Scorpions - Tokyo Tapes Live 2LP 12" Vinyl

"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. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions tokyo tapes live 2lp

"Tokyo Tapes" Album Description:

In the heart of Tokyo, 1978, Scorpions etched their sonic legacy with the release of "Tokyo Tapes," a live masterpiece preserved on a 2LP 12" Vinyl. This iconic album not only captures the raw energy of a live performance but also marks a pivotal moment with guitarist Uli Jon Roth.

Live Alchemy in Tokyo:

"Tokyo Tapes" emerges as a testament to Scorpions' prowess as a live act. Recorded during concerts at Nakano Sun Plaza, Tokyo, Japan, it encapsulates the band's electrifying stage presence and the symbiotic energy exchanged with their audience.

Uli Jon Roth's Brilliance:

A noteworthy highlight of "Tokyo Tapes" is the inclusion of guitarist Uli Jon Roth, adding a layer of virtuosity to Scorpions' live performances. Roth's contributions marked a distinctive chapter in the band's history, and this album immortalizes the magic of their collaboration.

Japanese Tour of 1978:

The album is a sonic chronicle of Scorpions' Japanese tour in 1978. Tokyo, a city pulsating with energy, provided the backdrop for the band to showcase their evolving sound and stage charisma, setting the stage for their future global conquests.

Double Vinyl Extravaganza:

Released as a 2LP set on 12" Vinyl, "Tokyo Tapes" not only captures the essence of a live concert but also emphasizes the band's commitment to delivering a comprehensive musical experience. The format allows listeners to immerse themselves in the live fervor of Scorpions.

Impact and Endurance:

"Tokyo Tapes" is more than a live album; it's a sonic time capsule that has endured through the decades. Its impact on Scorpions' discography and the hard rock/heavy metal genre as a whole is immeasurable, solidifying its status as a classic in the live album canon.

Summary:

Scorpions' "Tokyo Tapes" on 2LP 12" Vinyl is a sonic journey through the band's live prowess during the Japanese tour of 1978. With Uli Jon Roth's brilliance and the double vinyl format, it stands as a testament to Scorpions' live alchemy and enduring impact on rock history.

Music Genre:

  Hard Rock, Heavy Metal Music 

Album Production Information:

  Produced by Dieter Dirks

Record Label & Catalognr:

  RCA Extra CL 28331-1
Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP Record

Year & Country:

  1978 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Scorpions Tokyo Tapes
    Scorpions Band/Musicians are
  • Klaus Meine - Vocals
  • Klaus Meine – Vocals, songwriter

    The Hanover voice who joined Scorpions in 1969 and never stopped aiming straight for the chorus nerve.

    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.

  • Ulrich Roth - Lead guitars

    Ulrich Roth ( also known as Uli Jon Roth ) from Scorpions' lead guitarist to a pioneering solo artist, Uli Jon Roth's journey shaped the landscape of neoclassical metal with his virtuosity and innovation. Discover...

  • Rudolf Schenker - Guitars
  • 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.

    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.

  • Francis Buchholz - Bass
  • Francis Buchholz – Bass guitar

    Francis Buchholz is the low-end architect who kept the Scorpions arena-sized without turning the grooves into mud.

    Francis Buchholz, the kind of bassist who doesnt beg for attention, he just quietly makes the whole band sound expensive. The story starts in Hanover and runs straight into the moment Dawn Road folded into the Scorpions in 1973, putting him on bass for the stretch that mattered most: Scorpions (1973-1992), when the band went from hungry hard rockers to global headline machinery. After the split, the resume stays busy without getting corny: Dreamtide (2008) and later Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, where that steady, muscular pocket still does the job while the guitars throw sparks.

  • Herman Rarebell - Drums
  • Herman Rarebell – Drums, percussion, backing vocals

    Herman Rarebell hits like a piston: tight, loud, and annoyingly precise, the kind of drummer who makes a hard rock band sound rich instead of messy.

    Herman Rarebell, the German drummer who locked in with Scorpions right when the late-70s stakes got serious, then stayed long enough to help soundtrack the entire arena era. The timeline has grit on it: The Mastermen (1965), The Fuggs Blues (from 1968), RS Rindfleisch (late 60s/early 70s), Missus Beastly (1972-1973), Onyx (later renamed Vineyard, 1974), then Scorpions (1977-1996) where the kick drum and snare turned into a battering ram with choruses attached. Extra spice: the guy didnt just play, he wrote and co-wrote songs too, and those lyrics helped push the hits over the top. Later on, the story circles back into the Schenker universe with Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock.

Complete Track Listing of: Scorpions Tokyo Tapes
    Side One:
  1. All Night Long
  2. Pictured Life
  3. Backstage Queen
  4. Polar Nights
  5. In Trance
    Side Two:
  1. We'll Burn the Sky
  2. Suspender Love
  3. In Search of the Peace of Mind
  4. Fly to the Rainbow
    Side Three:
  1. He's a Woman, She's a Man
  2. Speedy's Coming
  3. Top Of the Bill
  4. Hound Dog
  5. Long Tall Sally
    Side Four:
  1. Steamrock Fever
  2. Dark Lady
  3. Kojo No Tsuki
  4. Robot Man
High Resolution Photos of scorpions tokyo tapes live 2lp    
Photo of Scorpions band on the inner page  

High Resolution Photos of scorpions tokyo tapes live 2lp  

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions tokyo tapes live 2lp  

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions tokyo tapes live 2lp    

Index of SCORPIONS - Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery

SCORPIONS - Animal Magnetism (European Releases)
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 (Spain) album front cover
SCORPIONS - Gold Ballads (France & Spain Releases)

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 (UK) album front cover
SCORPIONS - Lovedrive (International Releases)

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

  

"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.

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