DVD review: MICHAEL SCHENKER’S TEMPLE OF ROCK – On A Mission – Live In Madrid

Inakustik [Release date 29.04.16]

Over the past few years I have been championing the cause for Temple Of Rock to anyone who will listen. The band’s latest album, ‘Spirit On A Mission’ was my 2015 album of the year and I have seen the band grow into a very tight live unit, as the old saying goes, I have also bought the T-shirt!

For the uninitiated though this DVD release will provide the evidence that I am not stark raving mad (well, possibly!) and that Schenker and crew are at the top of their game. Filmed in Madrid at the tail end of 2015 the DVD features the full live show along with a couple of extra features from behind the scenes. It is the live footage which is of most interest and the film crew have managed to capture the atmosphere of the night well.

Running for two hours the set contains classic rock at its very best. A good selection of tracks are featured from all points of Michael Schenker’s long and fruitful career. Opening with the familiar strains of ‘Doctor, Doctor’ is always a winner, just ask Iron Maiden who play it just before taking to the stage every night , and it has the crowd bouncing along from the start.

In Doogie White Michael has found the perfect frontman who handles all vocal duties with ease and he does justice to some of rock’s most revered songs. Tracks from UFO, Scorpions, MSG and Temple Of Rock all sit very comfortably together and it’s good to see all getting an equally enthusiastic response from the crowd.

If I was being very critical I would say that the stage is a bit dark in parts, a bit more stage front lighting would have been good, but it is a minor criticism and doesn’t detract from the performance. With a set list which includes the likes of ‘Lights Out’, ‘Victim Of Illusion’, ‘Blackout’ and ‘Too Hot To Handle’ you really can’t go wrong and when it is played with skill and passion it makes for a magical night which is ably captured here.

The aforementioned extras amount to a bit of footage from outside the theatre prior to the gig with Doogie posing for pictures with the waiting fans and snippets from the soundcheck. Not the most in depth additional content I have seen, but it adds a bit of colour.

If you consider yourself a fan of classic rock then Michael Schenker’s Temple Of Rock are about as good as it gets and this DVD helps cement that fact. Seeing Herman Rarebell lead the crowd participation on ‘Rock You Like A Hurricane’ is worth the DVD price alone! ****1/2

Review by David Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)