Michael Schenker Group ‘Live & Ready: 1980-1984’
Michael Schenker Group ‘Live & Ready: 1980-1984’ 6-Disc Boxset Out 3 April 2026 – Watch ‘Armed And Ready’ Video Now
The Michael Schenker Group have just dropped a bombshell for fans of raw, high-octane 80s rock and heavy metal: the brand-new 6-disc boxset ‘Live & Ready: 1980-1984’ arrives 3 April 2026 via Chrysalis Records.
And to celebrate, they’ve released the official video for ‘Armed And Ready (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, 1983)’ – taken from the legendary show that gave us the classic Rock Will Never Die live album.
Watch the video now:
The Story Behind ‘Live & Ready: 1980-1984’
Founded in 1979 by guitar legend Michael Schenker after his stints with Scorpions and UFO, The Michael Schenker Group exploded onto the scene with their self-titled 1980 debut on Chrysalis – a commercial and critical smash.
This new 6-disc boxset (5 CDs + 1 DVD) captures the band at their absolute peak, delivering four complete, career-defining live shows remastered at AIR Mastering. It traces the explosive evolution of MSG across their most intense years.
Michael Schenker himself says: “My whole life has been a journey of constantly developing as a guitar player… These shows and these recordings, they’re all part of what I did in my past, part of my development. It is what it is, part of my life and with good memories.”
He adds: “It was definitely a crazy and very fast-changing period of time… that short period of time, ’80 to ’84.”
What’s Inside the Boxset
- Four full concerts showcasing MSG’s raw power and precision
- Bonus DVD with complete visual footage of Hammersmith Odeon 1983 and Seibu Stadium 1984
- 50-page booklet with extensive liner notes by rock journalist Martin Popoff, a brand-new interview with Michael Schenker, and previously unreleased photos
- Premium two-part rigid slipcase box – built for serious collectors
Hammersmith Odeon 1983 is included in its entirety for the very first time, featuring special guests Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine (Scorpions).
Full Tracklisting
CD1: Manchester Apollo, Manchester – 30 September 1980
- Armed & Ready
- Cry For The Nations
- Victim Of Illusion
- Natural Thing
- Feels Like A Good Thing
- Into The Arena
- Looking Out From Nowhere
- Rock Bottom
- Tales Of Mystery
- Lost Horizons
- Shoot Shoot
- Doctor Doctor
- Lights Out
CD2: Nippon Budokan, Tokyo – 12 August 1981
- Introduction
- Armed And Ready
- Cry For The Nations
- Attack Of The Mad Axeman
- But I Want More
- Victim Of Illusion
- Into The Arena
CD3: Nippon Budokan, Tokyo – 12 August 1981 (continued)
- On And On
- Never Trust A Stranger
- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
- Tales Of Mystery
- Cozy Powell Drum Solo
- Courvoisier Concerto
- Lost Horizons
- Doctor Doctor
- Are You Ready To Rock
CD4: Hammersmith Odeon, London – 22-23 October 1983
- Captain Nemo
- Rock My Nights Away
- Ready To Rock
- Cry For The Nations
- Rock You To The Ground
- Attack Of The Mad Axeman
- Into The Arena
- Courvoisier Concerto
- Rock Will Never Die
- Desert Song
- I’m Gonna Make You Mine
- Red Sky
- Looking For Love
- Armed And Ready
- Little Devil
- Doctor, Doctor
- Thank You
CD5: Seibu Stadium, Tokyo – 12 August 1984
- Captain Nemo
- Rock My Nights Away
- Cry For The Nations
- On And On
- Lipstick Traces
- Bijou Pleasurette
- Into The Arena
- Courvoisier Concerto
- Lost Horizons
- I’m Gonna Make You Mine
- Armed And Ready
- Doctor, Doctor
DVD: Full Visual Concerts
- Hammersmith Odeon, London (22-23 October 1983)
- Seibu Stadium, Tokyo (12 August 1984)
Pre-Order Now
Pre-orders are live and moving fast. Grab your copy here: Official pre-order link: https://msg.lnk.to/LiveReady
This is the definitive document of MSG’s formative years – a must-have for any fan of classic rock, melodic metal, or Michael Schenker’s legendary guitar work.
FAQs – Michael Schenker Group Live & Ready 1980-1984 Boxset
When is the Michael Schenker Group ‘Live & Ready: 1980-1984’ boxset released? The 6-disc boxset drops on 3 April 2026 via Chrysalis Records.
What does the boxset contain? Five CDs featuring four complete live shows (Manchester 1980, Tokyo Budokan 1981, Hammersmith Odeon 1983, Tokyo Seibu 1984) plus a DVD with full visual concerts from Hammersmith and Seibu Stadium.
Is the Hammersmith Odeon 1983 show fully included? Yes – for the very first time in its entirety, including special guests Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine of Scorpions.
Where can I watch the new ‘Armed And Ready’ video? Right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVIbce6-kL4 (taken from the newly remastered Hammersmith 1983 show).
How do I pre-order the boxset? Pre-order now at https://msg.lnk.to/LiveReady – official Chrysalis link.
Who wrote the booklet for the boxset? Acclaimed rock journalist Martin Popoff, plus a brand-new interview with Michael Schenker and never-before-seen photos.
Is there a vinyl version too? A companion “Best Of Live MSG 1980-1984” splatter vinyl is available as a Record Store Day 2026 exclusive.
Why is this boxset essential for MSG fans? It captures the band’s raw power during their most explosive era with remastered audio, unseen footage, and premium packaging – the ultimate collector’s item.
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