Michael Schenker Group--Worldwide Live 2004
MVD 2004
For the last few decades, very few other legends could boast of being a guitar virtuoso the caliber of Michael Schenker. The peculiar thing about his particular case is that he has managed to ply that virtuosity seemingly under the radar. Considering his hugely influential stints in the Scorpions, UFO, and his own band MSG, it really doesn't add up that his name isn't traditionally one of the first off people's lips when talking about the greatest axemen of all time. Perhaps this MSG DVD, Woldwide Live 2004, will help remind casual fans of his massive importance. It certainly stands as yet another monument to his undeniable greatness.
In terms of setlist, Worldwide Live 2004 is pretty stacked, featuring new and old MSG tracks, as well as virtually every UFO highlight you would hope for. Of the newer MSG output, "Rock 'n' Roll Believer" wins top honors, thanks in large part to the sickly tasteful legato hammer-on riff Schenker works on its verses. Still, "Assault Attack" is the epitome of MSG's agressive melodic brilliance--soaring and epic on the choruses; a palm muted whallop on the verses. In the end, it's the UFO classics that really get the crowd going on this video, though. "Lights Out" is the first point in the set that both audience and band really come alive, and with good reason--this rendition is incendiary. Ditto for "Only You Can Rock Me," which seems to be the crowd favorite. However, the ultimate highlights of Woldwide Live 2004 are the versions of "On and On" and "Doctor, Doctor." Yes, both are amazing compositions on their own, but it's the flawless collective execution by the entire band on these cuts that makes them so magical, here.
If there was any doubt this version of MSG could deliver the goods, their take on "Into The Arena" lays it to rest. Each member of the band gets a chance to shine, bassist James Jones particularly standing out for his ability to shred on the low end just like Billy Sheehan. It should also be noted that frontman Chris Logan does a fantastic job throughout the set, easily hitting all the high notes and doing so with stunning consistency. Of course, as good as the supporting cast is, there's never any question Schenker is the star of the show. His ability to fuse neo-classical grandeur and precision with the soulful looseness of the blues is awe-inspiring as ever--the results are always heartwrenchingly filled with passion. His jaw-droppingly dynamic lead work on the closing "Rock Bottom" serves as a perfect finishing point for this inspired outing.
As invigorating as the main program of Worldwide Live 2004 is, the interview with Michael contained in the bonus footage is as deflating. In the chat, Schenker sheds a great deal of light on just why the cards have fallen that he isn't a household name--no fault of his own, rest assured. Anyone who already knows what Michael Schenker is capable of should be clamouring for a copy of Worldwide Live 2004. For the uninitiated, this DVD will serve as a great introduction to one of the best that ever lived. Maybe not visually flashy (though well filmed), but you'll get enough fretboard firworks to last a lifetime. Brillant, as expected.
Score this DVD directly from MVD
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