RUDOLF SCHENKER
The Scorpions’ founder and driving force has defined European hard rock for more than 50 years.
HE ADMITS HE’S more about songwriting than guitar chops, but it would be unfair to exclude Rudolf Schenker from a hard-rock guitarist list. As the main force behind Scorpions’ 56-year run, he’s kept the group focused on delivering enthralling hard-rock hits such as “Big City Nights” and “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” as well as arena-rock power ballads like “Send Me an Angel” and “Still Loving You.” He’s even turned in some stellar solo work on a few of those tracks, as well as on the band’s worldwide hit “Wind of Change.” In a band known for having its share of great lead guitarists, Rudy holds his own.