1
DOCTOR DOCTOR
(on Phenomenon, by UFO, 1974)
The song which introduced Schenker to
most British rock fans began life as an
instrumental. “I think it’s probably about
sex, but I never really listen to lyrics,” the
guitarist confessed.2
ROCK BOTTOM
(on Phenomenon, by UFO, 1974)
“Seventeen, a nature’s queen, know
what I mean,” Phil Mogg leers on another
highlight from Schenker’s debut album with
UFO. The guitarist’s liquid solo announced
the arrival of a major new talent.3
HIGH FLYER
(on Force It, by UFO, 1975)
With its sweet Baroque intro and
gorgeous sustained notes solo, this is ‘The
Blonde Bomber’ at his most lyrical and
restrained. Every Iron Maiden and Metallica
power ballad started life here.4
TRY ME
(on Lights Out, by UFO, 1977)
Another killer ballad,
another tender Schenker solo
capable of reducing macho
metallers to a puddle of tears.5
LIGHTS OUT
(on Strangers In The Night, by UFO, 1979)
Schenker’s playing throughout SITN is
nothing short of extraordinary, and here he
sets his fretboard ablaze with not one, but
two, jaw-dropping virtuouso breaks.6
LOVE TO LOVE
(on Strangers In The Night, by UFO, 1979)
Extended to eight minutes and 21
seconds, the closing coda from Lights
Out affords ‘Mad Mickey’ the
chance to cut loose. Take
your pick between the
melodic mid-song solo
or its searing outro.ARMED AND READY
Eight shining examples of Michael Schenker’s superior six-string sizzle.Natural thing:
with UFO,
March 1976.G
E
TT
Y