July 27 2004
In the heart of Everett, where the energy of rock ‘n’ roll and the anticipation of a legendary night converged, Scorpions returned to U.S. shores, headlining an arena tour that promised to be nothing short of seismic. The walls echoed with the electric promise of Sanctuary Records’ latest album, *Unbreakable*, as the German heavy-metal giants embarked on a musical odyssey, accompanied by hard-rock favorites Tesla and the Keith Emerson Band, featuring keyboard legend Keith Emerson.
The highly anticipated *Unbreakable* album, a beacon of the Scorpions’ return to form, has been making seismic waves in the music world. Described as a testament to the band’s enduring power, the deadly sting of Scorpions is as potent as ever. Vocalist Klaus Meine, rhythm guitarist Rudolf Schenker, lead guitarist Matthias Jabs, drummer James Kottak, and new bassist Pawel Maciwoda injected a shot of the classic Scorpions sound into their latest offering.
For over 35 years, Scorpions have been a global force in heavy metal, standing out with a unique style that transcends borders. Meine and Schenker, the core of the band since the 1972 debut *Lonesome Crow*, have been the driving force behind Scorpions’ distinctive sound. The U.S. tour promises a sonic journey through Scorpions’ extensive catalog, from classics like “No One Like You” and “Rock You Like a Hurricane” to the emotional anthem “Wind of Change.”
Joining the Scorched Earth tour is the Sacramento-based quintet Tesla, celebrating the success of their latest album, *Into the Now*. A testament to their enduring appeal, Tesla’s latest release marked a triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus. The album, released in 2004 under Sanctuary Records, quickly soared to the Top 30 of the Billboard album chart and sold over 120,000 copies.
Tesla’s relentless work ethic and dedication to their craft were evident as they launched *Into the Now* with sold-out acoustic performances and a full-blown U.S. tour. Now, they stand ready to share the stage with Scorpions and the Keith Emerson Band, showcasing their enduring classics like “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Love Song” alongside the new material that resonates with a new generation of fans.
Adding a touch of keyboard magic to the tour is the Keith Emerson Band, featuring the iconic Keith Emerson. The progressive rock pioneer, known for his work with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, brings a symphony of sound to the stage. His legendary keyboard skills promise to elevate the musical experience, creating a sonic tapestry that blends seamlessly with the rock prowess of Scorpions and Tesla.
Scorpions’ journey through the annals of rock history is nothing short of extraordinary. From headlining Europe’s Monsters of Rock shows to performing at Michael Jackson & Friends’ benefit concert, Scorpions have left an indelible mark on the global music landscape. The sheer magnitude of their performances, including a show for 750,000 people in Krakow, Poland, in 2000, cements their status as one of the most influential rock bands.
