Tokyo Tapes  by Scorpions

The Tokyo Tapes by Scorpions, released in 1978, is not just a live recorded album; it is the definitive closing of the first, "psychedelic" and experimental era of the band. The recording took place at Nakano Sun Plaza in Tokyo on April 24 and 27, 1978, during the Japanese tour to promote the album Taken by Force. The album holds an iconic position in the history of hard rock, as it is the "swan song" of virtuoso guitarist Uli Jon Roth with the band. Roth, influenced by Jimi Hendrix and classical neoclassicism, had already decided to leave due to musical disagreements with Rudolf Schenker and Klaus Meine, who desired a more commercial, hard rock direction.

The setlist includes iconic moments from the 1972-1977 period, highlighting the unique chemistry between the members: Fly To The Rainbow and In Trance are the highlights of the album, with Roth delivering lessons in guitar technique and improvisation. Tracks like Pictured Life, Speedy's Coming, and Backstage Queen capture the raw hard rock power of the era, while the band honored the Japanese audience by performing the traditional Kojo no tsuki, causing delirium among the attendees.

The Tokyo Tapes remain to this day a living testament to a band that changed the map of heavy metal, offering one of the most "pure" and passionate live recordings of all time.