SCORPIONS - WORLD WIDE LIVE FOC GATEFOLD 2LP 12" VINYL
- The Making of "World Wide Live" by Scorpions: A Journey Through Iconic Rock Sounds
"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.
The year was 1985, a time when the global rock scene was ablaze with iconic bands and electrifying performances. In the midst of this musical fervor, the German rock legends Scorpions decided to immortalize their dynamic stage presence in the form of a live album. Thus, "World Wide Live" was born.
Released as a gatefold 2LP 12" vinyl, this masterpiece was specifically crafted for European distribution. The album aimed to capture the raw energy and electric atmosphere of Scorpions' live performances, showcasing the band at the peak of their prowess.
Recorded during the "Love at First Sting" tour, the album is a sonic journey that spans their illustrious career up to that point. From the anthemic "Rock You Like a Hurricane" to the soul-stirring ballad "Still Loving You," the tracklist was a testament to the band's versatility and ability to connect with audiences across the globe.
The Live Experience:
"World Wide Live" was not just an album; it was a sonic passport to a Scorpions concert experience. The cheers of the crowd, the blistering guitar solos, and Klaus Meine's distinctive vocals created an immersive auditory adventure. The carefully curated selection of tracks showcased the band's evolution, appealing to both loyal fans and newcomers.
Legacy and Impact:
The album's impact reverberated far beyond its initial release. It solidified Scorpions' status as one of the premier rock acts of the era, leaving an indelible mark on the history of live recordings. "World Wide Live" became a benchmark for live albums, setting standards for capturing the essence of a band's live performance.
Scorpions – World Wide Live Tour (1984–1985)
The World Wide Live Tour marked a pinnacle in Scorpions' career, supporting their 1984 album Love at First Sting and fueling the iconic live album World Wide Live (1985). Spanning across
Europe, North & South America, and Asia, it showcased the band’s global dominance and stage mastery during the golden age of arena rock.
Tour Duration: 1984–1985
Live Album:World Wide Live (recorded in Paris, LA, San Diego, Cologne, Costa Mesa)
Core Setlist: “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “Still Loving You”, “No One Like You”, “Big City Nights”
Band Lineup: Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs, Francis Buchholz, Herman Rarebell
Tour Highlights & Incidents:
Paris & LA shows were among the most electrifying, with sold-out arenas and crowd chants captured on the live album.
Japan leg featured emotional renditions of “Still Loving You” that were broadcast on Japanese TV.
Equipment failure during the Cologne show caused a mid-set delay, but the band returned stronger and extended the set.
Security breach in South America when fans stormed the barricades—no injuries, but a memorable moment of raw energy.
The tour cemented Scorpions as international heavy metal icons and preserved their peak performance era on one of the most celebrated live albums of the decade.
Album Description & Collectors information:
Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages
This album "SCORPIONS World Wide Live Gema/Stemra 2LP FOC Gatefold" is a live recording of Scorpions Love At First Sting Tour 1984-1985
.
Durng the "Love at First Sting" tour, the Scorpions performed at many cities across the world, having a concert almost every second day.
1984 January - United Kingdom
1984 February - United Kingdom , Belgium & France
1984 March-April-May-June-July - USA
1984 August - Japan, Alaska, Canada
1984 September - USA
1984 October - Germany
1984 November - Germany, Italy, Spain, Germany,
1984 December - Sweden, Germany
1985 January - Brazil, Japan
1985 February - Japan
Music Genre:
German Heavy Metal , Hard Rock
Album Production Information:
The album: "SCORPIONS World Wide Live Gema/Stemra 2LP FOC Gatefold" was produced by:
Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music
Dieter Dierks, a renowned German record producer and sound engineer, shaped the careers of iconic bands like the Scorpions and Accept. His innovative studio in Stommeln became the hub for ‘Krautrock’ and hard rock in the 1970s and 80s. Learn more about his remarkable contributions in this
Dieter Dierks biography
Sound/Recording Engineer(s):
Mike Beiriger, David Hewitt, Gerd Rautenbach
Technicians: Mike Kahsnitz, Peter Brandt , Ralf Giewald, Jurgen Joisten
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Masterdisk, New York
Bob Ludwig is a legendary mastering engineer known for his work with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. With a career spanning over five decades, he has won multiple Grammy Awards and founded Gateway Mastering Studios. Ludwig is a pioneer in high-fidelity sound, ensuring top-tier audio quality. Learn more on Bob Ludwig's biography.
Album cover design:
Franz Epping
Album cover photography: Robert Ellis
Robert Ellis is a renowned music photographer celebrated for capturing iconic live performances and behind-the-scenes moments of legendary rock and metal bands. His compelling visual storytelling has appeared in countless magazines and album sleeves. Discover more through this dedicated profile.
Record Label & Catalognr:
Harvest 1C 164 24 0343
Media Format:
2xx 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 480 gram
Year & Country:
1985 Made in Germany / Netherlands
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SCORPIONS World Wide Live Gema/Stemra 2LP FOC Gatefold
Francis Buchholz the musical journey of Francis Buchholz, the powerhouse bassist behind The Scorpions' iconic sound. From his early years to his impactful role in shaping the band's legacy,
explore the life of a true rock legend.
Herman Rarebell
Herman Rarebell the rhythmic powerhouse behind the Scorpions! Herman Rarebell's drumming and songwriting fueled their iconic hits. From "Rock You Like a Hurricane" to solo ventures,
explore his impactful journey in rock music.
Complete Track-listing of the album "SCORPIONS World Wide Live Gema/Stemra 2LP FOC Gatefold"
The detailed tracklist of this record "SCORPIONS World Wide Live Gema/Stemra 2LP FOC Gatefold" is:
Side One:
Countdown
Coming Home
Blackout
Bad Boys Running
Wild
Loving You Sunday
Morning
Make it Real
Side Two:
Big City Nights
Coast to Coast
Holiday
Still Loving You
Side Three:
Rock Like You
A Hurricane
Can't Live Without You
Another Piece of Meat
Dynamite
Side Four:
The Zoo
No One Like You
Cant Get Enough (Part I)
Six String Sting
Cant Get Enough (Part II)
High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "SCORPIONS World Wide Live Gema/Stemra 2LP FOC Gatefold"
Album Cover Description: The image shows the front cover of the Scorpions' live double album World Wide Live, captured during their 1984–1985 tour. The scene is set in a concert arena with dazzling overhead stage lights shining onto the band, creating a vibrant and electrified atmosphere.
At the top, the word SCORPIONS is written in large, bold red capital letters across the width of the cover. Below it, in a dynamic slanted layout, the album title WORLD WIDE LIVE is placed in black and red text, giving a sense of movement and intensity.
The five band members dominate the cover, each caught mid-performance:
Rudolf Schenker (top left) is shirtless, screaming with eyes wide open as he clutches his guitar in a power stance.
Francis Buchholz (bottom left) is smiling while playing a red bass guitar, his blond curly hair catching the stage lights.
Klaus Meine (center) is front and center with a leopard-print shirt, gripping a microphone with one hand and thrusting his other arm upward in a fierce gesture.
Matthias Jabs (top right) is shown mid-riff, holding his black-and-white guitar across his chest, clad in a sleeveless top and colorful striped pants.
Herman Rarebell (bottom right) is energetically pounding on a white drum kit, mouth open in a scream, eyes closed in total immersion.
The image conveys raw power, unity, and the explosive energy of the band at their live peak—offering a snapshot of heavy metal theatrics and charisma that defined their world tour.
Back Cover Description: This is the rear sleeve of the Scorpions' 1985 live album World Wide Live, presented in a bold layout against a black background. The top center reads the album title WORLD WIDE LIVE in vibrant red block letters, reinforcing the energy of the live experience.
On the left and right sides are red-bordered boxes listing the full track listing for all four LP sides, divided by color-coded asterisks. Each song is aligned left in white font for visibility, including fan favorites like “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “No One Like You,” and “Still Loving You.” Asterisks indicate the albums from which songs originally appeared.
The central portion of the sleeve features a dynamic live stage photo of the band:
Klaus Meine stands atop a platform with arms outstretched in a triumphant pose, Rudolf Schenker points outward mid-stride with his Flying V guitar, and Matthias Jabs crouches low in an aggressive stance, wearing his signature striped pants. Behind them, Herman Rarebell is visible at the drum kit with arms raised.
At the bottom, there is a red-on-black credit box with names and roles of each band member. Below that, text indicates the album was produced by Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music. A GEMA STEMRA logo and sticker labels for EMI Electrola and Dolby System appear near the bottom right corner.
This back cover blends information and performance flair, capturing the essence of Scorpions' worldwide tour and their commitment to high-energy rock spectacle.
Tour Image & Dates Overview: This striking photo captures a panoramic view from the Scorpions’ stage during a stop on their Love at First Sting Tour 1984/1985. The camera angle is from behind the stage, looking out across an immense, roaring crowd that stretches far into the distance under an open sky.
At center stage, Matthias Jabs can be seen from behind, clad in bright yellow and black striped pants and red shoes, playing his guitar. His stance is powerful, facing a sea of fans while framed by overhead stage rigging and lighting. A massive stage camera crane extends into the audience, filming the action and adding a sense of scale to the production.
Along the left edge of the image, the complete itinerary of the Love at First Sting World Tour is printed in red and white text, organized by month and listing nearly 100 cities around the world—from Birmingham and Los Angeles to Tokyo and Stockholm. The list begins with January 1984 and runs through February 1985, highlighting the exhaustive nature of this worldwide tour.
Dozens of uniformed security staff in yellow shirts are visible in front of the barricade, standing between the crowd and the stage. The sheer size and density of the audience underscore Scorpions’ immense global popularity at the height of their live power.
Live Performance & Credits Spread: This dynamic concert image showcases the Scorpions in action during their monumental Love at First Sting World Tour. The perspective is again from behind the stage, looking out toward a sea of ecstatic fans packed tightly into an enormous open-air venue, possibly in the U.S. or Japan.
The crowd fills the entire horizon, waving arms in unison under soft natural light. In the foreground, Rudolf Schenker (center) plays his guitar mid-jump in a red sleeveless top, while Matthias Jabs (right) stands at a microphone in white and black, and Francis Buchholz (left) leans into a groove, facing the audience.
The top of the frame is dominated by the black scaffold of the stage truss and lighting rig, stretching across the sky like a massive arc. A long boom arm with mounted lighting or camera equipment sweeps into the scene from the side, hinting at the grand production scale.
The right side of the image is filled with an extensive list of production credits, printed in a mix of red and white type. These include sound engineers, tour managers, lighting directors, road crew, and even logistics and travel coordinators. It also credits management by David Krebs & Cliff Burnstein and thanks major industry figures, friends, and fans.
At the bottom, fans are directed to a West German mailing address for merchandise inquiries. This page serves both as a visual tribute to the tour's grandeur and a nod to the immense team behind Scorpions' global success.
Band Collage – Behind the Scenes: This black-and-white collage features over 25 candid and staged photographs of the Scorpions during their World Wide Live tour (1984–1985). Arranged chaotically but intentionally on a black background, these snapshots capture the spirit of life on the road.
The photos depict the band members—Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs, Francis Buchholz, and Herman Rarebell—in a variety of situations: relaxing, clowning around, preparing for shows, and posing in front of hotels, rooftops, backstage areas, airports, and city skylines.
Some photos show humorous and expressive close-ups, such as one of Klaus with eyes wide open and mouth taped, or Schenker mid-scream with a cityscape in the background. One striking image shows Matthias Jabs shredding on guitar amid piles of rubble, while others capture members laughing inside a limo or resting in hotel rooms.
There are also group shots with road crew and fans, scenes from airports and tour bus loading zones, and various action or jump poses full of movement and personality. These informal images offer a contrast to the high-energy concert shots on the rest of the album packaging.
The overall mood of the collage is playful and intimate, giving fans a rare glimpse into the daily life and camaraderie behind the international fame and stage lights.
Live Performance Energy – Inner Sleeve: This black-and-white image captures a fierce and joyful moment from the Scorpions' World Wide Live tour. At center stage, three guitarists—Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs, and Klaus Meine (with guitar in hand)—are locked in a tightly grouped, action-packed pose, each immersed in performance.
Schenker, in the middle, is caught mid-scream with eyes closed and mouth open, swinging his Flying V guitar with visible force. Jabs leans into the jam beside him, while Meine, wearing a leopard-print shirt and wielding a semi-hollow guitar, beams with excitement. Their bodies press close together as stage lights burst behind them, amplifying the concert intensity.
In the background, partially obscured by their movement, drummer Herman Rarebell is seen behind his kit. A smaller inset photo in the bottom right gives a clearer view of Rarebell, framed by his drum set labeled “HERMAN” and “RAREBEL” on the bass drums, under beams of stage lighting and light smoke.
Printed in the top-left quadrant is the tracklist for Sides 3 and 4 of the double LP. Songs include “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Can’t Live Without You,” “The Zoo,” and both parts of “Can’t Get Enough.” The track titles appear in clean, white typeface, neatly split into two columns for clarity.
The photo exudes high voltage energy and unity between the band members, providing fans a visual burst of their legendary on-stage chemistry.
Epic Arena Shot & Tracklist: This black-and-white image captures the monumental scale of the Scorpions' World Wide Live performances. The main photo shows the band on a futuristic-looking stage in front of a vast sea of fans whose lighters or flashlights sparkle like stars across the darkened arena.
The photo is taken from an elevated side angle behind the drum kit, offering a panoramic view of the full stage setup, including large wing-like risers, spotlight beams slicing through the haze, and band members spaced widely across the stage. One member stands triumphantly with arms spread, while another is illuminated by a direct spotlight from the ceiling rig.
In the upper right corner, an inset portrait photo shows all five band members standing in a line with linked arms, smiling under bright concert lights. They appear confident and triumphant, having just completed a performance.
In the bottom left, the tracklist for Sides 1 and 2 of the double LP is printed in a clean white sans-serif font. Songs listed include “Countdown,” “Blackout,” “Big City Nights,” and “Still Loving You,” laying the foundation for the album’s electrifying momentum.
This layout powerfully combines intimacy and scale—showcasing both the massive fan connection in the arena and the unity of the band off-stage.
Live Performance Photo Collage: This black-and-white montage captures the raw power and theatrical charisma of the Scorpions during their World Wide Live 1984–1985 tour. Spread across a dark background, more than twenty individual photographs document the band mid-performance.
Each member is shown in multiple dynamic poses—Rudolf Schenker slinging his Flying V guitar with wide stances and intense facial expressions, Matthias Jabs soloing with finesse, Francis Buchholz plucking his bass with classic hard rock swagger, and Herman Rarebell surrounded by an imposing drum kit labeled “RAREBELL.”
Klaus Meine features prominently, belting vocals with his trademark passion, leaping across the stage, and commanding the crowd with expressive gestures. The images range from close-ups showing intense emotion to wide-angle shots capturing elaborate lighting and stage effects.
Several photos feature interactions between band members, playful physicality, synchronized movements, and the signature coordinated stage theatrics that made the Scorpions a legendary live act. Spotlights and beams from the rigging above slice through smoke, illuminating the crowd and amplifying the energy.
The collage format suggests movement, adrenaline, and the relentless pace of tour life—providing fans with a vivid retrospective of the band's exhilarating stage presence during their global rock domination.
Vinyl Label – Side 1 Overview: This image shows the bright yellow and green label of Side 1 of the Scorpions' World Wide Live 2LP vinyl. It's pressed by Harvest under catalog number 1C 164 24 0343 1 and manufactured by EMI Electrola in Germany.
At the top left is the circular LC 1305 label code, followed by "STEREO," "ST 33," and "DMM" (Direct Metal Mastering), indicating high-fidelity pressing quality. The logo of Harvest—stylized in green with a curved figure—dominates the upper half of the label.
Below, the text reads: "WORLD - WIDE - LIVE" in bold caps, with the full track listing for Side 1:
1. Countdown – 0:31
2. Coming Home – 3:15
3. Blackout – 3:40
4. Bad Boys Running Wild – 3:41
5. Loving You Sunday Morning – 4:36
6. Make It Real – 3:27
Each track is annotated with writing credits: primarily Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Herman Rarebell, and others like Matthias Jabs and S. Kittelsen.
At the bottom, it confirms: SCORPIONS – Produced by Dieter Dierks for Breeze Music. The label also bears the GEMA / STEMRA performance rights societies' stamps, confirming European publishing rights.
This label is a classic example of 1980s German vinyl production, combining aesthetic clarity with technical detail and legacy branding.
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.
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
"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.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
"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.
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".
"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.
SCORPIONS - Taken by Force (German & Italian Releases)
"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.
"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.
SCORPIONS - Virgin Killer (German & Italian Releases)
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
"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.
