Heavy metal veterans say goodbye to Russia
A German band that imprinted their names on the souls of several generations of Russians are beginning their farewell tour across the country on Thursday.
Starting from St Petersburg and then continuing with gigs in seven other Russian cities, the band are set to end up in Moscow. Scorpions are ready to prove their love for their devoted fans in Russia.
The bond has always been strong between Russia and the heavy metal band from Hanover. In 1991, Scorpions entered the history books as the first Western band invited by the USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev for a meeting at the Kremlin.
In 2009, the band announced their decision to quit the stage and shortly after released their last studio album Sting in the Tail. On the eve of the release, Scorpions played a gig in their beloved Moscow, which was glorified in Wind of Change. This concert became one of the first in the world farewell tour launched on March 15, 2010 in Prague.
The band spanned their farewell tour over two years in order to visit as many places as possible. However, mutual love between the band and Russia forced Scorpions to add several extra performances in the country.
After St Petersburg, Scorpions will play gigs in Krasnodar on May 14, Rostov-on-Don on May 15, Krasnoyarsk on May 17, Novosibirsk on May 19, Magnitogorsk on May 20, Omsk on May, 22 and Kazan on May 24. The Russian tour will end in Moscow`s Olympiisky Arena on May 26.
The band`s latest album crowns the 45-year-long history of one of the most popular heavy metal groups in Europe. Scorpions` founder, guitarist and composer Rudolf Schenker, explained that his band wanted to quit with grace and dignity with one of their best records.
Scorpions have released over ten platinum and gold albums, having sold more than 75 million copies of their recordings all over the world. Rolling Stone Magazine once named Scorpions "Heavy Metal Heroes". Such stars as Bon Jovi, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and Europe at various times warmed up their concerts.
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