What was already a standout moment at this year’s Wacken Open Air — the world’s largest metal festival — became unforgettable when guitar legend Michael Schenker stunned fans with a major surprise.
After delivering a blistering My Years With UFO set to tens of thousands of fans on Thursday night, Schenker took to the mic to announce a brand-new Michael Schenker Group studio album: Don’t Sell Your Soul, out October 3 via earMUSIC.
To mark the announcement, Schenker and his band delivered the world-exclusive live premiere of the album’s title track as a thunderous encore — catching the crowd off guard and earning instant cheers across the muddy festival grounds.
📀 Pre-save the single [here].
Earlier in the set, fans witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime moment when Slash walked on stage as a surprise guest, joining Schenker for the UFO classic “Mother Mary.” Two of rock’s most iconic guitarists together — a moment etched into Wacken history.
Don’t Sell Your Soul is the latest chapter in the MSG legacy and the second installment in an album trilogy that began with 2024’s My Years With UFO. The album was co-produced by Michael Schenker and Michael Voss, and features MSG regulars Bodo Schopf (drums), Barend Courbois (bass), and Steve Mann (guitar, keys). On vocals is the powerful Erik Grönwall, with guest appearances from Robin McAuley, Dimitri “Lia” Liapakis, and Michael Voss.
The album will be available on CD, LP, and limited edition transparent red vinyl.
🎸 Pre-order the album [here].
DON’T SELL YOUR SOUL – TRACK LISTING (CD):
- Don’t Sell Your Soul
- Danger Zone
- Eye of the Storm
- Janey the Fox
- Can’t Stand Waiting
- Sign of the Times
- The Chosen
- It’s You
- Sixstring Shotgun
- Flesh & Bone
- Surrender
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
