The UFO Discography And Listening Party Thread

[wolfking]

I watched the live video from Scorpions on the 1979 tour this weekend, as well as the documentary on the recording of Lovedrive (all this is found on the bonus DVD with the 50th Anniversary Lovedrive edition).   

Fascinating.  Klaus sounds SO GOOD on We'll Burn The Sky and Life's Like A River.  Matthias looks like he's literally shitting himself on stage, but he plays so good.   Rudolf is as whacky as his brother is, just in a different way (he complains about eight times of having to write the music for the whole album; he says it so often that - coupled with what Michael says about him not being very good - you almost have to wonder what's the deal). 

It's also fascinating to hear Herman Ze German and Klaus try to intellectually discuss the inspiration for Another Piece of Meat and Lovedrive, respectively.   

I've actually been weighing up whether to get this or not.

[ProfessorPeart]

Alright, the list no one has been waiting for. No particular order here. As I've said, I suffer from analysis paralysis. My OCD would never allow me to get through more that a top 3, if I was lucky.

So here is my Top 10 + 1. I literally just scribbled down thoughts just before posting this. I have had the list for a few weeks.

Rock Bottom
   The first time I heard this, it blew me away. Shocking how young Schenker was.

This Kid's (Including Between The Walls)
   Just a great contrast here that really works. The highlight here, for me, is clearly Between The Walls. Just love that whole ending.

A Self Made Man
   I mean, we've all mentioned this one. One of UFO's heaviest riffs and a rocking song.

Gone In The Night
   I remember calling this out as a highlight of No Place To Run. Lovely song.

Sea Of Faith
   One of my absolute favorites. Schenker's contrasting riffs coupled with Dunbar's groove just make me tap my feet every time. Such a groove in this song.

Mr. Freeze
   That mid-section is just killer. I know some think it out of place, but I love it.

Dreaming Of Summer
   Tim and Kade have said all that needs to be said.

Love To Love
   I mean, really, see above.

Angel Station
   I came around to this one. Funny as I called out the first 3 tracks as being the only good ones and then I end up settling on this one as a favorite. Nice, bluesy track.

Alpha Centauri / Lettin' Go
   Chapman announcing himself with gusto with his solo on Lettin' Go.

Midnight Train
   My bonus 11th track is a just nice hard rocker. Just love the relentlessness of the riff.

[wolfking]

Nice top 10 Prof.  Great variety and a few deep cuts too.

I still can't really get into Sea of Faith personally.  Love the inclusion of This Kids and Mr Freeze too.  A couple of nice Chapman songs too.  Couple of no brainer classics too.

[TAC]

Yeah, interesting list.

Lettin' Go just missed my Top 30, but I love that tune. Paul Chapman is great on that. Gone In The Night made my list and that's because it's a great deep track.

Mr. Freeze is a cool tune. and Angel Station? Wow, didn't see that coming.

I'm also a big fan of Sea Of Faith. The bright spot on Sharks.

[ProfessorPeart]

My copy of Vices arrived today. Not sure anyone else knew, but this happens to be a 2021 reissue by Rock Candy. I had no idea. Just released in February. It's a little pricey in the US, but it's out there if anyone needs a fresh copy.

[TAC]

It's an uneven album but I've always liked it. Of course I always started at Sleazy as Love Loaded and Women In Chains are both pretty bad.

The modern day versions of Sleazy are a bit different. In the current version, at around 3:02, there's a part where Fin sings something like "I've been watching from a room". That section was not on the original album, and to me it totally detracts from a great song.


Right From The Start is a great deep cut in the UFO universe. I've always loved that song.

The Danny Vaughn fronted Waysted used to open their show with Toy With The Pasion. Great tune!

And of course Night Of The Wolf

[PowerSlave]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiadcbbpfS8

[TAC]

That's insane!

[devieira73]

Solo album by Doogie White:
https://www.thestoreformusic.com/shop.php?~~mode=product&~~id=324354007#!/Doogie-White-As-Yet-Untitled-Then-There-Was-This-Bonus-CD/p/324354007

Apparently one of the co-writers is Paul Lodge from Eden's Curse (I saw this announcement in his Facebook)
The bonus CD is all cover songs: some UFO (including Long Gone), some Iron Maiden (although misspelled, Clairvoyant and Bring You Daughter), some Whitesnake (including Judgement Day).

[TAC]

Thanks for the info D! This is the first I've heard of it. He surely could've chosen better sings than Bring Your Daughter and Too Hot To Handle. Can't wait to hear Cryin' In The Rain and Emerald.

[devieira73]

Cool, Tim! Also thank's for the tip about Antrax's web episodes in the other thread.
Bring Your Daughter isn't one of my favorites neither, but I think it will be interesting finally hear him singing some Maiden tunes. And I thought really nice that he choose to record Long Gone, Judgement Day and Crying in the Rain.

[TAC]

They're not the greatest songs but I'm looking forward to hearing him on the Maiden stuff, considering he was beat out by Blaze for the job.

[wolfking]

Fuck yeah, I'm all over this one! 

Bring You Daughter though!? 

[ProfessorPeart]

Alright, so which show should the Listening Party have a meetup? 

https://bravewords.com/news/ufo-to-embark-on-farewell-tour-in-summer-2022-final-show-to-take-place-in-athens-greece

Following a number of tours around the globe and countless spectacular shows, British rock legend UFO will embark on its final tour featuring a series of exclusive concerts in summer 2022 to bid farewell to its fans in style.

At the grand finale of a unprecedented success story, which began in 1969 and has spanned more than five decades, the band has announced a number of real highlights: The first one is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 20, 2022 at the Beatbox in Hannover, where UFO are planning a public rehearsal, with a strictly limited number of only 80 tickets available.

One day later, on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, the band will perform a private open-air concert in front of an audience of 300, presenting the full set-list of the subsequent tour, and coming into exceptionally close contact with their fans. Tickets for both concerts will be available exclusively from Eventim from October 1, 2021.

UFO will then play the very last concert of their long career on October 29, 2022 in Athens, Greece, where the band performed its first show featuring current guitarist Vinnie Moore in February 2004.

Singer and band founder Phil Mogg is anticipating this very special farewell show with mixed feelings, while also very much looking forward to UFO once again meeting their extensive fan base between summer and autumn 2022. Says Mogg: “After so many years with countless highlights, fantastic experiences and lots of beautiful memories - as well as some difficult moments, naturally - it’ll be a worthy finale to say goodbye to your fans in person. I know that there are bound to be some very emotional moments on both sides.”

2022 tour dates:

Part 1
June
20 - Hannover, Germany - Beatbox (indoors)
21 - Hannover, Germany - Beatbox (outdoors)
23 - Clisson, France - Hellfest

July
1 - Barcelona, Spain - Rockfest
3 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
5 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
7 - Bremen, Germany - Modernes
8 - Berlin, Germany - Hole 44
9 - Torgau, Germany - Kulturbastion Open Air
11 - Tübingen, Germany - Sudhaus
12 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche
13 - Cologne, Germany - Kantine
15 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
16 - Enderndorf, Germany - Lieder am See

Part 2
October
15 - Sint Niklaas, Belgium - De Casino
16 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
17 - Braunschweig, Germany - Westand
18 - Hamburg, Germany - Fabrik
20 - Prague, Czech Republic - Palac Akropolis
21 - Dresden, Germany - Tante Ju
22 - Erfurt, Germany - HsD
24 - Augsburg, Germany - Spectrum
25 - Speyer, Germany - Halle 101
26 - Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
28 - Thessaloniki, Greece - Principal Club
29 - Athens, Greece - Fuzz Club

[TAC]

I saw that today. Very sad. I was surprised there are no London dates. Maybe something will get added.

[ProfessorPeart]

I noticed that after I posted it. They are playing like 30 shows in Germany and nothing in the UK. I found that really odd as well.

[TAC]

Athens marked the spot for the band's end the first time in 1983.

[wolfking]

I wonder if Schenker makes an appearance at any stage for a guest spot?

[TAC]

I wonder if Schenker makes an appearance at any stage for a guest spot?

Not a chance.

He's been pretty reflective over the last decade, but I believe this isn't something he would do. I thought I remembered that from some interview along the way. No way I could cite it.

[ProfessorPeart]

I think the only shot was if Pete and Paul were still alive. Even then, it stood a snowballs chance. He's been clear he does not get on with Phil and that he thinks the true UFO is with Phil, Pete, Paul and Andy. Anything else won't cut it for him.

[TAC]

Pete's an interesting story because, as Michael will tell you, he did everything he could to "help" Pete out on numerous occasions.

Unfortunately, Pete was long unfit to play with UFO.

[wolfking]

True, I kind of didn't think about Pete and Paul.  Yeah, there's no way he's do it just with Phil.  Dunno why I'd think that.

[TAC]

This also really confirms that they did no new music during the pandemic. They were pretty much writing over the webz as it was. I'm kind of bummed about it. I'm not really surprised, but I guess there was a small part of me holding out hope. The Vinnie Era definitely was not what I expected it to be when I heard he joined the band, but it did turn into something pretty cool on its own.

[wolfking]

Ending on a covers album is a bit of a shitter though.

[TAC]

Ending on a covers album is a bit of a shitter though.

I think I posted a Vinnie interview in the thread where he mentioned that that came directly from the record company. Much like the Saxon cover album..who fucking cares?

[wolfking]

I still didn't even give it the time for a single listen.

I will say ACOS was a decent ending though if you don't count the covers album.  Was quite surprised with that one.

[TAC]

Yeah, it was a grower for me. They were still making some nice music.

[Stadler]

Bummed that that means without a lengthy trip, my options to see UFO are now officially zero.  That's totally my fault, since I missed I think three shows in my area over the past couple years, but sometimes the reality is enough to slap you in the face. 

[TAC]

Bummed that that means without a lengthy trip, my options to see UFO are now officially zero.  That's totally my fault, since I missed I think three shows in my area over the past couple years, but sometimes the reality is enough to slap you in the face. 

Yup, right down the street from you...

[Stadler]

Bummed that that means without a lengthy trip, my options to see UFO are now officially zero.  That's totally my fault, since I missed I think three shows in my area over the past couple years, but sometimes the reality is enough to slap you in the face. 

Yup, right down the street from you...

And, worse, FREE.

[TAC]

So I was perusing new shows added to Dime this morning, and it seems that Michael Schenker is touring in Europe at the moment. Someone uploaded a show from last night in Wolverhampton.

Billed as MSG, but featuring:
Ronnie Romero-vocals
Steve Mann-guitar/keys
Bodo Schopf-drums
Barend Courbois-bass


It sounds pretty good, but what caught my eye were three songs added to the setlist..
Looking For Love, Red Sky, and Rock You To The Ground.

Looking For Love felt a bit slow, but was still cool. Red Sky was a great addition and was really excellent. Rock You To Ground was awesome, and Ronnie sounded really good on it.

[wolfking]

Lol Ronnie is everywhere.

Looking For Love and Rock You are two of my favs from his solo stuff.  I'll have to check them out.

[TAC]

Lol Ronnie is everywhere.

My main beef with him that that I'm a fan of bands, not projects. And you're right, he seemed to be everywhere. And that's no knock on his voice, which is excellent. He's a damn chameleon.
Being that he's with Schenker for the time being, I might as well just sit back and take it in.

He does a great job on Assault Attack. Wow!

[wolfking]

Lol Ronnie is everywhere.

My main beef with him that that I'm a fan of bands, not projects. And you're right, he seemed to be everywhere. And that's no knock on his voice, which is excellent. He's a damn chameleon.
Being that he's with Schenker for the time being, I might as well just sit back and take it in.

He does a great job on Assault Attack. Wow!

That's the thing sometimes hey, can't do anything about it so might as well try and enjoy haha. 

[Stadler]

So is the "Fest" thing done or is it something he switches on and off?   Man, that's one of the things I don't like about Schenker; it's sometimes so hard to follow the progression.