BY FILIPA MOREIRA l PUBLISHED: 02.09.2023
Images: David Ilzhoefer
Song: Rock You Like A Hurricane
Determined, honest, and grateful - these words summarise the essence of the legendary musician, Klaus Meine. As the iconic voice behind the rock band Scorpions, Klaus has carved his name in the music history, delivering anthems that resonate with generations. In an exclusive interview, we had the privilege of delving into the thoughts and experiences that have shaped his remarkable journey. From the early days of striving for recognition to the peak of global stardom, Klaus Meine's story is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for every step taken on this extraordinary path. Join us as we unravel the layers of the artist's life, exploring his perspectives, honest revelations, and the profound gratitude that fuels his artistic soul.
A DRIVE IN THE FORMULA ONE OF ROCK AND ROLL
Born on the 25th of May of 1948, in Hanover, Germany, Klaus Meine, grew up in an environment where his family had a musical background, which strongly evoked his passion for music, and ignited his aspiration to forge a path as a musician, particularly as a vocalist.
Nonetheless, it was in the midst of the 1960s, an era characterised by the sports, fashion, and the electrifying realm of rock and roll, that Klaus discovered his love for music, and became certain that this was his dream. With the rise of iconic British bands like the The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and The Who, Klaus found lasting inspiration in this rapid popularity surge.
He reminisces about the luck of encountering the right people at the right time, who were ready to embark on their journey in the world of music. Stating, that ‘they were a group of friends, that were forming a band, and went up to the stages to play their music.’ Adding, that ‘nobody was thinking about a career, or that their band could last more than five years’. Still, the member’s of the Scorpions, pursued their instincts and dreams, reveling in life's pleasures and the joy of making music alongside friends.
ROCK 'N' ROLL RUNNING THROUGH THEIR VEINS
When reflecting on their early years, the Scorpions’ primary focus was on creating the right group dynamic within the band. Through various moments playing together, they tried to establish their own distinct musical identity. This journey of discovery, began when they commenced crafting their original compositions in the early 1970s, even before recording their debut album "Lonesome Crow." While there were several changes, the turning point arrived around 1975 when they collaborated with producer Dieter Dierks, inching closer to their artistic aspirations, solidifying their musical trajectory, with their songwriting skills coming to the fore.
Over the years the band naturally evolved, while preserving the essence that defines the Scorpions. Their most recent album, "Rock Believer," created during the pandemic, aimed to recapture the robust Scorpions DNA that flourished in the 80s, showcasing their unwavering belief in rock.
LOVE, PEACE AND ROCK AND ROLL
Tapping into human sentiments has always been integral to the Scorpions’ songwriting approach. Their objective has consistently been to touch the hearts of their fans and foster an emotional connection, with them. The combination of hard-hitting tracks and heartfelt ballads has allowed them to effectively engage their audience. Thus, their musical spectrum spans a broad range of emotions, from the intensity of their rock anthems to the vulnerability of their ballads.
Throughout their journey, they’ve consistently aimed to convey messages of love, peace, and the spirit of rock and roll. To illustrate, "Still Loving You" embodies a message of love, "Wind of Change" resonates as an anthem of peace, and when it comes to rock and roll, "Rock You Like a Hurricane" captures that essence. Klaus says;
“Witnessing the impact of our music, particularly in the live setting where the studio efforts come full circle, has been incredibly rewarding. Having performed in front of three generations of fans, it's truly heartening to see young individuals singing along to songs composed in the 1980s.”
For him, this phenomenon signifies a powerful connection, a silent understanding fostered through the music and lyrics. This bond extends particularly to the younger audience, showcasing the enduring relevance of their messages across the years.
WIND OF CHANGE
The process of songwriting often involves an unpredictable dynamic. The experience of touring extensively across the globe played a pivotal role in shaping Klaus’ creative wellspring. Returning home from these journeys, he found himself translating the sights and emotions he had encountered onto paper, culminating in tracks like "Wind of Change."
During the 1980s, the band garnered significant success, especially in the United States. Yet, their aspirations extended far beyond these boundaries; they yearned to explore the Eastern regions, venturing beyond the Iron Curtain. An exceptional opportunity arose in 1988, granting them the privilege of performing ten concerts in Leningrad - an extraordinary milestone as one of the inaugural Western rock acts to grace Soviet stages. Klaus admits;
“This experience held profound significance for us, given our German roots, our post-war upbringing, and the backdrop of a divided Berlin. Our performance in Leningrad was a symbolic gesture, marked by our parents' history of conflict juxtaposed with our offering of music, love, and unity. This profoundly emotional experience planted the seed for "Wind of Change".”
The following year, their journey continued with the Moscow Peace Festival - an iconic event featuring a constellation of artists like Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy Osbourne, and Russian bands. The energy was palpable, and the transformation was undeniable. Witnessing soldiers, who were initially tasked with security, shedding their uniforms to join the audience, underscored the profound shift in the world order. This transformation, coupled with their personal connection as a German band, etched an indelible mark on Klaus’ heart.
"Wind of Change" was birthed from these emotions, with no preconceived notion of its eventual impact. It was an attempt to capture the essence of what they had witnessed - a world that could coexist in harmony. Klaus reflects on this journey, stating;
“Little did I anticipate that this song, written in September 1989, would evolve into an anthem heralding the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall just two months later in November.”
Ever since, the Scorpions are fueled by a collective optimism, envisioning a harmonious future for generations to come. However, the events that unfolded on February 22 of 2022, referencing the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, shattered that dream. Despite the subsequent realization that this dream was fleeting, "Wind of Change" remains a testament to that fervent hope, capturing a moment in history that we can reflect upon with both nostalgia and a measured understanding of the complexities of our world.
Images: Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music
THE AMERICAN DREAM
On the other side, the Scorpions have immense rock songs. For their band, the notion of heading west held profound significance. During their upbringing, a magnetic pull always beckoned them towards the west. They yearned to traverse the American landscape as a musical entity, and share the stages with bands like Van Halen, Aerosmith, and AC/DC. Their aspiration was to enter the Formula One circuit of rock and roll. The 1980s saw them gracing monumental festivals, such as the Rock in Rio '85.
The genesis of one particular song, "The Zoo," was significantly influenced by their foray into the United States. Their management team, stationed in New York City, introduced them to the city's vibrant, 42nd Street, often dubbed "the zoo."
This experience lingered in his mind and, years later, when composing "The Zoo" with Rudolf Schenker, the guitarist and Klaus’ songwriting partner, the song's essence came to life. The lyrics mirrored the encounter:
"We eat the night, we drink the time, we make our dreams come true. And hungry eyes are passing by on streets we call the zoo."
Despite not attaining the chart-topping status of tracks like "Wind of Change" or "Still Loving You," "The Zoo" endures as a cherished classic among their devoted fans. Its authenticity and genuine sentiment render it timeless, and it remains a cornerstone of their live performances.
Image: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns
Song: Send Me An Angel
FRIENDSHIP IS THE KEY
Klaus believes the essence lies within the band's chemistry. Being part of the band entails spending a considerable amount of time together - aboard tour buses, within airplane cabins, amid concert halls, from sound checks leading up to the main performance. According to him, the bedrock for a band's success is the harmony of its chemistry.
“Our enduring journey with the Scorpions is underpinned by friendship, not just business - though business aspects have also grown significantly over the years, the essence remains rooted in friendship.”
There are moments that stand as testament to this connection. One such instance was in 1982 when Klaus had lost his voice. At that time, he suggested to Rudolf that he should seek a replacement vocalist, feeling uncertain after two vocal cord surgeries. His resolute response was that they would wait for Klaus, that he needed to go through the process, and the band would stand by him. Ultimately, Klaus returned stronger than ever, an experience that etched an indelible memory in his lengthy career.
They continued to write new music, as exemplified in "Rock Believer." Taking this music back on the road for a worldwide tour is an astonishing feat after over 50 years. It's a journey shared with their fans who have also witnessed their evolution. Amid this, the constant remains their unwavering enjoyment and passion. This enjoyment, above all, is what truly matters.
BIG CITY NIGHTS
The Scorpions have had the opportunity to perform in various countries and in front of diverse audiences, still there are many memorable and unique experiences from their international tours. For instance, the Scorpions played in a snowstorm in Siberia, where the stage was completely iced and they played there with minus temperatures, being very very cold.
They also had to opportunity, to play in La Paz, in Bolivia, where it’s 3600 meters high, and you aren’t really able to breathe… They also played in the beautiful Amazon, in Brazil, where they ed walking through the jungle, visited some Indigenous people, who sang beautiful songs for them. Nonetheless, Klaus states that;
"Every show is special, wherever we go - every night it’s different, the way they connect with our audience, with our fans, the way we sing together, and the way I let them sing - it’s a give and take."
Image: Marc Theis Art Photography
Song: Tainted Love
IS ANY GAS LEFT IN THE TANK ?
Ultimately, they’ve circled back to the Scorpions essence with "Rock Believer." They've traversed a significant stretch, having performed approximately 80 concerts since February 22 up until now. This journey has been extensive, and the fact that they're still resolutely standing is a source of pride. Looking ahead, their gaze is set on 2024, possibly resuming performances in the spring.
Reflecting on the conclusion of a tour, such as their recent show in Braga, Portugal, is bittersweet. However, knowing that the journey continues into the next year elicits an undeniable smile in Klaus' face.
THE POWER OF MUSIC
Klaus believes that music holds immense significance for the younger generation. Today, the field is dominated by platforms like Spotify and streaming services. According to Klaus, nowadays, artists like Harry Styles, exude a magnetic appeal to the youth and his fervent response radiates positivity and affection.
In view of the current global challenges, music serves as a respite, a window through which one can take a deep breath. It offers love, joy, and the chance to relish life alongside friends and family, forging a path toward an aspiration for a peaceful world. These times, marked by tumultuous events such as the conflict in Ukraine, are unprecedented and demand a stance. It led Klaus to alter the lyrics of the iconic song 'Wind of Change' to reflect the urgency of the moment. This shift was crucial, embodying solidarity with Ukraine and the hope for a harmonious future.
MESSAGE
“I think at this point, it's so important for a young generation to support democracy in a united Europe, you know, stay true to yourself and just follow your heart.”
Watch the Scorpion’s videoclip for 'Rock Believer' here:
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