Michael Schenker/Tokyo,Japan 1981 FM Broadcast

The Tokyo performance on August 12th, the first day of M.S.G.’s 1981 Japan tour, was the band’s first performance in Japan, and the Budokan stage was suddenly the stage for the band’s first performance in Japan, so you can understand the high expectations of fans and related parties. The expectations are also clear from the fact that the performance was officially recorded. Furthermore, the excitement of the fans, as captured in “LIVE INTO THE ARENA,” was so great that it went beyond the word “frenzy.” This Budokan performance was broadcast as a radio program before it was released as the official work “Flying Legend,” and many enthusiasts know that the line source is also a familiar standard. Among them, “FLYING ON THE AIR” is known as one of the masterpieces, being the easiest to listen to and the most powerful sound source ever. This time, an astonishing FM source that even surpasses “FLYING ON THE AIR” will be released for the first time! Due to its documentary value and high sound quality, we decided to release it non-equalized. The quality is amazing. You can enjoy the performance of the band with the ideal line source while keeping it natural! The calm speech of the opening DJ (naturally in Japanese), which has not been heard in the previous releases, gives the impression of a radio broadcast at that time. Veteran fans who listened to this broadcast in real time at that time should be irresistibly stimulated by nostalgia. Of course, for those who have never heard this part, it is an interesting listening point from the beginning. The intro of “The Ride Of The Valkyries”, which greatly raises the listener’s mood, is easy to listen to, as expected from a line source. The outstanding clarity and visibility, excellent stereo feeling and balance are at a level that would not feel strange even if it was made into a pressed CD as it is. The balance between the natural texture unique to non-equalization and the metallic edge is exquisite, and if you listen to the opening “Armed And Ready”, you will understand that equalization is not necessary for this sound source. The moderately rounded and pleasant sound is not tiring even when listening to the entire live performance, which is also a nice point. The thick tone in the mid-range and low range will allow the listener to fully enjoy the charm of songs such as “Cry For The Nations”, “But I Want More” and “Victim Of Illusion”! Of course, Michael’s guitar is unique in every part, and the sensual tone played in the intro of “Attack Of The Mad Axeman”, the delicacy of “On And On”, and the drama of “Into The Arena” will continue to overwhelm the listener. The stability of the sound, which was a concern in the previous release, is of impeccable quality in this work. When listening, you even think, “Did they copy it from the master broadcast?” Cozy’s solo “633 Squadron” and “1812 Overture”, which are the highlights of the live performance, can of course be enjoyed with the best sound. In the official live performance, this scene was replaced with a take from the evening performance in Osaka. However, as far as I can tell from listening to this work, the solo at the Budokan was also excellent, and I can’t help but wonder, “Was it really necessary to replace it?” (However, it is also true that thanks to the replacement, this solo has the greatest value in this work). Following the encore performance of “Are You Ready To Rock,” the DJ reappears at the end. He looks back on the songs of the live performance in a matter-of-fact tone (this part is also unique and tasteful), and concludes the approximately 60-minute recording. Live at Budokan, Tokyo, Japan 12th August 1981 STEREO SBD(UPGRADE!) 1. DJ Intro. 2. The Ride Of The Valkyries 3. Armed And Ready 4. Cry For The Nations 5. Attack Of The Mad Axeman 6. But I Want More 7. Victim Of Illusion 8. Member Introduction 9. Into The Arena 10. On And On 11. Drum Solo incl. 63 3 Squadron & 1812 Overture 12. Are You Ready To Rock 13. DJ Outro. Michael Schenker – Guitar Gary Barden – Vocal Chris Glen – Bass Cozy Powell – Drums Paul Raymond – Keyboards FM Broadcast Recording