Red Sky

The Zoo Crew is spinning the hard-hitting track Red Sky by Michael Schenker Group from their 1983 album Built To Destroy, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song carries an interesting story tied to its creation, as it was co-written by José Luis Campuzano, also known as Sherpa, the bassist and singer of the Spanish heavy metal band Barón Rojo. The collaboration came about after a memorable moment in 1982 when Michael Schenker made a surprise appearance at a Barón Rojo concert in Spain, joining them on stage to play Crossroads. A post on X from user @blister633 in 2020 recounts how Schenker, dressed in a white shirt, jammed with the band, and the chemistry between him and Sherpa sparked the creation of Red Sky the following year. This cross-cultural connection added a unique flavor to the track, blending German and Spanish hard rock influences.

Another piece of trivia about Red Sky ties to the album’s production. Built To Destroy was tailored with the American market in mind, but the initial mixes were deemed subpar. The band brought in producer Jack Douglas to completely remix the album for its U.S. release, giving tracks like Red Sky a punchier, more polished sound. The song itself, with its gritty riffs and soaring solos, was performed live with notable energy, as noted in a 2023 gig review from Get Ready to ROCK!. The review described Schenker weaving his lead breaks around a busy, bass-driven drum track, showcasing the song’s dynamic live presence, even though some fans at the show mistook it for a newer track.

Michael Schenker, the mastermind behind Michael Schenker Group, began his musical journey at a young age in Germany. Born on January 10, 1955, in Sarstedt, Lower Saxony, Schenker was inspired by his older brother Rudolf, who received a Gibson Flying V guitar for his birthday. By age nine, Michael was hooked on the instrument, drawing influence from guitarists like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton. He started playing professionally as a teenager, joining his brother’s band, Scorpions, as their lead guitarist. His raw talent shone through on their debut album, Lonesome Crow, released in 1972, when Schenker was just 17. His time with Scorpions was brief, as he soon joined British rock band UFO in 1973, where he made a significant impact with albums like Phenomenon and Force It, cementing his reputation as a guitar virtuoso.

After leaving UFO in 1978 due to creative differences, Schenker briefly rejoined Scorpions for their album Lovedrive before launching his own project, Michael Schenker Group, in 1979. Formed in London, MSG allowed Schenker to fully express his musical vision, blending hard rock with melodic and technical guitar work. Despite personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism, Schenker’s dedication to his craft has kept him a revered figure in heavy metal, often called a “legendary figure in the history of metal guitar.” His commitment to pure self-expression, as he shared in a 2022 Metal Plague interview, led him to avoid listening to other music for over 50 years to protect his unique style, influencing guitarists like Kirk Hammett and Slash.

Fans of Schenker and Red Sky can stay connected through his official channels, including his website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on tours and new releases, like his 2026 Japan tour for My Years With UFO. Fan communities are also active, with groups like the Michael Schenker Fans on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss his music and share memorabilia. Websites like Metal Storm offer fan-driven content, including forums and discography details, keeping the Zoo Freaks and other fans plugged into Schenker’s enduring legacy.