At first, I was really worried about getting good shots of all members of Michael Schenker Fest.  It’s a band with 8 legendary musicians!

We concert photographers are usually allowed to photograph only first 3 songs. It’s completely understandable. Concerts are basically for listening music. So it’s for audience and musicians, not for photographers. 

But how awesome is that? Band members and management allowed us to photograph the whole show! In addition, all members were very nice to photographers. They even smiled at me many times. They are true heroes and legends!

They played at the same venue and filmed the show 2 years ago. I watched that show on TV. Michael was playing perfectly in the bright and beautiful lighting. Furthermore, the photo pit was very wide… This huge venue called Tokyo International Forum looked brilliant and comfortable. I dreamed of photographing him at this venue. I imagined my perfect concert photo of him. 

But it’s a venue with a capacity of over 5000 people! It was too huge for me at that point. After watching the video, I made a note, “Tokyo International Forum Hall A, Michael Schenker”.

So… everything I dreamed of came true. I finally had a chance to photograph Michael Schenker Fest a few days ago. Of course, I worked very hard all the time to have this happen.

He is very respected and admired in Japan, literally called as “God”. (We say “Kami” in Japanese.)

I was very impressed to witness and photograph the Guitar God and legends at this my dream venue! I’m happy if this story helps people who are following their dreams.

Aki

Michael Schenker Fest website: https://www.michaelschenkerfest.com

Member:

Michael Schenker  (Lead/Rhythm Guitars)
Gary Barden  (Vocals)
Graham Bonnet  (Vocals)
Robin McAuley  (Vocals)
Doogie White  (Vocals)
Ted McKenna  (Drums)
Steve Mann  (Guitar / Keyboards)
Chris Glen  (Bass)

This article was also published on Chasing The Light Art. Check out the link below.

Chasing The Light Art: Michael Schenker Fest

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48 Rest in Peace, Ted. You will be missed forever.

Set list (reference source web page: setlist.fm)

1. Holiday
(Scorpions song) (Partial. Michael on vocals) 

2. Doctor Doctor
(UFO song) (Gary, Graham & Robin on vocals) 

3. Live and Let Live
(Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock song) (Doogie on vocals) 

4. Vigilante Man
(Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock song) (Doogie on vocals) 

5. Lord of the Lost and Lonely
(Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock song) (Doogie on vocals) 

6. Take Me to the Church
(Michael Schenker Fest song) (Doogie on vocals. Gary & many more ) 

7. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
(Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock song) (Doogie on vocals) 

8. Into the Arena
(Michael Schenker Group song) 

9. Bad Boys
(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin on vocals) 

10. Save Yourself
(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin on vocals) 

11. Anytime
(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin on vocals. Doogie, Gary… more ) 

12. Heart and Soul
(Michael Schenker Fest song) (Robin on vocals. Doogie, Gary… more ) 

13. Love Is Not a Game
(McAuley-Schenker Group song) (Robin on vocals. Doogie, Gary… more ) 

14. Warrior
(Michael Schenker Fest song) (Doogie, Gary, Graham & Robin on vocals.) 

15. Captain Nemo
(Michael Schenker Group song) 

16. Dancer
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Graham on vocals. Gary &… more ) 

17. Desert Song
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Graham on vocals.) 

18. Night Moods
(Michael Schenker Fest song) (Graham on vocals. Gary &… more ) 

19. Assault Attack
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Graham on vocals.) 

20. Searching for a Reason
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Graham on vocals.) 

21. Coast to Coast
(Scorpions song) 

22. Ready to Rock
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary on vocals.) 

23. Attack of the Mad Axeman
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary on vocals. Robin on backing vocals.) 

24. Rock My Nights Away
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary on vocals.) 

25. Messin’ Around
(Michael Schenker Fest song) (Gary on vocals.) 

26. Armed and Ready
(Michael Schenker Group song) (Gary on vocals.)

27. Rock Bottom
(UFO song) (Robin, Gary & Doogie on vocals.) 

Encore: 

28. Shoot Shoot
(UFO song) (Robin on vocals.) 

29. Natural Thing
(UFO song) (Doogie on vocals. With Akio Shimizu from Anthem.) 

30. Lights Out
(UFO song) (Doogie, Gary, Graham & Robin on vocals.)