Legendary Guitarist Michael Schenker Lures Axl Rose into the Studio for Rare Collaboration
Michael Schenker, the iconic guitarist behind Scorpions and UFO, has achieved a rare feat on his star-studded new album, "My Years With UFO". Schenker has managed to lure none other than Axl Rose, the elusive frontman of Guns N’ Roses, into the studio to record a guest vocal on an updated version of UFO’s classic song, "Love to Love".
According to Schenker, he didn’t even have to ask Rose to participate – the famously reclusive singer requested to be part of the project. Schenker had already recruited Slash, the top-hatted guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, to play on "My Years With UFO", and Slash appears on a scorching re-recording of "Mother Mary" alongside short-lived Skid Row frontman Erik Gronwall. Once Rose learned about the collaboration, he wanted in as well.
A Rare Collaboration
Schenker tells UCR that he didn’t have to persuade Rose to participate. In fact, Slash had already informed Rose about the project, and Rose asked if he could join in. Schenker recalls: "When Slash came to the recording studio in Frankfurt to record with me, he said, ‘Oh, I told Axl I’m coming here today to do this with you.’ And Axl said, ‘Oh, can I sing a song?’ So I said, ‘Oh, really? Ask Axl which song he wants to sing.’"
Rose recorded vocals for multiple tracks, though only one – the seven-and-a-half-minute epic "Love to Love" – appears on "My Years With UFO". "He ended up singing ‘Only You Can Rock Me’, ‘Too Hot to Handle’, and ‘Love to Love,’" Schenker explains. "And I guess because they were in the middle of a tour, he didn’t like his performances. He wanted to focus on one song. He’s a perfectionist… I liked them all, but I left it up to him. And he said ‘Love to Love’ is the one. So eventually, he had it all together and texted us or gave us a message that his version was ready."
The Sound of UFO Influences Guns N’ Roses
Schenker reveals that the sound of UFO’s classic albums has had a profound impact on Guns N’ Roses. "Slash has always expressed his love – Axl and Slash and Guns N’ Roses," Schenker continues. "They really loved the UFO productions, in the studio and the live recordings. And Ron Nevison [UFO producer] had a tape op called Mike Clink, and so he actually ended up producing Guns N’ Roses. And because Mike Clink had all the information on how Ron Nevison did it, Guns N’ Roses were basically kind of trying to stick as close as possible to UFO’s sound, and of course, added their own individual ideas to it. But basically, they are really, really hardcore fans."
Every Guns N’ Roses Song Ranked Worst to Best
[Gallery: Every Guns N’ Roses Song Ranked Worst to Best]
In this comprehensive list, multiple narratives emerged when compiling the above list of Guns N’ Roses Songs Ranked Worst to Best. All entries by Eduardo Rivadavia except where noted.
Gallery Credit: Eduardo Rivadavia
Conclusion
Michael Schenker’s "My Years With UFO" is a testament to the guitarist’s enduring legacy and influence on rock music. With Axl Rose and Slash lending their talents to the album, this collaboration is a rare treat for fans of both UFO and Guns N’ Roses. As Schenker’s guitar work continues to inspire and influence new generations of rock musicians, "My Years With UFO" is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and metal.
FAQs
Q: Why did Axl Rose decide to join the project?
A: Axl Rose requested to be part of the project, and Slash had already informed him about the collaboration.
Q: How many tracks did Axl Rose record for the album?
A: Rose recorded vocals for multiple tracks, but only one, "Love to Love", appears on the album.
Q: What is the significance of UFO’s sound on Guns N’ Roses?
A: The sound of UFO’s classic albums has had a profound impact on Guns N’ Roses, influencing their production and live performances.
Q: Who produced Guns N’ Roses?
A: Mike Clink, a former tape op for UFO producer Ron Nevison, produced Guns N’ Roses.
Q: What is the theme of the album "My Years With UFO"?
A: The album "My Years With UFO" is a testament to the guitarist’s enduring legacy and influence on rock music.
