Michael Schenker Fest in San Jose City National Civic

Michael Schenker was in San Jose, California on 03/24/18. I was there and enjoyed the show it was a great experience! I've seen UFO, Scorpions, and MSG but this show topped them all. The crowd was receptive but I don't think they were ready for a show that was more like a three band show instead of just one. The songs kept coming and didn't stop until 30 songs rocked the crowd into submission.

The band is good and the set was tight. We were treated to all of Michael's popular tunes and some new tunes as well. The close knit band had 4 singers: Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley, and Doogie White and my personal favorite was Bonnet. Picking a favorite isn't easy but Bonnet's vocals are were pitch perfect and fierce and forceful in their delivery. But don't get me wrong, all of the singers were superb tonight. Steve Mann on guitar and keyboards is super talented and often fooled the big screen camera person who trained the lens on Michael when it was indeed Steve Mann playing the smoldering riffs. Chris Glen on bass held down the fort along with Ted McKenna on drums and both exhibited the brilliance that is raw talent and rendered an exuberant performance.

Michael was on fire and after a while I felt badly for his guitars because they were definately under an Assault Attack. My fretting hand was feeling an empathetic pain just watching Michael's left hand adeptly running up and down the guitar neck while simultaneously his right hand plucked the strings with the virtuosity that makes it all look so easy - But it's not! I am certain Michael wears guitars down due to sheer playing attrition. Honestly, I thought this date was one of the first of the tour and that accounted for the stamina and accuracy of the way each song was played but in reality this tour is half over.

If I was forced to pick a favorite song played at this show it would probably be the Desert Song. However, just about every song that was played was second. Rock bottom has been one of my favorite songs ever and Michael and Co. decimated the crowd in San Jose with a never ending version of the song that had a solo that would put any wannabe Schenker guitarist into a frenzy.

I could go on but who cares what I have to say? Go for yourself and see for yourself. Michael rocks hard and deserves every bit of the title Guitar God.

Lastly, Michael's newest album is out - Link>> - Resurrection 

Michael Schenker Setlist:

City National Civic, San Jose, CA, USA

1. Into the Arena (Michael Schenker Group song)
2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie (Michael Schenker Group song)
3. Cry for the Nations (Michael Schenker Group song)
4. Attack of the Mad Axeman (Michael Schenker Group song)
5. Messin' Around (Michael Schenker Fest song)
6. Armed and Ready (Michael Schenker Group song)
7. Coast to Coast (Scorpions song)
8. Desert Song (Michael Schenker Group song)
9. Dancer (Michael Schenker Group song)
10. Night Moods (Michael Schenker Fest song)
11. Searching for a Reason (Michael Schenker Group song)
12. Assault Attack (Michael Schenker Group song)
13. Captain Nemo (Michael Schenker Group song)
14. Bad Boys (McAuley-Schenker Group song)
15. Save Yourself (McAuley-Schenker Group song)
16. Anytime (McAuley-Schenker Group song)
17. Heart and Soul (Michael Schenker Fest song)
18. Love Is Not a Game (McAuley-Schenker Group song)
19. Searching for Freedom (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock cover)
20. Live and Let Live (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock cover)
21. Vigilante Man (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock cover)
22. Lord of the Lost and Lonely (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock cover)
23. Take Me to the Church (Michael Schenker Fest song)
24. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - (Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock cover)
25. Warrior (Michael Schenker Fest song)
26. Rock Bottom (UFO song)

Encore:

1. Doctor Doctor (UFO song)
2. Shoot Shoot (UFO song)
3. Natural Thing (UFO song)
4. Lights Out (UFO song)

Video link David Reed's Youtube video link for the SJ Show