Anytime

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some killer trivia about "Anytime" by McAuley Schenker Group from their 1989 album Save Yourself, spinning now on THE ZOO! This power ballad was a standout hit, becoming the band’s biggest chart success in the U.S. Written by vocalist Robin McAuley and guitarist/keyboardist Steve Mann, the song’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies captured hearts. In a 2015 interview with BraveWords, McAuley shared that he and Mann knew they had something special when they crafted "Anytime" in 1988, calling it a song that resonated deeply with fans. The track’s emotional pull comes from its story of longing and redemption, with lines like “Blow a kiss from your hand, I’ll catch it ‘fore it hits the ground.” Its radio-friendly appeal led to a trimmed version for classic rock stations, and McAuley’s vocals were praised for outshining other MSG frontmen in delivering ballads.

Here’s a cool story from the Zoo Crew’s crate-digging: in 2015, McAuley and Mann reunited to re-record "Anytime" for a digital release, 26 years after the original. McAuley laid down vocals at Paul Shortino’s studio, and Mann, now based in Germany, called the experience a “musical revival.” In the same BraveWords interview, Mann said McAuley’s performance on the new version topped the 1989 recording, a testament to the singer’s enduring talent. Fans at a 2019 Michael Schenker Fest concert in Worcester, MA, got a treat when McAuley performed "Anytime" alongside other Save Yourself tracks, joined by four-fifths of the album’s lineup, including drummer Bodo Schopf and Mann. A Japanese reissue of the album in 2000 added a bonus track, “Vicious,” but it’s "Anytime" that remains the fan favorite, often cited as a highlight of the band’s live shows.

Let’s rewind to how Michael Schenker and Robin McAuley got their start. Schenker, a German guitar prodigy, kicked off his career in the early 1970s with Scorpions, laying down iconic riffs before jumping ship to join UFO. By 1979, he formed the Michael Schenker Group (MSG), blending hard rock with melodic flair. Robin McAuley, born in Ireland in 1953, cut his teeth with bands like Grand Prix and Far Corporation, where he sang on a UK Top 10 cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven.” In 1986, Schenker tapped McAuley to replace Gary Barden in MSG, and their instant chemistry led to renaming the band McAuley Schenker Group, keeping the MSG initials. Their partnership produced three studio albums, with Save Yourself as a high point, before they parted ways in 1993.

Zoo Freaks looking to connect with the band’s legacy can check out Michael Schenker’s official website for tour dates and news, or Robin McAuley’s official site for his latest projects, including his work with Black Swan. Follow Schenker on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and catch McAuley on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on his gigs and releases. Fans can dive into the community at the Michael Schenker Group Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for Zoo Freaks to share love for MSG’s music. For more fan-driven content, check out Michael Schenker Central, a dedicated fan site with discographies and rare photos. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO for more rockin’ vibes!