- Unveiling the Secrets of Scorpions' Iconic 'Blackout' Album! From Vocal Cord Drama to Studio Triumphs
"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.This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
The year was 1982, a time when rock music was reaching new heights globally. In the heart of Germany, the iconic rock band Scorpions embarked on a journey that would lead to the creation of one of their most celebrated albums - "Blackout."
Historical Prelude:
"Blackout" marked a significant chapter in Scorpions' discography, known for its powerful sound and memorable tracks. Released on March 29, 1982, the album showcased the band's evolution, blending hard rock with a touch of heavy metal. The title track, "Blackout," became an anthem of the era, with its electrifying guitar riffs and Klaus Meine's distinctive vocals.
Studio Chronicles:
The recording process was not without challenges. During the sessions, Klaus Meine faced vocal cord issues, leading to a temporary halt in recording. Despite this setback, the band persevered, and Meine's recovery marked a triumphant return to the studio.
Musical Alchemy:
"Blackout" comprised a dynamic mix of tracks, including the anthemic "No One Like You" and the adrenaline-pumping "Dynamite." Rudolf Schenker's guitar work and the tight rhythm section provided a sonic foundation that resonated with fans worldwide.
Legacy and Impact:
"Blackout" solidified Scorpions' status as a powerhouse in the rock genre. Its timeless appeal continues to influence generations of rock enthusiasts, cementing its place as a classic in the rock music pantheon.
Trivia: After losing his voice during the writing of the album, lead vocalist Klaus Meine had to undergo surgery on his vocal cords and it was uncertain whether he would be able to record it. Rudolf Schenker could not choose between his guitar solos on "China White", so the US and European releases differed in this small detail. A self-portrait of artist Gottfried Helnwein is featured on the cover of the album. Rudolf Schenker portrays this character in the "No One Like You" music video. . |
Music Genre: German hard Rock, Heavy Metal |
Album Production information: The album: "SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom Inner Sleeve (DE)" was produced by: Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music Dieter Dierks: Producer behind the Scorpions, Accept, Rory Gallagher, Tangerine Dream and many, many others Discover his iconic work Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Gerd Rautenbach This album was recorded at: Dierks recording Mobile Album cover design: Gottfried Heinwein Album cover photography: Robert Ellis Robert Ellis is a highly accomplished British photographer renowned for his exceptional work in the field of music photography. With a career spanning several decades, Ellis has captured iconic moments and personalities in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the visual representation of music culture. His work has been prominently featured in esteemed publications such as NME (New Musical Express), Melody Maker, Kerrang, and Sounds, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Robert Ellis developed an early passion for photography and music. In the 1970s, he embarked on his professional journey as a photographer, immersing himself in the music scene of the era. Ellis quickly established himself as a talented and versatile photographer, capturing the energy, spirit, and raw emotion of live performances. Ellis's keen eye and ability to capture the essence of musicians in their element soon caught the attention of leading music-related publications. His work became highly sought after, and he started receiving assignments from prestigious magazines, including NME, Melody Maker, Kerrang, and Sounds. These publications were instrumental in shaping the music culture and disseminating information about emerging and established artists, making Ellis's photographs an integral part of the narrative. Throughout his career, Robert Ellis had the opportunity to photograph numerous influential musicians, bands, and artists. From capturing intimate portraits of legendary figures such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Mick Jagger to documenting the explosive energy of performances by bands like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and The Clash, Ellis consistently delivered stunning images that resonated with audiences worldwide. One of Ellis's notable strengths as a photographer was his ability to establish a rapport with his subjects, putting them at ease and capturing their authentic selves. His photographs often reflected the deep connection he formed with the artists, revealing the vulnerability and passion behind their public personas. Whether in the chaos of a live concert or the stillness of a backstage moment, Ellis's images told stories that transcended the music itself, creating a visual legacy that would endure for years to come. |
Record Label & Catalognr: Harvest 1C 064-64 686 |
Packaging: This album "SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom Inner Sleeve (DE)" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1982 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom Inner Sleeve (DE) |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom Inner Sleeve (DE)" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom Inner Sleeve (DE)" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom Inner Sleeve (DE)" |
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Photo of "SCORPIONS - Blackout incl custom Inner Sleeve (DE)" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
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)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
"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)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- , 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
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
"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 LPHarvest 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
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 LPEMI 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 LPRCA 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
"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
"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 LPRCA 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
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
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