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Scorpions

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Band Timeline

1965

Formation of Scorpions in Hanover, Germany

The Scorpions were formed in Hanover, Germany in 1965 by rhythm and lead guitarist Rudolf Schenker. Initially, the band had Merseybeat influences, and Schenker himself handled vocal duties. The early lineup underwent several changes including the departure of Karl Heinz Vollmer due to military service. This foundational year set the stage for what would become one of the most influential German hard rock bands.
1969

Addition of Klaus Meine and Michael Schenker, defining the early band lineup

In 1969, critical lineup changes took place with the addition of Klaus Meine on vocals and Michael Schenker, Rudolf's younger brother, on lead guitar. Both had played together previously in a Led Zeppelin and Taste cover band called Copernicus. This lineup brought the band stability and musical direction essential for their initial success. Klaus Meine would become the band's continuous vocalist since this time.
1972

Release of debut album 'Lonesome Crow' and early success

Scorpions released their first album, 'Lonesome Crow,' in 1972. This album featured lead guitar work by Michael Schenker before he left to join the British rock band UFO. Despite some early lineup instability, this album marked the start of Scorpions' recording career. The band also won a music contest the same year and recorded two songs, 'Action' and 'I'm Going Mad.' The 'Lonesome Crow' tour supported their increasing exposure, during which they opened for UFO.
1974-1978

Uli Jon Roth era and classic early albums released

After Michael Schenker's departure, Uli Jon Roth joined as lead guitarist. During this period, Scorpions released four significant albums: 'Fly to the Rainbow' (1974), 'In Trance' (1975), 'Virgin Killer' (1976), and 'Taken by Force' (1977). These albums explored a mix of hard rock and early heavy metal styles. The band also released their first live album 'Tokyo Tapes' in 1978, capturing their energetic performances. This era established their reputation in the European rock scene.
1978-1979

Lineup change with Matthias Jabs and shift towards melodic rock with 'Lovedrive'

Following Uli Jon Roth's departure in 1978, Matthias Jabs was recruited as the new lead guitarist. The band briefly reunited with Michael Schenker during the making of their sixth studio album, 'Lovedrive' (1979), marking a move toward a more melodic hard rock sound. 'Lovedrive' was a turning point that brought greater commercial success and critical recognition, featuring sophisticated guitar work and strong songwriting that became a cornerstone of their sound.
1980-1984

Peak commercial success with albums 'Animal Magnetism', 'Blackout', and 'Love at First Sting'

Throughout the early 1980s, Scorpions solidified their place as one of the leading hard rock and heavy metal bands. Albums like 'Animal Magnetism' (1980), 'Blackout' (1982), and the massively successful 'Love at First Sting' (1984) achieved platinum status in the United States and other countries. Notably, the singles 'Rock You Like a Hurricane' and 'Still Loving You' from 'Love at First Sting' became iconic rock anthems and ballads, respectively, firmly establishing their global popularity.
1985-1990

Continued success and cultural impact with major tours and 'Crazy World'

During this period, the band released the live album 'World Wide Live' (1985), 'Savage Amusement' (1988), and 'Crazy World' (1990). The song 'Wind of Change' from 'Crazy World' became an anthem symbolizing the political changes in Eastern Europe around the fall of the Berlin Wall. This single remains one of the best-selling rock singles globally. The band embarked on major international tours, expanding their influence worldwide and solidifying their legacy in rock history.
1992-2003

Lineup changes and continued album releases

Following their peak years, longtime members such as bassist Francis Buchholz and drummer Herman Rarebell departed in the early 1990s. Despite these changes, the band continued producing music and touring. Matthias Jabs and Klaus Meine remained steadfast members. In 2003, Polish bassist Paweł Mąciwoda joined, revitalizing the lineup. The band maintained steady popularity in Europe and continued to release studio albums that charted in Germany.
2016

Drummer Mikkey Dee joins the band

In 2016, the Scorpions added Mikkey Dee, formerly of Motörhead and King Diamond, as their new drummer. His addition brought renewed energy and experience to the band's rhythm section. This personnel change came as the band continued their long-standing tradition of performing live and making new music, staying relevant in the rock scene beyond their classic years.
2022

Release of their latest studio album 'Rock Believer'

In February 2022, Scorpions released 'Rock Believer,' their latest studio album, marking over five decades of continuous recording and band activity. The album reflects their enduring dedication to hard rock with fresh energy and craftsmanship. Releasing new material after many years demonstrates the band's lasting appeal and commitment to their fans worldwide, proving their legacy as one of the best-selling and most influential hard rock bands globally.

Albums

scorpions_1st_album
Lonesome Crow
7 tracks
1972
scorpions_2nd_album
Fly to the Rainbow
7 tracks
1974
scorpions_3rd_album
In Trance
10 tracks
1975
scorpions_4th_album
Virgin Killer
9 tracks
1976
scorpions_5th_album
Taken by Force
8 tracks
1977
scorpions_6th_album
Lovedrive
8 tracks
1979
scorpions_7th_album
Animal Magnetism
9 tracks
1980
scorpions_8th_album
Blackout
9 tracks
1982
scorpions_9th_album
Love at First Sting
9 tracks
1984
scorpions_10th_album
Savage Amusement
9 tracks
1988
scorpions_11th_album
Crazy World
11 tracks
1990
scorpions_12th_album
Face the Heat
13 tracks
1993
scorpions_13th_album
Pure Instinct
12 tracks
1996
scorpions_14th_album
Eye II Eye
14 tracks
1999
scorpions_15th_album
Moment of Glory
11 tracks
2000
scorpions_16th_album
Unbreakable
13 tracks
2004
scorpions_17th_album
Humanity: Hour I
12 tracks
2007
scorpions_18th_album
Sting in the Tail
12 tracks
2010
scorpions_19th_album
Comeblack
13 tracks
2011
scorpions_20th_album
Return to Forever
12 tracks
2015
scorpions_21st_album
Rock Believer
11 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Klaus Meine

1969

Lead vocals

Rudolf Schenker

1965

Guitar

Background vocals

Matthias Jabs

1979

Guitar

Background vocals

Mikkey Dee

2016

Drums (drum set)

Paweł Mąciwoda

2004

Bass guitar

Background vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Curt Cress

1996
1996

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Hans‐Jürgen Rosenthal

1973
1975

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Rudy Lenners

1975
1977

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Ken Taylor

2000
2000

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Uli Jon Roth

1973
1978

Background vocals

Guitar

Lead vocals

Joe Wyman

1977
1977

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Francis Buchholz

1973
1992

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Barry Sparks

2004
2004

Bass guitar

Johan Franzon

2014
2014

Drums (drum set)

Ingo Powitzer

2004
2004

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Achim Kirschning

1973
1974

Keyboard

Ralph Rieckermann

1993
2002

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Herman Rarebell

1977
1996

Background vocals

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

James Kottak

1996
2016

Drums (drum set)

Lothar Heimberg

1968
1973

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Michael Schenker

1978
1979

Background vocals

Guitar

Werner Löhr

1972
1972

Karl-Heinz Vollmer

1965
1970

Background vocals

Guitar

Wolfgang Dziony

1965
1973

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Michael Schenker

1969
1973

Background vocals

Guitar

Joachim Kirchhoff

1965
1968

Story of Scorpions

The Scorpions: A Journey Through Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

The Scorpions, a German hard rock band hailing from Hanover, were forged in 1965 by the masterful guitarist, Rudolf Schenker. While the band has seen numerous lineup changes, the period between 1978 and 1992 stands out as their golden age. This iconic lineup, featuring Klaus Meine (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar), Matthias Jabs (lead guitar), Francis Buchholz (bass), and Herman Rarebell (drums), achieved monumental success.

Schenker has remained the only constant member, with Meine contributing to every studio album. Jabs has been a consistent presence since 1978, while bassist Paweł Máciwoda and drummer Mikkey Dee joined in 2003 and 2016, respectively, solidifying the band's current core.

The Scorpions' musical identity took shape in the mid-1970s with the addition of guitarist Uli Jon Roth, replacing Michael Schenker. This era solidified their hard rock sound. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 1978 following Roth's departure. Schenker and Meine assumed control of the band, dictating the musical direction. The arrival of Matthias Jabs, coupled with producer Dieter Dierks' influence, led to the emergence of a melodic heavy metal sound infused with power rock ballads.

This sonic evolution was captured in the 1979 album "Lovedrive." The album marked a turning point for the Scorpions, showcasing a more polished and accessible style. "Lovedrive" also saw the brief return of Michael Schenker before he pursued a solo career.

Over the next decade, the Scorpions reached new heights of success. Albums like "Animal Magnetism" (1980), "Blackout" (1982), "Love at First Sting" (1984), and "Savage Amusement" (1988), alongside the live recording "World Wide Live" (1985) and the compilation "Best of Rockers 'n' Ballads" (1989), solidified their global impact. Each of these albums achieved platinum status in the United States, a testament to their broad appeal.

Their dominance extended beyond American shores. The Scorpions achieved an impressive streak of thirteen consecutive studio albums charting within the Top 10 in Germany, with one reaching the coveted No. 1 position. Their international success was further confirmed by three consecutive albums securing Top 10 spots on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

The Scorpions, with their undeniable talent and enduring legacy, have carved a permanent place in rock history. They masterfully blended hard rock energy with heavy metal grandeur, creating a sound that continues to captivate audiences across generations.

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