In stark contrast to the classical-rock fusion we got from Yngwie Malmsteen's guitar two weeks ago, the Michael Schenker Group's "Tales of Rock 'n' Roll World Tour 2006" concert at Thunder Dome last Tuesday held few surprises.

In fact, it was downright sluggish in comparison - several rock ballads stretched to a point where it felt like someone had left the tape running too long.

But then, further comparisons revealed an older audience, perhaps more appreciative of Schenker's sedate guitar, than the young things thrilling to Malmsteen's speed and verve.

The MSG were just as punctual as Malmsteen, though - at the advertised hour the trademark roar of Schenker's axe rumbled out over the audience, bringing a swell of applause. Then screams as the rest of the band joined in, tearing into the opener "Assault Attack", Schenker rocking with his two-tone Gibson Flying V, Mo Foster's pigtail bouncing as he thumped his bass strings and singer Gary Barden snarling defiantly at all around.

 "Are you ready?" screamed Barden at a crowd that looked distinctly less youthful than the one for Malmsteen.

Without waiting for an answer, he launched into the trio "Are You Ready to Rock?", "Let It Roll" then "Dust to Dust".

Many in the crowd bravely defied the passage of time, standing and swaying to the music through the whole concert

Schenker's power chords churned through "Love Trade", Foster's bass more subdued now, but Barden still roaring.

For "Lights Out", "Into the Arena", "But I Want More", "2 Hot 2 Handle" and "Rock Bottom", the versatile Don Airey brought an '80s sound when he swapped the guitar for keyboards.

Though "rock never dies", as the slogan goes, it was looking pretty exhausted at times.

But the audience was revived sufficiently to sing along to hits like "Only You Can Rock Me", "Doctor Doctor" and "Rock Bottom".

For "Rock Bottom" - one of the three tracks played as an encore - the crowd responded enthusiastically to Schenker's improvisation on guitar.

Only bassist Foster stood out for the energy of his stage presence - strutting back and forth brandishing Manchu-style locks and throwing his guitar pick into the audience.

In contrast to Malmsteen and crew, the MSG members looked tired but satisfied when they finally stepped down and shook hands with the crowd at the front.

While the concert took us back to the '80s, it didn't quite revive the excitement we felt then.

Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation