There are many people out there who do not realize that the Scorpions had a pretty successful career (albeit in Europe and Japan) prior to Lovedrive.  One of the main ingredients to that success was Uli Jon Roth’s playing and songwriting skills.  Together with Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker, they created a collection of songs that were more hard rock than heavy metal but no less spectacular. 

This tour of the States in early 2015 showcased the material that made Uli Jon Roth famous.  Although it was a shorter set, Roth and company were able to fill it with old Scorpions classics.  The night started off with “All Night Long” (just like Tokyo Tapes) and continued with tracks from Fly to the Rainbow, In Trance, Virgin Killer and Taken By Force.  Stage favorites like “The Sails of Charon,” “Sun In My Hand,” “We’ll Burn The Sky” and “Polar Nights” were performed flawlessly.  The band featured John West on vocals and Kofi Baker (son of Ginger Baker) on drums.  West did a great job of singing what some would consider some of the hardest vocala in rock.  Meine has such a distinct voice, but West handled the vocals with ease.  Even though Roth surrounded himself with quality performers, he was still the star of the show.  Make no mistake, people were there to see him.

The only odd thing about the concert was that they came back for an encore and played “All Along the Watchtower” and “Little Wing.”  Granted, both are great tunes, and Roth does a great version of both but I would have liked to have heard more of his era of the Scorpions.  That being said, no matter what Uli Jon Roth decides to play, I will be there - enjoying every note.