Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker exude more pep than might reasonably be expected of two 77-year-olds. When Classic Rock talks to them they’re still buzzing from their band’s 60th-anniversary homecoming show in Hannover, Germany, and their general vibe chimes with the spirit of the title track of Scorpions’ 2022 album Rock Believer.
As men still smitten and sustained by the genre after which this magazine is titled, Scorpions are big on the restorative power of riffage, and big on turning the spotlight on their fans. When vocalist Meine sings ‘I’m a rock believer, just like you’, it rings true.
As Scorpions’ lyricist (aided by their then drummer Herman Rarebell from 1977-96), Meine has better English than Schenker. However, Schenker’s enthusiasm for the band he founded always translates.
“Sixty years on the road and still happy to be a rocker!” the guitarist says, beaming, chatting via Zoom. “Only us and the Stones can say that.”
Shades on, cheekbones still prominent, Schenker is backstage prior to Scorpions’ headline show at the Marés Vivas festival in Portugal this summer. Forever upbeat, he seems like the possible model for Viv ‘Have a good time – all the time’ Savage of Spinal Tap.
“Hannover was amazing, fans coming from Mexico, from Australia,” he enthuses. “Normally I do a runner after the show, but I stayed up until two a.m. that night. I was shaking hands with our old manager Doc McGee and many other friends. Unbelievable!”
Meine, chatting from his home in Hannover two weeks later – prior to flying to Las Vegas for the band’s five-night stand at Planet Hollywood – is a warm, relaxed presence, wearing his trademark black beret. He too, speaks fondly of Scorpions’ homecoming show with old pals Judas Priest and Alice Cooper.
