Uli Jon Roth Does Not Rule Out The Possibility Of Playing With Scorpions Again

Uli Jon Roth (Instagram @uljonorth)

JAKARTA - In a new interview with Vintage Rock Pod, German legendary guitarist Uli Jon Roth spoke about his decision to leave Scorpions four and a half decades ago.

"I told my decision (to leave Scorpions) a year before [ Tokyo Tapes' live double album was released], [in] 1977. And the reason is not personal; it's purely artistic. That's because I started writing music like Earthquake and other songs, which I know have no place whatsoever in Scorpions," Uli opened.

"It will be very misaligned with other songs. So in 1977, I had a little bit of dual life. I wrote some songs for Scorpions like The Sails Of Charon and Your Light, and I've Got To Be Free and some other songs. But I've also written this music for Electric Sun, which is very different."

"And because I'm not very successful... I mean, this band, of course, we all know that we're getting more successful every year. We had our first gold album at the time, and it was almost inevitable."

"But, for me, that's not something I'm interested in. I'm more interested in exploring music in a more free and in a band like that, I think I've taken as far as I can at that point.

"And if I stick around, for all the other albums, I will proceed in the same tone as Tokyo Tapes. But Electric Sun material will never be made."

Asked if there was any part of him that regretted leaving the Scorpions when he did it, this was Uli said.

"No. I would be crazy if I stayed, because I had so many other things to say, and that needs to be said. It was an easy decision and it had to happen and I had to succeed. It was a natural progress."

The 68-year-old continued by saying he was still friends with his former bandmate. "We are very friendly," he said.

"Nothing has changed in that regard, even though we were a great unit when I was in the band. And to this day, there are feelings of kinship every time we meet. And I don't think that will ever change."

Asked if there would be a full tour with him and Scorpions again, Uli said: "It's very late. I don't know what their plans are. I mean, I will be open to anything, but I will say it might not be possible at this point."