Guitar World

Categories	Music Magazine (guitar focus)
Frequency	Monthly
Publisher	Harris Publications (1980–2003) Future US, Inc. (2003–2012) NewBay Media (2012 - present)
First issue	July 1980
Country	United States
Language	English
Website	Guitar World website

Guitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year (12 monthly issues and a holiday issue). Formerly owned by Harris Publications, Future US bought the magazine in 2003. In 2012, NewBay Media bought the Music division of Future US.^[1]

The magazine debuted in July 1980, with Johnny Winter appearing on the cover. In its 31 year history, Guitar World has had interviews with many notable guitarists in rock, including Keith Richards, Alex Lifeson, Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Arthur Rhames, Al Di Meola, John Frusciante, Steve Morse, Robert Ward, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Synyster Gates, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Slash, Neal Schon, Tony Iommi, Steve Howe, Angus Young, Zakk Wylde, Allan Holdsworth and Eddie Van Halen, who has been featured on the cover 16 times, and twice on subsidiary magazine Guitar Legends.

In the January 2005 issue, Guitar World began selling some issues of the magazine with CD-ROMs containing video lessons, gear demonstrations and other self-produced and third-party content. Magazines that contain the disc sell for $7.99 USD rather than the standard issue price of $4.99. Each issue originally came with a centerfold poster of an artist or group featured in the magazine for that month, however, these are no longer included (magazines have stayed full price). In 2007 Guitar World started to produce a new DVD magazine Guitar World presents...Guitar DVD

As of the January 2009 issue, Guitar World is including columns from its now defunct sister magazines Guitar One and Guitar World Acoustic. Some of the columnists include:

• Shred Alert by Paul Gilbert of Racer X
• The Alchemical Guitarist by Richard Lloyd of Television
• Time to Burn by Michael Angelo Batio
• Practice What You Preach by Eric Peterson of Testament
• Left-Hand Path by Ihsahn of Emperor
• All That Jazz by Vic Juris
• Talkin' Blues by Keith Wyatt
• Hole Notes by Dale Turner (songwriter)
• Dominion by Mark Morton of Lamb of God

Notable Contributors[link]

• Charles R. Cross: features writer; acclaimed music author (including Heavier Than Heaven, which details the life of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain.)
• Alan Paul (author): Managing Editor (1991–1996), Online Editor (1996–2003), Senior Writer (1996-current).

References [link]

1. ^ NewBay Media Buys Music Mags from Future US

External links[link]

• Guitar World website
• 100 Greatest Guitar Solos (as ranked by readers of Guitar World)
• Guitar World Interviews Past and Present

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Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Cantrell Alice In Chains January 05, 2007
Background information
Born	(1966-03-18) March 18, 1966 (age 46) Tacoma, Washington, USA
Genres	Alternative metal, grunge, alternative rock, heavy metal, hard rock
Occupations	Musician, songwriter, actor
Instruments	Guitar, vocals, bass, sitar, keyboards
Years active	1984–present
Labels	Columbia, Roadrunner
Associated acts	Alice in Chains, Ozzy Osbourne, Cardboard Vampyres
Website	www.jerrycantrell.com
Notable instruments
G&L Rampage Jerry Cantrell Signature Model Gibson Les Paul

Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. (born March 18, 1966 in Tacoma, Washington) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work with the grunge/metal band Alice in Chains, as lead guitarist, backing and co-lead vocalist, main songwriter, and co-lyricist. He performs lead vocals on his solo projects, and is part of Alice in Chains' harmonizing dual-vocal style. He resides in Los Angeles and spends time on his family ranch in Oklahoma.

Cantrell recently toured in North America supporting Alice In Chains' first new studio album in 14 years, Black Gives Way to Blue.

Early life[link]

Cantrell noted in an interview that he was "raised on country music" as a youth and that he admires the emotion conveyed in the genre. He also considers himself "half Yankee and half redneck." However, hard rock music caught Cantrell's interest predominantly, and he bought his first guitar in his mid teens. It wouldn't be until the age of 17 that he began seriously playing the instrument. Cantrell would later cite groups and musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Heart, Black Sabbath, and Queensrÿche as major influences.

Cantrell attended junior high and high school in Spanaway, Washington and, before owning his first guitar, was a member of the high school choir which attended many state competitions. His senior year, Cantrell became choir president, and the quartet sang the national anthem at basketball games and won competitions with the highest marks achievable. Cantrell has cited his interest in dark musical tones as dating back to this period: "In choir we performed a cappella Gregorian chants from the 14th and 15th centuries. It was scary church music."^[1] His choir teacher and drama teacher were, early on, his two greatest motivators toward a career in music. When Alice in Chains' first album went gold, Cantrell sent both teachers a gold record.^[2]

Cantrell's parents divorced when he was 7, and his mother died in 1987 at the age of 43.^[3]

In the mid 1980s, Cantrell began a band called Diamond Lie which included drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Starr. Layne Staley, a vocalist and Cantrell's roommate, also agreed to join on the condition that Cantrell join his funk project (which ended shortly after). Diamond Lie gained attention in the Seattle area and eventually took the name of Alice 'N Chainz, then renamed Alice in Chains.^[4]

Alice in Chains[link]

Jerry Cantrell during an Alice in Chains concert in San Jose, October 2010.

Jerry Cantrell would serve in Alice in Chains as the lead guitarist, co-lyricist, co-vocalist and main composer, until the group's near-permanent hiatus in the late 1990s, leading up to April 2002 when lead singer Layne Staley was found dead. The autopsy report later concluded that Staley had died after injecting a mixture of heroin and cocaine known as a "speedball".^[5]

Since Staley's death in 2002, the band has reformed with its surviving members. Beginning in 2005, Cantrell has joined Alice in Chains in a number of performances featuring singers such as Maynard James Keenan, Mark Lanegan, James Hetfield, Phil Anselmo, Billy Corgan, Patrick Lachman, Scott Weiland, and William DuVall. Although he acknowledges the benefits of working as a solo artist, Cantrell has expressed his happiness with being back in the band culture. On September 29, 2009, Alice in Chains, with William DuVall as vocalist, released their first record since the death of Layne Staley, Black Gives Way to Blue, and are touring in support of the album.^[5]

Solo career[link]

Cantrell's career outside Alice in Chains has consisted of two solo albums, as well as many appearances with other musicians and on film soundtracks. In 1993, he composed the score for the action film Last Action Hero. His first solo material came in a song entitled "Leave Me Alone." This was released exclusively on The Cable Guy soundtrack in 1996, featuring Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney. It had a music video and reached #14 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks.

As the activity of Alice in Chains slowed and the band's future came into question, Cantrell reluctantly began work on his first full-length solo record. While video footage from Cantrell's official website claimed that he wanted to work solo for some time,^[6] his comments in Guitar World stated otherwise:

"It's something I never really wanted to do, but the way things have played out, it's like, why not? To be honest, I'd just be happy being the lead guitarist and singer for Alice In Chains. It's always been my first love, and always will be, but the situation being what it is... we've been together for a long time, and right now it's kinda played out. It's time to let it be. Now I've got to step up to the plate and take a few swings."^[7]

Boggy Depot was released in April 1998. It contains three singles including the popular "Cut You In" and "My Song."^[8] His touring band for the album included Alice in Chains bandmates Inez and Kinney, and Cantrell expressed hope to have a second album released by the following year.

The same year of Boggy Depot, Cantrell began writing a follow-up album. He also departed from Columbia Records during this time and had trouble finding a new label. Cantrell said of the writing experience:

"In '98, I locked myself in my house, went out of my mind and wrote 25 songs. I rarely bathed during that period of writing; I sent out for food, I didn't really venture out of my house in three or four months. It was a hell of an experience. The album is an overview of birth to now."^[9]

Finally in June 2002, Cantrell issued his second album, Degradation Trip, with Ozzy Osbourne's then live rhythm section, Mike Bordin (drums) and Robert Trujillo (bass). Released on Roadrunner Records, Degradation Trip hit shelves soon after Layne Staley's death and was dedicated to him. The album, which received better critical reception than its predecessor, featured two singles, "Anger Rising" and "Angel Eyes," and the track "She Was My Girl" was included on the Spider-Man soundtrack. Touring with the likes of Nickelback and Creed also helped build Cantrell's reputation as a solo artist. Degradation Trip was re-released in November of that year as a double album, featuring eleven additional tracks that made for the album as Cantrell originally intended.

Cantrell has been rumored to be working on his third full-length solo album for several years, for a supposedly planned release in 2006. However, as of 2010, this album still has not been released. Subsequent work with the revamped Alice in Chains may have stalled this release.^[10] When asked about releasing another solo album, he issued this statement:

"Not for a while. My first and foremost love has been this band and always has been. The only reason I did those two records is because we weren’t working as a band. But being a part of this band is a full time job. Some guys can do multiple things and maybe when I was younger I could do that, but not now."^[11]

Collaborations[link]

Cantrell has appeared as guest guitarist on several albums and projects, including the Danzig album Blackacidevil and the Metallica album Garage Inc. He also guested on Circus of Power's album Magic & Madness in 1993 for the song "Heaven 'N Hell." He provided guest vocals for the track "Effigy" on Gov't Mule's 2001 album, The Deep End, Volume 1.

In 2002, Cantrell played a series of summer dates with headlining hard rock/post-grunge band Nickelback. Cantrell can be seen playing "It Ain't Like That" with the band on their first DVD release, Live at Home. He was also asked by Nickelback's frontman, Chad Kroeger, to contribute to the song "Hero" for the 2002 film, Spider-Man. Cantrell was unable to attend the recording session and was replaced by Saliva's Josey Scott.

In early 2004, Cantrell collaborated with The Cult guitarist Billy Duffy to form the rock supergroup Cardboard Vampyres. Under the moniker of the Jerry Cantrell-Billy Duffy Band, they debuted during the three-concert series for Sweet Relief Musicians Fund at The Troubadour in April 2004.^[12] "This band is really just about having fun and playing tunes that we were fans of growing up," Cantrell stated. Performing mostly cover songs from bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Stooges, Black Sabbath, and Aerosmith, the group was rounded out by vocalist John Corabi, bassist Chris Wyse, and drummer Eddie Livingston.^[13] The band played at various venues in the United States; although, they predominately played along the West Coast. No formal albums were released by the band.

In film[link]

Cantrell is featured in the movie Singles along with the rest of Alice in Chains performing the songs "It Ain't Like That" and "Would?". He is also featured as an actor in the movie Jerry Maguire. He also wrote the song "Leave Me Alone" for the 1996 dark comedy The Cable Guy, which can be found on that movie's soundtrack. Cantrell returned to the movie scene in 2004 to write, with the newly-formed metal band Damageplan, the song "Ashes to Ashes" for the movie The Punisher. That song can be found on that movie's soundtrack, and as a bonus track on the Japanese version of the Damageplan album New Found Power. He also appears briefly with Warren Haynes in the documentary Rising Low which documents the work of the band Gov't Mule following the death of bassist Allen Woody. Recently he was featured in the independent comedy Rock Slyde.^[14]

Equipment[link]

Onstage in 2006

Cantrell is known to prefer G&L and Gibson Guitars. 2009 saw the release of his G&L Rampage Jerry Cantrell Signature Model Electric Guitar. His current guitar rig consists of a Custom Shop "Jerry Cantrell" Gibson SG, two of his signature G&L Rampages, his two 1980's G&L Rampages, several G&L ASATs, two Gibson Les Paul Customs, and a Fender 1972 Telecaster Deluxe Reissue. He recently added a Gibson ES-175 to his rig as of 2010.

He currently uses Bogner amplifiers, whose amps he has used since the beginning of Alice in Chains, his first being a Marshall JCM800 modded by Bogner which was used for the first two Alice in Chains albums. He began using "actual" Bogner amplifiers in the mid-1990s, his main one being the Bogner Ecstasy. His current amp rig consists of a Bogner Fish Preamp running into a Mesa/Boogie 2:Ninety Power amp, and a Bogner Uberschall or Shiva ran with a custom "Marsha" head built by Dave Friedman. All of these run into a Bogner 4x12 cabinet isolated from the stage.^[15]

Cantrell also owns a Peavey 5150 amp head given to him by Eddie Van Halen and a Les Paul Junior he bought from Nancy Wilson of Heart. Both of these were used to record Boggy Depot. Cantrell recorded all of the demo tracks for his album Degradation Trip at his Seattle home using a four-track recorder and his white Les Paul.^[9]

Cantrell worked with Dunlop in 2009 to release the Crybaby Jerry Cantrell Signature JC95 at winter NAMM 2010. This wah includes a fine tune knob to adjust the dynamic frequencies of the wah and modified circuitry to create Talk Box like sounds.

His pedalboard includes the following^[16] -

• MXR EVH Flanger
• Xotic AC plus
• Eventide Timefactor
• BOSS CH-1 Super Chorus
• BOSS CE-5 Chorus Ensemble
• BOSS TR-2 Tremolo
• BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Tuner
• Digitech Whammy Pedal
• MXR Smart Gate (x2)
• Electrio Harmonix Big Muff Pi
• Ibanez TS808HW Tube Screamer
• Tone Freak effects Buff Puff
• Dunlop Rotovibe
• Digital Music Corp. Ground Control Pro
• Dunlop JC95 Signature Crybaby

From the 'Vulgar Display of Power' section of Guitar World's July 2010 issue, Cantrell's rig consisted of

Amps

• Two Custom Dave Friedman Marsha Heads - One named 'Mad' and another named 'Pissed' (which is more metallic sounding than 'Mad')
• Two Bogner straight front 4x12 cabs in ISO boxes ('Mad' cab running Celestion Greenbacks and 'Pissed' cab running Vintage 30's)

Rack

• Palmer PGA-05 ADIG-ST Advanced D.I. x2
• Shure UR40 Wireless Unit x2
• Tour Supply Multi-Selector
• Dunlop Custom Shop Rack Wah
• RJM Music Technology Effects Gizmo (this holds his effects pedals, which are controlled by a Voodoo Labs Ground control offstage by his Tech, Dave Lapham)
• Rack Systems ISO Transformer x2

Effects Offstage in RJM Unit

• MXR Smart Gate x2
• Ibanez TS808HW Tube Screamer
• MXR Flanger
• Boss GE-7 Equalizer
• Boss Ce-5 Chorus Ensemble
• BBE Soul Vibe
• MXR Bass Octaver
• Eventide Time Factor
• Dunlop Rotovibe

Onstage

• Dunlop Crybaby Controller x2 (One on stage right, one center stage)
• Tone Freak Effects Buff Puff
• Dunlop Rotovibe
• Dunlop Jerry Cantrell Wah (The JC Wah, Rotovibe and Buff Puff are located stage left)

Guitars

• G&L Rampage ("Blue Dress") w/ Motor City Pickup, tuned to Eb Standard
• G&L Rampage ("No War") w/ Motor City Pickup, tuned to Drop Db
• Gibson Les Paul Custom w/ Motor City Pickup in Bridge, tuned to Eb Standard
• Lush Custom Tele Shape, tuned to Eb Standard

Motor City Pickups are pickups custom wound for Jerry Cantrell

Style[link]

Cantrell's early influences made Alice in Chains' heavy metal tones stand out among their fellow grunge/alternative rock-oriented bands of the Seattle music scene. However, his musical range also extends into elements of blues and country as heard on his solo debut album. Cantrell's guitar playing is known for its unique use of wah pedal as well as odd time signatures. In a 1998 interview with Guitar World, he was asked about the latter quality:

"I really don't know where that comes from; it just comes naturally to me. I could sit down and figure it out, but what's the use? Off-time stuff is just more exciting - it takes people by surprise when you shift gears like that before they even know what the hell hit 'em. It's also effective when you slow something down and then slam 'em into the dash. A lot of Alice stuff is written that way - 'Them Bones' is a great off-time song."^[7]

Recognition[link]

In July 2006, British hard rock magazine Metal Hammer awarded Cantrell the title of Riff Lord, at its annual Golden Gods Awards show, held at the London Astoria. He was apparently thrilled at winning the title, over several famous artists such as Slash, James Hetfield, and Jimmy Page.^[17]

Personal life[link]

Cantrell's father, Jerry Sr., is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He was the main subject in the song "Rooster" which Cantrell wrote as a tribute to his father. Jerry's first childhood memory is meeting his father for the first time after he had returned from war. Due to the strain of war, his parents divorced and Jerry lived with his mother, Gloria.^[18]

Cantrell's mother, Gloria Jean Cantrell, died in 1987. His close friend Andrew Wood (of Mother Love Bone) died in 1990, leading Jerry to pen the song "Would?" for AIC's second album Dirt in Wood's memory. He also dedicated AIC's debut album Facelift to Wood, as well as his late mother.

After residing in Seattle for many years, Cantrell moved to Los Angeles, California in mid 2003 by which time he had stopped his heavy drug use. The peculiarity of this transition would be expressed in the song "Check My Brain". Cantrell also spends time on his family's Oklahoma ranch which was once featured on an episode of MTV Cribs.

Discography[link]

With Alice in Chains[link]

Solo[link]

Singles[link]

With Ozzy Osbourne[link]

• Under Cover (2005)

Other appearances[link]

• Magic & Madness — "Heaven and Hell" w/ Circus of Power (February 1993)
• Twisted Willie: A Tribute to Willie Nelson — "I've Seen All This World I Care to See" (January 1996)
• The Cable Guy: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — "Leave Me Alone" (May 1996)
• Blackacidevil w/ Danzig (October 1996)
• The Full Sentence w/ Pigeonhed (January 1997)
• Live at Home — appeared on stage with Nickelback in January 2002, performing "It Ain't Like That"
• The Punisher Soundtrack — "Ashes to Ashes" w/ Damageplan (also featured on Japan version New Found Power (March 2004)
• Little Immaculate White Fox — "Anything" w/ Pearl (January 2010)

References[link]

External links[link]

• The official website of Jerry Cantrell
• The official website of Alice in Chains
• Jerry Cantrell at the Internet Movie Database
• Roadrunner Records - Jerry Cantrell
• Obnoxious Listeners: Jerry Cantrell

James Root
Background information
Birth name	James Donald Root[1]
Also known as	#4, Mr. Bigs, The Jester
Born	(1971-10-02) October 2, 1971 (age 40) Las Vegas, Nevada[2][3]
Genres	Heavy metal, alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, hard rock
Occupations	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, percussions
Years active	1991–present
Labels	Roadrunner, Nuclear Blast
Associated acts	Slipknot, Stone Sour, Anal Blast, Atomic Opera, Deadfront, John 5
Website	(External links)
Notable instruments
James Root Signature Fender Telecaster James Root Signature Fender Stratocaster

James Donald "Jim" Root^[1] (born October 2, 1971),^[2][3] also known by his number #4, is an American musician known for being the guitarist for the metal band Slipknot, and for the rock band Stone Sour. He shares lead and rhythm guitar duties in both bands. He was the last member to join the current line-up of Slipknot, in January 1999.

Life and career[link]

James Root has performed in bands such as Atomic Opera, Deadfront and Stone Sour; the latter which he joined in 1995, and returned to along with vocalist Corey Taylor, during its revival in 2002. Prior to joining Slipknot, he worked as a screenprinter, waiter, and busboy. Root joined the band in January 1999, replacing their original guitarist, Josh Brainard, who left the band during the recording of their self-titled album, reportedly after having fulfilled his recording duties. In fact, the only two songs Root recorded during the album's sessions were "Purity" and "Me Inside", the former being featured on the short-lived first pressing of Slipknot as well as the 10th Anniversary Edition, and the latter being its replacement. Despite this, the song has become a staple for most of the band's live performances. Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor invited Root to join the band based on Taylor's past experiences working with him in Stone Sour. Although filling in the spot of rhythm guitar in 1999, Root has written lead guitar parts for Slipknot's later albums particularly on All Hope is Gone. Root typically performs on lead guitar in Stone Sour, although he sometimes plays rhythm instead. He has spoken of both bands' guitar style as being twin guitar: "In both bands, I fulfill both roles. In Slipknot, Mick [Thomson] has some solos, and in Stone Sour, Josh [Rand] has some solos."^[4] During the recording of Stone Sour's Audio Secrecy, he and Rand recorded their parts simultaneously.^[5]

Jim Root of Slipknot performing at the Allstate Arena in 2009

Outside Slipknot and Stone Sour, Root has appeared on Slipknot turntablist Sid Wilson's DJ Starscream album The New Leader and John 5's The Devil Knows My Name, for the song "Black Widow of La Porte", and also appeared on the Roadrunner United project, performing the solo and harmony guitars on "Tired 'N Lonely" from the project's album The All-Star Sessions. He also appeared on Jonathan Davis and the SFA´s cover of Lil Wayne´s "Got Money"

Equipment[link]

In July 2007, Fender released a Jim Root Signature Fender Telecaster guitar. This Telecaster model is available in flat black with a white pickguard and maple neck and fingerboard, or in flat white with a black pickguard, maple neck and ebony fingerboard. Both models feature mahogany bodies, 22 jumbo frets, a single volume control with no tone control, black hardware, and EMG humbuckers (EMG 81 in the bridge and EMG 60 in the neck). In 2010 a signature stratocaster was issued, with specs similar to his telecasters. They are available in black and white finishes. This guitar has also been used live on shows during 2009.^[6] Prior to his endorsment deal with Fender, Root had been seen using PRS, Jackson, Charvel, and Maverick electric guitars and Martin acoustic guitars as well as a wide range of effect pedals and amplifers. In a 2009 performance for Eurockeennes, Jim used a Gibson Flying V.^[7][8] In January 2010, a Jim Root Signature Fender Stratocaster was unveiled on the Fender website, similar to the one he has been seen using on stage, as of March 2009.^[9] In 2012, Orange announced a new signature Tiny Terror amp based on their Rockerverb 100, Root's main amp, called the #4.

Jim's Live Setup

Guitars[link]

Effects[link]

Amplifiers[link]

Discography[link]

Slipknot

• 1999: Slipknot
• 2001: Iowa
• 2004: Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)
• 2005: 9.0 Live
• 2008: All Hope Is Gone

Stone Sour

• 2002: Stone Sour
• 2006: Come What(ever) May
• 2010: Audio Secrecy

Other appearances

• 2005: Roadrunner United - The All-Stars Sessions (Roadrunner United)
• 2006: The New Leader (DJ Starscream)
• 2007: The Devil Knows My Name (John 5)
• 2008: "Got Money" (Lil Wayne remix) (Jonathan Davis and the SFA)
• 2008: Pay for It (Mindless Self Indulgence)
• 2009: "A Song for Chi" (various artists)

Filmography[link]

• 1999: Welcome to Our Neighborhood
• 2002: Disasterpieces
• 2002: Rollerball
• 2006: Voliminal: Inside the Nine
• 2009: Of the (sic): Your Nightmares, Our Dreams
• 2010: (sic)nesses
• 2011: Goat

References[link]

External links[link]

• Slipknot website
• Stone Sour website
• James Root at the Internet Movie Database

1. REDIRECTSlipknot_(band)#Band_members

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (May 2008)

Michael Schenker
Background information
Born	(1955-01-10) 10 January 1955 (age 57) Sarstedt, Germany
Genres	Hard rock, heavy metal
Occupations	Musician, songwriter, producer
Instruments	Guitar, vocals, bass, drums, flute
Years active	1969–present
Labels	BMG
Associated acts	Scorpions, UFO, The Michael Schenker Group, McAuley Schenker Group, Contraband, G3, Schenker Pattison Summit
Website	Official website
Notable instruments
Gibson Flying V Dean Signature V model

Michael Schenker (born 10 January 1955, Sarstedt, Lower Saxony) is a German rock guitarist, best known for his tenure in UFO, in addition to his solo band. He first rose to fame as an early member of the Scorpions, then achieved fame in the mid 1970s as the lead guitar player for UFO. Since leaving UFO in 1978, he has been leading the Michael Schenker Group in various incarnations. He is the younger brother of Rudolf Schenker, who is still a guitarist with the Scorpions. His career has had many ups and downs, partly due to a long history of alcoholism and personal problems; still, Schenker continues to perform and record and to maintain a following,^[1] and is called "a legendary figure in the history of metal guitar."^[2]

Early career: Scorpions, UFO[link]

Michael Schenker started playing guitar at an early age, after his brother Rudolf brought home a Gibson Flying V guitar, which captured his imagination. He played his first gig when he was 11, with Rudolf and the Scorpions in a nightclub. Schenker debuted with Scorpions on their debut album Lonesome Crow at age 17.^[3]

The Scorpions went on tour after recording their first album, opening up for upcoming UK band UFO in Germany. Schenker was offered the position of lead guitar player for UFO (taking over for Bernie Marsden, himself a temporary replacement for Mick Bolton)^[4] and, with the blessing of his brother, accepted (the Scorpions replaced him with Uli Roth), even though he didn't speak English.

Schenker wrote the music for most of UFO's major label (Chrysalis Records) debut album Phenomenon^{[citation needed]}. His career with UFO was turbulent, sometimes walking off mid-song causing shows to be canceled. Despite having a series of successful albums and tours, Schenker finally left UFO soon after the last show of their US tour in Palo Alto, California, in October 1978; during this tour, the band recorded their seminal live album Strangers in the Night, which was released after he left the band.

Schenker's playing with UFO attracted attention from music critics and especially from the guitar community; in fact, according to some writers, UFO is only to be distinguished for having had Schenker in their ranks.^[5]

Schenker briefly re-joined the Scorpions in late 1978, when they were recording the album Lovedrive (he plays lead guitar on three songs, "Another Piece Of Meat", "Coast To Coast" and "Lovedrive").^[3] In 1979, Schenker toured with the band in support of the album, but left the band 3 months later, following occasions when he could not perform on stage due to fatigue and alcohol problems.^{[citation needed]} He was permanently replaced by Matthias Jabs, who had originally joined the Scorpions before Schenker's return.

Schenker auditioned for Aerosmith in 1979 after Joe Perry left;^[6] according to Martin Huxley, Schenker stormed out of the room after some Nazi-jokes were made.^[7] After the death of Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Osbourne called Schenker about replacing Rhoads, but, Ozzy claims, Schenker made too many outlandish demands (including a private jet).^[8] Schenker himself, in an interview with KNAC radio, claims he was the one to say "no" to Ozzy: "If I would have joined Ozzy Osbourne, I would have screwed up my life. I was almost about to do it, and something told me: DON'T!!"^[9]

Michael Schenker Group / McAuley Schenker Group / UFO Reunion[link]

Michael Schenker in 1983

In 1979, Schenker entered upon a solo career by founding the Michael Schenker Group (MSG). The history of MSG is strewn with personality conflicts and incidents. In 1982, original singer Gary Barden, who sang on the first two studio albums and a live album, was fired in favor of Graham Bonnet. Bonnet lasted one album (Assault Attack) and was fired from the band because he often lost his voice during shows. Barden was called in at the last minute and did the show with only a few hours rehearsal. He stayed with MSG for the recording of a new studio album (Built to Destroy) and the band's second live album (Rock Will Never Die).

After Barden's second departure, Schenker reorganized the band around himself and new singer Robin McAuley and renamed it the McAuley Schenker Group. The new incarnation of MSG was steered toward a more commercial hard rock sound. After three albums, Schenker and McAuley parted company. In the meantime, he briefly replaced Robbin Crosby in Ratt, appearing on their 1990 MTV Unplugged performance.

In 1995, Schenker briefly rejoined UFO for their reunion album Walk on Water and toured with them briefly.

He then resurrected the Michael Schenker Group with all new members and recorded three more albums, Written in the Sand, The Unforgiven, and Be Aware of Scorpions before rejoining UFO for two further releases, Covenant and Sharks.

2000 and after[link]

Schenker fell on hard times in the early 2000s. His marriage turned for the worse and he disappeared, leaving the couple's son and daughter with the mother, and his manager allegedly ran off with his earnings; Schenker ended up having to sell three of his prized Flying V guitars.^[1] He picked himself up and got back to the business of making and performing music, recording the album Arachnophobiac and supporting it with two years of touring. In 2004, recognition came from Dean Guitars, which began producing a Schenker signature Dean V (with subtle differences from the Gibson, but with the split black and white trademark Schenker finish).

2005 brought the 25th anniversary of the Michael Schenker Group. Schenker put together a new album of songs called Tales of Rock'n'Roll to celebrate the anniversary and enlisted singers from each iteration of the band to sing on the album. However, in that same year the collection Heavy Hitters, a set of covers featuring Schenker and a revolving group of heavy metal all-stars, was marketed as a Michael Schenker Group album, with the result that Schenker only received a flat fee.^[1]

After nearly-disastrous North American and European tours in 2007, which saw canceled shows and less-than-stellar performances caused by heavy drinking, Schenker regained his composure and hit the road in the UK as Michael Schenker & Friends in 2008. Early 2008, Schenker worked with Gary Barden, Don Airey, Simon Phillips, and Neil Murray on a new MSG album In the Midst of Beauty, which was released in May 2008, followed by touring.

In 2009 Schenker toured extensively including Russia, UK and the US with MSG including original members Gary Barden and Chris Glenn. With Schenker now clean shaven and having lost weight many fans commented that he both looked and sounded his best, with the tour receiving rave reviews from loyal fans^{[citation needed]}.

In November 2010, Michael Schenker was honored with the Marshall “11� award in London along other rock legends including Ron Wood and Slash. The award was presented to Schenker by Alice Cooper, with Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi and John Paul Jones also in attendance. The award is given to "those artists and musicians who represent rock 'n' roll excess and livin' on the edge."^[10]

In 2011 Michael released a new album, Temple of Rock. It was supported with a tour of the USA, Japan and Europe (more dates are to follow, including festival dates in Sweden, France, Bulgaria and South Korea). In Europe the line up included Herman Rarebell on drums and Francis Buchholz on bass, both former members of The Scorpions (Herman also joined the band for the Japanese dates) and Doogie White, formerly singer for Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Instruments and sound[link]

Schenker's main guitar for much of his career was a Gibson Flying V, which he typically played through a wah-wah pedal (used as a parametric equalizer to strengthen the "sweet spot"^[1]) and Marshall amplifiers. His "unmistakable midrange tone"^[1] emphasized by the partially engaged wah,^[11] as exemplified on the song "Rock Bottom" from the UFO album Strangers in the Night, was listed among the 50 greatest tones of all time by Guitar Player magazine.^[12] In recent years Schenker has switched to using a signature model Dean V.^[13]

In 2007 Dean Guitars, after producing a signature Schenker Dean V, also made two acoustic models with the familiar black and white "V" design.^[14]

In video games[link]

• The Michael Schenker Group's song, "Armed and Ready", featured in Guitar Hero: Metallica.
• The song "Assault Attack" was featured in Brütal Legend.

Awards and recognition[link]

• Placed on Guitar World magazine's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists.^[15]
• On 2010 Schenker was honored with the Marshall “11â€� award.^[16]

Influence[link]

Schenker has been on the covers of many guitar magazines and has influenced many notable guitar players, including Kirk Hammett^[17] and James Hetfield^[18] (Metallica), Dave Mustaine^[19][20] (Megadeth), Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden), Michael Amott (Arch Enemy - Spiritual Beggars), Chris Caffery (Savatage), Gus G (Ozzy - Firewind), George Lynch (Dokken - Lynch Mob), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake - Dio), Warren DeMartini (Ratt), Frank Hannon (Tesla), Slash (Guns N' Roses - Velvet Revolver), Michael Wilton (Queensrÿche), Paul Gilbert (Racer X - Mr. Big), Roland Grapow (Masterplan - ex-Helloween), Aaron Aedy (Paradise Lost), Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson (Testament), Andy LaRocque (King Diamond), Gary Holt (Exodus), Erik Turner (Warrant), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Andy DiGelsomina (Lyraka), Hans Ziller (Bonfire), Jim Matheos (Fates Warning), Michael Denner and Hank Shermann (Mercyful Fate), Tak Matsumoto (B'z - TMG), Marty Friedman (Megadeth - Cacophony) among many others.

Discography[link]

with Scorpions[link]

• Lonesome Crow (1972)
• Fly to the Rainbow (1974) (co-writer)
• Lovedrive (1979) (guest on 3 songs)

with UFO[link]

• Phenomenon (1974)
• Force It (1975)
• No Heavy Petting (1976)
• Lights Out (1977)
• Obsession (1978)
• Strangers in the Night (1979, Live)
• Walk on Water (1995)
• Covenant (2000)
• Sharks (2002)

with Michael Schenker Group[link]

• The Michael Schenker Group (1980)
• MSG (1981)
• One Night at Budokan (1981, live)
• Assault Attack (1982)
• Built to Destroy (1983)
• Rock Will Never Die (1984, live)
• Written in the Sand (1996)
• The Michael Schenker Story Live (1997, live)
• The Unforgiven (1999)
• The Unforgiven World Tour (1999, live)
• Be Aware of Scorpions (2001)
• Arachnophobiac (2003)
• Heavy Hitters (2005)
• Tales of Rock'n'Roll (2006)
• In the Midst of Beauty (2008)
• The 30th Anniversary Concert – Live in Tokyo (2010, live)

With McAuley Schenker Group[link]

• Perfect Timing (1987)
• Save Yourself (1989)
• M.S.G. (1992)
• Nightmare : The Acoustic M.S.G. (1992)
• "Unplugged" Live (1992, live)

Solo[link]

• Thank You (1993)
• Thank You 2 (1998)
• Thank You with Orchestra (1999)
• Adventures of the Imagination (2000)
• The Odd Trio (2000)
• Thank You 3 (2001)
• Dreams and Expressions (2001)
• Thank You 4 (2003)
• Temple of Rock (2011)

Other Schenker projects[link]

• Look at Me Now (Bernie Marsden Album) (1981) as guest
• Contraband (1991)
• Legends of Rock at Castle Donington (2001, Live)
• The Plot (2003)
• Under Construction (2003)
• Schenker-Pattison Summit - The Endless Jam (2004)
• Siggi Schwarz & The Electricguitar Legends (2004)
• Schenker-Pattison Summit - The Endless Jam Continues (2005)
• Siggi Schwarz & The Rock Legends (2005)
• Heavy Metal Thunder (2005)
• Numbers from the Beast (2005)
• Agony & The Xtasy (Gary Barden Solo Album) (2006)
• Siggi Schwarz and Michael Schenker - Live Together (2006, Live)
• Doctor Doctor: The Kulick Sessions (2008) (Heavy Hitters + 4 additional tracks)
• Schenker Barden Acoustic Project - Gipsy Lady (2009)
• Metal X-Mas (2CD Special Edition) (2010)
• Strangers In The Night (2010)
• By Invitation Only (2011)
• Searching for Major Tom (2011)

Compilations[link]

• The Essential Michael Schenker Group (Best Of-style compilation, 1992)
• The Story Of Michael Schenker (1994, Compilation)
• The Michael Schenker Story Live (1994): see also The Michael Schenker Story Live, the audio recording.
• Forever And More: The Best Of Michael Schenker (2003)
• Greatest Riffs (2009, US-only compilation)
• Instrumental Intensity (2010, Shrapnel Records compilation)

MSG videography[link]

• Rock Will Never Die (1984)
• The Michael Schenker Story Live (1999)
• Live in Tokyo 1997 (2000)
• World Wide Live 2004 (2004)
• The 30th Anniversary Concert – Live in Tokyo (2010)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Michael Schenker Himself, Official site
• Michael Schenker Interview

v t e Scorpions Rudolf Schenker Klaus Meine Matthias Jabs James Kottak Paweł Mąciwoda Herman Rarebell Francis Buchholz Uli Jon Roth Michael Schenker Ralph Rieckermann Rudy Lenners Jürgen Rosenthal Wolfgang Dziony Lothar Heimberg Karl-Heinz Vollmer Joe Wyman Ken Taylor Curt Cress Barry Sparks Ingo Powitzer Studio albums Lonesome Crow Fly to the Rainbow In Trance Virgin Killer Taken by Force Lovedrive Animal Magnetism Blackout Love at First Sting Savage Amusement Crazy World Face the Heat Pure Instinct Eye II Eye Moment of Glory Unbreakable Humanity: Hour I Sting in the Tail Live albums Tokyo Tapes World Wide Live Live Bites Acoustica Live 2011: Get Your Sting & Blackout Compilations The Best of Scorpions Vol. 1 The Best of Scorpions Vol. 2 Best of Rockers 'n' Ballads Still Loving You Deadly Sting: The Mercury Years Big City Nights 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Scorpions Bad for Good: The Very Best of Scorpions Box of Scorpions Gold Comeblack Videos World Wide Live Crazy World Tour Live Release A Savage Crazy World Moment of Glory Acoustica Unbreakable World Tour 2004 Live at Wacken Open Air 2006 Tours Lonesome Crow Tour Fly to the Rainbow Tour In Trance Tour Virgin Killer Tour Taken by Force Tour Lovedrive Tour Animal Magnetism Tour Blackout Tour Love at First Sting World Tour Savage Amusement World Tour Crazy World Tour Face the Heat World Tour Pure Instinct World Tour Eye to Eye Tour Moment Of Glory Tour Acoustica Tour Scorpions Tour 2002 Scorpions Tour 2003 Unbreakable World Tour Humanity World Tour Get Your Sting and Blackout World Tour Related articles Discography The Wall – Live in Berlin Categories Members Albums Songs Concert tours Book:Scorpions