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.
I Am Grateful
Michael Schenker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Big sound cumin' from your radio
Your heart says yes
But your head says no no?
Big sounds screamin'
From the back of your car
You're gettin' so close
Are you goin' too far
You gotta satisfy that thrill
There's nowhere for you to run
And you never will No you never will!
I am your radio I am your late night show
I am the rock that makes you roll
I am the rock that makes you roll
I am your radio I am your late night show
I am the rock that makes you roll
I am the rock that makes you roll
Weekends cumin' and you're all fired up
Hot rod stereo's don't stop don't stop
Big sound hits you when the lights are low
so ya want to hit back let it go
Get ready for the big reaction
You gotta satisfy that thrill
There's nowhere for you to run
Drivin' around with nowhere to go
Tuned into the the radio
Baby looking for action not words
Cruisin' around just killin' time
Hot on the trail and feelin' fine
All night long lookin'
For the Scene of the crime
I am your radio
I am your late night show
I am the rock that makes you roll
I am the rock that makes you roll
The song "I Am The One" by Michael Schenker Group is a high-energy rock anthem that speaks to the power of music and its ability to energize and inspire listeners. The lyrics describe the feeling of driving around with the radio blasting, feeling the rush of adrenaline from the music and the freedom of the open road. The singer is drawn to the power of rock music and the way it makes them feel, even when their rational mind tells them to be cautious. They are willing to take risks and live in the moment, fueled by the energy of the music.
The repetition of the line "I am your radio" underscores the central theme of the song, which is the transformative power of music. The radio is a symbol of the connection between the listener and the music, and the way in which the music becomes a part of their identity. The lyrics also touch on themes of rebellion and risk-taking, as the singer is willing to go against societal norms and follow their passion, regardless of the consequences.
Overall, "I Am The One" is a celebration of the power of rock music to transport and inspire listeners, and a call to action to embrace the moment and live life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
I am your radio I am your radio
I am the music that you listen to on the radio.
Big sound cumin' from your radio
Loud music is being played on your radio.
Your heart says yes
Your emotions want you to take action or indulge in something.
But your head says no no?
Your rational mind is telling you to hold back.
Big sounds screamin'
Loud and intense music is playing.
From the back of your car
The music is coming from the singers of your car.
You're gettin' so close
You are approaching the edge or limit.
Are you goin' too far
You may be crossing a line or taking things too far.
Get ready for the , big reaction
Prepare yourself for the intense emotions or physical response that is coming.
You gotta satisfy that thrill
You have to meet the desire or need for excitement.
There's nowhere for you to run
You cannot escape or avoid this feeling or situation.
And you never will No you never will!
This feeling or situation will always be a part of you and will never go away.
I am your late night show
I am the music that you listen to on your radio during the night.
I am the rock that makes you roll
I am the music that energizes and excites you.
Weekends cumin' and you're all fired up
You are excited and ready for the weekend to begin.
Hot rod stereo's don't stop don't stop
The music keeps playing without any pause or interruption.
Big sound hits you when the lights are low
The loud music has a greater impact when the lighting is dim.
so ya want to hit back let it go
You feel the urge to respond or act on your impulses.
Drivin' around with nowhere to go
You are aimlessly driving around without any particular destination.
Tuned into the the radio
You are listening to the music on the radio.
Baby looking for action not words
You are seeking excitement and adventure rather than just talking about it.
Cruisin' around just killin' time
You are passing time and enjoying the drive aimlessly.
Hot on the trail and feelin' fine
You are moving forward with purpose and confidence.
All night long lookin'
You are searching or seeking for something.
For the Scene of the crime
You are looking for a place or situation where you can have fun and excitement.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KENNY STEWART, ROCKY NEWTON*
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind