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Sat, Aug 17, 2024

Shows: 2441 Earliest: May 1, 1965 Latest: Aug 1, 2024

On this day in tour history

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Scorpions Concert Setlists & Tour Dates

• Scorpions ( German rock band )
• Scorpions ( South African choral group )

Love at First Sting 40th Anniversary Tour

Upcoming shows.

• Date and Venue Doors Scheduled
• Sep 11 2024 Arena Nürnberger Versicherung Nuremberg, Germany Add time Add time Add times
• Sep 13 2024 Barclays Arena Hamburg, Germany Add time Add time Add times
• Sep 15 2024 QUARTERBACK Immobilien ARENA Leipzig, Germany Add time Add time Add times
• Sep 18 2024 Lanxess Arena Cologne, Germany Add time Add time Add times
• Sep 20 2024 Festhalle Frankfurt, Germany Add time Add time Add times

Scorpions at Wacken Open Air 2024

• Coming Home
• Gas in the Tank
• Make It Real
• Coast to Coast
• I'm Leaving You
• Bad Boys Running Wild
• Delicate Dance
• Send Me an Angel
• Wind of Change
• Tease Me Please Me
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Scorpions at Enteria Arena, Pardubice, Czechia

Scorpions at pge narodowy, warsaw, poland, scorpions at festival de carcassonne 2024, scorpions at tsunami xixón 2024, scorpions at rockland fest 2024, scorpions at wizink center, madrid, spain, scorpions at concert music festival 2024, scorpions at auditorio marina sur, valencia, spain, scorpions at pinot and rock 2024.

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Most played songs

• The Zoo ( 1499 )
• Rock You Like a Hurricane ( 1461 )
• Blackout ( 1416 )
• Big City Nights ( 1405 )
• Coast to Coast ( 1380 )

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[unknown] 3OH!3 Lee Aaron Jarkko Ahola Allegiance of Rock Alpha Six Amaranthe Ammunition Anastacia Andrea Gioe Angra Any Given Day Apparition Aqueous Area Disaster Arenia Arida Vortex Arthemis Die Ärzte ASTERISM Athens State Orchestra Avenford Badflower BAP Basic Radio Blaze Bayley Beethoven R. Joey Belladonna The Big Rock Show Birds of Tokyo Black Dog Blitzkid Jair Bloch Bloodhound Gang Mark Boals De Boertjes van Buuten Brazen Bull Sarah Brightman Bullet Ride Camerata Florianópolis Chase Matthew Christmas Metal Symphony Coast to Coast Cold Iron Orquestra de Cordas do Iguaçu The Covernant Crawl Party Crazy Night Killers Dandelion Revenge Daughtry

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Artists covered

[traditional] Ary Barroso The Beatles Chuck Berry Solomon Burke The Cars The Corries The Doors André Filho The Jimi Hendrix Experience Mildred J. Hill & Patty Hill Gloria Jones Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five Kansas Liel Little Richard Herivelto Martins Motörhead Omega Elvis Presley Queen Maurice Ravel Michael Schenker Del Shannon Rentaro Taki Big Mama Thornton Tiffany UFO Giuseppe Verdi Kurt Weill The Who Larry Williams

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12,854 people have seen Scorpions live.

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The Scorpions (formed in 1969) is a German hard rock and heavy metal band, known for their hit singles “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change”, hailing from Hannover, West Germany.

In 1969 guitarist and vocalist Rudolf Schenker formed the Scorpions alongside lead guitarist Karl-Heinz Folder, bassist Lothar Heimberg and drummer Wolfgang Dziony. A couple years later with little progress being made Schenker’s younger brother Michael joined the band along with good friend and frontman Klaus Meine who both recorded on their 1972 album “Lonesome Crow”. Michael Schenker soon got noticed by an early incarnation of the rock band UFO who hired him as their lead guitarist.

Uli Jon Roth replaced Schenker and contributed to the four albums “Fly to the Rainbow” in 1974, “In Trance” in 1975, “Virgin Killer” in 1976 and “Taken by Force” in 1977. By this point the band were becoming popular in Japan but by no means in the U.S. and in 1978 Roth left the group to form Electric Sun and Schenker returned after being kicked out of UFO for alcoholism.

Having signed to Mercury Records the Scorpions released “Lovedrive” in 1979 before undergoing significant line-up changes. Matthias Jabs came in on lead, Francis Buchholz came in on bass and Herman Rarebell on drums. The band’s next release “Animal Magnetism” surprised a lot of people going gold in the U.S. and represented a popularity shift in the States, with this news the Scorpions immediately returned to the studio to cash in on their newfound appeal.

In 1982, despite rumours Meine had been kick out of the group for broken vocal chords, the Scorpions released the “Blackout”. The album sold over a million copies in the U.S. alone and featured the hit single “No One Like You”. It was however the powerful follow-up “Love at First Sting” in 1984 that really gave the band their superstar status. Led by the huge MTV single “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, the album has since been certified double-platinum and increased the band’s popularity and concert scope.

After a long-winded two-year hiatus, the Scorpions returned in 1988 to release their tenth studio album “Savage Amusement” which featured the hit “Rhythm of Love”. The band subsequently released “Crazy World” in 1990 which proved the be the Scorpions’ biggest-seeing record to date led by the uber-popular “Wind of Change”.

With the influx of alternative rock to the ‘90s the Scorpions’ hard-rock appeal began to dwindle and in 1993 with the release of “Face the Heat” the band had lost a number of fans. The Scorpions followed the release up with the live album “Live Bites” in 1995, “Pure Instinct: in 1996 and the double CD greatest hits album “Deadly Sting: The Mercury Years” in 1997.

The band securely put on their experimentation hats for 1999’s “Eye II Eye” which featured pop and techno melodies, and invited the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to play and perform a number of Scorpion classic hits with the 2000 album “Moment of Glory”. The Scorpions have subsequently released their fifteenth studio album “Unbreakable” in 2004, “Humanity: Hour 1” in 2007, “Sting in the Tail” in 2010 and the greatest hits album “Comeblack” in 2011.

Live reviews

The band was exceptional, the lights magical, sound a bit of a problem at the beginning, but grew better towards the end of the show, especially when singing their older songs.

The Athens State Orchestra did not manage to see, except the last song - the one with Shenker - as I was entering the stadium, because, even though I had the most expensive VIP ticket (with numbered seat), I - among most of the crowd - could not enter, since there where NO lines, NOONE from the production company, NO security to help and guide us. As a result, the concert began as sceduled, at 21:00 sharp ad all of us were outside trying - I got pushed over, squeezed etc - to get in. Because of that - the entrance delay - they did not check our tickets (nobody was at the gates any way) so whoever wanted to enter the stadium - with NO ticket - could by all means enter. When entered the stadium there were AGAIN nobody to escort or show us to our seats, with limited lighting, and when we FINALLY found our seats there were people seating already refusing to get up - since they told us that people from the organisation told them to seat WHEREVER they wished, since there was no time to seat them and obviously without entry control we were outnumbered - and spend about 30 minutes trying to convince them for the obvious: to get up and let us seat on our NUMBERED seats, while searching for SOMEONE from the production company to assist. The stairs were full of people (this is against safety policy) and I managed to get down to arena after stepping on hands (it was dark as I mentioned earlier) to find someone in charge....NOONE, only one security guy who wasn't authorised to help with the situation and finally a "staff" who told me that he was a driver and would try to find someone to assist. They had NO CBs to intercommunicate and were running up and down to find whomever they were searching for. Finally, the paramedics, also had NO CBs and as we saw a girl in distress form above we were trying to communicate through signals that they should speed to the spot. The production company - I've never heard of them in Greece - are plain potential murderers.

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The Scorpions are another band that is completely iconic to my growing up for as long as I can recall. Their thoughtful, leading guitars and unique vocals that demand the listener's attention taught me a lot. I love the fact that where I love the professional sports teams use a number of their songs to pump up the crowd and the team. I don't know how anyone could go wrong listening to the Scorpions.

I had a chance to hear them up here in Philadelphia a couple of years ago. I have to say, all though they're definitely aging, they can still rock the house like they did 30 years ago. They played some songs people didn't recognize but still got them to move to anyway. The Scorpions still have that unique sound, with the demanding vocals and thought provoking lyrics.

After all these years, people of all ages and types were seriously listening and becoming involved in the music that the Scorpions were producing, and it was a sight to behold. On the whole, it was like part of the audience was surprised that the people on the stage were the same ones that were capturing them with their music. Definitely a must see.

I sold my tickets because Five Points amphitheatre is the worst venue I have ever been to. The only time I have enjoyed a show there is when buying VIP front and Center seats and even then there security is the worst. Last show the people I knew from the meet and greet with Foreigner spent between 900 and 2000 for a paid of tickets yet when I walked down to the stage Indis not get stopped once and asked for my ticket. I learned against the rail against the stage with the aisle behind me and never was told to leave the area and neither was anyone who paid $49 for baxkrow seats. When you sit in the upper section, meaning 300's, there is no security, the seats are temporary, and its a bit more cramped then the airlines. Of someone moves, the entire section moves, and the entire row has to clear the row because it is impossible to get buy. Of anything happens in the upper sections, which is very possible seeing that everytime you get to your seat you have to ask someone who doesnt belong there to move. And when I sat 2nd row, I had at least 10 different neighbors from people climbing over the seats. With such

Where do I start? The Scorpions concert at Blue Hills Bank Pavilion was amazing. The day was dreary, wet and cold. Some of the excitement that had been building about the concert was waning. It was just a miserable day. The opening act didn't really do anything for my enthusiasm. I just couldn't shake the weather blues. Then the Scorpions took the stage.

Immediately, they filled the air with electricity; the energy on stage was like a contagion. I was excited, the people around me were excited. We forgot all about the crappy weather. They played a good mix of old and new, head banging and acoustic. They made the whole experience very intimate and personal. By the end of the show, I really felt we got our money's worth; then The Scorpions came back for an encore! I feel bad for the folks that took off at the end of the set. They missed out on some heartfelt and enduring classics. Those last two songs took the night from fantastic to mind blowingly awesome. I can't say enough about how great this show was. The guys were happy, energetic and generous. Best show I have ever seen.

Scorpions, the German hard rock band currently consisting of Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine, Matthias Jabs, James Kottak and Paweł Mąciwoda have a cult like reputation globally for their music and live show. Having formed fifty years ago, the band still has the ability to rock and out and entertain a crowd with ease.

Despite their age, the musical ability that the band members possess is applaudable. From the blistering introduction to 'All Night Long', the group are ready to rock and the audience are ready to cheer. Lead singer Klaus Meine has great abilities as a frontman, swaggering around the stage like a man half his age with his guitar in hand ready to create frenzy as he teases the introduction to fan favourites such as 'Coming Home' and 'The Zoo'.

Although their biggest international hit 'Wind Of Change' is devoid from the set, the audience don't even seem to notice as the band keep them energised with huge renditions of 'Big City Nights'. Scorpions are a great live act with a solid show and an understanding of the fundamentals of rock.

The scorpions can still rock! Surprisingly Klause can still sing great and hit those notes! He does not move around much but who can blame him...hard to believe he is 69. They did all the expected tunes..No one LIke You, the Zoo, and some "newer" ones like Rock and Roll Bang, Going Out with a Bang, etc. Guitar playing by Jabs and Rudolf was exceptional...Rudolf was still his entertaining self. Rock you Like a Hurricane was one of the encores and really got people rocking. Highlights for me were the slower songs where the crowd sang loudly such as WInd of Change, and Send me an Angel. Go see them as you never know if there will be another chance. Megadeath was the unusually chosen opening act and more of a trash metal band...not my "cup of tea" but I actually liked them. They changed the demographic of the audience a bit.

The Scorpions blew the cobwebs out of the Grand Ole Opry House on Monday night! They put on a great show and rocked it! For guys celebrating 50 years as a band (which means they've got to be close to 70, if not older), they put much younger musicians to shame! Klaus still sounds awesome, the guitars were shredding, and the drums were pounding!I would see them again in a heartbeat!!

Queensryche was also great although they didn't do an encore for some reason so I didn't get to hear "Silent Lucidity" which is one that I particularly wanted to hear.

Overall a great night and I can now check seeing the Scorpions live off of my "bucket list"!

I had the honor of seeing the Scorpions almost two years ago at the Staples center in Los Angeles....All I can say is WOW! They were without a doubt the best band live I have ever seen and I go to a lot of concerts! If you are lucky enough to see them live today you are truly blessed. I have been lucky enough to see and hear some of the best artist in the world and this concert was the best I have ever witnessed. Just to put some perspective to my statements... the second best concert was U2 a month after 9-11. If they come back to los Angeles I will be there no matter what the cost is.....They are just that great!

The show of the concert was great, but we didn't really see the collusion of the band with the symphonic orchestra. The orchestra came, played their part, and after that we never saw them again. The sould could be better. The legendary Scorpions gave it all though. They made as feel good and they carried as away!

The organization was not good. Two small entrances for sooo many people. That lead to huge queues. I felt there was not so much security, during the check of the tickets.

It was great seeing Kallimarmaro full, from people who came to enjoy Scorpions!

Great experience. Could be much better.

It was my first experience to be at a concert of such big world known band like Scorpions.Their show meet my expectations.Good sound,good scene movement from all band members,exceptional voice of the singer,and the songs I have known well:WIND OF CHANGE;SEND ME AN ANGEL;STILL LOVING YOU;YOU AND I.It was a chance to fill a dream of my life,to listen one of my favorite band,their music I heard first time being teenager in years if 90'.

It was a,great show,I could fulfil one promiss made to a,dear person,we had great time.THANK YOU SCORPIONS.DAN from ROMANIA

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50 years have gone by since the days the juvenile Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs wandered the streets of Hannover, which was just awakening from post war paralysis, with a barrow carrying their instruments and amplifiers. In these 50 years, they have become Germany’s, or rather Continental Europe’s most successful rock band, the living proof that not only VW, Mercedes or BMW are able to compete internationally, but classic rock music made in Germany as well. Countless bands, including the Smashing Pumpkins as well as Green Day, Korn, System Of A Down or Queensryche have covered songs by the Scorpions throughout the years. “Rock You Like A Hurricane” on its own was covered over 150 times by different musicians.

Expressing a career like the one of the Scorpions in mere numbers is almost impossible. However, one number that should still be mentioned is more than 100 million records sold to date. This makes the Scorpions the most successful rock band of Continental Europe by far.

Below, there is a small – far from complete – selection of further milestones from fifty years of Scorpions history:

Records sold worldwide: more than 100,000,000 units

Certified album sales in the four most important markets: 22 million

First album in the US Billboard 200: 1979 Lovedrive (#55)

Top Ten positions in the US Billboard 200: 1988 Savage Amusement (#5) 1984 Love At First Sting (#6) 1982 Blackout (#10)

Billboard top hard rock albums (Top Ten only): 2010 Sting In The Tail (2) 2012 Comeblack (#7) 2014 MTV Unplugged (#7)

Billboard hit singles (Top Ten only): 1982 No One Like You (#1) 1991 Wind Of Change (#2) 1989 I Can‘t Explain (#5) 1988 Rhythm Of Love (#6) 1990 Tease Me, Please Me (#8) 1991 Send Me An Angel (#8) 1993 Alien Nation (#10)

In Germany, the Scorpions have sold more than one million copies of “Crazy World” alone – and with this, in the rock genre easily draw even with Nirvana (Nevermind), AC/DC (Back In Black) or Guns‘N Roses (Use Your Illusion I). They deservedly received double platinum for it in 1991. Like in Switzerland and Canada as well, by the way. Additionally, “Sting In The Tail” (1991) and the single “Wind Of Change” (1991) were awarded platinum in Germany. Incidentally, the latter was No.1 in seven countries! The complete inventory of worldwide gold awards is simply too extensive to be listed here.

However, countless silver, gold and platinum awards are only one side of the Scorpions’ history. Another is their unabated desire to travel. No other rock band of their caliber after so many years takes to the stage as often as the Hannover natives. They have played thousands of concerts in all corners of the planet: in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Moscow, Washington, Dubai, Paris or Berlin.

In 1988, they were the first Western rock band to play sold-­‐out shows five days in a row in the then still Soviet Leningrad. Pioneering achievements elsewhere as well: through very early concerts in China and Southeast Asia, they have opened doors for many other Western bands.

They’ve swept the board big time in Brazil in 1985 at the legendary “Rock in Rio” festival, when other German bands could at best dream of foreign countries. The performance is documented on the epochal live album “World Wide Live”, which was the band’s final breakthrough in the US, for all time cementing their reputation as one of the planet’s hottest live bands.

And then there was the 1989 “Moscow Music Peace” festival, where the Scorpions ultimately conquered Russia, inspiring Klaus Meine to write the track that not much later became the theme song to the Iron Curtain’s final fall: “Wind of Change”.

There were many magic live moments; some of them are captured on live albums, others on film and video recordings. These are the moments, which have cemented the Scorpions’ reputation as one of the rare bands rising far above the crowd.

Like many youngsters born in post-war Germany, Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker were influenced by the music and other life-enhancing delights imported into their homeland by American GI’s – Elvis Presley, chewing gum, blue jeans and leather jackets, but most of all rock ‘n’ roll. From an early age, both of them had an irresistible urge to grab a guitar and step into the limelight. In the early 1960s the Beatles sparked off the beat revolution. By the mid-1960s Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker, both of whom were blessed with understanding parents, had also taken to the stage with their beat groups. In 1965 Rudolf Schenker started up the SCORPIONS in Hanover. Rudolf’s younger brother Michael Schenker was, like Matthias Jabs, smitten by beat music and the burgeoning rock culture. Guitarist and songwriter Rudolf Schenker’s earliest influences were the raw riffs of bands like The Yardbirds, Pretty Things and Spooky Tooth, who in those days were regarded as the real hard rockers. At New Year 1970, the younger Schenker brother Michael, who despite his youth had already established himself as an outstanding guitarist, left the Hanover-based group Copernicus, along with singer and composer Klaus Meine, to join Rudolf Schenker’s SCORPIONS. Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine teamed up to form the accomplished Schenker/Meine songwriting duo, so laying the foundations for a spectacular success story.

In 1972, the SCORPIONS released their remarkable debut album, Lonesome Crow, produced by Conny Plank in Hamburg. The vocal and instrumental ingredients which over the years were to develop into the typical, unmistakable SCORPIONS sound, were already recognisable: uncompromising, guitar-orientated hard rock, on the lines of what Jimmy Hendrix, Cream and Led Zeppelin generated in the mid-1960s. The distinctive SCORPIONS style came from the combination of two electric guitars, a fusion of fabulously forceful power riffs with dazzlingly exuberant guitar solos. Added to which was the instantly recognisable voice of singer and front man Klaus Meine with his highly expressive and polished delivery. In one respect, the SCORPIONS were unique on the German rock scene of the period. Because, right from the start, the band was aiming for the very top of the international hard rock business, Klaus Meine wrote all his lyrics in English. In the creative partnership of Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine Germany had finally found its answer to the famous beat and rock composing teams of the English-speaking world. The first album Lonesome Crow set the band on the path to international success. The SCORPIONS toured as support band with Rory Gallagher, Uriah Heep and UFO. Throughout their history Rudolf Schenker has been the unshakeable driving force behind the SCORPIONS. He adopted his father’s philosophy of life – nothing is impossible as long as you believe in it. Right from the foundation of the SCORPIONS, he had only one declared ambition: "one day the SCORPIONS will be one of the best heavy rock bands in the world!" It was an idea to which all the band members were committed. The SCORPIONS were constantly on the lookout for fresh challenges. Every change in the line-up was seen as an opportunity to move closer still to success and the achievement of absolute professionalism.

In 1973, following a joint tour with UFO, Michael Schenker joined the British rock group. He was replaced as SCORPIONS lead guitarist by Ulrich Roth. He too was an exceptional guitar player with an almost mystical talent. With Ulrich Roth, the SCORPIONS continued unwaveringly to explore the hard rock genre. In the 1970s, the SCORPIONS undertook tours of Western Europe, playing countless venues and conquering one country after another. They would appear wherever there was somewhere to plug in their instruments. In 1973, they accompanied The Sweet on their first European tour. The SCORPIONS went on to record their next four studio albums with Ulrich Roth. Fly to the Rainbow, (1974) features a solid, high-energy brand of heavy rock never before heard from a German band. The title track Speedy’s Coming typifies the SCORPIONS style of ultra-hard rock combined with catchy melodies. Beginning with their third LP In Trance, (1975), they began their working relationship with well-known international producer Dieter Dierks. They were firmly launched on their hard rock career. In Trance was the best-selling RCA album in Japan, where a regular SCORPION mania broke out. In 1975 the SCORPIONS toured Europe, sharing top billing with KISS.

In Germany that same year, they were voted best live group. During their first UK tour in 1975, the SCORPIONS entered what might be called "the lion’s den", playing at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club. In the birthplace of hard rock, they succeeded in gaining the acceptance of the most dyed-in-the-wool British fans. Gigs at the renowned London venue, the Marquee, were further highpoints of the mid-1970s. The SCORPIONS achieved their ambition to be the top German hard rock band, when their fourth album Virgin Killer (1976) won the "LP of the Year" award in Germany. In Japan, Virgin Killer gained them their first Gold Disc. Their follow-up album Taken by Force (1977) was also awarded a Japanese Gold Disc. In 1978 the SCORPIONS toured Japan, the world’s second largest music market, where they got a foretaste of what it was like to be superstars. When they arrived at Tokyo airport, the five heavy metal men were mobbed by adoring fans. Ulrich Roth left the band after the 1978 Japanese tour.

The highpoint and conclusion of the SCORPIONS’ Ulrich Roth period is the double album Tokyo Tapes (1978) which even now is cherished around the world as a collector’s item. Michael Schenker filled in briefly (he recorded several songs on Lovedrive (1979) until Matthias Jabs finally entered the fray. In 1978 an advertisement appeared in the Melody Maker: the SCORPIONS were looking for a new lead guitarist. In London, they auditioned 140 hopefuls, before deciding on Hanover-born Matthias Jabs. Thrown in at the deep end, Matthias Jabs immediately joined the band in recording Lovedrive (1979) which was then in production. The album was to be the group’s biggest triumph so far, and is still one the SCORPIONS’ best-ever albums. The sleeve received a prize for the best artwork of the year. In 1979, Michael Schenker rejoined the SCORPIONS for a short spell, but left the band while on tour. In 1980, he founded MSG, the Michael Schenker Group. Matthias Jabs once again leapt into the breach and achieved the amazing feat of learning, literally overnight, the entire programme for the current tour. In Matthias Jabs, the SCORPIONS had finally found the lead guitarist whose creativity, virtuosity and enthusiasm continue to make a decisive contribution to the band’s success. With him, the band achieved an even more solid sound. Like the missing piece in the jigsaw, his guitar style fitted to perfection into the group dynamic, creating the unique SCORPIONS sound. Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs still form the musical backbone of the band. With bass man Francis Buchholz (who joined the SCORPIONS in 1973 at the same time as Ulrich Roth) anddrummer Herman Rarebell (who first featured on Taken By Force in 1977), they finally established the combination that was to continue its victorious progress across the globe right up until Wind of Change. Already hailed as a super group during the 1978 tour of Japan, in 1979 the band, comprising Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs, set out to conquer the vast US market. Their weapons: a professional attitude paired with a steely determination to succeed and a philosophy of friendship, both within the band and towards their fans, as well as great musicality. As a rock band working on the international scene, the SCORPIONS had long since created their own musical identity. In the 1980s, the built up a considerable following in the States. Van Halen launched their musical career in the mid-1970s with cover versions of SCORPIONS songs: Speedy’s Coming (from Fly to the Rainbow) and Catch Your Train (from Virgin Killer).USA was the biggest market of all for hard and heavy rock.

Since 1974, the SCORPIONS had In 1979, now professionally managed and boosted by the success of Lovedrive, the SCORPIONS with their definitive line-up – Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs – embarked on their first major tour of USA rock arenas as opening act with Aerosmith, Ted Nugent and AC/DC. In Chicago, the SCORPIONS swapped the headliner billing with Ted Nugent, since the SCORPIONS had more fans in the city. On this first American tour, the SCORPIONS quickly learned the rules of the game in the international rock business.

Their seventh album LOVEDRIVE was released in the USA in 1979, and was the first SCORPIONS production to receive a Gold Disc there. ANIMAL MAGNETISM followed in 1980. With the two albums, the band finally made their North American breakthrough. On their second US tour the SCORPIONS were top of the bill. The era of SCORPIONS monster tours had begun. After more successful world tours, in 1981, while recording BLACKOUT, Klaus Meine lost his voice. Not wishing to stand in the way of the band’s success, Klaus Meine wanted to pull out.

But the unshakeable friendship between Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine and the close and supportive relationship within the band allowed the seemingly impossible to happen. After lengthy vocal retraining and two operations on his vocal chords, Klaus Meine overcame the trauma. And that was not all: in 1982, he re-emerged with a much increased vocal range. One critic wrote: "They have given Klaus Meine metal vocal chords." The band’s decision to stand by their lead singer through this troubled time later proved to be the most crucial the SCORPIONS ever took in the their entire career. It was Klaus Meine who in 1989 composed their smash hit Wind of Change. In 1982, on their second US tour as headliners with Iron Maiden as support act, the SCORPIONS promoted their groundbreaking album BLACKOUT, with Helnwein’s stunning sleeve design. The single "No One Like You" and the BLACKOUT LP reached the US Top Ten, the LP was voted Best Hard Rock Album of the year and awarded a Platinum Disc. One hit followed another, and in the 1980s the SCORPIONS captured the hearts of hard rock fans around the world.

In 1984 the SCORPIONS became the first German hard rock band to play three successive gigs in front of 60,000 fans at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The SCORPIONS had finally scaled the Mount Olympus of rock. With three albums featuring simultaneously in the US charts: ANIMAL MAGNETISM (1980), BLACKOUT, (1982) and LOVE AT FIRST STING (1984), the SCORPIONS spent two years on the road playing as headliner or co-headliner at all the big rock festivals that sprang up around the world after Woodstock. The SCORPIONS toured the globe, with a fleet of articulated lorries, Nightliner buses, helicopters, private jets and the inevitable limos. Hanover’s heavy metal band played all the main rock venues in North, Central and South America and Europe. In Asia, they played in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Japan. This was the golden age of heavy rock. With gigantic stage and light shows and dramatic firework effects, the SCORPIONS unleashed a pyrotechnic display of sound and light. Their relentless energy sent the fans wild. To US audiences, the SCORPIONS, with their polished, hard-edged "melodic rock" and Klaus Meine’s dramatic power singing with its dizzying top notes, came to epitomise the best in heavy rock. Groups like BON JOVI, METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and DEF LEPPARD, later to become mega bands, were support acts on the SCORPIONS’ worldwide tours, learning what it meant for a band to hold its own in the rock arena in front of an audience of millions. LOVE AT FIRST STING became one of the most successful albums in rock history. It includes the SCORPIONS’ most electrifying numbers "Rock You Like a Hurricane", "Bad Boys Running Wild", and the masterpiece "Still Loving You". The critics struggled for superlatives. Rolling Stone called the SCOPRIONS "the heroes of heavy metal". The SCORPIONS were admitted to the exclusive club of the world’s 30 greatest rock groups. Their ballad "Still Loving You" became an international rock anthem. In France alone, the single sold 1.7 million copies. The song unleashed a wave of hysteria among French fans not seen since the Beatles and became the SCORPIONS’ musical trademark around the globe.

The SCORPIONS’ most memorable appearances as headliners were at the 1983 US FESTIVAL in California’s San Bernadino Valley in front of an audience of 325,000 and at the first Rock in Rio in 1985 where they were cheered by 350,000 enthusiastic South American SCORPIONS fans. The 1985 double album WORLD WIDE LIVE, a counterpart to the 1978 TOKYO TAPES, impressively documented the band’s more recent international triumphs. In 1986, the SCORPIONS topped the bill at the legendary MONSTERS OF ROCK Festival and played in the Hungarian capital Budapest, their first-ever appearance in an Eastern Block country. By now the SCORPIONS were a household name, with hard rock hits like "Rock You Like a Hurricane", "No One Like You", "Blackout", "Big City Nights", "Dynamite", "Bad Boys Running Wild", "Coast to Coast" and "The Zoo" featuring in the charts around the world. In the 1980s, the SCORPIONS created a kind of modern hard rock that is just as popular today. Their authentic power rock ballads, such as "Still Loving You", "Holiday" and later "Wind of Change", "Send Me an Angel", "When You Came Into My Life" and "You and I", along with acoustic based songs such as "Always Somewhere" and "When the Smoke is Going Down" have managed to win over even the most unyielding haters of hard rock.

SAVAGE AMUSEMENT, the last album co-produced with Dieter Dierks, was released in 1988. It reached # 3 in the U.S. chart and #1 in Europe. Even after years of touring the USA and the rest of the world, the SCORPIONS did not rest on their laurels and continued to seek out fresh challenges. As a prelude to their 1988 Savage Amusement world tour, they penetrated the Iron Curtain to give 10 sell-out concerts in Leningrad for 350,000 Soviet fans. They were the first international hard rock band to play in the former USSR, cradle of Communism. Hard rock, heavy metal and especially the SCORPIONS’ ballad "Still Loving You" had already found their way through the Iron Curtain. The SCORPIONS are still given a rapturous reception in Russia today. A year later, in August 1989, 20 years after Woodstock, the Soviet authorities, encouraged by the success of the SCORPIONS’ 1988 Leningrad concert, gave permission for the legendary Moscow Music Peace Festival. Here, the SCORPIONS shared the stage with other international hard rock acts, including BON JOVI, MOTLEY CRüE, SKID ROW, CINDERELLA and OZZY OSBOURNE and the Russian band GORKY PARK playing to 260,000 Soviet rock fans in Moscow’s Lenin Stadium. In September 1989 Klaus Meine drew on his impressions of the Moscow Music Peace Festival, to create the SCORPIONS’ smash hit "Wind of Change". Then, in November 1989, came a completely unexpected event. The fall of the Berlin Wall. Throughout the world, "Wind of Change" became the hymn to glasnost and perestroika, providing the soundtrack to the opening of the Iron Curtain, the fall of Communism and the end of the Cold War. One year later, in 1990, the SCORPIONS played in Potsdamer Platz where a section of the Wall once stood, in Roger Waters’s spectacular production, The Wall. The SCORPIONS recorded a Russian version of "Wind of Change". They also gained a distinguished fan. In 1991, the members of the German band were invited to the Kremlin to meet Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet head of state and party leader. It was a unique event in the history of the USSR and rock music.

For the SCORPIONS too, the wind of change continued to blow. Before the production and release of their worldwide mega seller CRAZY WORLD (1990), their long relationship with Dieter Dierks, the Cologne-based producer of so many successful recordings, came to an end. The very first album to be produced by the SCORPIONS themselves, CRAZY WORLD, made in Los Angeles, co-produced by Keith Olsen and featuring the smash hit "Wind of Change", immediately became the most successful album to date. Not only was CRAZY WORLD the most successful album, "Wind of Change" was the worldwide top single of 1991, occupying the #1 slot in 11 countries. In 1992, they received the World Music Award as the most successful German rock act. CRAZY WORLD is impressive testimony to the songwriting talents of the SCORPIONS’ masterminds: Matthias Jabs’s contribution is the dynamic title track "Tease Me, Please Me", while Rudolf Schenker once again proves his ability to hit the spot with his classic SCORPIONS ballad, "Send Me an Angel", and Klaus Meine displays his brilliance as a composer in "Wind of Change". At the end of the 1992 CRAZY WORLD tour, the SCORPIONS and their long-time bass player Francis Buchholz parted company. The 1993 album FACE THE HEAT (co-producer: Bruce Fairbairn), featured the band’s new bass man, conservatoire graduate Ralph Rieckermann. In 1994 the SCORPIONS again received a World Music Award. Yet another high point of their career came when, at the invitation of the family of the "King of Rock ‘n’ Roll", Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley, and the "King of Pop", Michael Jackson, they performed their cover version of His Latest Flame at the 1994 Elvis Presley Memorial Concert in Memphis, Tennessee. In the same year the SCORPIONS committed themselves to helping United Nations efforts on behalf of refugees from the civil war in Rwanda. In only one week the band produced and released their benefit single "White Dove". At the end of 1995, just before completing the PURE INSTINCT album, co-produced by Keith Olsen and Erwin Musper and released in 1996, the SCORPIONS’ veteran drummer and long-time companion Herman "The German" Rarebell left the band. During the 1988 SAVAGE AMUSEMENT tour, the US heavy metal band KINGDOM COME, whose producer was Keith Olsen, had been a warm up act for the SCORPIONS. Even then, the Germans were impressed by the style of the group’s Californian drummer James Kottak.

In 1995 the SCORPIONS engaged former AC/DC manager Stewart Young, and it fell to him to call James Kottak on the phone and hire him as drummer for the upcoming 1996/97 Pure Instinct Live Tour. James Kottak became the first American to play in the German rock band. With the two new members, bass player Ralph Rieckermann and drummer James Kottak, the SCORPIONS had introduced a new generation of musicians into the group. On the Pure Instinct world tour, the SCORPIONS proved that they were still among the global players on the international rock scene. Not only did they play in Europe, the USA and South America. In countries like Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, they continued to notch up well above average record sales and collect gold and platinum discs. In November 1996, the SCORPIONS were the first international hard rock band to play to fans in Beirut after the end of the civil war in Lebanon. On the 1999 recording of Eye to Eye, produced by Peter Wolf, James Kottak worked in the studio with the SCORPIONS for the first time. The cover of Eye to Eye marked a change of image for the SCORPIONS. Only the founder members of the band, Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine and Matthias Jabs feature on the front cover. The album itself is a statement of the SCORPIONS’ awesome talents as songwriters and instrumentalists. Songs like Mysterious, Mind Like a Tree, Eye to Eye, Yellow Butterfly and A Moment in a Million Years show the band at the pinnacle of their creativity. With Du Bist So Schmutzig (You’re So Dirty), the SCORPIONS are heard for the first time singing a German lyric. As part of their 1999 Eye to Eye world tour, at the invitation of Michael Jackson, they played at the Michael Jackson and Friends benefit concert in Munich. True to their motto "Don’t stop at the top" the SCORPIONS are starting the new millennium with a new musical challenge: a crossover project with the internationally renowned classical orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, once conducted by the great Herbert von Karajan. - See more at: http://www.scorpions.band/english/history.asp#sthash.1TBC6Kf6.dpuf

In January 2000, the SCORPIONS and Christian Kolonovits began studio recordings in Vienna. The Berlin Philharmonic recorded the orchestral parts in April 2000. The complete work was mixed during April and May 2000 at the Galaxy Studios in Belgium, using the state-of-the-art Surround System Atmos 5.1. The crossover CD Moment of Glory, featuring the SCORPIONS with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, was released on 19 June 2000. The first live performance took place at EXPO in Hanover on 22 June 2000. The album also includes the official EXPO anthem "Moment of Glory".

With their uncompromising rock album UNBREAKABLE the SCORPIONS have unequivocally sounded their return in 2004 to the worldwide hard ’n’ heavy music arena. UNBREAKABLE is a concept album in a very special sense. It symbolises the indestructibility of the basic musical coordinates of the SCORPIONS. The unique power triad of outstanding musical figures: singer-songwriter Klaus Meine, guitarist and composer Rudolf Schenker and lead guitarist and composer Matthias Jabs. UNBREAKABLE, the twentieth SCORPIONS album, is the quintessence of thirty-five years of SCORPIONS history. And at the same time it marks the re-commitment of Germany’s internationally most successful hard rock export to their essential strengths. “First and foremost we are a rock band,” says Klaus Meine, leaving no room for doubt. “Our fans expect to really feel the lethal sting of the SCORPIONS. So with UNBREAKABLE we’ve recorded a typical SCORPIONS album.” Seconded by Rudolf Schenker: “After side projects like Moment Of Glory and Acoustica we owed our fans a kick-ass, bad-to-the-bone rock CD.” Rudolf Schenker sees UNBREAKABLE as building a bridge between the SCORPIONS and their fans. “It’s an album that brings the old and the new generation of SCORPIONS fans together.

Matthias Jabs sums it up: “With the new album we’ve returned to what the SCORPIONS are really all about. Hand-made rock music. Pick up the instruments, plug them in, play,” is how he describes the highly successful three months spent working in the studio with producer Erwin Musper. “The band together in one room for the basic tracks - back to the roots but in the contemporary rock sound of 2004. And at the same time we’ve reshaped our live set with the new songs.” Erwin Musper, who as producer and sound engineer knows the SCORPIONS better than anyone else, goes even further: “The SCORPIONS have set a new standard with UNBREAKABLE. It’s the best material the SCORPIONS have written in the last five years. Any rock band setting out to record a new album, should have UNBREAKABLE as a reference in their sound library.” Erwin Musper knows what he’s talking about. Born in The Netherlands, he’s been working with the SCORPIONS as producer and engineer since 1988. In addition, he has worked in the USA for many years as producer for bands such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. SCORPIONS drummer/composer, James Kottak, is up front about it: “UNBREAKABLE is the best record ever from Germany’s No. 1 rock machine.” With UNBREAKABLE 2004 Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs are going onto the musical offensive with a typical SCORPIONS coup: Pawel Maciwoda is the new bass player of Germany’s globally most successful rock act. This new band member is another signal that there’s no going back for the SCORPIONS.

Together with drummer James Kottak, this hard rock bass player, steeled in the New York professional scene, represents a pressure build-up in the SCORPIONS’ now outstanding rhythm’n’groove section. UNBREAKABLE symbolises the musical and personal identity that has characterised the SCORPIONS for over thirty-five years and accounted for their lasting worldwide success. All this has ensured that the SCORPIONS are the only German band to have unswervingly pursued an international career for over thirty-five years. “We’ve often been through hell, to experience heaven. We’ve always had faith in ourselves and have never accepted limitations for ourselves,” is how Rudolf Schenker sums it up. “Doing a world tour and seeing how people respond to the music and are carried away by it,” is for Rudolf Schenker simply “the best there is.” An “adventure” that he “wouldn’t miss for the world.” For SCORPIONS vocalist Klaus Meine it’s “a fascinating experience, again and again, to contribute towards a peaceful world through the global language of music. To show that music is a language that crosses frontiers and overcomes differences.” The outstanding date in this respect was the concert the SCORPIONS – from Germany – gave in 2002 in Volgograd. For these musicians, born in post-war Germany between 1948 and 1955, it was a deeply felt contribution towards atonement. What’s important for Matthias Jabs is to make “music that’s enduring” and that embodies the identity of the SCORPIONS. Over time and up there in front of the fans. Music that satisfies the band’s own musical needs and those of their audiences. Music, above all, that stands the test of a live concert – in the full exposure of the spotlights, “where you can’t hide anything.” In 2004 Klaus Meine gives this summary of the impressive history of the SCORPIONS: “There’ll never be any substitute for live concerts with real music and real feelings.” It’s a statement from the heart that also looks forward into the future. And UNBREAKABLE is the musical statement of now from Germany’s only global band.

On 3 October 2011,the compilation album COMEBLACK was announced.

Released after the successful 2010's STING IN THE TAIL, COMEBLACK features re-recorded versions of SCORPIONS classic songs as well as cover versions of 1960s and early 1970s popular rock songs.

The global release date was 4 November and a North American release date of 24 January 2012.

On 11th, 12th and 14th of September 2013, the SCORPIONS played three concerts in Athens, Greece under the banner "MTV Unplugged - Scorpions Live In Athens" at the Lycabettus Theatre over the roofs of the ancient city. For the first time in the history of the "MTV Unplugged" series, a concert in Greece under the open sky took place.

The CD, Blu-Ray, and DVD was released on 29 November 2013.

SCORPIONS RETURN TO FOREVER celebrating 50 years!

Celebrating a half-century of rock with the release of their 19th studio album, RETURN TO FOREVER (Sony Music/Legacy Recordings), globally on 20 February 2015 (North America release on 11 September 2015) with the first single and video "We Build This House".

On 11 December 2014 the band announced their global 50th anniversary tour which kicked off in China on 1st May and runs through spring 2016.

On 25 February the Scorpion announce a 16 date North American tour kicking off in Boston on 10 September.

So the band once again met up with their two favorite Swedes to realize a project, which initially had been intended to be rather plain. Mikael Nord Andersson and Martin Hansen had already produced “Sting In The Tail”, and re-arranged the whole material for “MTV Unplugged” together with Matthias Jabs. “Actually, we only wanted to finally record some song ideas for the fans, which we had worked on in the past but never put on an album, and then release them without much fanfare”, Matthias Jabs remembers. “There had been quite a few over the years, ideas that were really good, but in the end didn’t make the cut back then due to the limited space on vinyl and later on CD. We quickly had eight songs, which partly had to be finalized first and were then recorded from scratch. During the work, increasingly new song ideas were added from our end, as well as from the two Swedes. We had so much fun working and suddenly we found ourselves in the middle of the songwriting process once again. And in the end, it turned out to be a brand-new Scorpions album after all.”

The fact that the fiftieth band anniversary was coming up as well, hit Rudolf rather accidentally: “Not long ago I found an old cash account book of my mom’s, in which she meticulously recorded the earnings and expenses of my band Scorpions fifty years ago. My parents had lent me the money for the first equipment back then, and it had to paid off in installments from the earnings. 50 years are a long time. Apart from us, at most the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys or The Who managed to do that. In that sense, the timing for the new album is perfect, we’re celebrating half a decade of Scorpions with the record and the upcoming tour.”

Scorpions Announce North American Dates For ‘Final Sting’ World Tour

by Zach Shaw | Mar 1, 2012 | Touring | 3 comments

In fact, the Scorpions have already promised that their Final Sting World Tour will run through early 2013. The band has already booked a ton of dates around the world and special festival appearances (including Germany’s Wacken Open Air) for 2012, and just recently announced North American dates. The trek will see the Scorpions playing amphitheaters across the U.S. and Canada this Summer. Given the tour’s time frame, this could actually be the last time fans in America will get to see the Scorpions live. That is, of course, assuming that they won’t extend the tour even further after 2013…

You can check out a complete rundown of dates for the North American leg of the Scorpions’ Final Sting World Tour after the jump.

6/ 8 – Reno, NV – Reno Events Center

6/ 9 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheater

6/ 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre

6/ 12 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

6/ 14 – Albuquerque, NM – Hard Rock Pavilion

6/ 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre

6/ 17 – Tucson, AZ – Anselmo Valencia Amphitheater

6/ 20 – San Diego, CA – Valley View Center Arena

6/ 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center

6/ 23 – Las Vegas, NV – Thomas & Mack Center

6/ 27 – Grand Prairie, TX – Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie

6/ 29 – Chicago, IL – Charter One Pavilion

6/ 30 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest

7/ 2 – Toronto, ON – Molson Canadian Amphitheater

7/ 3 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

7/ 6 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

7/ 7 – Wantagh, NY – Jones Beach Theater

7/ 11 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for Performing Arts

7/ 12 – Washington D.C. – Merriweather Post Pavilion

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Complete List Of Scorpions Band Members And Lineup Changes

Feature Photo: A.PAES / Shutterstock.com

Complete List Of Scorpions Band Members And Lineup Changes looks at a German rock band formed in 1965 by Rudolf Schenker. The band initially focused on British-inspired rhythm and blues but rapidly evolved to pioneer their brand of hard rock and heavy metal. They gained international recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a string of successful albums and hits.

In their early years, the Scorpions saw numerous lineup changes. The core members—Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Meine, and Matthias Jabs—solidified the band’s standing in the music scene. Their breakthrough came with the 1979 album Lovedrive , which marked the beginning of the band’s most influential period. Albums like Blackout (1982), featuring the hit “No One Like You,” and Love at First Sting (1984), home to the anthem “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” made them a global phenomenon. These albums catapulted them into international stardom, establishing them as one of the leading bands in the hard rock and heavy metal genres.

The 1990s saw the Scorpions take a more experimental approach, incorporating different musical styles into their traditional hard rock sound. Their 1990 album Crazy World featured the single “Wind of Change,” a ballad that became an anthem for the end of the Cold War. The song topped the charts in multiple countries and remains one of their most iconic tracks.

The band continued to tour and record into the 2000s and 2010s, showing incredible longevity. The lineup has seen further changes but always anchored by core members Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine. They’ve been honored with multiple awards and their influence can be heard across several generations of rock musicians. In recent years, the Scorpions have not only continued touring but have also been involved in various philanthropic activities and social causes, including a notable performance at Live 8 in 2005.

Today, the Scorpions are considered one of the world’s most successful rock bands, having sold over 100 million records worldwide.

SCORPIONS BAND MEMBERS

Rudolf schenker.

Rudolf Schenker, born in Hildesheim, Germany, is the founding member of Scorpions and has been with the band since its inception in 1965. Schenker primarily plays rhythm guitar but occasionally takes on the role of lead guitarist as well. He has contributed to all of the band’s studio albums, from Lonesome Crow (1972) to Return to Forever (2015). As a key songwriter, he has co-penned many of the band’s hits, including “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change.” Outside of Scorpions , Schenker has released a solo album but his primary focus has always been the band.

Klaus Meine

Klaus Meine joined Scorpions in 1970 and has served as the band’s lead vocalist ever since. Born in Hannover, Germany, Meine’s unique voice is one of the defining elements of Scorpions’ sound. He has appeared on every studio album since 1972’s Lonesome Crow . Notable songs he has written or co-written include the anthemic “Wind of Change” and “Still Loving You.” Apart from Scorpions, Meine has not ventured much into other musical projects, making the band his primary career focus.

Matthias Jabs

Matthias Jabs, originally from Hannover, Germany, joined Scorpions in 1978, replacing guitarist Uli Jon Roth. His first album with the band was Lovedrive (1979), and he has been a consistent member ever since. Jabs is known for his lead and rhythm guitar work, as well as backing vocals. He contributed to iconic Scorpions tracks like “Big City Nights” and “No One Like You.” While Jabs has not had much of a musical career outside of Scorpions, he does own a guitar store in Munich.

Paweł Mąciwoda

Polish musician Paweł Mąciwoda joined Scorpions as their bassist in 2003. Since then, he’s been featured on albums like Humanity: Hour I (2007) and Sting in the Tail (2010). His backing vocals also complement the band’s rich harmonies. Prior to joining Scorpions, Mąciwoda had a diverse career, playing with various Polish bands and engaging in session work.

Mikkey Dee, born Micael Kiriakos Delaoglou in Gothenburg, Sweden, became the drummer for Scorpions in 2016. Before joining, he was best known as the drummer for the band Motörhead from 1992 until the band’s dissolution in 2015. With Scorpions, he has contributed to live recordings and is part of their touring lineup but has not yet featured on a studio album with the band. Dee brings a wealth of experience and a hard-hitting style that complements Scorpions’ music.

Wolfgang Dziony

Wolfgang Dziony was with Scorpions from 1965 to 1972. Primarily serving as the drummer, he also provided backing vocals and even took on lead vocals between 1965–1967. He contributed to the band’s debut album Lonesome Crow in 1972.

Achim Kirchhoff

Achim Kirchhoff played bass for Scorpions from 1965 until 1968. Although he did not appear on any studio albums with the band, he was an early member whose contributions helped shape the band’s initial trajectory.

Karl-Heinz Vollmer

Karl-Heinz Vollmer joined Scorpions in 1965 and stayed with them until 1967, covering both lead and rhythm guitar responsibilities.

Werner Hoyer

Werner Hoyer took up the role of lead vocals for Scorpions in 1967. His time with the band was brief, but he was part of the ever-evolving lineup during the band’s early days.

Bernd Hegner

Bernd Hegner was part of the Scorpions lineup from 1967 to 1969. His role in the band was significant during the Scorpions’ early years, contributing to its evolving sound and lineup.

Ulrich Worobiec

Ulrich Worobiec held the position of lead guitarist for the band. He was part of the band’s complex early history, a period that saw several lineup changes.

Lothar Heimberg

Lothar Heimberg played bass for Scorpions from 1968 to 1973 and also provided backing vocals. He was part of the lineup that recorded the Lonesome Crow album in 1972.

Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker had multiple stints with Scorpions. Initially from 1969 to 1973, then briefly in 1978–1979, and as a guest in 2006. Serving as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Schenker contributed to the albums Lonesome Crow in 1972, Lovedrive in 1979, and the live recording Live at Wacken Open Air 2006 in 2007.

Werner Löhr

Werner Löhr played drums for Scorpions in 1972. He was part of the band during its formative years.

Joe Wyman was another drummer who contributed to the Scorpions’ lineup. He was part of the rhythm section that added depth to the band’s sound.

Helmut Eisenhut

Helmut Eisenhut was a band member in 1973. He was part of the Scorpions during a key period in their development.

Francis Buchholz

Francis Buchholz was a long-standing member of Scorpions, playing bass from 1973 to 1992. He also provided backing vocals and played keyboards from 1983 to 1984. Buchholz participated in all Scorpions releases from Fly to the Rainbow in 1974 up to Crazy World Tour Live… Berlin 1991 in 1991. He also appeared on Live Bites in 1995.

Uli Jon Roth

Uli Jon Roth was the lead guitarist for Scorpions from 1973 to 1978 and made a guest appearance in 2006. In addition to his guitar work, Roth also provided backing and lead vocals. He played on all Scorpions albums from Fly to the Rainbow (1974) to Tokyo Tapes (1978) and also appeared on the Live at Wacken Open Air 2006 album in 2007.

Achim Kirschning

Achim Kirschning joined the Scorpions in 1973 and was a session/touring member until 1977. He contributed keyboards and synthesizers to the band’s sound, enhancing their musical scope.

Jürgen Rosenthal

Jürgen Rosenthal was a drummer for Scorpions from 1973 to 1974. The German musician contributed his skills to the Fly to the Rainbow album released in 1974. Beyond Scorpions, Rosenthal played with other German progressive rock bands like Eloy.

Jürgen Fechter

Jürgen Fechter joined Scorpions in 1974 and stayed until 1975. While his tenure with the band was relatively short, he was part of the band’s evolving lineup as they solidified their sound.

Rudy Lenners

Rudy Lenners served as the drummer from 1975 to 1977. He contributed to two pivotal albums in the band’s early career: In Trance (1975) and Virgin Killer (1976). The Belgium-born musician was part of the band when they were making a name for themselves in the hard rock scene.

Herman Rarebell

Herman Rarebell was with Scorpions from 1977 to 1996 and made a guest appearance in 2006. Handling drums, percussion, backing vocals, and even keyboards in 1991, the German musician was a significant contributor. He played on all Scorpions releases from Taken by Force (1977) to Live Bites (1995) and appeared on Live at Wacken Open Air 2006 (2007). Rarebell also penned some of the band’s popular songs like “Another Piece of Meat” and “Make It Real.”

Ralph Rieckermann

Ralph Rieckermann, the German-American musician, was the bassist for Scorpions from 1993 to 2003. Providing both bass and backing vocals, he was part of the band’s releases from Face the Heat (1993) to Bad for Good (2002), in which he participated in two new tracks.

James Kottak

James Kottak, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, served as the drummer for Scorpions from 1996 until 2016. He contributed to all Scorpions releases from Eye II Eye (1999) to Forever and a Day (2016), providing both drums and backing vocals. Outside of Scorpions, Kottak had his own band named Kottak and also played for the McAuley Schenker Group.

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Brian Kachejian

Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.

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Experience the Iconic Scorpions on Their Exciting Tour

Welcome to On The List OTL, your ultimate destination for top-notch Arts & Entertainment - Performing Arts experiences. We are thrilled to present the legendary Scorpions on their highly anticipated tour. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through the history of rock 'n' roll with this iconic band.

A Legendary Band with a Timeless Sound

The Scorpions have been mesmerizing audiences around the world for over five decades. With their distinctive sound and captivating energy, they have become one of the most influential rock acts of all time. From their early hits like "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "Wind of Change" to their latest releases, the Scorpions continue to deliver powerful performances that leave their fans craving for more.

An Unforgettable Live Experience

When you attend a Scorpions concert, you are in for a treat. The band's electrifying stage presence and genuine passion for music create an atmosphere that is second to none. From the first note to the final encore, you will be captivated by their infectious energy and the sheer talent of the band members.

With their catchy guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and bombastic drumming, the Scorpions know how to put on a show that will leave you breathless. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to their music, their live performances are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

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On The List OTL is proud to offer you the opportunity to join the Scorpions on their latest tour. Immerse yourself in the world of rock music and witness the magic of this incomparable band. From intimate venues to large arenas, the Scorpions know how to deliver an unforgettable experience.

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A Night to Remember

Prepare yourself for a night that will go down in history. The Scorpions are known for their unforgettable live shows, and this tour is no exception. From the moment the lights dim and the first chord is struck, you will be transported to a world of pure rock 'n' roll bliss.

Experience the raw energy and unbridled passion of the Scorpions as they take you on a journey through their extensive catalog of hits. Sing along to classic anthems, sway to heartfelt ballads, and let the music ignite your soul. This is a night you won't want to end.

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Are you ready to witness rock music at its finest? Don't miss out on the Scorpions tour, as it promises to be an extraordinary event that will leave you craving for more. On The List OTL is your gateway to premium Arts & Entertainment - Performing Arts experiences, and the Scorpions tour is no exception.

Join us for an epic night filled with music, excitement, and the timeless allure of one of the greatest rock bands in history. Get your tickets now and let the Scorpions rock your world!

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Tyler Childers to continue reborn concert scene at CU Boulder's Folsom Field

A ug. 15—Tyler Childers, who has 13.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, will make history on Saturday as the first-ever country artist to perform at Folsom Field.

Saturday's concert will also mark the first time the University of Colorado Boulder has hosted two separate concerts in one year since 1982.

"We feel great. It's going be a sold-out show, we're almost there," said Ryan Gottlieb, CU Boulder senior associate athletic director. "Tyler Childers is an unbelievably talented performer and puts on an incredible show."

His musical style can be described as country with a modern twist, including bluegrass and contemporary folk elements. His single, "Song While You're Away," was included in the soundtrack for the movie "Twisters."

Folsom Field's first-ever country act comes on the heels of its first EDM concert with Odesza on June 29. All 40,000 tickets for the Odesza concert sold out in 24 hours — the only concert to do so on the group's tour.

If Tyler Childers sells out on Saturday, it will be the fifth straight sold-out concert at Folsom Field.

Gottlieb said both shows attract massive crowds from across the Front Range.

"There's obvious interest in our market for Folsom Field to be doing more because we've seen this from all our shows," he said.

Childers also kicks off a string of big events at CU, including student move-in beginning Monday and the first football game of the season on Aug. 29.

Brent Fedrizzi, president of AEG Presents North American regional offices, works with CU Boulder to bring musical acts to Folsom. He said Childers and Odesza have opened up a new lane for the venue.

"We are continuing to expand on the genres that we bring there and it's all been a really good experience," he said.

The last time Folsom Field held two separate concerts in one calendar year was in 1982. On Aug. 21 of that year, the lineup was REO Speedwagon, Ted Nugent and the Scorpions. John Cougar, Jethro Tull and The Who performed on Oct. 17, 1982.

Fedrizzi said Folsom Field has character. The history of shows there, the layout, the view of the Flatirons, and the location on a college campus give it a certain a certain energy.

"It's unique, but again, the history of the venue and all the bands and artists it's hosted in the past, it's got an aura about it and that's what we like and so we are gonna expand on that," he said.

Nearly all concerts at Folsom Field before this year were exclusively rock and roll. Now, CU Boulder is branching out and exploring new genres of music.

"We feel really, really good about it," Gottlieb said. "From 2001 to 2023 all we had done was Dead and Co., and this summer for us to do Odesza and Tyler Childers and have as big of crowds show up as we're going to have is really big for our business."

Gottlieb said CU Boulder is considering bringing in any genre of music to Folsom Field, including rock, pop, country, EDM and hip hop.

"You name it, we're open to it," he said.

Gottlieb said CU Boulder is already planning to book concerts for the next two summers. He said it's too early to say how many or what kind of artists Folsom might host, but he's looking forward to it.

"There should be a lot of interest in some acts coming to Folsom and this business is going to continue to grow," he said.

Fedrizzi said Folsom Field can reach new age groups and demographics with the variety of shows.

"I think as we build on the success of the venue and word gets out, more artists are going to want to play there," he said.

There are a limited number of tickets still available for Saturday's Tyler Childers concert. To purchase tickets, visit cubuffs.evenue.net/events/TYLER .

"Saturday night is going to be an awesome crowd. ... It's gonna be a great atmosphere and another chapter in the storied history of Folsom Field concerts," Gottlieb said.

Originally Published: August 15, 2024 at 1:44 p.m.

(c)2024 the Daily Camera (Boulder, Colo.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Tour of Brevard: Satellite Scorpions enter 2024 season with big expectations

The Satellite Scorpions have their sights set on another a playoff appearance this year after qualifying for the FHSAA state tournament for the past three seasons, the last two under head coach Brian Helton.

In both of Helton's years as head coach, Satellite went 5-5 in the regular season, but lost in the first round of the playoffs both times.

The first official week of practice began a week ago and Helton said his expectation is to be a playoff team again, but he challenged his team to aim for another goal as well.

"My ultimate goal would be 8-2, but we need to be competitive in every game," Helton said. "Will 8-2 happen? I don't know, but that's something that I'm putting on the kids, go 8-2 and I don't care what eight wins it is but get those eight wins."

Helton's expectations this season also includes seeing his team compete for a spot at the top of District 8-3A. Satellite shares a district with Titusville, Eau Gallie, Palm Bay and Merritt Island. Like the Scorpions, each of those teams earned spots in the playoff in 2023.

The Scorpions will have a heavy upperclassmen presence on their team this year with 21 seniors and 17 juniors. Helton expressed excitement about many players on the team this year, both returning players and underclassmen, that he believes will be key to the Scorpions' success this season.

"I could name everybody as players who you should really look at because we got some good kids and I'm excited for this team this year," Helton said.

On Aug. 16 Satellite will face a preseason test when it goes up against Cocoa in a kickoff classic.

Head coach: Brian Helton enters his third season as head coach of the Scorpions.

Returning stat leaders: Noah Flores, Soph., 124 car. -640 yards, 5 rushing TDs, 14 rec.-131 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs; Seth Hufty 46 tackles, 1 INT; Allen Steffen 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery.

Postseason history: In 2021 Satellite had its best playoff performance after advancing to the Class 5A regional final. Playoffs season:  ’67, ’87, ’96, ’21, ’22, '23. Playoff record: 3-6.

2024 Satellite Schedule

Aug. 23 at Rockledge, 7 p.m.

Aug. 30 at Viera, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 Melbourne, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 Eau Gallie, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 at New Smyrna Beach, 7 pm.

Sept. 27 at Palm Bay, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Titusville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 Baker County, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Merritt Island, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 Sebastian River, 7 p.m.

8 L.A. night hikes to escape the heat and experience awe

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My coworkers and I were deep in conversation when we all gasped.

We’d crested a hill in Griffith Park, and rising just as we did up the hill was the strawberry moon.

All conversation ceased for a moment as we took in the view, the headlights of thousands of drivers on the 5 Freeway, twinkling street lamps and the orange glow from homes in nearby Atwater Village and beyond — and that moon, low in the sky, a reddish tint thanks to its proximity to the horizon.

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That’s when I really fell in love with full moon hikes, standing there eating strawberry-flavored snacks with my giddy colleagues as we celebrated our luck of arriving at Five Points at the perfect moment.

Hiking during full moons, and sometimes just on a nice evening, is a semi-regular ritual of mine. Not only does it offer a different type of sensory experience than daytime treks — including croaking frogs, hooting owls and chirping crickets — but it’s also a more tolerable way to get outdoors during the hottest months of the year.

August’s full moon will be brightest and boldest on Monday. And if you can’t make it on exactly that evening, you can typically hike the night before or after a full moon and get a nice show.

The first thing you need for an evening hike is hiking companions. Don’t get me wrong, I love a solo hike — just me, my dog and my satellite communicator out in the woods. But hiking at night alone isn’t something I would recommend, as many of our native wildlife — including mountain lions, bears and coyotes — are most active then.

The next thing to consider is what gear you’d like to bring. Sturdy hiking boots are helpful because if you trip or stumble, your ankles are more protected. A flashlight or headlamp is good to have, although some hiking groups discourage their usage, unless they come with the option to switch to a red tint, as our eyes are less affected by the longer wavelengths of red light. I like to bring a flashlight with a UV option because it not only saves your nighttime vision but also allows you to see (and avoid) scorpions, which glow under UV light.

As with any hike, you’ll want to check the weather and pack accordingly. My colleagues and I were up at Griffith Park on a particularly windy evening for a full moon hike and were glad we’d layered up. From there, you should bring whatever you usually need on a hike, like poles, snacks and water.

As for where to do a full-moon hike, there is no shortage of options. I look for urban hikes with wide paths to high points with panoramic views of L.A. County. Some hiking spots close at sunset, so you’ll want to check the times that trails are open. When parking, look for gates. You don’t want to come down from your hike to find a locked gate blocking in your car.

If you’d be more comfortable with a group, you’re in luck: There are many organized full moon and night hikes in L.A. County this time of year. I’ve rounded up some of them below:

• The Eaton Canyon Nature Center Associates hosts a monthly moonlight walk, usually on Fridays closest to the full moon. You can join them at 6:45 p.m. Friday at the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. The hike leaves at 7 p.m. sharp so being on time is quite important. Learn more at ecnca.org .
• The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter hosts its moonlight hike on Saturday, meaning the moon will be fairly bright for that outing. This is a moderately paced five(ish)-mile hike through Griffith Park. Sierra Club membership is not required. Arrive by 6:45 p.m. to sign liability waivers. The hike leaves at 7. You can learn more and register at meetup.com .
• We Explore Earth, a nonprofit outdoors group, will host a free full moon hike from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday in Elysian Park. Participants can also partake in a 30-minute yoga session during the event and stargaze through telescopes that group leaders will bring on the hike. Register at eventbrite.com .
• TreePeople, an L.A. nonprofit, will host a moonlight hike at Coldwater Canyon Park in Beverly Hills on Aug. 23. It costs $20 per person, kids under 15 cost $10. You can learn more and register at its website .
• Vasquez Rocks Natural Area hosts a monthly twilight and early full moon hike. The hike is free but donations to the Vasquez Rocks Nature Center Associates are appreciated. August’s event is full (with more than 100 people on its waiting list), but September and October are open for registration.
• For my Wilders near Riverside or San Bernardino (or for those wanting to explore a new place), the Wildlands Conservancy will host a night hike Saturday at its Oak Glen Preserve in Yucaipa. You can learn more and register here .

For those who feel nervous about hiking at night but still want to experience the glory of a summer night sky in person, try these options:

• The Lancaster Museum of Art and History will host a one-mile astronomy-themed tour Saturday through the Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster. Weather permitting, there might be telescopes available to gaze through. Register at eventbrite.com .
• Orange County Parks will host a full moon nature journaling session Sunday in the gorgeous Black Star Canyon. Registration required. Sign up at letsgooutside.org .

I personally enjoy going to Griffith Park for full moon and evening hikes because it offers so many great views. I usually park near the merry go-round. From there, my friends and I usually head to either 5-Points (lower right corner of this map ), or Mt. Hollywood.

Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park remains my favorite — especially for a full moon hike. It offers panoramic views of L.A. County, and there are picnic tables where you can take a break before heading down.

That said, it’s a popular spot. My friend Laura and I hiked up to Mt. Hollywood one evening and sat quietly admiring the view, commenting on how remarkable it was that we were in a county of 10 million people, in the middle of the city, and yet we were mostly alone in this beautiful place.

And then, we heard the thump of a bass. Dozens of hikers covered in glowing necklaces and bracelets emerged from the trail, dancing joyfully. Laura and I laughed really hard. They were such a fun group, I was tempted to ask how I could join. After all, a full moon over Los Angeles is something best appreciated with friends, new and old.

3 things to do

1. Bike almost seven miles of car-free streets in Hollywood Walk, jog, bike, roller skate or skateboard along 6.6 miles of car-free streets Sunday as CicLAvia takes over the streets of Tinseltown for the nonprofit’s 54th event in L.A. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can traverse the route , which connects East Hollywood, Hollywood and West Hollywood. Visit any of the five hubs along the route for family-friendly activities, restrooms, free water refill stations and basic bike repair. There will also be plenty of spots to eat along the way. Please note that, although certain types of e-bikes are permitted, electric scooters and other nonpeople-powered vehicles are not allowed, outside of motorized wheelchairs and related vehicles for people with disabilities. Learn more at ciclavia.org .

2. Collect data on local wildlife in Harbor City Join jr. urban ecologist Ryan Kinzel from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park (25820 Vermont Ave.) in Harbor City for a so-called BioBlitz. At this L.A. City Recreation & Parks event, you’ll use the app iNaturalist to collect data on species that live around Machado Lake and the rest of the park. Organizers advise you bring sunscreen, water and a charged phone with the iNaturalist app downloaded. Learn more at the L.A. Parks’ Facebook page .

3. Take a free compass and map course in Fountain Valley Getting lost is any hiker’s nightmare. Sports Basement, an outdoor goods retailer, will host a free introductory course to using maps and navigation tools from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Participants will learn how a compass works and how to read topography maps and practice orienting a map and taking a bearing. Register at eventbrite.com .

The must-read

The death of 20-year-old Grace Rohloff while hiking Yosemite’s Half Dome has reignited debates about how to improve the safety of the iconic outdoors destination. The hike to Half Dome is 14 to 16 miles, and a permit is required to use the cables, installed in 1919, that visitors use to reach the top. You can read part of that debate in our letters to the editor this week. Connie Stewart of Santa Monica argues that National Park Service officials should permanently remove the cables, which are currently available seasonally . “Half Dome is dangerous. And that’s as it should be. National parks aren’t Disneyland; they are part of nature,” Stewart writes. Conversely, Bill Smart of Santa Barbara suggests that the problem lies in too many inexperienced hikers attempting to summit Half Dome. “Let the cables be. Screen permit applicants more carefully, as the danger lies with some of them, not the cables,” Smart writes.

Regardless of where you are adventuring, please be safe out there, friends. When in doubt, turn around. The mountains will be there next time you return.

Happy adventuring,

After I wrote a local campground guide in May, many of you graciously shared some of your favorites too. I rounded up the five best recommendations here .

I loved the advice from reader Jan Rasmussen, who said she, her husband and their dog head to Table Mountain near Wrightwood in Angeles National Forest over the Fourth of July to escape the explosive sound of fireworks. Brilliant!

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

Sign up for The Wild

We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Jaclyn Cosgrove covers the (great!) outdoors at the Los Angeles Times. They started at The Times in 2017 and have written about wildfires, culture, protests, crime and county government. In 2022, they managed For Your Mind, a yearlong mental health project. Cosgrove is originally from rural Oklahoma and is a proud Oklahoma State University graduate. They fell in love with the Southern California landscape when they moved here in 2017. They are always looking for the next adventure and welcome your ideas. If their phone goes straight to voicemail when you call, it probably means they’re in the mountains with their beloved dog, Maggie May.

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