Michael Schenker recently addressed misconceptions about his relationship with UFO songs, clarifying his role as their original creator in a statement shared on Chaoszine.
The guitarist’s comments came in response to a question about his recent European tour featuring UFO material from the 1970s.
When asked about wrapping up his five-week European tour playing “only UFO songs from your 1970s era with the band,” Schenker corrected the premise entirely.
“No, no, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. It was Michael Schenker songs,” he said. “That’s why I could have called the album ‘My Songs and My Years with UFO.’ Many people are actually under the illusion that I’m just a tribute; they even call me a good tribute act.”
Schenker explained that the misunderstanding stems from a lack of knowledge about the songs’ true origins.
“They don’t realize—they’re not knowledgeable enough to understand—that these are my songs,” he continued. “So that’s a bit of the situation. When people ask me, besides celebrating my 50-year career, I’m also celebrating my time with UFO—that’s what it really is.”
The guitarist emphasized that part of his mission involves educating audiences about his historical contributions to the band’s catalog. He noted the passage of time has obscured these facts for many listeners.
Schenker’s frustration is understandable given his transformative impact on UFO’s musical direction and the band’s subsequent success during his tenure.
UFO’s official history documented that Schenker was recruited from the Scorpions in 1973 at just 18 years old, initially as a substitute for guitarist Bernie Marsden. His arrival marked a dramatic shift in UFO’s sound from their earlier space rock origins to a powerful melodic hard rock style that would define their classic era.
The young German guitarist’s songwriting and musical contributions produced some of UFO’s most enduring material. Classic Rock History reported that his work helped create albums like Phenomenon and Force It, featuring iconic tracks such as “Doctor Doctor” and “Rock Bottom” that remain staples of hard rock radio today.
Schenker’s tenure with UFO was marked by both creative peaks and personal volatility. Wikipedia detailed that despite his crucial contributions, struggles led him to leave the band during the mixing of their legendary live album Strangers in the Night in 1978. His guitar work had already secured his status as the band’s most influential member.
His impact extended beyond individual songs to UFO’s overall trajectory as a band. The transformation from European “space metal” to blues-based heavy metal powerhouse under Schenker’s influence made UFO a seminal act in the development of melodic hard rock. This influenced countless musicians who followed.
Schenker continues to celebrate both his personal career milestones and his lasting legacy with UFO. He pushes back against reductive labels that overlook his role as the principal songwriter behind many of the band’s most celebrated compositions.
