"Rock Will Never Die" Album Description:
In the vibrant tapestry of rock music history, certain albums stand as monuments, capturing the essence of an era and leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. One such masterpiece is the live album "MSG Michael Schenker Group - Rock Will Never Die," a sonic gem that echoes the spirited pulse of 1980s rock.
Released in 1984, this album is a testament to the electrifying energy that permeated the Hammersmith Odeon in London during two unforgettable nights in October 1983. The MSG Michael Schenker Group, led by the legendary guitarist Michael Schenker, delivered a performance that not only celebrated their own prowess but also encapsulated the spirit of the times.
At the helm of the production were luminaries such as Jack Douglas, Paul O'Neill, David Krebbs, and Steve Leber, crafting an auditory experience that would resonate through the years. The collaboration of these maestros ensured that every riff, every beat, and every note was meticulously curated to perfection.
The sound engineering prowess of James Ball, Gray Russell, Don Rodenbach, and Greg Jackman elevated the live recordings, capturing the raw energy of the crowd and the musical brilliance on stage. The result was a sonic journey that transcended the confines of time, a testament to the technical finesse that went into making this album a timeless classic.
Recorded in the iconic Hammersmith London on the 22nd and 23rd of October 1983, the album's mixing took place at the Record Plant, New York City. The mastering, a critical phase in shaping the final auditory experience, was entrusted to the skilled hands at Sterling Sound, New York City.
The visual identity of the album, often an overlooked yet integral aspect, was meticulously crafted by Martin Brown. The album cover, featuring striking design elements, became an iconic representation of the MSG Michael Schenker Group's ethos.
The cover photography, masterfully captured by Fin Costello and Justin Thomas, provided a visual narrative that complemented the musical journey within. The images encapsulated the essence of the live performances, immortalizing the intensity and passion that reverberated through the Hammersmith Odeon.
One noteworthy collaboration on the album is the inclusion of the track "Doctor Doctor," originally recorded with UFO, featuring a guest appearance by Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker of Scorpions. This collaboration added another layer of richness to an already stellar collection of performances, creating a unique blend of rock influences.
Music Genre:
Hard Rock, Heavy Metal |
Album Production information:
The album: "MSG Michael Schenker Group - Rock Will Never Die" was produced by:
Jack Douglas, Paul O'Neill, David Krebbs, Steve Leber
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
James Ball, Gray Russell, Don Rodenbach, Greg Jackman
This album was recorded at:
Hammersmith London 22-23 October 1983, mixed at Record Plant, New York City, Mastered at Sterling Sound, New York City
Album cover design:
Martin Brown
Album cover photography: Fin Costello, Justin Thomas
Fin Costello – Art Direction, Photography
Fin Costello is the guy behind the lens who made loud bands look even louder—caught mid-stride, mid-sweat, mid-myth. I always pay extra attention when his photos are printed on album covers and inner sleeves.
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Fin Costello hit my radar the way the best photographers do: not with a signature, but with a feeling. You’re staring at a sleeve and suddenly you can hear the room. Hot lights. Hair stuck to foreheads. That thin layer of sweat that says the set is only halfway done.
He comes out of late-1960s London photojournalism—learn the craft fast, get close, don’t ask the moment to repeat itself. And when the rock caravan starts dragging its cables across Europe, he’s already in the right place. Deep Purple (1972–1975) looks like volume you could measure with a broken window. Rainbow (1975–1977) looks sharper, richer, a little more dangerous in the fantasy costume. Then Ozzy Osbourne (1980–1983) arrives like a headline that won’t calm down.
The thing I like is that Costello doesn’t “capture legends.” He catches people working. There’s a difference. Legends pose. Working musicians forget you’re there—until the flash reminds them, and even then he’s already moved on.
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Record Label & Catalognr:
Chrysalis 206 348 |
Media Format:
12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country:
1984 Made in Germany / Holland |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: MSG Michael Schenker Group - Rock Will Never Die |
Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Gary Barden - lead vocals
- Michael Schenker - lead guitar
- Derek St. Holmes - rhythm guitar, backing vocals, co-lead vocals on "I'm Gonna Make You Mine"
- Andy Nye - keyboards, backing vocals
- Chris Glen - bass
- Ted McKenna - drums, percussion
Edward McKenna Edward McKenna was a Scottish drummer who played with The Sensational Alex Harvey Band,
Rory Gallagher
,The Greg Lake Band, and
The Michael Schenker Group.
He also toured with Ian Gillan for a short period of time in 1990, alongside fellow former SAHB member, bassist Chris Glen. He lectured in Applied Arts at North Glasgow College from 1996–2011. (Source; wikipedia)
- Klaus Meine - co-lead vocals on "Doctor Doctor"
- Klaus Meine – Vocals, songwriter
The Hanover voice who joined Scorpions in 1969 and never stopped aiming straight for the chorus nerve.
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Klaus Meine is the kind of frontman who makes a hard-rock band feel like a headline, not just a lineup. Hearing him in his prime, the sound hits like chrome in daylight: clean, sharp, and confident enough to be a little dangerous. Before Scorpions ever became a global stamp, he was already paying his dues in the local scene, including his time with the cover band Copernicus (before 1969). Then came the real chapter: Scorpions (1969–present), where he became the longtime singer and the band’s primary lyricist, the guy steering the drama with words while the guitars did the heavy lifting. On my turntable and in my notebook, Meine always reads like the same story told well: discipline, melody, and a voice built to carry a hook over a roaring room without begging for permission.
- Rudolf Schenker - guitar on "Doctor Doctor"
- Rudolf Schenker – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Rudolf Schenker is the kind of band captain who doesnt just hold the ship steady, he builds the ship, names it, and keeps it loud for six decades. Read more... Rudolf Schenker, founder and leader of Scorpions, and the one constant presence while everyone else cycled in and out like stage smoke. Scorpions (1965-present) starts in Hanover with him lighting the fuse, and it never really stops; rhythm guitar and backing vocals on paper, but in practice its the engine room plus the steering wheel, with songwriting muscle that turns riffs into anthems. Years active run back to 1963, and the stamina shows: that hard, bright chord attack and the showman posture that says the riff matters as much as the hook.
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