Michael Schenker / Wytch Hazel - The Garage, Glasgow 13th May 2025

The tour is in support of last year’s ‘My Years With UFO’ album, which celebrated the young Schenker’s classic stint with UFO in the ‘70s. The album featured a stellar supporting cast, with the likes of Dee Snider, Axl and Slash, Joe Lynn Turner and Joey Tempest, to name just a few. 

Support act on the tour are Lancastrian four-piece Wytch Hazel. And what a great choice they turned out to be. We were treated to a very enjoyable 45 minute set of melodic rock/metal which was reminiscent of some bands from the NWOBHM scene.

Their medieval image did raise a few eyebrows, but I think it helps set them apart. Not that it’s necessarily needed, as the strength of their material does that too - catchy tunes and some great melodic twin guitar work. In fact, I woke this morning with ‘Archangel’ as my earworm! Other high points were the Lizzy-esque ‘I Am Redeemed’ and new track ‘Woven’. 

I’d definitely like to see them again so, hopefully we’ll get dates in support of their forthcoming album ‘V: Lamentations’. 

By the time Schenker and his band took to the stage, we were packed like sardines down the front. There was a tangible sense of anticipation, which was understandable given that one of rock’s original guitar heroes was in town. After bursting onto the rock scene as a teenage prodigy with the Scorpions, he left for UFO in 1973 and, over the next five or so years, helped make some of the most influential albums in rock - Phenomenon, Force It, No Heavy Petting, Lights Out and Obsession. And tonight’s show, of course, celebrated this era.

‘Natural Thing’ started the night off in fine style, quickly followed by singalong ‘Only You Can Rock Me’, with Swedish singer Erik Grönwal enthusiastically encouraging crowd participation. 

It’s great to see him back in action, having recovered from his battle with leukaemia and he has had a short stint out of live action since his departure from Skid Row. He proved to be an excellent choice of frontman for Michael’s band: full of energy and does a great job honouring Phil Mogg’s vocals, as well as adding another layer at times with some acoustic guitar. 

The strength of the UFO catalogue is highlighted when a classic like ‘Doctor, Doctor’ can be played just a few songs into the set. ‘Lights Out’ was another highlight for me. As a teenager, it was my first introduction to UFO. Watching Michael solo over it, with his Flying V resting across one leg, was such a pleasure and a real iconic image. Topped off with his now familiar fur hat. He must have been roasting with that on all night! 

Steve Mann (rhythm guitar and keys), Barend Courbois (bass) and Bodo Schopf (drums) all deserve a mention too as they were rock solid throughout. Each were given opportunities to shine during the show. In fact, Steve even had the first solo in the first song!  Unfortunately Bodo was hardly seen as the lighting in the venue barely showed him other than at the end of the show when he did get a moment in the limelight bringing a song to and end with a short but tasteful drum crescendo.

Mid-set there was a brief technical issue where the PA appeared to cut out (during ‘Between The Walls’ I think) with only Michael’s on stage sound really audible. Despite a few concerned looks across stage, they carried on like true pros until the sound kicked in again. 

An epic ‘Love To Love’ followed but, for me, the best moment of the evening was ‘Rock Bottom’. Not only one of rock’s greatest riffs, but Michael’s extended solo had the crowd transfixed; his controlled, melodic playing a joy to behold. 

“Would you like another song?” asked Michael. ”Would you like two?” As if he needed to ask! 

 ‘Shoot Shoot’ and ‘Too Hot To Handle’ again had the Glasgow audience in fine voice and rounded off a hugely enjoyable gig which will live long in the memory of those who attended.