Schenker is a former member of UFO and the SCORPIONS and a founding member of the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (MSG). He is the younger brother of Rudolf Schenker, guitarist with the SCORPIONS.

Michael joined UFO under unusual circumstances. The band left the U.K. to play some dates in Germany. Their guitarist at the time, Bernie Marsden, forgot his passport and was unable to make the first gig. At the venue, UFO spotted Michael playing a soundcheck with the SCORPIONS and managed to persuade him into playing that evening’s show. And the rest is history. Eventually, Schenker decided he wanted to play his own music and not be a hired hand for another band. In 1979, he founded the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, and the band has been recording and touring as numerous incarnations ever since.

Although Michael Schenker‘s era with UFO spanned only six years, his influence as a young songwriter and exceptional guitarist had already left a lasting mark on rock. During these meteoric years, the UFO albums “Phenomenon”, “Force It”, “No Heavy Petting”, “Lights Out”, “Obsession” and the seminal live album “Strangers In The Night” were recorded, each contributing significantly to the genre. “Strangers In The Night” particularly stands out as one of the most influential live rock albums of all time and is still regarded as a cornerstone in any rock enthusiast’s collection.