The hard rock band Scorpions are best known in America for several hits in the 1980s, particularly the metal anthem “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” What people might not know is that by the time the German rock legends had those hits the band had already existed for nearly two decades. In 2015, Scorpions became one of the few rock bands to cross the half-century mark as a performing group, like the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys. The new documentary Scorpions – Forever and a Day from director Katja von Garnier provides an in-depth look at the band’s five decade history as one of the most popular rock bands in the world.
Though Scorpions were founded by teenage guitarist Rudolf Schenker in 1965, Scorpions – Forever and a Day glosses over the band’s earliest years and really begins when singer Klaus Meine joined the band in 1969, which was followed by the band’s first album Lonesome Crow in 1972. The main focus of the documentary is the band’s “Farewell Tour” in 2012, with pieces of the band’s most significant years weaved into the narrative. The documentary also touches upon the band’s few troubles, such as the group’s creative lull in the late 1990s and the band’s relationship with its German fans, which was not always strong.
Perhaps the highlight of the documentary is how it demonstrates just how international the band’s fanbase is. In fact, Scorpions played a minor role in the end of the Cold War, and even Mikhail Gorbachev is interviewed for this documentary. Another major politician who speaks about the influence of Scorpions on Eastern Europe is boxer-turned-politician Vitali Klitschko.
One of the questions Scorpions – Forever and a Day weighs in on is when it’s the right time for a rock band to hang it up. As the documentary details, Scorpions intended to end their run with their “final” concert in Munich on December 17, 2012. It’s not a spoiler though to point out that Scorpions are still touring. So what happened? Schenker, Meine and the other members of the band discuss why the “farewell” tour turned into one of the longest on-going good-byes in rock history.
Scorpions – Forever and a Day is a must for all Scorpions fans. In particular, American fans will likely be surprised to find out how popular Scorpions remain all around the world even five decades since Schenker formed the first lineup. With excellent concert footage and vintage clips, it might not even give you as much of a sting as you’re looking for. Thankfully, there are plenty of live Scorpions Blu-rays and DVDs to give you more.
Scorpions – Forever and a Day will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on Friday, November 27.
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