Uli Jon Roth is best known for his 1970’s era stint in the Scorpions as well as being an early contributor to the neo classical metal genre. Prior to Covid, Roth had a 70-date North American tour set and ready to go but obviously that did happen.
Fast-forward to 2024, Roth was able to travel across the Atlantic and treat major and smaller markets in North America to his Interstellar Sky Guitar Tour through April and May,
Night one of the tour saw Roth in Mesa followed by nine dates on the west coast. With several days off for travel, the tour hit Minneapolis working its way through the upper regions of North America as well as four Canadian dates.
Following the shows in Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, the tour made its way south to Texas for the final four dates. Lubbock, Arlington, Houston and San Antonio were the fortunate locales that were blessed with Roth’s southern dates.
Arlington, home to AT&T Stadium aka Jerry World and Globe Life Field was Roth’s third to the last date of the tour. The tour blessed the historic Arlington Music Hall on Friday night.
To understand Roth and his music is to understand his early musical contributions. That is why fans from beyond the perimeter Dallas Fort Worth drove in for the show. Whether the trek was several hours or several dates, the distance did not matter.
Not only did the German born guitarist treat the Arlington fans to a set of his solo material as well 1970’s era Scorpions. He also blew the minds of fans with his solo performance, the first set of the night.
Just Roth, various models of his Sky guitar and a stage where with a multimedia production. That’s it, ingredients for a stellar show.
As Roth effortlessly made his way through his solo set as various video footage backed him. Fans saw thought provoking footage of MLK, Jimi Hendrix, North American landmarks, sun sets, nebulas and the curvature of the Earth.
With the intimate crowd of several hundred, Roth wasn’t just glued to his guitar, he took time to speak and engage the crowd. He spoke of past experiences and even talked about his upcoming 600-page book, In Search of the Alpha Law.
Whether a leather and spikes metal head, hard rocker or just a fan of music in general, all appreciated Roth’s “Metamorphosis Concerto,” excerpts of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Mozart compositions. Not just any guitarist can pull off interpretations of such but Roth did. Fans were able to feel the music. That’s a key component of a live music event. Roth delivered from the opening notes of his first set of new and old solo material.
Following the intermission, Roth returned to the stage with a fresh wardrobe and the four members of his band.
The second set saw Roth treating fans to a set of 1970’s era Scorpions, more solo material and a nod to his brother Zeno.
The gathering of Roth enthusiasts heard classics such as “In Trance,” “We’ll Burn the Sky,” “Pictured Life” and “The Sails of Charon”. It’s one thing hearing these on the turntable but hearing them live, the music is on an entirely different level. Especially coming from the artist that wrote or had a hand in writing these classic songs.
The second set didn’t consist solely of early Scorpions material, some Electric Sun was in as well.
A night with Uli Jon Roth music is not just a tour stop with a show, it’s a visual and outer body experience that cleanses the soul.
For the music purist, enthusiast or just casual fan that holds an appreciation for talent, an Uli Jon Roth show is a must see.
The price of admission was well worth the three total hours of music plus an intermission to stretch the legs and greet familiar and old faces.
Roth hopes to return to North America in 2025. It would be wise decision to attend, not a regrettable one.
