Words and Pictures – Adrian Hextall / MindHex Media
London, UK – The air inside the Indigo at The O2 on May 14th crackled with anticipation as Michael Schenker brought his “50 Years / My Time in UFO” UK tour to a triumphant conclusion. This run of dates has been a heartfelt homage to a pivotal era in hard rock, celebrating Schenker’s formative and highly influential years with the iconic British band UFO. It’s also currently the best and only way to hear those songs performed on the big stage as UFO are of course no more. With former members no longer with us, and lead singer Phil Mogg doing his own thing now with Mogg’s Motel, it falls to Schenker to fly the flag and keep the torch lit for the iconic band. Before the German guitar maestro took the stage, the evening was set alight by the distinctive presence and sound of Lancashire’s own Wytch Hazel.
Wytch Hazel
Taking to the stage in their distinctive uniform of white attire, complete with capes and crosses, Wytch Hazel looked like they had stepped directly out of the early 1970s, a visual aesthetic that perfectly complements their musical output. Blending classic heavy metal with themes drawn from medieval imagery and spiritual conviction, the quartet delivered a captivating and energetic opening set. Their sound is a rich tapestry of twin-guitar harmonies reminiscent of Thin Lizzy or early Iron Maiden, underpinned by a robust rhythm section. Frontman Colin Hendra’s clear, melodic vocals soared above the instrumentation, carrying lyrics that touch on faith, battle, and inner conviction without ever feeling preachy, instead possessing a genuine, earnest quality.
Quite simply, there was nothing not to like and Wytch Hazel easily won over the burgeoning crowd. Tracks like “The Fire’s Control” immediately showcased their tight musicianship and penchant for compelling riffs. They navigated through material from their well-received albums, including powerful renditions of songs that highlight their blend of galloping rhythms and triumphant refrains. The audience, visibly warmed to Wytch Hazel’s authentic delivery and undeniable stage presence. They possess a refreshing lack of modernity, passionately honing in on a decade oft forgotten. By the close of their set, which likely included a taste of material from their upcoming album ‘V: Lamentations’, Wytch Hazel had done far more than just warm up the room; they had carved out their own space and undoubtedly gained a significant number of new admirers, proving themselves a highly suitable and engaging choice to open for a legend like Schenker.
SETLIST:
Sonata
The Fire’s Control
I Am Redeemed
Still We Fight
Archangel
Dry Bones
The Devil Is Here
Woven
Elements
Spirit and Fire
Healing Power
Michael Schenker
Following the atmospheric prelude, the lights dimmed, and the moment arrived for the evening’s main event. Michael Schenker and his band stepped into the spotlight, launching immediately into a set designed to transport the audience back to the golden age of UFO. This tour is specifically focused on Schenker’s contributions to UFO, and the setlist was a carefully curated journey through the albums he recorded with the band, heavily leaning on fan favourites and live staples, particularly those immortalised on the ‘Strangers In The Night’ live album.
Joining Schenker on this nostalgic voyage is a stellar band, including the dynamic presence of vocalist Erik Grönwall. Grönwall, known for his powerful pipes and charismatic stage demeanour, proved to be an inspired choice to front the MSG lineup for this specific tour. I was there as much to see and hear Erik sing once again as I was for Schenker’s amazing guitar work. It’s a dream pairing and I hope one Michael sticks to as Erik helps the band engage with a different generation of fans. He tackled the classic UFO vocals with respect and impressive capability, bringing a youthful energy to songs decades older than himself while still capturing the raw emotion and swagger of the originals. His interaction with the crowd and the band was infectious, adding an extra layer of vitality to the performance.
And then there is the maestro himself. Michael Schenker, instantly recognisable with his signature Flying V guitar, remains a force of nature on stage. At 70, his playing is as fluid, precise, and utterly unique as ever. His tone is legendary, a perfect blend of aggression and melody, and watching him effortlessly navigate the intricate solos he crafted so many years ago was a masterclass in hard rock guitar. While sometimes known for being reserved on stage, on this tour, Schenker appeared visibly engaged and genuinely enjoying revisiting this material. There were smiles, playful interactions, and the undeniable joy of a musician deeply connected to his most celebrated work.
The setlist was a parade of classics that had the packed Indigo crowd singing along to every word and riff. Anthems like “Only You Can Rock Me,” “Doctor Doctor,” “Lights Out,” and “Shoot Shoot” landed with immense impact, each one greeted with a roar of approval. Deeper cuts and instrumental passages, including a captivating medley featuring “Lipstick Traces,” “Between the Walls,” and “Belladonna,” showcased the breadth and depth of Schenker’s songwriting and musicianship during his UFO tenure. The emotional weight of “Love to Love” was beautifully rendered, a moment of soaring melody amidst the hard-driving rock. The extended solo in “Rock Bottom” remains a highlight of any Schenker performance, a journey through improvisation and technical brilliance that still manages to feel organic and inspired.
Throughout the evening, the band was exceptionally tight, providing a solid foundation for Schenker’s guitar pyrotechnics and Grönwall’s powerful vocals. Steve Mann added tasteful keyboard and guitar support, while the rhythm section of Barend Courbois on bass and Bodo Schopf on drums locked into the classic grooves with precision and power.
As the final chords of “Too Hot to Handle” rang out, leaving the audience exhilarated and slightly breathless in the warm venue, there was a palpable sense of a legendary chapter being honoured with the energy and passion it deserves. Michael Schenker’s “My Years With UFO” tour was not just a trip down memory lane; it was a vibrant reaffirmation of the enduring power and influence of the music he helped create. For the London faithful, it was a fitting and unforgettable conclusion to a tour that celebrated a truly golden era of hard rock.
SETLIST:
Intro tape: Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin song)
Natural Thing
Only You Can Rock Me
Hot ‘n’ Ready
Doctor Doctor
Mother Mary
I’m a Loser
This Kid’s
Lights Out
Lipstick Traces / Between the Walls / Belladonna
Love to Love
Let It Roll
Can You Roll Her
Reasons Love
Rock Bottom
Shoot Shoot
Too Hot to Handle
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