Michael Schenker Group (MSG) is essentially the solo project of one of the most influential guitarists in hard rock history. The band has gone through countless lineup changes, but it has always remained the embodiment of Michael Schenker's talent and restless character. Here are a few interesting facts about it: 🎸 The "Mad Axeman" and His Flying V Michael Schenker is the younger brother of Scorpions founder Rudolf Schenker. He began his career at 15, and by 17 he was already playing in UFO, where he earned the nickname "the German wunderkind." His trademark is a black-and-white Gibson Flying V and a unique sound: he used a "frozen" wah-wah pedal (engaged but fixed in one position) as an equalizer to boost the midrange frequencies. This signature tone was later called one of the greatest guitar sounds of all time. 👥 A "Fluid" Lineup and Vocalists MSG is a "one-man band." Over more than 40 years, dozens of musicians passed through it, but the only constant remained Schenker. The most famous vocalist of the early period was Gary Barden, but he was fired twice. And on the album Assault Attack (1982), Graham Bonnet (ex-Rainbow) sang, and he was fired after he came on stage drunk and caused a scene. 🇯🇵 The Japanese Breakthrough and "One Night at Budokan" MSG were absolute idols in Japan. Their live album "One Night at Budokan" (1981), recorded at the legendary Nippon Budokan arena, is considered one of the best live albums in hard rock. Demand for the record in Europe was so high that in England the price reached 18 pounds — a very large sum at the time. 🎭 McAuley Schenker Group: An Attempt to Become "Pop Stars" In the late 80s, Schenker grew tired of the heavy sound and formed McAuley Schenker Group with vocalist Robin McAuley. They released three albums in a more commercial AOR style (including the hit ballad "Anytime"). But in 1992, Schenker and McAuley parted ways, and Schenker returned to a heavier sound. 🎸 Influence and Current Activity Schenker is known for his "unorthodox" approach to solos — he hardly uses standard scales, instead improvising by ear. His influence has been acknowledged by guitarists such as Kirk Hammett (Metallica) and Dave Mustaine (Megadeth). MSG are still active today. In 2021, they released the album Immortal for the 50th anniversary of Schenker's stage career, and in 2025, Don't Sell Your Soul was released with new vocalist Erik Grönwall (ex-H.E.A.T). #rock #rockmusic #hardrock #heavymetal #80s - @.valikomuz