ULRICH ROTH - Mini-Biography and Career

- Uli Jon Roth: A Pioneering Guitarist's Journey through Rock and Metal

Uli Jon Roth, a German guitarist renowned for his innovative and technically brilliant playing style, is a pioneer of neoclassical metal. Rising to fame as the lead guitarist of Scorpions from 1973 to 1978, Roth's soaring melodies and complex harmonies left an indelible mark on the band's classic albums. Departing to pursue a solo career, he formed Electric Sun and continued pushing musical boundaries, incorporating diverse influences into his work. Recognized for developing the Sky Guitar, Roth's impact extends beyond his own music, inspiring countless guitarists with his pioneering spirit and dedication to artistic expression.

ULRICH ROTH

Ulrich Roth, professionally known as Uli Jon Roth, is a German guitarist celebrated for his innovative contributions to the world of hard rock and heavy metal. Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, on December 18, 1954, Roth's musical journey began at a young age, with a profound love for both classical music and the emerging sounds of rock and roll.

Roth rose to prominence as the lead guitarist for the iconic German band Scorpions from 1973 to 1978. His virtuoso playing style, heavily influenced by classical music, set him apart from his contemporaries, earning him recognition as one of the pioneers of neoclassical metal. Roth's signature sound, characterized by soaring melodies, complex harmonies, and technical brilliance, is showcased on classic Scorpions albums like "Fly to the Rainbow," "In Trance," "Virgin Killer," and "Taken by Force."

After departing from Scorpions in 1978, Roth embarked on a solo career, forming the band Electric Sun and exploring a wider range of musical influences. His solo work continued to push the boundaries of guitar playing, incorporating elements of classical, jazz, and world music into his compositions. Roth's solo albums, including "Earthquake," "Firewind," and "Beyond the Astral Skies," showcase his evolution as a musician and his unwavering commitment to artistic expression.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Roth is also recognized for his innovations in guitar design. He developed the Sky Guitar, a custom-built instrument featuring an extended fretboard and additional pickups, allowing for a wider range of sounds and techniques.

Roth's legacy extends beyond his own music, inspiring countless guitarists across generations. His pioneering spirit, technical mastery, and dedication to musical exploration have solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in the history of rock and metal music. He continues to perform and record, sharing his passion for music with audiences around the world.

SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism (Netherlands & French Release)
SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism album front cover

 

The album cover was created by Storm Thorgerson of the design firm Hipgnosis and, as with earlier Scorpions album sleeves, courted controversy. However unlike several of their previous album sleeves the controversy did not result in the cover being replaced with an alternate sleeve.

Animal Magnetism (Netherlands Release) Animal Magnetism (France Fame Release)
SCORPIONS - Best Of Scorpions Vol 2
SCORPIONS - Best Of Scorpions Vol 2  album front cover

  RCA Victor AFL1-5085 , 1984 , USA

SCORPIONS "Best Of SCORPIONS Vol 2" is a 12" LP vinyl album released in 1984, showcasing the German rock band's captivating music. This record, featuring tracks from various eras

Best Of Scorpions Vol 2 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Blackout (International Releases)
SCORPIONS - Blackout (Germany) album front cover

  

"Blackout" the 1982 masterpiece by Scorpions, remains a pivotal moment in rock history. Faced with challenges, the band crafted an album that blended hard rock and heavy metal, producing anthems like "No One Like You." The iconic cover art and European release's unique inner sleeve added to its allure, making "Blackout" a timeless classic.

Blackout (Germany) Blackout (France) Blackout (USA)
SCORPIONS - Crazy World
SCORPIONS - Crazy World album front cover

  Polygram Gong SLPXL 37497   , 1990 , Hungary

The Scorpions' "Crazy World" Hungarian release 12" Vinyl LP, born in the era of Eastern European upheaval, encapsulates the band's pivotal 1990 album. Reflecting the winds of change during the end of the Cold War, the vinyl's rarity, featuring limited edition nuances, elevates its significance as a sought-after collector's gem.

Crazy World 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow
SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow album front cover

- , 1974, -

"SCORPIONS - Fly to the Rainbow" is a 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the German rock band's evolving sound and artistic vision. Released in 1974, this album captures the band's transition from their psychedelic rock roots to a more refined hard rock sound.

Fly to the Rainbow 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (France & Spain Releases)
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (Spain) album front cover

 

Released in 1984, the SCORPIONS' "Gold Ballads" 12" Mini-LP Vinyl showcases the band's mastery in ballads. This Spanish release features five of their finest ballads, encapsulating the essence of their emotional and melodic prowess. A testament to the band's contribution to the music scene during that era, the album stands as a timeless collection of soul-stirring ballads, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

Gold Ballads (France) 12" Mini-LP Gold Ballads (Spain) 12" Mini-LP
SCORPIONS - In Trance Uncensored Releases
SCORPIONS - In Trance Uncensored  album front cover

 

"In Trance" is the 1976 album by German hard rock band Scorpions. The album cover shows a woman smashing a guitar, with one of her breasts exposed. This album cover gained controversy and has since been changed so that the breast is covered up. This is the original version of the album cover clearly showed the cover model's bare breast hanging down towards the guitar. Later releases have the breast blacked out so that it is not visible. This is the first of many Scorpions album covers that have been censored.

In Trance (Uncensored, England) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Black Label) 12" Vinyl LP In Trance (Uncensored, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Love at First Sting
SCORPIONS - Love at First Sting album front cover

  Harvest 2400071   , 1984 , France

This is the original album cover, an alternate cover showing a photo of the band members is used in several department store chains since they refused to carry the original album cover art.

Love at First Sting 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (International Releases)
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (UK) album front cover

 

The album cover of "Lovedrive" has often featured in 'worst album covers ever' lists, this bizarre sleeve was replaced in some countries with a more sensible black sleeve featuring a blue scorpion. The album's artwork was named "Best album sleeve of 1979″ by Playboy magazine.

Lovedrive (UK) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (Original Album Cover) 12" Vinyl LP Lovedrive (FAME) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Savage Amusement 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Savage Amusement album front cover

  EMI Electrola Harvest 064 7 47 794 / Breeze Music   , 1988 , EEC

"Scorpions - Savage Amusement" is a powerful 1988 12" vinyl LP album that showcases the band's ability to craft memorable hard rock anthems. With their European release, the Scorpions deliver a collection of energetic and melodic tracks that captivate listeners from start to finish.

Savage Amusement 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - The Scorpion
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS The Scorpion / In Trance album front cover

  RCA Victor NL 70615 C , 1975 , France

SCORPIONS - The Scorpion" is a comprehensive 3LP box-set that combines three iconic albums from the German rock band's discography: "In Trance", "Virgin Killer", and "Fly to the Rainbow".

The Scorpion 12" 3LP Box-Set
SCORPIONS - Still Loving You (Multiple Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Still Loving You album front cover

 

"Still Loving You" is the song of Scorpions from their 1984 album Love at First Sting. It was the second single of the album, reaching #64 on Billboard Hot 100. In France, the single sold 1.7 million copies.

Still Loving You 7" Single Still Loving You 12" Maxi-Single
SCORPIONS - Taken by Force (German & Italian Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Taken by Force (Italy) album front cover

  

"Taken by Force," Scorpions' 1977 masterpiece, takes on new allure with a rare Italian pressing on 150 grams vinyl. This collector's dream features the iconic guitar solo in "He's a Woman She's a Man," showcasing Uli Jon Roth's brilliance. Beyond the music, it's a tactile journey, a sonic ritual for enthusiasts.

Taken by Force (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP Taken by Force (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Tokyo Tapes
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Tokyo Tapes  album front cover

  RCA Extra CL 28331-1 , 1978 , Germany

"Tokyo Tapes" is the first "LIVE" album released by the German Heavy Metal / Hard Rock band "SCORPIONS". It was recorded during concerts at Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo, Japan during their Japanese tour of 1978. It also marks the live performances with guitarist Uli Jon Roth's.

Tokyo Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - Virgin Killer (German & Italian Releases
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - Virgin Killer Uncensored First German pressing  album front cover

   

Virgin Killer is the fourth studio album by the German heavy metal band Scorpions. It was released in 1976 and was the first album of the band to attract attention outside Europe. The title is described as being a reference to time as the killer of innocence, this is the original cover featured a nude prepubescent girl, which stirred controversy

Virgin Killer Uncensored First German pressing 12" Vinyl LP Virgin Kiler (Italy) 12" Vinyl LP Virgin Kiler (Best Buy Series) 12" Vinyl LP
SCORPIONS - World Wide Live (European Releases)
Thumbnail of SCORPIONS - World Wide Live album front cover

  

Descri"World Wide Live," the 1985 live album by Scorpions, encapsulates the band's electrifying stage presence during the "Love at First Sting" tour. Recorded for European distribution, this gatefold 2LP 12" vinyl immortalizes iconic hits like "Rock You Like a Hurricane." A sonic journey through rock history, it remains a timeless testament to Scorpions' live prowess. ption

World Wide Live (Europe) 12" Vinyl LP World Wide Live (Germany) 12" Vinyl LP