UFO drummer Andy Parker recently shared his perspective on Michael Schenker’s unpredictable behavior during his time with the band. He offered insights into the guitarist’s departure and ongoing mannerisms in an interview with The Classic Metal Show.
Parker’s comments came in response to a direct question about Schenker’s reputation for odd behavior and what might contribute to his sometimes erratic professional conduct.
“First of all, let me say that I love Michael. He’s a fantastic guitar player, a lovely guy, but as we were saying earlier, sometimes your personal life gets in the way of your professional life,” Parker said. “Some people that’s that happens more than with others. You know, there’s just different people.”
The drummer drew parallels to other music legends who struggled with the pressures of the industry.
“Some people are not built for that particular I mean Elvis Presley for example, you know, poor guy, you know, I mean, incredible talent, but maybe not built for being in that business,” he continued. “And I think it is an extremely hard business to be in, you know, away from home a lot and touring continuously.”
Parker emphasized the unique challenges musicians face when personal issues interfere with professional commitments.
“And I think sometimes people just they make commitments and when the time comes it’s just not the right time. It’s not like you can kind of you know like call in the office and say I got a cold I’m staying in bed today,” he explained.
The drummer also referenced a recent example of Schenker’s unpredictable behavior. He cited an incident in Milan where the guitarist left the stage after only four songs because he didn’t like the audience response.
“Michael is Michael, you know I mean. There’s a fine line between genius and madman,” Parker concluded.
Parker’s reflections come at a time when Schenker’s legacy with UFO is being celebrated through various retrospective projects and tours.
Michael Schenker Himself reported that the guitarist recently released a new album titled “My Years with UFO” to mark the 50th anniversary of his era with the band, which spanned from 1972 to 1978. This period produced some of UFO’s most acclaimed work, including the albums Phenomenon, Force It, Lights Out, and the live classic Strangers in the Night.
The significance of Schenker’s UFO years cannot be overstated in rock history. Guitar World noted that Schenker explained his motivation for the anniversary project: “It’s the 50th anniversary of my first album with UFO – Phenomenon, in 1974 – and so I wanted to do something special.” This retrospective approach highlights how the guitarist’s contributions during this era continue to resonate with fans and musicians alike.
However, Schenker’s time with UFO was marked by the same unpredictability that Parker described. Louder Sound revealed that the guitarist’s departure from UFO occurred during a particularly turbulent period. Schenker left mid-tour while the band was recording Strangers in the Night. This sudden exit exemplified the erratic behavior that would become a recurring theme throughout his career.
Despite the challenges, Schenker’s influence on UFO’s sound during the 1970s remains undeniable. The five studio albums and one live album from this period established UFO as a major force in hard rock. They helped define the template for countless metal bands that followed. His guitar work on tracks from this era continues to be studied and celebrated by musicians worldwide, even as his unpredictable nature remains a topic of discussion among former bandmates and industry observers.
