The Scorpions have roots in Eastern Europe, with ties to Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania. For years they have been refining their stage projections in these regions. The question remains: how did their concerts endure when the threat of war loomed so close?
Eastern European audiences express great joy that the band visited. Around the globe, support for Ukraine is visible, and the band has maintained a loyal fan base of music lovers who stay committed regardless of conflicts. Regrettably, performing in Russia or Ukraine is no longer possible. It is a somber reality they acknowledge.
The song “Wind of Change,” released in 1991, drew on the late days of the Soviet Union. The band has since updated the lyrics, saying the original version romanticized that era.
Audiences appreciated how the band treats the game of rock as a living, ongoing story, and the revised lyrics reflect that spirit. The singer has explained that “Wind of Change” grew from a moment when the Soviet Union was already undergoing shifts, rather than from the fall of the Berlin Wall. The present conflict adds a stark, brutal layer that inspired the band to respond with new art.
They are returning to Barcelona after unveiling the Rock Believer project last year. Is the relationship with rock a matter of faith?
The title track of the album speaks to a life devoted entirely to rock and roll. There has never been a backup plan. For forty-five years the members have stuck with it, and the fans have shared that same commitment.
A member who joined in 1978 debuted with the album Lovedrive, leaving behind an era with Ulrich Roth. The voice changed noticeably during the transition.
In the 1970s, the band pursued its own voice and discovered a new sound, especially after Blackout in 1982. The band feels Rock Believer echoes those earlier days, aided by the fact that the pandemic prevented collaborating with the California producer they preferred, so the recordings were completed in Hanover, the band’s hometown.
They stand as a striking example of a continental European act entering the Anglo‑American star system. How did they pull it off?
When the singer joined, the band’s first US tour happened quickly. They were fortunate to secure a manager who had worked with Ted Nugent and Aerosmith. Opening for Nugent brought a rapid flood of fans, even though the performances were short. There came a moment when a famous musician warned them to slow down because the audience was struggling to keep up. By 1982 they were already leading in the United States, and that momentum helped them gain traction in Europe as well.
The era also saw a rock scene in which the New Wave of British Heavy Metal left an imprint in many European countries. The Scorpions observed that development from a distance, while continuing to define their own path.
The band draws a line from the early days of rock legends like the Beatles and the Stones to the A-list stages they reached, a journey visible even at the 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal was part of a larger landscape they navigated, and they did so without getting bogged down by fleeting trends.
In Spain, the ballad “I Still Love You” helped broaden the audience for metal, drawing new listeners to a genre traditionally dominated by men.
Ballads widened the band’s appeal, bringing in more listeners for songs like Always Somewhere and Vacation. “Still Love You” especially resonated in France, Spain, and Portugal, and the band continues to perform it as part of their repertoire. It remains a beloved track.
The group toured with Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1984, and they faced hostile crowds in Barcelona where rain of coins and objects interrupted the set.
The memory of similar incidents in Germany is still vivid. Those moments were painful for everyone involved, especially for the performers who had a hit song at the time. Yet the band pressed on, and those difficult nights did not define their career.
Urban tribes of the era wore their identities clearly: a clash of punk, metal, and street style that often turned into factional rivalries. The scene was chaotic, yet vibrant, with a constant churn of new sounds.
Today there are many genres to keep up with, and the aim remains the same: to stay true to the core of rock while welcoming new influences.
At the Barcelona festival they share the stage with another enduring name, Saxon, a reminder that some long-running bands continue to endure.
The singer expresses strong respect for Saxon, noting their continued existence and the commitment it takes to stay active on tour. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
On tour, the setlist is treated with care, often avoiding a pure retro approach. A 70s mix might be abandoned in favor of a blend that includes newer material alongside timeless staples like Rock You Like a Hurricane, Bad Boys Run Wild, and Rock Believer.
The band announced a farewell tour in 2010, but soon afterward stepped back from that idea. A chance encounter with Klaus Meine at an airport led to clarifications: the idea came from management, not from the singer alone. MTV even suggested an unplugged format, which the group tried.
They have continued to perform since, without declaring a final tour. The agency still books shows for 2024, and 2025 marks the band’s 60th anniversary. There is no plan for a final concert; the group remains healthy and continues to enjoy performing.
The band recognizes other veteran acts like The Who and the Stones that are still active well into their late years, a testament to endurance and ongoing appeal.
The singer will turn 68 in October, with colleagues in the mid-70s. It is something to behold, dedicating a life to music for so long, and it resonates with fans around the world who have grown up with them.
Is there a stagnation in hard rock and heavy metal, or do new voices emerge to continue the tradition?
There is a sense that many of the old guard may be fading, and it is harder for younger bands to fill large venues on their own. Still, the scene persists through festivals and live shows, driven by loyal fans and ongoing tours.
Will there be another Scorpions album?
That decision hinges on the songs at hand. If a new collection matches or surpasses the quality of the previous releases, it may appear. The band does not feel a pressing need to release new material, but they would consider it if the music feels right. In the meantime, the road remains a constant and rewarding experience for them.