Their “Crazy World” Tour will begin on August 31 at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and it will conclude on September 14 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. “We are looking forward to giving people good music, and reminding them about sticking together to put the world back in a positive way,” Schenker said. “We are looking forward to coming back to the United States again.”
Their tour was postponed last year due to lead singer Klaus Meine’s “severe laryngitis,” however, all dates were rescheduled and they added two new shows in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and Irvine, California, respectively. “You need to be strict on your health and you need to make sure to get through it,” Schenker said. “That is why we are taking a private plane on this tour. We are always trying to learn new things to improve for our next tour. I am happy with the private plane. Everything worked out perfect, and everybody is healthy.”
In Europe, they were thrilled to play in many popular cities, including the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece. “Greece was unbelievable, especially in the old Olympic stadium. Everything was good and peaceful. We enjoyed an outstanding night in Greece to remember,” he said.
Schenker is drawn to albums since they capture moments and the whole “image of the band.” “We are still waiting for a moment for inspiration to do another album like Judas Priest and Metallica did. You have to wait until the time is right,” he said.
Born to Touch Your Feelings: Best of Rock Ballads by The Scorpions is available on iTunes. “The ballads album was the idea of the record company. Our ballads have known to be big sellers. We liked the idea, but we decided to put some new songs on the album. It was fun doing those songs. In this case, it was good,” he said.
For his fans, he said, “The ‘Crazy World’ Tour is a big show, but it is important because of the time. The music is important to us, and so is the action: the power, the energy, and the attitude, which are the fuel of rock and roll, to come across like we are a new band. That’s what we try always. Every show is special to us. The people are impressed that we can still deliver what the people are looking for: energy and good music. Klaus Meine, as lead singer, can still deliver and we are very happy and lucky, except when we have problems with health and viruses.”
Digital transformation of the music business
On the impact of technology of the music business, Schenker said, “You can’t stop the evolution. It is a part of our digital time. Digital has both a positive and a negative side to it. Music-wise, I still like to listen to analog because it is food for the heart. Spotify and all these new streaming services deliver. The music seems changed, and record companies don’t have so much power anymore.”
Schenker acknowledged the resurgence of vinyl in this digital age. “That’s the same situation with live performance and festivals that are completely sold out. People that go to festivals in Europe are getting actual music, not digital music, and they are getting the people to listen together. It is like the old Woodstock generation, and it comes back again, in different kind of ways and in different cities. It is fantastic,” he said.
“If you put an analog album on, your heart is listening as well, and not only your stomach,” Schenker said. “That’s the great point about analog. I prefer analog listening compared to digital listening.”
For more information on The Scorpions and their 2018 touring schedule, check out their Facebook page.
