Scorpions
Biography
Scorpions are a German rock band formed in 1965 in Hanover by guitarist Rudolf Schenker. He is the band's only continuous member. While the band's musical style has ranged from hard rock to heavy metal, they are best known for their incredible rock anthems and power ballads. The Scorpions have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful rock bands to come out of continental Europe.
Early Years and Rise to Fame
In the beginning, the Scorpions had a sound influenced by the beat music of the time, with Rudolf Schenker initially on vocals. The band's lineup saw several changes in its early years. A significant turning point came in 1970 when Schenker's younger brother, Michael, and vocalist Klaus Meine joined the group. This lineup released the debut album "Lonesome Crow" in 1972. Michael Schenker left to join the band UFO, and was replaced by guitarist Uli Jon Roth. With Roth, the band released four studio albums: "Fly to the Rainbow" (1974), "In Trance" (1975), "Virgin Killer" (1976), and "Taken by Force" (1977). These albums helped establish the band's hard rock sound.
International Breakthrough
Following Uli Jon Roth's departure, Matthias Jabs joined as the new lead guitarist in 1978. This change marked a shift towards a more melodic rock sound. The 1979 album "Lovedrive" was a pinnacle for many critics and featured a brief return from Michael Schenker, giving the band three guitarists at the time. The lineup of Klaus Meine (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar), Matthias Jabs (lead guitar), Francis Buchholz (bass), and Herman Rarebell (drums) is considered the most successful, lasting from 1978 to 1992.
Worldwide Success
The 1980s saw the Scorpions skyrocket to international fame. Albums like "Animal Magnetism" (1980) and "Blackout" (1982) were highly successful. However, it was the 1984 album "Love at First Sting" that cemented their status as global superstars. Propelled by the massive hit single "Rock You Like a Hurricane," the album went double platinum in the United States. The power ballad "Still Loving You" also became an international anthem. The decade of success continued with "Savage Amusement" (1988).
The 1990 album "Crazy World" became their biggest-selling record, largely due to the phenomenal success of the ballad "Wind of Change." This song became a worldwide anthem for the political changes happening in Eastern Europe at the time, particularly the fall of the Berlin Wall. It remains one of the best-selling singles in the world.
Later Career and Legacy
Throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium, the Scorpions continued to tour and release music, experimenting with their sound on albums like "Pure Instinct" (1996) and "Eye II Eye" (1999). The band has seen further lineup changes, with Paweł Mąciwoda joining on bass in 2003 and Mikkey Dee on drums in 2016. They have continued to release albums, including "Rock Believer" in 2022. The Scorpions are renowned for their energetic live performances and have influenced countless rock and metal bands.