Scorpions – “Rock And Roll Queen” (2019) – Part of the Bootleg – The Scorpions Collection Series – 2 Loud 2 Old Music. Published on September 8, 2024.
As an avid fan of bootleg recordings from my favorite bands, I recently stumbled upon a hidden gem titled “Rock And Roll Queen.” This particular bootleg captures a live performance from the legendary Scorpions during their Fly to the Rainbow Tour, recorded at Grugahalle in Essen, Germany on April 26, 1975. The lineup featured the iconic Klaus Meine, Uli Jon Roth, Rudolf Schenker, Rudy Lenners, and Francis Buchholz. While various colorful vinyl pressings such as red, white, and peach are available on Discogs, my personal copy is a classic black version, which curiously isn’t listed there—could it be more rare?
The album kicks off with a powerful jam session that showcases impressive guitar skills, setting a captivating tone for what follows. The opening track, aptly titled “Jam,” highlights the seamless collaboration of Uli and Rudolf as they embark on an exhilarating sonic exploration. Following that, the Scorpions dive into “This is My Song” from the Fly to the Rainbow album. While the sound quality is raw and reflective of its time, it’s still easy to appreciate the captivating guitar work and solid rhythm provided by Francis on bass. Lyrically, the song may not win awards, but its musical energy is undeniable, punctuated by polite applause rather than enthusiastic cheers.
Klaus, addressing the German audience in their native language, adds an authentic touch before transitioning into “They Need a Million.” This track starts as a gentle ballad with a soft guitar and Klaus’s vocals. Then, a powerful riff erupts, bringing the song to life with heavy drums and Rudolf taking the lead in vocals, followed by Klaus. Unlike its studio counterpart, this version has a distinctly rock & roll vibe.
Next is “Drifting Sun,” featuring Uli on lead vocals. The intro riffs carry a hint of Jimi Hendrix’s influence, capturing a rawness that might not reach the sonic heights of Klaus but still showcases Uli’s guitar adventures. Though the sound fluctuates in quality, and the length might feel excessive, it remains a compelling feature for Uli fans, complemented by Francis’s bass lines.
The first side concludes with a rendition of “Red House,” a classic bluesy tune that boasts some remarkable guitar solos and captivating bass interplay. However, it does seem to have a somewhat abrupt transition, possibly due to a tape issue from which the material was sourced.
Flipping to side two, we are greeted by “Rock And Roll Queen,” an infectious jam that may not originate from the Scorpions but hooks listeners nonetheless. The guitar melodies are especially powerful and commanding. I’m left wondering about its origins—could it be a rare track from their repertoire?
The band then shifts gears to “Fly to the Rainbow,” the eponymous track from the album on which they’re touring. Departing from acoustic elements, they unleash an electrifying sound bolstered by Klaus’s soaring vocals and a dynamic drumbeat. This proggy piece is rich in variety and reveals the band’s storytelling capabilities, making it a standout performance of the night.
Next up is the energetic “Speedy’s Coming.” Uli asserts his dominance with unparalleled guitar prowess while Klaus’s vocals create a sense of nostalgia for die-hard Scorpions fans. The powerful synergy between Rudy’s drumming and Francis’s bass drives the track home, blending expertly with Rudolf’s rhythm guitar.
Wrapping up the main set is “Robot Man,” a prelude to their upcoming album In Trance, just about six months post-show. The quick-paced nature of this song, along with a punchy rhythm from Rudolf’s guitar, energizes the crowd even more. Klaus delivers a raw, unfiltered vocal performance, culminating in a frenzied finale that concludes with more polite applause—definitely not the intense reactions usually witnessed at U.S. concerts.
The show ends much like it began—with a jam session featuring Klaus, culminating in a curious finish. It’s a unique close to an eventful night.
This discovery marks my initiation into both Scorpions and bootlegs, and I am genuinely excited to have this recording from 1975. It’s interesting to note that no songs from their debut album, Lonesome Crow, made the setlist. The audio quality varies, with moments of soft volume and occasional cutouts, yet nothing detracts from the enjoyment of the performance. Though the set is relatively short, it’s entirely satisfying, showcasing formidable musicianship and Klaus’s passionate delivery, complemented by his interludes with the German audience.
In summary, I rate this bootleg a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Although I recognize that there may be superior recordings out there, this experience is undoubtedly enjoyable and serves as a testament to the brilliance of early Scorpions.
The Scorpions Collection Series includes:
– Lonesome Crow (1972)
– Fly to the Rainbow (1974)
– In Trance (1975)
– Virgin Killer (1976)
– Taken by Force (1977)
– Tokyo Tapes (1978)
– Lovedrive (1979)
– Best of Scorpions (1979)
– Animal Magnetism (1980)
– Blackout (1982)
– Love at First Sting (1984)
– World Wide Live (1985)
– Crazy World (1990)
– Moment of Glory (2000)
– Sting in the Tail (2010)
– Rock Believer (2022)
– And, of course, the bootleg “Rock And Roll Queen” (2019).
This music is truly timeless.
