The Scorpions have been rocking out for over 50 years, and brought their “Crazy World” Tour to the newly named Budweiser Stage in Toronto for the last show of the summer at the venue. Toronto has been enjoying an unseasonably hot September and the Scorpions turned up the heat a little further for the nearly sold out crowd.
Armed with a monster video screen array, a hydraulic drum riser and a guitar case full of hits, they took the stage for their nearly two hour set. The Scorpions delivered a set full of classic rock hits and the band delivered. Guitarist Rudolf Schenker spent much of the show running back and forth to the end of the stage thrust, getting up close to the fans, and showing off the rockstar persona he is famous for. He not only is one of the top six stringers, he’s flashy as well. He alternated guitar models including his signature “Mercedes” inset logo silver Gibson “V” and his smoking mode. Singer, Klaus Meine seems to get better with age and his German accent that has always crept into the lyrics was in fine form. Guitarist Mattias Jabs had some solo time onstage joined by his guitar tech Ingo Powitzer on guitar for “Delicate Dance”.
In late 2016, the band added Mikkey Dee (the long time drummer for Motorhead) after Lemmy Kilmister passed away and the band called it quits. With his long mane of hair and over the top drumming chops, he’s fitting right in with the band.
Stand outs for the show for me were:: a cover of Motorhead’s “Overkill,” an acoustic medley at the front of the stage of “Always Somewhere / Eye of the Storm / Send Me an Angel” and of course their mega hits “No One Like You,” “Still Loving You” and “Rock You Like a Hurricane;” which closed out the encore.
In the past, the band announced their retirement. Over the last handful of years they have embarked in numerous tours. While we aren’t sure if and when the retirement will actually come to pass, but as of right now, the band still remain a must see show!
Setlist:
Make It Real
The Zoo
Coast to Coast
Top of the Bill / Steamrock Fever / Speedy’s Coming / Catch Your Train
We Built This House
Delicate Dance (with Ingo Powitzer)
Always Somewhere / Eye of the Storm / Send Me an Angel
Wind of Change
Rock ‘n’ Roll Band
Overkill
(Motörhead cover)
Drum Solo
Blackout
Big City Nights
Encore:
No One Like You
Still Loving You
Rock You Like a Hurricane
We would like to thank Catie Monck from Primary Wave for the credentials to review the show.
