Hi all
I was watching Rush's "Beyond The Lighted Stage" DVD Documentary last night. All we know it's wonderful, and without a doubt it helped to the well-earned Hall Of Fame nomination and eventually now induction (At last for God's sake!)
But more important than HOF thing is the universal recognition as one of the most influential and respected bands of all times. I mean, it almost seemed that all those big names in rock were queuing to appear on the film! And even some times influences aren't obvious at all! (Can you imagine that Death Cab For Cutie guy digging Rush? Sebastian Bach from Skid Row?, etc)
Immediatly Scorpions came to mind. Arguably the biggest band ever from continental Europe, an undeinable influence for everyone from New wave of British Heavy Metal, trash, 80s hard rock, etc, etc, tons of guitarists and singers, etc. Think about a major band and Scorpions will be cited as influence: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Europe, System Of a Down, Satriani, Malmsteen, Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day, etc, etc. Even Axl Rose said that he decided to become a singer after hearing Scorpions.
Neverthless ... Our German heroes have NEVER got any recognition. They never appear on those "Best bands", "best albums", "best guitarists", "best singers", etc categories. Needless to say, they have never been nomitated to HOF or similar.
But Wind of change is blowing at last!. Thanks to "That Metal Show" and youtube, you can now watch, for example, Kirk Hammett with his hero Uli Jon Roth, or a Billy Corgan with Uli Jon Roth documentary. Don Jamieson claimed that his favourite live album ever is 'Tokyo Tapes', etc.
Of course what happened at the US Festival 1983 is legendary!
And thanks God Audio Fidelity is starting to release classic Scorpions albums on CD
I think it's time to a "Beyond The Lighted Stage". Don't forget that the band have said they've tons of material on their vaults. I'd specially love to see those early concerts from Germany and Japan.
Cheers
