Scorpions – ‘Rock And Roll Queen’ (2019) – (Bootleg – The Scorpions Collection Series) – Published on September 8, 2024
For those who revel in musical discoveries, especially hidden gems like bootlegs, I’ve stumbled upon a fascinating find. This treasure, titled ‘Rock And Roll Queen,’ features the legendary Scorpions. The recording harks back to their Fly to the Rainbow Tour, captured live at Grugahalle in Essen, Germany on April 26, 1975. This performance boasts an iconic lineup including Klaus Meine, Uli Jon Roth, Rudolf Schenker, Rudy Lenners, and Francis Buchholz.
The collection shows off various colored vinyl editions, including hues like red, white, and peach, all detailed on Discogs. However, my personal copy is a classic black, and interestingly enough, it seems to be absent from the Discogs listings. Perhaps this black edition is rarer than anticipated – a mystery worth pondering.
The album kicks off with an impressive jam session, showcasing some spectacular guitar work. The groove laid down by the drums and bass pairs perfectly with the incredible performances from Uli and Rudolf. It’s labeled simply as “Jam,” and while unconventional for an opener, it’s a mesmerizing start.
Following that, they dive into “This is My Song” from the ‘Fly to the Rainbow’ album. This mid-tempo rock piece delivers solid sound despite its bootleg nature, reminiscent of the 1975 era. The dual guitar interplay is a highlight, as Uli and Rudolf engage in an electrifying solo. Francis’s bass grooves enhance the track, making it musically compelling despite its less-than-stellar lyrics. After the song ends, the audience shows their appreciation with polite applause rather than the roaring cheers one might expect.
Klaus addresses the crowd in German, which adds a nice touch given the setting. Next up is “They Need a Million,” which starts as a ballad featuring gentle guitar and Klaus’ subtle vocals. Midway through, a powerful riff jolts the song to life with thunderous drums. Rudolf takes the lead vocals here, offering a refreshing change before Klaus joins in harmonies. This rendition feels distinctly rock-centric compared to its studio counterpart that carries a Spanish flair.
Klaus continues to step back on “Drifting Sun,” leaving Uli to take the reins vocally. The intro guitar riffs are imbued with a Hendrix-like essence, reminiscent of “Spanish Castle Magic.” While Uli captures some of that spirit, he certainly puts his spin on it, albeit with sound quality dipping in and out at times. It stretches longer than one might expect, but it stands as an impressive showcase for Uli’s talents as well as the rhythm section with Francis on bass.
As Side One wraps up, the band throws in a cover of Hendrix’s “Red House.” This bluesy track features stunning guitar and bass interplay, creating a groovy vibe. However, it suffers from a tape mishap where it abruptly stops and then fades back in, marring what could have been a flawless performance.
Side Two opens with an exhilarating jam titled “Rock And Roll Queen.” The authorship of this track seems to elude me; it isn’t a tune I recognize immediately. It bears a killer sound that keeps the energy high and the guitar work is simply phenomenal.
Following that, they transition seamlessly into the title track of the album they were touring for, “Fly to the Rainbow.” This time, they leave behind the acoustic stylings, embracing a full-on electric assault. The drumming is unrelenting, and Klaus’ soaring vocals carry the audience through a masterclass in progressive rock, marked by multiple shifts and a captivating storytelling segment led by Uli.
Quickly, they shift gears again with “Speedy’s Coming.” Uli’s dominant guitar work is remarkable, and Klaus’ vocals evoke that distinctive Scorpions sound. The synergy with the drumming and bass creates a compelling rhythm that captivates listeners.
The concluding track of the main set is “Robot Man,” from the ‘In Trance’ album, released just six months after the concert. Its energetic drumming and Rudolf’s swift guitar riffs deliver a frenetic pace, and Klaus shines without the studio’s vocal effects. The performance concludes with another jam session, echoing the opening. While Klaus steps into the fray to finish off with some vocals, it concludes rather abruptly, leaving questions about the purpose of this closing moment.
This marks my first journey into the realm of Scorpions bootlegs, and I’m thrilled to have a recording from as far back as 1975. However, it’s perplexing that no tracks from ‘Lonesome Crow’ made the playlist. The sound quality varies throughout, with occasional volume dips, but nothing detrimental enough to hinder my enjoyment. While the setlist may be short, it effectively captures the essence of Scorpions, filled with remarkable guitar virtuosity and Klaus’ heartfelt singing. I especially cherish the moments when Klaus engages the German crowd.
In rating this bootleg, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. While it’s likely there are superior recordings out there, this one certainly has charm and provides an enjoyable look back at early Scorpions.
