Armed and Ready

The Zoo Crew is spinning the high-energy track "Armed and Ready" by the Michael Schenker Group, from their 1980 debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, co-written by Michael Schenker and vocalist Gary Barden, was the opener for the album and a bold statement of Schenker’s post-UFO career. According to Songfacts, it was produced by Roger Glover of Deep Purple and released as a single backed by the instrumental "Bijou Pleasurette." The track’s blistering guitar riffs and driving rhythm made it a staple in live shows, often kicking off concerts with electrifying energy. Fans on Reddit have shared stories of seeing the band tour for this album, with one user recalling how Schenker’s solo in "Armed and Ready" was a life-changing moment for their guitar playing, cementing his status as a hard rock legend. The song’s legacy endures, even appearing in the video game Guitar Hero: Metallica.

Social media posts on X highlight the song’s lasting impact, with fans celebrating Schenker’s 70th birthday in 2025 by sharing clips of a 1981 performance of "Armed and Ready." Another X post praises the track’s explosive guitar work and its role in establishing the album as a classic, noting how the instrumental "Into the Arena" complements its intensity. The song’s raw power and Schenker’s virtuosity have kept it a favorite, with a recent X post calling it a timeless hard rock anthem. Fans on the Michael Schenker Fan Club Facebook group often discuss the song’s role in defining the band’s sound, sharing rare photos and live bootlegs from the era.

Michael Schenker, born on January 10, 1955, in Sarstedt, Germany, began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by his brother Rudolf Schenker’s Gibson Flying V guitar. According to his Wikipedia bio, Schenker’s early influences included Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton. He started playing guitar as a teenager and joined his brother’s band, Scorpions, co-founded by Rudolf, at age 16. Schenker contributed to their debut album, Lonesome Crow, before leaving to join UFO in 1973, where his iconic half-black, half-white Flying V became a symbol of his electrifying stage presence. His work with UFO, particularly on albums like Phenomenon and Strangers in the Night, established him as a defining figure in 1970s hard rock. After leaving UFO in 1978, he briefly rejoined Scorpions for their album Lovedrive before forming the Michael Schenker Group in 1979 to pursue his solo vision.

Schenker’s career has been marked by his relentless dedication to guitar artistry, earning him accolades like the Marshall "11" award in 2010, presented by Alice Cooper alongside rock icons like Jimmy Page. His official website, michaelschenkerhimself.com, keeps fans updated on tours, including his 2025 “My Years With UFO” Japan dates. You can follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and throwback posts. Fans also connect on the Michael Schenker Fan Club Facebook group and sites like Metal Storm, where they share discographies and concert memories. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep rocking to “Armed and Ready” knowing Schenker’s legacy is alive and thriving in these communities.