Live Review: Michael Schenker - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
Support: Wytch Hazel
8th May 2025
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
The doors opened at KK’s Steel Mill and the crowd filtered in for an evening of hard rock nostalgia with Michael Schenker playing his UFO classics. Kicking off the evening, few could have predicted just how well Wytch Hazel would set the tone. Hailing from Lancashire and known for blending classic metal with medieval and spiritual overtones, the band delivered a tight, uplifting, and commanding set that earned them more than a few new admirers.
Opening with ‘The Fire’s Control’, Wytch Hazel immediately lit the proverbial flame. The twin-guitar harmonies were crisp, the rhythm section solid, and frontman Colin Hendra’s clear, melodic vocals cut through the room with authority. There’s an almost regal confidence to their sound, and it resonated beautifully in the industrial cavern of KK’s Steel Mill.
‘I Am Redeemed’followed, lifting the energy even further and b y the time ‘Still We Fight’ kicked in the crowd was firmly on board, heads nodding and eyes fixed on the stage.
The middle section of the set brought a one-two punch of old favourites and new offerings. ‘Archangel’ and ‘Dry Bones’ were both thunderous, full of galloping rhythms and triumphant refrains. ‘The Devil Is Here’ provided a darker, more dramatic turn, highlighting the band’s ability to shift moods without ever losing their identity.
What really stood out tonight, though, was the unveiling of three brand-new tracks: ‘Woven’, ‘Elements’ and ‘Healing Power’. All three felt right at home among the established material but hinted at an evolving sound. ‘Woven’ in particular, had a mesmerizing quality, if this is a taste of what’s to come on their next record, fans have every reason to be excited.
Closing out with the majestic ‘Spirit and Fire’, Wytch Hazel left the stage to rousing applause. As an opening act, they did more than warm up the crowd, they captivated it. Their blend of traditional heavy metal, lyrical depth, and onstage presence made them a perfect complement to Schenker’s legacy and a standout act in their own right.
Michael Schenker is no stranger to legendary status. But on this night in Wolverhampton, the man himself transported a packed KK’s Steel Mill back to the glory days of UFO with a full set of stone-cold classics. Billed as “My Years With UFO,” this tour promised nostalgia, but what Schenker and company delivered went well beyond a mere greatest hits package .
From the very first notes of ‘Natural Thing’ the band sounded locked in, sharp and ready. Schenker, guitar in hand, was every bit the master; cool, composed, and as fluid as ever. If anything, there’s a sense of ease to his playing now, the mark of someone who’s lived and breathed these songs for decades.
Vocalist Erik Grönwall brought youthful energy and a fresh dynamic to the material. His vocal power and charisma were undeniable, he captured the spirit of the songs with style and conviction. ‘Only You Can Rock Me’ and ‘Hot 'n' Ready’ came roaring out, punchy and full of swagger.
By the time ‘Doctor Doctor’ hit, the crowd had fully surrendered fists in the air, voices raised. But there was depth as well as fire. ‘Love to Love’ was beautifully handled, its cinematic build and emotional peaks made all the more powerful by Schenker’s expressive guitar work. Grönwall proved equally adept at conveying the more vulnerable moments, his vocal tone measured and sincere.
The instrumental ‘Lipstick Traces / Between the Walls’ medley was a surprising highlight. With Grönwall stepping in on acoustic guitar, the band offered a brief interlude that was both intimate and musically rich. It allowed Schenker to explore mood and melody without bombast, showcasing the subtlety behind the shred.
Back into high gear with ‘Let It Roll’ and the foot-stomping ‘Can You Roll Her’, the second half of the set was all killer, no filler. ‘Rock Bottom’ with its extended solo section, reminded everyone why Schenker remains one of the most respected players in the business. The band locked in tightly, riding every twist and turn like a well-oiled machine.
To close out, ‘Shoot Shoot’ and ‘Too Hot to Handle’ brought the house down. It was the perfect close to a night that paid homage to a crucial chapter in hard rock history, not with dusty nostalgia but with real fire and passion.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
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