Michael Schenker Unleashes "Only You Can Rock Me" Featuring Joey Tempest and Roger Glover
Legendary guitarist Michael Schenker celebrates 50 years with UFO with a star-studded new single and album.
German guitar virtuoso Michael Schenker has released "Only You Can Rock Me," the third single from his upcoming album "My Years With UFO," marking the 50th anniversary of his time with the iconic British rock band. This latest track features an impressive lineup, boasting vocals from Joey Tempest (Europe), bass from Roger Glover (Deep Purple), keyboards from Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Black Country Communion), and drums from Brian Tichy.
"My Years With UFO" serves as a testament to Schenker's impact on the band's legacy, spanning the years 1972 to 1978. The "German Wunderkind" joined UFO at the tender age of 17, rapidly becoming a driving force behind some of their most beloved tracks, including "Doctor Doctor," "Rock Bottom," and "Only You Can Rock Me."
Despite his relatively short tenure with UFO, Schenker's influence as a young songwriter and exceptional guitarist left an undeniable mark on the rock landscape. During this meteoric period, UFO recorded a string of influential albums including "Phenomenon," "Force It," "No Heavy Petting," "Lights Out," "Obsession," and the seminal live album "Strangers In The Night." "Strangers In The Night" in particular holds a revered place in rock history, considered a cornerstone in any dedicated music fan's collection.
Schenker's new album features 11 of UFO's greatest hits from this golden era, performed with a stellar roster of guest artists. Joining Schenker on this celebratory journey are keyboard maestro Derek Sherinian, drummer Brian Tichy, and bassist Barry Sparks, alongside a who's who of rock royalty. The album features contributions from Axl Rose (Guns N' Roses), Slash (Guns N' Roses), Kai Hansen (Helloween), Roger Glover (Deep Purple), Joey Tempest (Europe), Biff Byford (Saxon), Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen, Journey), John Norum (Europe), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus), Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake), Michael Voss, Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), and Erik Grönwall (Skid Row).
"My Years With UFO" is the first instalment of a planned trilogy, with Schenker signing an exclusive three-album deal with earMUSIC, with further albums slated for release in 2025 and 2026. The album is set to be released worldwide on September 20 via earMUSIC and is currently available for pre-order.
The album's tracklist is a veritable greatest hits compilation from Schenker's UFO era:
1. Natural Thing (feat. Dee Snider, Joel Hoekstra)
2. Only You Can Rock Me (feat. Joey Tempest, Roger Glover)
3. Doctor, Doctor (feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Carmine Appice)
4. Mother Mary (feat. Slash, Erik Grönwall)
5. This Kids (feat. Biff Byford)
6. Love To Love (feat. Axl Rose)
7. Lights Out (feat. Jeff Scott Soto, John Norum)
8. Rock Bottom (feat. Kai Hansen)
9. Too Hot To Handle (feat. Joe Lynn Turner, Adrian Vandenberg, Carmine Appice)
10. Let It Roll (feat. Michael Voss)
11. Shoot, Shoot (feat. Stephen Pearcy)
Beyond the release of "My Years With UFO," Schenker also sheds light on the events that led to his final departure from UFO in 2002. In a previous interview, Schenker stated that by the time he left the band, "the natural flow of the chemistry was destroyed."
Schenker, whose initial tenure with UFO spanned from 1973 to 1978, rejoined the band in 1993, recording the "Walk On Water" (1995) album with the classic lineup of the band, including lead singer Phil Mogg, bassist Pete Way, drummer Andy Parker, and guitarist/keyboardist Paul Raymond.
Recalling the reunion, Schenker explained to Eonmusic that Phil Mogg had approached him in 1993, pleading with him to revitalize UFO. Schenker agreed, but on the condition that he receive 50% ownership of the band name to prevent further damage.
Initially, the reunion appeared to be a success, with Schenker observing a noticeable positive change in Mogg's demeanour. However, the harmony proved short-lived.
"Walk On Water" was a triumph, carrying on the legacy of "Strangers In The Night," but the band's subsequent touring cycle saw Mogg revert to his old ways, craving control and ultimately undermining the positive momentum.
Despite recording two further albums, "Covenant" (2000) and "Sharks" (2002), Schenker asserted that subsequent lineup changes, namely the departure of Parker and Raymond, ultimately proved detrimental to the band's stability.
Ultimately, Schenker's frustration with Mogg's leadership and the fracturing of the band's chemistry led him to make a final decision. In 2002, he relinquished his ownership of the UFO name, allowing Mogg to continue with the band.
Despite the tumultuous past, "My Years With UFO" represents a celebration of Michael Schenker's indelible legacy with the band. The album is a testament to his enduring talent and a reminder of the impact he has had on the rock landscape.
