There's already plenty been written about the events of summer 2007 so rather than go over all that again, let's pick up the story as it unfolded after that.... How did you first get in contact with Michael?
I was driving in Gateshead one day and saw a lorry with "Schenker" written on the side. I thought how strange to see a lorry with my guitar hero's name on it. I forgot about it until two days later, when it happened again. I don't believe in coincidence, and took it as a sign to have a look at Michael's website to see what he was up to - something I had not done for months. His website was down so I searched google and found a link to the fan site www.rbaraki.com. On there was a two-line message from Michael, asking if anyone was interested in becoming his agent. I immediately sent Ritchie an email, asking him to forward a message to Michael, stating simply that I would be his new agent. Ritchie sent the message on, but was unsure if Michael would get it. Two hours later I got an email asking who I was and what my background was, from...... Michael Schenker himself. I nearly passed out, but quickly set up a meeting with him for the coming weekend, met him in London, and by the end of that day I was his new agent.

In what way did you think you could make a difference? I told Michael about my background in Sports Management and that although I was new to Music Management, I was a huge fan of him and his music. I had experience of the music business having played guitar in bands for 30 years. I felt he needed someone he could trust and told him I was totally honest, hardworking, intelligent and a quick learner, and that I was bursting with ideas to get him back in the public domain for the right reasons.

Even though Schenker fans never dare take it for granted, history has shown that after hitting 'rock bottom' he usually manages to 'rise again' - but what sort of response did you get from promoters when you were trying to book this tour? I knew I would be in for a hard time booking shows for Michael Schenker, given the collapse of his last UK tour. The same questions came up every time -
(1) Is he sober?
and
(2) Will he turn up?
I had a major job on my hands convincing venues and promoters that Michael was fit, healthy and out to rebuild his career in a professional manner with people around him he could trust. One promoter actually stated Michael's career was over, and advised me that I should not touch him with a barge pole and get out while I could. This only made me more determined to prove everyone wrong, and, thankfully, some venues and promoters took me for my word and booked some shows.

Online reviews have been excellent, with reports of Michael being at the top of his game. The photos have also shown him to be looking fit, clean-shaven, happy and healthy. You've been at all the shows - what sort of feedback have you had from the fans? And are you seeing the same faces at more than one show?
Feedback from the fans has been shock and amazement at how good Michael looks and how brilliantly he is playing. He is having a great time on stage and it shows. I am pleased to say many fans and promoters have actually shook my hand and thanked me for getting Michael back to a level of playing they have not seen in years. This is not all my doing, of course. I have had invaluable support from from a very professional road crew and band to make things run smoothly, and Michael has been totally professional himself in his attitude to playing live again. Also thanks to his partner Emi for being a stablising influence in his life. The result is that many fans have been to three or four shows on the tour already so far!

As a fan yourself, how different does it feel when you're watching him play, now that you're involved in the workings of the tour - compared to when you've been to a UFO or MSG show just as a regular member of the crowd? It is quite strange in that when we are offstage I have my business head on, but when Michael hits the stage I turn back into a fan and still shake my head in disbelief at some of the things he plays. My personal highlight of the tour was just before Michael arrived for the soundcheck in Sutton, and I got up and played "Lights Out" with the band. Check out www.myspace.com/adetheshade for some pictures!!! It happened again in Falmouth. Priceless!!!

The current tour, billed as 'Michael Schenker & Friends' features Leif Sundin on vocals and the three Swedish guys, Tom, Tom and Kjell, who are better known for their work with Glenn Hughes, JJ Marsh etc. The set includes many UFO and MSG classics. How likely is this line-up to morph into MSG over time?
The Swedes are talented enough to become a permanent MSG, but Michael seems to like playing with different people so who knows?

Since the start of this tour more dates have been added. Yes, it was interesting to find that once there were 14 -15 shows booked, venues and promoters started ringing me asking if there were any dates free to book Michael into their venues. Unfortunately for some, the dates were filled and they missed out.

And how are you and Michael getting along, seeing as he'd never worked with you before and didn't know you prior to this. We get on fine, although he struggles sometimes to understand my Geordie accent!

Do you consider yourself to be more a UFO or MSG fan - and why? And which era of MSG was/is your favourite, and why? I have a slight preference for UFO as I went through my teens listening to them and seeing them live.But I love the first three MSG albums and many songs from MSG albums across the years.

As we've seen over the years, Schenker fans are enduringly loyal - what part have fansites such as Ritchie Araki's  played in keeping the flame burning throughout the ups and downs of the last few years?
MS fans are incredibly loyal, and people like Ritchie have played an invaluable part in keeping the legend alive.

Tell us about the new MSG album which is due for release soon. "In the Midst of Beauty" is due for release at the back end of April 2008 and features Gary Barden, Neil Murray, Don Airey and Simon Phillips. The snippets I have heard so far suggest some very commercial songs with some innovative guitar work, and Michael is very pleased with it.

Which other bands are among your favourites? Thin Lizzy, Focus, Be Bop Deluxe, Foreigner, Santana, Robin Trower, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore, Journey, Toto, Pat Travers, AC/DC and Van Halen, to name a few - and my current favourite, a brilliant Canadian Rock band called King Karma. And I am listening to another German band called Hinkel who I really like.

What are your five Desert Island Discs, and why?
1. Strangers In The Night by UFO. Brilliant song after brilliant song, a red hot band and Michael in particular on fire!!!!!!!!!
2. Sunburst Finish by Be Bop Deluxe. Bill Nelson is a musical genius, a brilliant guitarist and songwriter.
3. Moving Waves by Focus. Brillant musicians, unbelieveable music incorporating rock, jazz and classical. Frightening guitar work and a must for drummers!!!
4. Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie. Breathtaking songs, Mick Ronson is awesome on guitar.
5. Jailbreak by Thin Lizzy. Awesome Gibson Les Paul tones, class, catchy songs, two great guitarists and, of course, Phil!!!

With the MSG tour coming up later in the year, what are your plans for the rest of 2008 and into 2009?
I am booking the MSG UK tour as I write, there are also offers to play in Spain, Holland, Italy and Brazil.
I have also been asked to book some UK shows for Hinkel. I would love to get King Karma over to the UK, and I may get a chance to work with UK thrashers Onslaught, fingers crossed.

What would you like to say to the fans? Thank you for having faith in Michael, and your show of support in turning up to the shows on this tour. He is a special talent and you have shown that you still agree.

© Get Ready To Roll - 1st February 2008