Scorpions – ‘Rock And Roll Queen’ (2019) – a gem in the underground music scene, part of the esteemed Bootleg – The Scorpions Collection Series, has caught my attention. As I was searching around, I stumbled upon this remarkable recording, extracted from a live concert during the Fly to the Rainbow Tour. The performance took place at Grugahalle in Essen, Germany, on April 26, 1975, featuring an outstanding lineup: Klaus Meine, Uli Jon Roth, Rudolf Schenker, Rudy Lenners, and Francis Buchholz.
This release boasts a variety of colored vinyls, including shades like red, white, and peach, all cataloged on Discogs. My own copy is a classic black vinyl, intriguingly absent from Discogs listings. Perhaps this traditional hue is rarer than I realize.
The opening track is a lively jam session that showcases impressive guitar skills. There’s a potent groove from the rhythm section, as Uli and Rudolf meld their guitars into an exhilarating display. It’s aptly titled “Jam,” converting the usual formalities of an album opening into a chance for pure musical expression. Following that, we dive into “This Is My Song” from the Fly to the Rainbow album. It’s a mid-tempo rocker featuring some exciting dual guitar solos, with Francis’s bass work adding a captivating dimension to the performance. The lyrics might not be groundbreaking, yet the musicianship undeniably shines.
Klaus interacts with the audience in German, maintaining an authentic connection with fans during the show. The next offering, “They Need a Million,” begins as a gentle ballad with subtle guitar undertones before erupting into a powerful rock anthem, marking Rudolf’s moment to shine on vocals alongside Klaus’s harmonies. This rendition is far removed from its Spanish-influenced studio counterpart, presenting a raw and powerful sound.
“Drifting Sun” follows, led by Uli, whose guitar riffs echo the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, particularly reminiscent of “Spanish Castle Magic.” While Uli’s vocals carry a certain charm, they pale in comparison to Klaus’s robust stage presence. The sound quality dips at times, yet it remains an impressive showcase for Uli’s talents.
Side one wraps up with an interpretation of “Red House,” taking the audience on a bluesy journey with astounding guitar and bass lines. Interestingly, the song fades and restarts, likely indicating a glitch in the source tape, which is a minor blemish on an otherwise thrilling listening experience.
Side two launches with “Rock And Roll Queen,” a vibrant jam that feels fresh, though its origins remain a mystery. Initially suspected to be a cover from Mott the Hoople, it morphs into a captivating instrumental testament to the band’s prowess.
Next, the title track “Fly to the Rainbow” showcases the band’s heavy electric sound, surging with energy and intricate musicianship. Klaus’s vocals soar during this proggy anthem that cleverly mixes storytelling and incredible guitar work – a standout moment of the show.
The momentum continues with “Speedy’s Coming,” in which Uli establishes his dominance through stellar guitar riffs. Klaus’s voice effortlessly pulls the audience into the familiar essence of Scorpions, with Rudy and Francis delivering an electrifying rhythm section.
The closing track, “Robot Man,” hails from the ‘In Trance’ album released shortly after this concert, delivering a high-octane experience filled with frenetic rhythms and Klaus’s untamed vocals. The performance culminates with another spontaneously spirited jam, a fitting bookend to an exhilarating and historic show.
This bootleg offers a rare glimpse into Scorpions’ early days, intriguing because they avoided playing any tracks from ‘Lonesome Crow.’ Despite some hiccups in sound quality, the performance flourishes with brilliant guitar work and heartfelt vocals from Klaus. Brief German interludes by Klaus enrich the concert experience.
In assessment, I grant this recording a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. There might be superior recordings out there, yet this one retains its charm and delivers a nostalgic revisit to the early days of Scorpions, something every fan should treasure. The legacy continues with The Scorpions Collection, which highlights a storied career through various albums, cementing their place in rock history.
