Scott Munro of Classic Rock reports:
Michael Schenker has ruled out any possibility of playing with UFO on their farewell tour.
Frontman Phil Mogg – the band’s only ever-present member – announced his decision to retire from UFO earlier this year and will bow out following a 50th anniversary tour in 2019.
Many fans would like to see former members make guest appearances during the dates in the UK and Ireland, but the guitarist won’t be one of them and he’s explained exactly why he won’t take part – not even at the all-star jam on the final night of the tour at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on April 4th.
He tells Classic Rock, “Bands like UFO and the Scorpions are trying to fool the audience, and I’m not a part of that world. It’s becoming a trend to make a big deal about playing last shows, and those bands do it because they can’t get anywhere in a normal way.
I returned the UFO name to Phil Mogg in 2003 – it was a precious gift that I gave him for free and he didn’t even thank me. Why should I show up with UFO again?
For me, UFO only exists with the original five members, plus producer Ron Nevison. Phil calls his current band UFO, but it isn’t UFO. If he shows me no respect or appreciation, why would I do that for him?”
Schenker and Mogg both live in Sussex, England, with the guitarist saying that they see each other often – but haven’t spoken recently.
Schenker says, “When I use a zebra crossing, Phil’s there walking his dog. Or I see him in Morrison’s queuing up to buy a Lotto ticket. Or he’s going up the hill on his racing bike. It’s like a comedy. But we haven’t actually spoken for quite a while.”
The full interview with Schenker will feature in an upcoming issue of Classic Rock magazine.
UFO’s Last Orders – 50th anniversary tour will begin at The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, on March 29yj and conclude with a set at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on April 4th.
source: Classic Rock via loudersound.com
12 Responses
Gees, why does Michael continue to sound like a hater? This guy also speaks negatively of his brother, Rudolf, whenever he can. Michael sounds like a bitter man who needs to find some happiness in his life. Michael, you’re a better musician and influence than you are an interviewee, so just shut up and play your guitar.
And I didn’t think UFO announced a “farewell”….I thought Phil Mogg just announced he was retiring? I think it would be great if Michael and Pete Way reunited with Phil for some special UFO shows, and performed the entire Strangers In the Night album in its entirety. But I guess I’m living in a fairy tale….
Yo, Mikey, lighten up bro! Just go with the flow! Enjoy what you can when you can, nobody is fooling anybody! We know the deal, and we know what’s real, and the reality is, we just wanna rock & roll! 🙂
I understand where Michael is coming from , not only from the whole ” fool the audience last show thing”
but having replacement members as well , I stopped caring about UFO when Schenker left , I dont know maybe I’m just so rooted in these great timeless bands and songs being performed by this great group of musicians ” original members “, that I just cant get past it -bands do this stuff all the time, and I hate it – I just dont buy anything or go to their shows –
also giving Phil the name UFO for free is a big thing – you know if he didn’t at least say thank you , that’s pretty sketchy – so I would keep my distance from that drama as well – but I do think Michael and Phil should at least try and talk , clear the air and try to make at least one final show come off with all the original members – I never understood and never will understand 60 plus year old men behaving like high schoolers –
I get his feelings, but it comes off a bit disingenuous when he plays songs that originated out of UFO. IMO, best to appreciate your beginnings no matter what they may look like today.
He still plays those UFO songs , because he wrote them.
I totally understand your opinion about being rooted in timeless bands and songs by “original members”. I feel the same way, too, about the bands I enjoy. KI$$ being the biggest example. That’s our passion for these bands we enjoy
But until I read this article, I had no idea that Michael used to own the UFO name. How does that even happen, considering Michael wasn’t even an original member of the band?????
When Michael rejoined UFO back in 93, one of the stipulations in the contract, was that neither could use the UFO name, without the other also being in the band. That’s the reason we got the Mogg/Way albums.
Anyway, I guess Phil said something about it one day, and Michael signed his rights to the name back over to Phil.