Michael Schenker Group Heavy Metal, Hard Rock Vinyl DIscography and album Cover Gallery

 

 

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (MSG) Band Description

The Michael Schenker Group (MSG) is a British rock band formed in 1979 by German guitar player Michael Schenker. Schenker is best known for his work as a guitarist with the band UFO, but left the band to form the Michael Schenker Group.

The band's first lineup consisted of Schenker on guitar, Gary Barden on vocals, Chris Glen on bass, and Cozy Powell on drums. This lineup released the band's debut album, "The Michael Schenker Group," in 1980. The album featured the hit single "Armed and Ready" and was a commercial success.

Throughout the 1980s, the band went through several lineup changes, with Schenker being the only consistent member. Despite these changes, the band continued to release albums and tour extensively. Some of their most notable albums from this era include "Assault Attack" (1982) and "Built to Destroy" (1983).

Michael Schenker Group Lineups (1980s)

1980-1981 (Debut Album and Early Tours)
The Michael Schenker Group (1980)
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Gary Barden – Lead vocals
  • Mo Foster – Bass guitar (studio)
  • Don Airey – Keyboards (studio)
  • Simon Phillips – Drums (studio)
Touring Lineup
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Gary Barden – Lead vocals
  • Chris Glen – Bass guitar
  • Paul Raymond – Keyboards and rhythm guitar
  • Cozy Powell – Drums
1981-1982 (MSG Album Era)
Lineup for MSG (1981)
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Gary Barden – Lead vocals
  • Chris Glen – Bass guitar
  • Paul Raymond – Keyboards and rhythm guitar
  • Cozy Powell – Drums
1982 (Assault Attack Album Era)
Lineup for Assault Attack (1982)
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Graham Bonnet – Lead vocals
  • Chris Glen – Bass guitar
  • Ted McKenna – Drums
  • Tommy Eyre – Keyboards

Differences: Graham Bonnet replaced Gary Barden but left shortly after recording. Tommy Eyre replaced Paul Raymond on keyboards.

Touring Lineup
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Gary Barden – Lead vocals (returned)
  • Chris Glen – Bass guitar
  • Ted McKenna – Drums
  • Tommy Eyre – Keyboards
1983-1984 (Built to Destroy and One Night at Budokan Era)
Lineup for Built to Destroy (1983)
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Gary Barden – Lead vocals
  • Chris Glen – Bass guitar
  • Ted McKenna – Drums
  • Andy Nye – Keyboards
Touring Lineup for One Night at Budokan (1984)
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Gary Barden – Lead vocals
  • Chris Glen – Bass guitar
  • Ted McKenna – Drums
  • Andy Nye – Keyboards
1986-1987 (Transition to McAuley Schenker Group)
Lineup for Perfect Timing (1987)
  • Michael Schenker – Guitars
  • Robin McAuley – Lead vocals
  • Mitch Perry – Rhythm guitar
  • Rocky Newton – Bass guitar
  • Bodo Schopf – Drums
  • Steve Mann – Keyboards and rhythm guitar

This marked the rebranding to McAuley Schenker Group and a shift toward melodic hard rock.

Index of MICHAEL SCHENKER Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

Michael Schenker Group - Assault Attack
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Assault Attack

Chrysalis 205 094 , 1982 , Europe

The Michael Schenker Group's "Assault Attack" (1982) made a distinct mark in the early '80s rock scene. With vocalist Graham Bonnet and producer Martin Birch, the album, recorded in France, marked a departure towards a heavier sound. Despite not matching earlier commercial success, it remains a significant testament to the evolving musical landscape of its time, blending powerful vocals and intense guitar riffs.

Assault Attack 12" Vinyl LP
Michael Schenker Group - Built to Destroy
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Built to Destroy LP

Chrysalis 205 651 (205651) , 1983 , EEC

Michael Schenker Group's 1983 album "Built to Destroy" encapsulates the dynamic shift in 1980s rock. Melding hard rock and metal, the LP, produced by MSG and Louis Austin, showcases Schenker's guitar virtuosity. With tracks like "Rock My Nights Away" and "Captain Nemo" it contributes to the era's evolving sound. The album's enduring influence lies in its production quality and cultural impact, making it a timeless gem in rock history.

Built to Destroy 12" Vinyl LP
Michael Schenker Group - Self-titled
Michael Schenker Group - Self-titled

 

The Michael Schenker Group's eponymous debut, released in September 1980, significantly influenced the hard rock genre during the dynamic late '70s and early '80s. Fueled by Michael Schenker's exceptional guitar skills, the album, available on vinyl LP, showcased a diverse range of tracks, contributing to the evolving sound of hard rock. Its enduring impact and distinctive production mark it as a pivotal release in rock music history.

Show Michael Schenker Group - Self-titled 12" Vinyl LP
Michael Schenker Group -  One Night at Budokan
Thumbnail Of Michael Schenker Group -  One Night at Budokan album front cover

Chrysalis 301 927 , 1981 , Germany / Netherlands

"MSG Michael Schenker Group's 'One Night at Budokan' (1982) encapsulates the peak of 1980s rock and metal. Produced by T.Leo Sato and Hiro Kadoma, engineered by Soiji Okumura and David Wooley, the live recording at Tokyo Budokan showcases virtuosity. Yukio Maehara's design and Koichira Hiki, Kazumura Yoshikawa's photography enhance the visual narrative. A sonic journey through time, this iconic 2LP 12" vinyl immortalizes a historic night in music."

One Night at Budokan 12" Vinyl LP
Michael Schenker Group - Perfect Timing
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP - Perfect Timing

EMI Electrola 1C 064-7 48346 , 1987 , Germany

"Perfect Timing," the inaugural album by the McAuley Schenker Group, marks the initial synergy between iconic guitarist Michael Schenker and vocalist Robin McAuley. Released on 12" Vinyl LP, this 1987 masterpiece encapsulates a musical era characterized by dynamic collaborations. With its fusion of Schenker's legendary guitar prowess and McAuley's captivating vocals, the album makes an indelible contribution to the period's rock landscape, solidifying its significance within the context of the late '80s.

Perfect Timing 12" Vinyl LP
Michael Schenker Group - Rock Will Never Die  
Rock Will Never Die

Chrysalis 206 348, 1984 , Netherlands / Europe

"MSG Michael Schenker Group - Rock Will Never Die" is a live rock album recorded in 1983 at Hammersmith Odeon, London. Produced by Jack Douglas and others, its sonic brilliance is heightened by engineers James Ball and Gray Russell. Capturing the essence of '80s rock, the album's visual identity, crafted by Martin Brown, and cover photography by Fin Costello and Justin Thomas, complement the musical journey. A timeless classic, it resonates with the enduring spirit of live performances.

Rock Will Never Die 12" Vinyl LP
McAuley Schenker Group -  Save Yourself
Thumbnail Of Save Yourself ( Picture Disc) album front cover

EMI Electrola , 1989 , Europe

The MCAULEY SCHENKER GROUP's "Save Yourself PD Picture Disc" epitomizes the late '80s and early '90s music scene. Produced by Frank Filipetti, the shaped picture disc, adorned with Annamaria Di Santo's photo, stands as a testament to creative innovation. It captures the era's spirit, blending diverse genres and pushing artistic boundaries. This multi-sensory experience reflects a dynamic period in European music history, where sound and visuals harmoniously intertwine.

Save Yourself (Picture Disc)