James Kottak is back on Board This Week to Talk all Things Kingdom Come

Episode 390 - Kingdom Come

In March of 1988 Kingdom Come released their self titled debut album. Bolstered by tracks like “Get It On” the album was flying off shelves and led to being invited to be on the Monsters of Rock bill. With the 30th anniversary upon us James Kottak decided to get the band back together and celebrate the music. Although original singer Lenny Wolf declined to take part James was still able to pull together original guitarists Danny Stag and Rick Steier as well as original bassist Johnny B. Frank to take part in the assault. Keith St John will be taking over vocals for the tour. So this week we’re joined by James to give us all the straight talk about this anniversary tour.

Head to KingdomComeBand.com for more info and tour dates.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Michael Schenker Returns to Focus on Metal This Week.

Episode 366 - Resurrection

Back for his third appearance on FoM we once again bring you guitarist Michael Schenker. Besides being out touring and bringing the Michael Schenker Fest to his fans Michael has also teamed up with his musical compatriots to bring you “Michael Schenker Fest Resurrection” an all new studio album featuring the vocals of Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Doogie White and Robin McAuley. 

Also this week we bring you a talk with bassist Chuck Garric as we delve into his latest release with Beasto Blanco, “Live From Berlin”. An old school warts and all live album from our friends at Rat Pak Records. You can head to Rat Pak and pick up a sweet bundle for the new release.

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

James Kottak Continues His Career Rundown on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 356 - Kottak Part 2

Last week we left the James Kottak story off at the 1999 “Eye II Eye” release from the mighty Scorpions. We pick up the story this week as we look at the Kottak band as well as James’ remaining years with the Scorpions. And even though he’s no longer with the Scorps he’s not done yet as we find out when he talks about a new Kottak release in the near future. All this and more on this weeks Focus on Metal

Keep up with James at: JamesKottak.com

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

James Kottak Gives us a Career Rundown on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 355 - Kottak Part 1

Last month we did a two part career retrospective on Doug Aldrich. This Month we’re at it again and this time the subject is James Kottak. Yep it’s full on Kottak Attack on Focus on Metal. This week we’ll run through early days up to the 1999 release “Eye II Eye” from the Scorpions. Next week we’ll continue from 1999 to what James is up to today.

Keep up with James at: JamesKottak.com

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, EarPeeler.com or subscribe on iTunes.

You can hear us every Tuesday night on Pure Rock Radio
and each Wednesday afternoon on Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always

Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

ULI JON ROTH FANS all over the world! Prepare yourselves for a monumental evening of sheer musical ecstasy!!!

In 2018 ULI JON ROTH is celebrating a rare TRIPLE ANNIVERSARY

For UJR Fans all over the globe 2018 is going to be a very special year:

• 40-year anniversary of SCORPIONS - TOKYO TAPES !
• 40-year anniversary of the Birth of ELECTRIC SUN !!
• 50-year ANNIVERSARY of Uli’s first ever stage performance in 1968 !!!

To celebrate this special anniversary year, ULI JON ROTH is performing a whole series of concerts and tours worldwide with varying programs.

His two-month TRIPLE ANNIVERSARY NORTH AMERICAN TOUR – starting at the end of May 2018 - will be devoted to performing a complete set of Songs from Uli’s ground breaking ELECTRIC SUN period.

ELECTRIC SUN REBORN will consist of an intense 90-minute set by Uli and his band, complemented by multi-media projections. This is followed by an intermission and a shorter set of the highlights from TOKYO TAPES REVISITED to round off the 3-hour extravaganza.

Uli has not performed the bulk of this music for over 30 years. Although it never enjoyed the overwhelming commercial success of Scorpions, Electric Sun was far more than just a cult band and had a sizeable following on both sides of the Atlantic as well as in Japan. Largely thanks to Uli’s innovative and ground-breaking guitar playing and interesting compositions the band became artistically influential and presented a unique blend, which was sometimes likened to a strange mixture, located somewhere between Beethoven and Hendrix.

Following the worldwide success of his latest SCORPIONS REVISITED releases, Uli will now revisit the spellbinding music of his first solo venture after leaving Scorpions and re-connect with his songs from that prolific era of his long and colorful career. 

Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar players ever, Uli pioneered a unique style of guitar playing which - for the first time - combined complete mastery of the instrument with an intensely melodic and emotional appeal. Uli’s Electric Sun guitar solos are both uplifting and often mesmerizing, displaying a very wide variety of textures, colors and novel ideas. They always take you on a journey. 

From his earliest days’ onwards, Uli has always been a bold and uncompromising musical innovator of the first order and his Electric Sun period bears ample witness to that fact. Being the first guitar player in rock to incorporate complex melodic arpeggio sequences, Uli Jon Roth - in the eyes of many of his peers - practically reinvented modern guitar-technique almost singlehandedly during his Scorpions tenure, but even more so during his Electric Sun days. 

Uli has now taken a fresh look at this material, drawn from the altogether three Electric Sun albums which he wrote some 40 years ago. The three albums – in chronological order – were EARTHQUAKE, FIRE WIND and BEYOND THE ASTRAL SKIES. Electric Sun and Uli fans alike will be delighted to finally hear these songs played live again by the master himself. 

As a real bonus for his die-hard fans and connoisseurs Uli has a special treat in store which will bring many a tear to the eyes of nostalgic older fans; due to popular request, Uli will finally bring his legendary white Fender Stratocaster guitar on tour again! The famous instrument - which he used during ALMOST ALL the Scorpions and Electric Sun recordings (!) - will make an onstage appearance for a couple of songs after having remained silent for so many years... The guitar has not been played in public since the Mid-Eighties when Uli switched over to SKY GUITARS for good and he is looking forward to putting this iconic guitar through its paces for old times’ sake. The “WHITE STRAT” can be seen on the covers of IN TRANCE as well as FIRE WIND. Uli played this guitar in EVERY SINGLE Scorpions concert since 1975 and on every single Electric Sun album !!!

To make the evening even more intense, another VERY SPECIAL TREAT is reserved for the purchasers of VIP PASSES and comes as a big surprise. (VIP passes are only available online at UliJonRoth.com). VIP PASS holders will be given a unique opportunity to hear Uli perform his METAMORPHOSIS OF VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS in its entirety during a private pre-show concert!!!

Uli has not performed Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in over 14 years and this is a very rare chance to hear this amazing piece of music played live by the “Master of the Sky Guitar” himself. Uli was the first and only guitarist ever to perform this most famous of all violin concertos on electric guitar note for note, stretching the instrument to the very limits of its capabilities, and beyond. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concerto was written in 1723 and sounds as fresh and inspirational now as it did 300 years ago. Particularly so in Uli’s truly mind-blowing rendition, which is fiendishly difficult to play on guitar and can only be performed at concert pitch on one of his signature SKY GUITARS.

Uli will be accompanied for the VIP event by his two very talented young protégés NIKLAS TURMAN and DAVID KLOSINSKI on guitar as well as CORVIN BAHN on keyboards who will play the orchestral parts. As an additional treat, Uli is going to perform this piece on his legendary “MIGHTY WING” 7-string SKY GUITAR, which has not been seen in public for a long time, but which was his main guitar for a period of 20 years.

ULI JON ROTH FANS all over the world! Prepare yourselves for a monumental evening of sheer musical ecstasy!!!

Confirmed tour dates:

5/31 Dallas, TX Trees 

6/1 Houston, TX Arcadia

6/2 San Antonio, TX Rockbox 

6/5  Phoenix, AZ Club Red

6/6 Hollywood, CA Roxy Theater

6/7 San Jan Capistrano, CA Coach House

6/8 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick

6/9 Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d

6/10 Ventura, CA Ventura Theater

6/12 Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst 

6/13 Petaluma, CA Mystic Theater

6/14 Berkley, CA Cornerstone 

6/15 Sacramento, CA Holy Diver

6/16 Seattle, WA Studio 7

6/17 Portland, OR Bossanova Ballroom

6/18 Vancouver, BC Venue 

6/26 St. Paul, MN Amsterdam Music Hall

6/29 Joliet, IL The Forge 

6/30 St. Charles, IL Arcada Theater

7/1 Detroit, MI Token Lounge

7/2 Toronto, ON Rockpile

7/3 Montreal, QU TBA

7/4 Quebec, QU L’ Anti

7/5 Ottawa, ON Brass Monkey

7/6  Pawling, NY Daryl’s House

7/7  Derry, NH Tupelo Music Hall

7/8  Hartford, CT Infinity Music Hall

7/10 NYC, NY Gramercy Theater

7/11 Asbury Park, NJ Wonderbar

7/12 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater

7/15 Anderson, IN State Theatre

Additional dates will be added soon.

UJR official website:  http://ulijonroth.com/

UJR on Twitter:   https://twitter.com/UliJonRoth1

UJR on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Uli-Jon-Roth-26843841074/

METAL BLADE RECORDS, SCORPIONS, AND THE RAINBOW JUST NOMINATED TO THE HALL OF HEAVY METAL HISTORY

Metal Blade Records (Celebrating their 35th Anniversary), Scorpions, and the Rainbow Bar and Grill have just joined the list of Metal Royalty who have been nominated for induction into the 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History. The All-Star Induction Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the Anaheim Expo Center, Anaheim CA.  Television and Radio Legend Eddie Trunk will host the event.  Performing at the Ceremony will be Dio Disciples featuring "Craig Goldy," "Simon Wright" "Scott Warren," "Bjorn Englen," "Tim 'Ripper' Owens," and "Joe Retta."  Ross "The Boss" (band), will also be performing, which features Iconic guitarist "Ross 'The Boss' Friedman," "Rhino (Formerly of Manowar)," vocalist "Marc Lopes," and "Mike LePond" (Symphony X).  Surprise artists will also take part in the event. Supporting bands include Budderside, and LA rockers Diamond Lane. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund (http://diocancerfund.com) Sponsors include: KNAC.COM, Pepsi, TD Bank, Promark Drumsticks, D.A.D. Riola Design, and Modern Drummer Magazine. The 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees Include: Ronnie James Dio "Rainbow" "Black Sabbath" "Dio" (With Wendy Dio accepting the induction) Metal Blade Records (With Brian Slagel accepting the induction) Scorpions (With Drummer Mikkey Dee accepting the induction) Rainbow Bar and Grill (With Rainbow Bar and Grill owner Mikael Maglieri accepting the induction) Lemmy Kilmister  "Motörhead" (With Manager Todd Singerman accepting the induction) Ross "The Boss" Friedman formerly of "Manowar" Rudy Sarzo formerly of "Ozzy Osbourne" and "Whitesnake."  Frankie Banali of "Quiet Riot," (Along with a special 33rd Anniversary Induction of Quiet Riot, as the first band to achieve the #1 Heavy Metal Album status). Vinny Appice formerly of "Black Sabbath" and "Dio." Don Airey of "Deep Purple"  Andy Zildjian President/CEO of "Sabian Cymbals" Randy Rhoads "Ozzy Osbourne," (With the Rhoads family members accepting the Induction)    "The induction of Ronnie into the Annual Hall of Heavy Metal History is indeed an honor, and I know Ronnie would have been very proud," says Wendy Dio. "On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund, we thank you for your support and donation. Every penny will go to cancer research and education, to hopefully one day find a cure for this horrible disease that takes the lives of so many of our loved ones."  "Our family is so deeply honored to have Randy inducted into The Hall of Heavy Metal History," says Kathy and Kelle Rhoads." To think that after all these years since he has passed, he is STILL remembered and respected is totally awesome. His passion for music continues to inspire so many. It was always about the "Music" for him. He would be speechless about this award, and so would our Mom!!" A press conference and General Admission entrance will commence at 6:30 PM. The Induction Ceremony will take place from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A VIP Meet and Greet with the celebrity Inductees will take place after the Induction Ceremony. Ross The Boss Band, Budderside, Diamond Lane, and surprise guests will perform throughout the night. Music fans can be a part of the most important night in Heavy Metal!! Tickets are $25.00 for General Admission, and $100.00 for combined General Admission and "VIP Meet And Greet" with the Celebrity Inductees. VIP ticket includes special VIP seating, Pictures and Autographs with the Celebrity Inductees, gift bag with an official VIP Pass, an official Event poster, an official Event T-Shirt, an official Event Program, and additional sponsor items.  For tickets, please go to www.thehallofheavymetalhistory.org/store For more information, please contact publicity@thehallofheavymetalhistory.org or 973-725-5150.  Official Hall of Heavy Metal History Websites: www.thehallofheavymetalhistory.org hallofheavymetalhistory/facebook twitter/hallofheavymetal

NEW SCORPIONS BOOK TELLS THE STORY OF INFLUENTIAL ERA OF THE BAND

Few rock bands were as successful as the Scorpions by the mid '80s - headlining arenas/stadiums worldwide, scoring two mega-selling albums (the platinum-certified 'Blackout' and the triple-platinum certified 'Love at First Sting') and two hit singles/videos ("No One Like You" and "Rock You Like a Hurricane"). But what quite a few newcomers to the band didn't realize was that the Scorpions had been regularly recording music since 1972, and that throughout the remainder of the decade, featured two guitarists (Michael Schenker and Uli Jon Roth) at separate points that are considered legendary amongst the heavy metal masses. And while such albums as 'Lonesome Crow,' 'Fly to the Rainbow,' 'In Trance,' 'Virgin Killer,' 'Taken by Force,' 'Tokyo Tapes,' and 'Lovedrive' did not come close to obtaining the commercial success of the aforementioned '80s era efforts, they inspired and influenced countless renowned musicians. 'German Metal Machine: Scorpions in the '70s' is the first-ever book to focus solely on this period of the band. Interviews include such former members as Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, Francis Buchholz, and Herman Rarebell, longtime Scorpions producer Dieter Dierks, plus members of other bands that are major admirers, including KK Downing (Judas Priest), Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Joe Satriani, Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Alex Skolnick (Testament), and Eddie Trunk ('That Metal Show'), among many others, while Kirk Hammett (Metallica) provides a foreword.  Greg Prato is a Long Island, New York-based journalist, who has written for Rolling Stone, Songfacts, and Vintage Guitar, and has authored such books as 'Survival of the Fittest: Heavy Metal in the 1990's,' 'Iron Maiden: '80 '81,' 'The Eric Carr Story,' and 'Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story.' 'German Metal Machine' is his 19th book overall. 'German Metal Machine: Scorpions in the '70s' is available as a paperback version [222 pages, $16.99], a Kindle download [$9.99], a Nook download [$9.99], and an iBook download [$9.99]. Read excerpts here: http://www.guitarworld.com/artist-news-interviews/scorpions-seventies-new-book-dissects-german-metal-machine-excerpt/29374 http://www.alternativenation.net/billy-corgan-talks-scorpions-in-new-book/ Ordering info here: Paperback and Kindle:  https://amzn.com/1519491670 Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/german-metal-machine-greg-prato/1123995477 iBook:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/german-metal-machine-scorpions/id1128078363?mt=11

Just posted: Michael Schenker on This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 286 - On A Mission

A couple of returning guests this week. First off we had the pleasure of talking with Michael Schenker ( michaelschenkerhimself.com/ ) again right before he heads off to do Michael Schenker Fest at Sweden Rock. We discuss guitars, the future, the past, and of course the great new Temple of Rock release “On A Mission. Live in Madrid”. 

Also back this week is Fang VonWrathenstein from Lords of The Trident ( lordsofthetrident.com/ ) giving us an update on all things LOTT including a some talk about the "interesting" Beyonce cover below

Track of the week Static Renegade is from the new release “Lost in The Volume” from past guest 3D in Your Face ( 3dinyourface.com/ )

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us On Demand everyday on Platinum Rock Radio by going to this link

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

Focus on Metal is damn proud to be part of The Blast Syndicate. You can get this show as well as many other kick ass metal podcasts by clicking the link below.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Online now: James Kottak Is The Guest On This Weeks Focus on Metal

Episode 263 - Little Mountain Sound Part 6

So much for wrapping up this project this in 2016. But speaking of wrapping, just in time for the holidays we bring you the sixth installment on Little Mountain Sound featuring none other than our bud James Kottak. We actually did this interview back in August of 2014 and was one of the first we did for the project, so if some of the things James talks about sound dated that would be why. Find out what James is up to these days (besides the mighty Scorpions) at http://www.jameskottak.com/

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us Tuesdays on Platinum Rock Radio and be sure to check their schedule because we usually get a repeat run during the week.

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio & Metal World Radio

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

Focus on Metal is damn proud to be part of The Blast Syndicate. You can get this show as well as many other kick ass metal podcasts by clicking the link below.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Just posted: Alex Skolnick and Shawn Drover on this weeks Focus on Metal.

Episode 249 - Metal Defiance

A packed episode this week. First up we have Alex Skolnick giving us the latest on Metal Allegiance ( http://www.metalallegiance.com/ ) then we have Shawn Drover talking about the debut release from Act Of Defiance "The Birth And The Burial" ( https://www.facebook.com/actofdefiancemusic ).

Get the this episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes.

You can hear us Tuesdays on Platinum Rock Radio and be sure to check their schedule because we usually get a repeat run during the week.

You can hear us every Wednesday on these great stations:
Pure Rock Radio, Metal World Radio,  and now on The Indie Authority

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

Scorpions drummer James Kottak guests on this weeks episode of Focus on Metal

Episode 226 - Kottak Attack

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of The Scorpions. To mark the occasion they have just released their 18th studio album "Return To Forever" as well as embarking on a celebratory world tour. For those you that want the scoop on this years Scorpions plans (and who doesn't) we have a guy with the inside scoop, drummer James Kottak on the show this week. James called us direct from tour rehearsals and graciously gave us a nice chunk of time out of his very hectic schedule.

You can find James on the web at: http://www.jameskottak.com/

The Scorpions park their site at: http://www.the-scorpions.com while you are there check out the tour dates and maybe buy yourself some tix.

And of course be sure to grab a copy of "Return To Forever".

Get the latest episode from the Focus on Metal Site, The Focus on Metal RSS feed, or on iTunes

Visit http://focusonmetal.net/ for information on all the past episodes and to find the links to all our other social media sites.

And as always Focus On Metal…Everything Else is Insignificant.

1982 Metal Fanzine THE HEADBANGER Issue #2 Now Available on iTunes and Amazon!

Issue #2 of the Legendary early ’80s fanzine The Headbanger

Now re-released as an ebook through Japanime Publishing

Bob Nalbandian, founder and publisher of the esteemed early '80s heavy metal music fanzine THE HEADBANGER, has just released issue #2 of the groundbreaking Xeroxed fanzine in ebook form through the Tokyo-based company Japanime Publishing. This is the second issue (out of 11 total issues) to be released as an ebook, the first issue, which was also originally released as a Xeroxed fanzine in 1982, was made available as an ebook earlier this year. Never before has the fanzine — which featured early interviews of local and international heavy metal bands, including the very first profiles of then-unsigned LA bands Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth — been available for mass distribution until now.

Bob Nalbandian founded THE HEADBANGER in early 1982 when he was just 17 years old, and released the inaugural issue in May of that year. The seminal fanzine featured articles and interviews that vividly captured the emerging heavy metal scene.

Nalbandian says, "(Japanime founder) Glenn Kardy and I decided to present the readers an ebook version of the fanzine in its all its original, raw glory — without any touchups or changes to it. I've scanned all the pages of the first issue as is, or as was! What you’re getting is a digitized version of the original mockup, complete with cutout pictures and logos, rub-off letters, and typewriter print! THE HEADBANGER was published long before the widespread use of home computers and desktop printing, so this is as old-school as it gets!"

This second installment of the ebook will include an all-new introduction from Nalbandian, along with the entire contents of THE HEADBANGER Issue #2 (original fanzine release in late October of 1982). The issue features cover story/live review of British metal legends Motorhead on their first US headlining tour playing the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles; a 1-page European metal report (featuring then, fresh new metal bands Accept, Trust, Mercyful Fate, Electric Sun, Silver Mountain, Bodine and many others); a live review of Scorpions, Sept. 1, 1982 show at the Long Beach Arena; a heavy metal news section called “Hot Tips”; and no-holds-barred commentary on “new” albums by Saxon, Raven, Rainbow, Riot and “heavy metal masters” Judas Priest.

Nalbandian states, “I originally sold THE HEADBANGER for a dollar per issue (and the first one, I gave away for free). By transforming them into ebooks, I feel I can still offer it at an ultra-low price and give readers the same experience as if they were reading the original fanzine with its wrinkled pages, typos, faded print, and atrocious spelling and grammatical errors! I can't think of a better way to expose readers to a time in history when heavy metal music truly was an underground phenomenon, and tape-trading and metal fanzines were a way of life."

Both Issues #1 and #2 of The Headbanger are currently available worldwide in the Apple iBookstore and the Amazon Kindle store. Here are direct links to the latest issue (#2) for customers in the United States.

Itunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-headbanger/id621352581?mt=11

Amazon: 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Headbanger-Issue-2-ebook/dp/B00C5NYYJS 

Scorpions- Top Of The Bill by Martin Popoff

  
  
   The Scorpions are the biggest hard rock band to come out of Germany and to be honest its not even close. They are winding down on a mostly stellar 40 plus year career so you would think they would have a multitude of books written about them. You would be wrong, there's Herman Rarebell's recent memoir and Rudolf Schenker's that's only avaliable in German. I've personally e-mailed Martin in the past to ask for a book on the band, he says in the introduction that he gets more e-mails about a book on them then any other. When you look at all the books on bands like Guns 'N' Roses who have 1 classic album, an overblown double set and the terrible Chinese Democracy you wonder where all the Scorpions books are. They tick all the boxes: lengthy career, great albums, big in the MTV days, trouble in the 90's and a recent resurgence. They've done their share of partying too.

   It's the usual album by album biography of the band starting at the very beginning right up to the recent Comeblack release. Each album is given equal weight and there are interview quotes from past and present members and management. Martin also weighs in with his opinion on each song and album. I like that, a lot. One of the things that stuck out for me is the bands (I mean Klaus, Rudolf and Mathias) inability to take ownership of any of the albums panned by fans and critics. Eye To Eye- that was Peter Wolf's fault. Savage Amusement- that was Dieter Dierks fault. Pure Instinct- blame that one on grunge. Rudolf even has the audacity to say Eye To Eye was a side project, last time I looked it had the bands name on the cover. Some of the best commentary comes from Herman Rarebell and Ralph Rieckermann, both past members who call a spade a spade. After reading the quotes you will also think that the Scorpions single-handedly brought down communism and the Berlin wall. Something lost in translation there me thinks.

   If you love the Scorps then this is a great read. Well written as always by Martin, he might churn them out every couple of months or so but the quality is always there. I wish this book was coffee table size and in colour like his Judas Priest and Sabbath book. The pics and memorabilia shots deserve it. Quality stuff like this should have been picked up by a publishing house but for now we can be thankful that it's out there, self-published and all. It's the definitive book on the band for now.

Richie.

www.martinpopoff.com