to the international mega-success of the British rock band and rose from a “German wunderkind” to become one of the most renowned guitarists of our time, who continues to influence entire generations of musicians worldwide with his legendary guitar playing.
continues to influence entire generations of musicians worldwide with his legendary guitar playing.

### Michael Schenker: My Years With UFO Tour 2025 – A Celebration of Legacy and Mastery

Michael Schenker, the legendary German guitarist, is a name synonymous with groundbreaking rock music and virtuoso performances. Over the decades, Schenker has been an integral force in shaping the sound of rock, particularly through his time with UFO, one of the most influential hard rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. In 2025, Schenker will embark on a special, highly anticipated tour titled *”My Years With UFO,”* a celebration of his work with the band, offering fans a rare and exciting opportunity to relive the magic of those iconic years. This tour marks not just a milestone in Schenker’s career, but also an opportunity for the rock world to reflect on the indelible impact of his time with UFO.

#### The Background: Michael Schenker and UFO

Michael Schenker first joined UFO in 1973 at the age of 18, already establishing himself as a guitar prodigy with the Scorpions, the band he co-founded with his brother Rudolf. Schenker’s decision to leave the Scorpions and join UFO marked the beginning of one of rock’s most significant partnerships. His first appearance with UFO was on their album *Phenomenon* (1974), which quickly became a defining moment for the band, solidifying their reputation as a hard rock powerhouse.

Schenker’s technical brilliance, fluid soloing, and emotive playing elevated UFO’s sound to new heights. His contributions to albums such as *Force It* (1975), *No Heavy Petting* (1976), and *Lights Out* (1977) are considered landmarks in the evolution of hard rock and metal. His soaring solos on tracks like “Rock Bottom,” “Doctor Doctor,” and “Lights Out” became iconic, influencing a generation of guitarists to come.

However, Schenker’s relationship with UFO was marked by periods of tension and instability. Despite his undeniable talent, Schenker’s volatile personality and struggles with personal demons, including issues with substance abuse, led to several departures and returns to the band over the years. He left UFO in 1978 after the release of *Obsession* but returned in 1993 for the *Walk on Water* album. UFO fans have always had a love-hate relationship with Schenker’s involvement, with many respecting his genius but lamenting the chaotic nature of his tenure with the band.

#### The Tour: *My Years With UFO* 2025

The *My Years With UFO* Tour 2025 marks a special occasion in Michael Schenker’s career. It is a rare opportunity for fans to witness the guitarist perform the classic UFO hits that made him a household name in the hard rock world. The tour promises to bring back the timeless sound that Schenker and UFO created in the mid-‘70s and early ‘80s, along with the kind of passionate, high-energy performances that have come to define Schenker’s live shows.

Unlike many retrospectives where the focus is more on nostalgia, Schenker’s approach to this tour will be one of celebration—celebration of the music, the band, and the era that helped shape rock history. This tour will not just be about playing old hits; it will be about reconnecting with the raw, unfiltered energy that made UFO such a powerful force in rock. Schenker will be performing some of the band’s biggest hits, such as “Rock Bottom,” “Doctor Doctor,” “Lights Out,” and “Too Hot to Handle,” as well as deep cuts that have remained fan favorites over the years.

For Schenker, the *My Years With UFO* Tour is a way to honor the musical legacy he helped create while also acknowledging his personal journey as a musician. It will serve as a retrospective of sorts—celebrating the highs, but also understanding the tumultuous moments in his career with UFO. Schenker’s willingness to revisit these songs speaks to a level of reconciliation with his past and recognition of the unique place UFO occupies in his story.

#### The Band: A Stellar Lineup

While Michael Schenker is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the tour, he will be joined by a group of seasoned musicians who bring their own talent and experience to the stage. Schenker’s live shows have always been about synergy, and this lineup is expected to capture the energy of the original UFO lineup while introducing a fresh dynamic.

The rhythm section will be anchored by the legendary bassist Barry Sparks, known for his work with bands like Ted Nugent and Dokken, and the experienced drummer, Michael Voss, who has worked with Schenker on multiple projects. Additionally, the tour will feature seasoned vocalists who are no strangers to the classic rock world, ensuring that the vocal performances will match the intensity of Schenker’s guitar work.

Schenker has always been a perfectionist when it comes to his live performances, and this tour promises to showcase his meticulous attention to detail, with a sound that reflects the essence of the ‘70s and ‘80s UFO lineup while also staying true to his more recent musical evolution.

#### The Significance: A Journey Through Schenker’s Musical Evolution

For fans of Schenker and UFO, the *My Years With UFO* Tour is an exciting opportunity to witness a journey through not just the past, but also the evolution of Schenker as a guitarist. His style has undergone significant changes over the years, from his early, raw energy with UFO to his later, more refined approach in bands like the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) and his solo career. The tour will showcase Schenker’s ability to blend his technical mastery with a sense of emotion, producing solos that are not only virtuosic but also deeply expressive.

The tour also offers a moment for reflection on Schenker’s influence on the hard rock and metal genres. As one of the pioneers of shredding, Schenker’s legacy extends far beyond UFO. His guitar playing set the bar for future generations of musicians, and his influence is still felt in modern rock, from power metal to hard rock and everything in between. For Schenker, this tour is not just about revisiting the past; it’s about reaffirming his place as one of the most important and innovative guitarists in the history of rock music.

#### Expectations and Fan Experience

For fans, the *My Years With UFO* Tour 2025 offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Michael Schenker perform the songs that made him a legend. The tour will likely be filled with high expectations, as Schenker’s performances are always a spectacle—full of explosive guitar solos, intricate melodies, and a palpable sense of connection between the musician and the audience.

Given Schenker’s historical ties to UFO, the setlist will likely be a crowd-pleasing mix of fan favorites and deep cuts that reflect the band’s extensive catalog. This will be an exciting experience for die-hard UFO fans who have followed Schenker’s journey over the years, as well as for newer fans who may have only recently discovered his incredible body of work.

#### Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

The *My Years With UFO* Tour 2025 is more than just a nostalgia trip—it’s a celebration of one of rock’s most influential guitarists and the music that helped define an era. Michael Schenker’s contributions to UFO and to rock music as a whole are undeniable, and this tour offers a rare opportunity to experience his musical legacy up close. Fans can expect a show filled with passion, precision, and powerful performances that will leave a lasting impression long after the final chord fades.

For Schenker, the tour is a chance to honor his past while also showcasing the continued evolution of his craft. It’s a beautiful moment of reflection and celebration, not just for the artist, but for the fans who have followed his journey through UFO and beyond. In 2025, Schenker’s guitar will once again light up the stage, reminding the world why he remains one of rock’s greatest icons.