Scorpions, MSG - Rosemont Theatre, Rosemont 8/21/10

This was an anticipated concert as Scorpions say their final goodbyes to the city of Chicago on their farewell tour. This was going to be the night to remember, and it certainly was. It was the last date of the U.S. tour, and this was the only appearance with MSG. Those who don't know, both bands feature Schenker brothers, so it was a family reunion of sorts.

MSG took the stage first, and they started with "Armed and Ready", followed by "Cry For The Nations." Two very important tracks in the band's history. MSG once again featured Gary Barden on vocals, but the special surprise came from behind the drums. It was the legendary Carmine Appice handling the controls. Michael Schenker was in a top form, and so was his flying V. Schenker was hitting every note perfectly, and adding a lot of variations to already known tracks. The MSG set featured all of the classics, and some memorable UFO tracks thrown in. In the hour the band had on stage, all of the signature songs were touched upon. MSG played to a great crowd response as Chicago was always a big market for the Mad Axeman. It was a fantastic set from MSG, and you just knew this was not the last time Michael Schenker was gracing the Rosemont stage this evening.

Scorpions came on like a storm. They opened with the title cut from the latest album, and just continued to overwhelm the crowd with countless classics. And they had many to pull from, in fact one could wish for few more abstract songs, but it was not to be. Scorpions did not go beyond their "Lovedrive" release. What they did play kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. With the enthusiastic energy on both sides of the stage this was slowly becoming a very special evening.

Scorpions were very energetic, and the intimate nature of the venue truly added to one of a kind experience. Rudolf was the heart, Klaus the brain, and Matthias the arteries. James and Pawel pumped the blood into it all. Songs like "Make It Real," "Bad Boys Running Wild," "Loving You Sunday Morning," or "The Zoo" needed no introduction. It was clear a majority of the audience grew up with these tunes, and knew them inside out as was with the larger portion of the set list. The new songs were great too. "The Best Is Yet To Come" proved to be a very powerful ballad, and a great sing along. It was certainly an emotional part of the evening, but not the last. "Raised On Rock" just rocked hard, this particular track will definitely be considered a classic in years to come. The instrumental "Coast To Coast" still stands so much on its own, no wonder the band never dropped it from their set list.

As predicted, Michael Schenker joined the Scorpions and his brother Rudolf for a great version of "Another Piece Of Meat." It was a very impressive reunion, and one could only wonder how the band would be different had Michael refused the UFO offer and stayed with the Scorpions. Drummer, James Kottak, had a great solo, the so called Kottak Attak. It was very nicely accompanied by a movie showing Kottak in all sorts of settings, and a Scorpions theme through it all. All of it culminated with "Blackout", which even included Rudolf wearing the mask from the album cover. Yet, the ballads proved to be truly emotional moments for the band and the fans. "Holiday" was just as beautiful as the first time you heard it, "Wind Of Change" an anthem for Eastern Europe, but "Still Loving You" was an absolute show stealer. It never fails to do that.

Additional encores included "No One Like You," and Carmine Appice join the Scorpions as a special guest on drums. Scorpions ended with their MTV staple, "Rock You Like A Hurricane" to much delight of the audience. Before you knew it, the final goodbyes were said, and the show was over. Was this the last Scorpions show in Chicago? If it was, they finished in style, but if by some remote chance they happen to come back, it's an experience not to be missed.

Mark Kadzielawa