Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" by the Michael Schenker Group from their 1981 album MSG, and the Zoo Freaks are surely rocking out to its raw energy. This song, a staple of the band’s early sound, is packed with Michael Schenker’s signature guitar riffs and a driving hard rock vibe. One piece of trivia comes from fan discussions on platforms like setlist.fm, where it’s noted that "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" was first performed live by the band on September 24, 1980, at the Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, England, and has remained a fan favorite, with its last documented performance by drummer Cozy Powell in 2018. Fans on Michael Schenker’s official Facebook page often praise the live version from the 1981 One Night at Budokan album, with some claiming it outshines the studio cut due to its electrifying energy, as highlighted in a 2011 YouTube upload. The song’s lyrics, penned by vocalist Gary Barden, reflect a gritty, emotional struggle, which resonated with the band’s early ’80s audience, though some critics, like those at isitanygood.net, called the track’s structure cliché despite Schenker’s stellar guitar work.

Another tidbit comes from a 2024 post on X by user @blister633, who shared insights about the MSG album’s production, noting that the album’s iconic cover art was a point of pride for Gary Barden and bassist Chris Glen, though the U.S. release opted for a simpler red-logo-on-black design. The post also mentions Schenker’s idea to name the band MSG, a nod to their collective ambition to make a mark in the rock world. The album, produced by Ron Nevison, went over budget, creating financial strain for the band, as detailed on Wikipedia. Fans in the Michael Schenker Group Fan Club on Facebook often share stories of the band’s early tours, where tracks like "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" were paired with high-energy performances, cementing MSG’s reputation for delivering powerful live shows.

Michael Schenker, the mastermind behind the Michael Schenker Group, began his musical journey in Sarstedt, Germany, born on January 10, 1955. His career kicked off at a young age when he joined his older brother Rudolf’s band, the Scorpions, as a teenager in the early 1970s. Schenker’s prodigious talent on the guitar, particularly his fluid and melodic style, quickly made him a standout. By 1973, he was recruited by British rock band UFO, where he gained international fame, contributing to seminal albums like Phenomenon and Lights Out. His iconic half-black, half-white Gibson Flying V guitar became a symbol of his electrifying stage presence. However, Schenker’s struggles with alcoholism and personal issues led to his departure from UFO in 1978, as noted in his biography on AllMusic. Determined to forge his own path, he moved to London in 1979, forming the Michael Schenker Group with vocalist Gary Barden and a rotating cast of talented musicians.

Schenker’s early years with MSG were marked by his desire to create music that reflected his unique style, blending hard rock with intricate guitar work. Despite challenges, including band member changes and financial woes, MSG’s first two albums, The Michael Schenker Group (1980) and MSG (1981), established Schenker as a force in the hard rock scene. His resilience and dedication to his craft have kept him active for decades, with recent posts on Instagram showcasing his ongoing tours, including a sold-out show in Mannheim set to be filmed in April 2025. Fans can stay updated via his official accounts on X, where he shares tour dates and news, like his upcoming “My Years with UFO” Japan tour in 2026. For deeper fan engagement, sites like michaelschenkerhimself.com offer concert tickets and VIP packages, while communities like the Michael Schenker Group Fan Club and michaelschenker.net provide spaces for Zoo Freaks and other devotees to connect over their love for Schenker’s music.