Michael was born in Sarstedt, Germany. He started playing in his early teens when his brother Rudolph brought home a Flying V guitar, which captured Michael's imagination. His playing style is unusual in that he seems not to use conventionally practiced guitar scales but seems instead to improvise.
Schenker joined UFO under unusual circumstances. The band left the UK to play some dates in Germany. Their guitarist at the time; Bernie Marsden, forgot his passport and was unable to make the first gig. At the venue UFO spotted Michael playing a soundcheck with the Scorpions and managed to persuade him into playing that evening's show. Despite the language barrier; he spoke no English and they spoke no German, something clearly "clicked" and Schenker brought the ellusive X factor to the band and took them to another level musically.
Schenker has had a turbulent career with UFO, often walking out mid song and causing shows to be cancelled. He is evidently as temperamental as he is gifted. Schenker says his playing with UFO is like chocolate: fantastic for a while but once you've had enough....
Clearly a musical prodigy, Schenker was one of the 1970's most inspirational guitarists, influencing later musicians such as Kirk Hammett from the band Metallica.
Michael was offered gigs with Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne but decided he wanted to play his own music and not be a hired hand in another group. In 1979, he founded the Michael Schenker Group (M.S.G). The history of the Michael Schenker Group has been strewn with personality conflicts and "incidents" between band members. In 1982, original vocalist Gary Barden was sacked in favor of Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz) who lasted one album (Assault Attack) and was fired from the band after dropping his pants in a warm-up gig before the Reading festival. Gary Barden was enticed back to the band for Reading and stayed with M.S.G. for the recording of a new studio album (Built to Destroy) and a live album (Rock Will Never Die). After the second departure of vocalist Gary Barden after the Built to Destroy album, Michael reorganized the band around himself and vocalist Robin McAuley as the McAuley Schenker Group. After three albums in that configuration, Michael and Robin parted company.
Michael next rejoined UFO for the album Walk on Water. A short tour punctuated by a fight between Michael and vocalist Phil Mogg ended the reunion.
Michael resurrected the Michael Schenker Group with all new players and recorded three decent albums and toured yearly to appreciative Schenker-heads around the United States and Europe.
Michael fell on hard times in the early 2000's after his divorce in which he lost rights to his own music, his Mercedes and his prized Flying V guitars.
Michael picked himself up and got back to the business of making and performing music. The recording of the album Arachnophobiac and the resulting two years of touring got Michael back in rocking form.
2005 brings the 25th anniversary of the Michael Schenker Group. Michael is putting together a new album of songs called Tales of Rock and Roll honoring that anniversary. Singers from each iteration of the group have been enlisted to sing on a track or two.
A new Michael Schenker Group album is as much about finding out who is left in the band as it is about the music. Devoted fans love him regardless of his personal and personnel problems.
Hair Of The Dog
Michael Schenker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been told about you
Steamroller, midnight stroller
What they've been saying must be true
Red-hot mama
Velvet charmer
Time's come to pay your dues
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Talkin' jivey, poison ivy
You ain't gonna cling to me
Man taker, born faker
I ain't so blind I can't see
Red-hot mama
Velvet charmer
Time's come to pay your dues
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a
A son of a bitch
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
The lyrics to Michael Schenker's song "Hair of the Dog" depict the singer warning a woman about her seductive nature and manipulative ways. The opening lines describe her as a heartbreaker and soul shaker, and the following line suggests that the rumors about her must be true. The chorus then repeats the phrase "now you're messin' with a son of a bitch," indicating that the singer is not to be fooled by her charms.
The second verse continues the warning, with the singer referring to her as "poison ivy" and "man taker." However, he asserts that he is not blind to her tactics and will not fall for them. The chorus repeats multiple times, emphasizing the warning to the woman.
Overall, the lyrics seem to be from the perspective of someone who has been hurt by this woman before and is now warning others to stay away from her. The repetition of the chorus reinforces this message and adds a sense of toughness and defiance.
Line by Line Meaning
Heart breaker, soul shaker
You have a seductive power over others that can leave them with heartbreak and confusion.
I've been told about you
Your reputation precedes you, and I am aware of your manipulations and games.
Steamroller, midnight stroller
You are relentless in pursuing your own desires and will stop at nothing to get what you want.
What they've been saying must be true
The rumors about your behavior are most likely accurate.
Red-hot mama
You are an attractive and passionate woman.
Velvet charmer
You have a smooth and convincing way of speaking that can deceive others.
Time's come to pay your dues
It's time for you to face the consequences of your actions.
Now you're messin' with a
You have started something with someone who is not easily manipulated or fooled.
A son of a bitch
This person is ruthless and unforgiving when crossed or provoked.
Talkin' jivey, poison ivy
Your seductive words and actions are potentially dangerous and harmful.
You ain't gonna cling to me
I will not be trapped or seduced by your manipulations and seductions.
Man taker, born faker
You have a history of using and manipulating people for your own benefit, and are not to be trusted.
I ain't so blind I can't see
I am fully aware of what you are doing and will not be deceived.
Now you're messin' with a
You have gone too far and will face the consequences of your actions.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
You have provoked someone who is dangerous and will not tolerate your manipulations.
Now you're messin' with a
You are in over your head and should not have provoked this person.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
You will pay for your manipulative actions.
Now you're messin' with a
You have made a huge mistake and will face serious consequences.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
You will regret messing with this person.
Now you're messin' with a
You realize the danger you have put yourself in.
Now you're messin' with a son of a bitch
The person you have provoked is not to be trifled with.
Contributed by Lila D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.