Will people talk about Michael Schenker in 20 years time?

We all knew who Michael Schenker was from his time in UFO and Scorpions, but none of us could name his MSG tunes correctly.

He wasn’t on MTV and back in the 80s, there was no Spotify, no YouTube, no BitTorrent and no internet where we could go and look up his MSG output.

Radio in Australia never played MSG.

Basically if you didn’t own his albums or know someone who did, it’s like he didn’t exist.

But he was all over the guitar magazines. It’s how I came across him.

The first MSG album came out in 1980 and it stiffs in the major U.S market. Japan however loved Schenker where his popularity remained high on the back of his Scorpions and UFO contributions.

The second MSG album came out in 1981 and it did nothing as well. Something had to change. Original singer Gary Barden was fired in 1982 and Graham Bonnet fresh from his stint in Rainbow was hired. Album number 3 came out the same year (along with the “Live at The Budokan” album) and again, it did nothing. Bonnet was fired and Barden was back in for the tour.

And here we are at album number 4 released in 1983.

Commercially, it stiffed again in the major North American market. It’s forgotten from the conversation.

But it’s a favorite.

I could have picked alot of different songs from “Built To Destroy” as it’s that good. But this time around I wanted to write about “The Dogs Of War”.

It’s written by Gary Barden and Michael Schenker.

Drums and bass start it all off. A simple groove yet so catchy with Schenker decorating the Intro with feedback, chords and leads.

It builds until the verses kick in.

Nothing worth taking, all was forsaken

A sense of loss as there was nothing of value left to hold onto or protect.

Hit on the blind side, caught in the spotlights

Exposed and vulnerable, as if suddenly thrust into the spotlight without any preparation, leaving you exposed and defenseless.

Warning came late, no chance of alluding

It conveys a sense of helplessness and a lack of options.

Shadows were long as they forged through the night

I like the way this is delivered vocally. It’s almost classical and yet it feels new wave.

The line tells me it’s about perseverance and determination amidst challenging circumstances.

Looking for signs of the day,
Deep in their minds as they walked out of sight

A sense of introspection and anticipation as we search for signs of hope or a brighter future. A mindset of seeking out positive change or opportunities in the midst of uncertainty or darkness.

The line “deep in their minds as they walked out of sight” suggests that despite being physically present, our minds are occupied with thoughts, hopes, and aspirations.

Mission completed all were defeated
Branded with fire, now filled with desire

“Mission completed all were defeated” suggests that a goal or objective was successfully achieved, but it came at a cost. The mention of being “branded with fire” tells me that the experience was intense and left a lasting mark. However, instead of being discouraged or weakened, there is a newfound sense of determination and passion, as they are now “filled with desire” for more.

Message came through on the wings of a prayer
Feelings were high for a time

The line “Message came through on the wings of a prayer” suggests that guidance or inspiration arrived unexpectedly, perhaps in a moment of spiritual connection or hope.

“Feelings were high for a time” indicates a period of excitement and enthusiasm following the completion of the mission. Emotions are intense and elevated during this phase, reflecting the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

Slap on the backs for the ones who had dared
To run with the wolves of our time

These lines honor those who have dared to defy conventional norms and expectations, applauding their willingness to take risks and venture into uncharted territories.

They embody the spirit of running alongside the metaphorical “wolves” of their time, showcasing their courage and tenacity in the face of adversity.

Michael Schenker embodies this spirit. At 15 he left Germany to join UFO in the U.K. Imagine that, in 2023.

The dogs of war, will bite the hand for a price, and then hear them roar

The destructive nature of conflict and the willingness of certain individuals or entities to engage in acts of aggression or violence for personal gain. The phrase “dogs of war” symbolizes those who are eager to participate in warfare or engage in hostile actions. They are portrayed as fierce and relentless, driven by their own motives and desires.

The line “will bite the hand for a price” suggests that these individuals are willing to turn against their own benefactors or allies if offered a sufficient incentive.

It implies that loyalty can be easily swayed by material or monetary rewards, and they will not hesitate to betray those who once supported them.

Their mission completed, the innocents bleeding

Overall, this phrase captures the bittersweet nature of achieving a goal or objective while acknowledging the devastating impact on the innocent individuals caught in the crossfire.

To buy someone’s freedom’ who pays?

The question challenges the notion of freedom as something that can be easily obtained through financial means. It prompts us to consider whether true freedom can be bought and whether the act of purchasing it merely shifts the power dynamics or perpetuates a system of inequality.

A lot of the lyrics in the 80s got blasted and they still get blasted by music writers as being immature.

That is the case for some songs and some acts still make a living on writing simple immature lyrics with simple rhymes, laced with sexual innuendos.

Then you get other lyricists who write with some depth and double meanings. Gary Barden is one such lyricist. He’s also pushed out the “tease/please/knees” kind of lyrics as it was a symptom of the era he was in but overall his output is a lot more mature.

And Michael Schenker. He’s a lifer and what a rollercoaster lifestyle he’s had. He didn’t top the charts as a solo artist but his impact is as large as his UFO and Scorpions career.

Check it out.