Picture this: a German rock guitar hero who has played in front of many more people in his lifetime than Beethoven and Mozart combined -- once, as many as 350,000 at a single show. He hides on a tour bus between Reno, Nev., and San Francisco and his interview with a Salt Lake newspaper writer is cut short because his cell phone cuts out in a mountain pass.
Does he laugh, knowing that a bona fide rock star and his ego don't need to call back a Utah writer? Does he shrug and try to catch some sleep on the road so he can be rested and sharp for that evening's show?No, no, no. He waits a few minutes for more favorable conditions and he calls back. In fact, he calls back a second, third, fourth and fifth time until the interview is finished, and he freely talks about the same things that hundreds of other writers want to talk to him about.
Matthias Jabs has cranked the lead guitar licks for the Scorpions since the late '70s, but a short conversation with the candid, intelligent and open musician quickly dispels myths about what the '80s heavy-metal icon is all about. And a quick listen to the Scorpions' 14th and newest studio album, "Eye II Eye," dispels a lot of other myths just as quickly.
The Scorpions are currently on tour with Motley Crue, and they are scheduled for a show Tuesday, Aug. 10, at the E Center.
Jabs talked about the band's popularity peak in the '80s, its current album and its future, which has no end in sight. "We were thinking before we went into the studio (in early '98), that we should prepare ourselves to change things and develop our style," Jabs said in his German accent.
"We try to do things a little differently on every album, but it has been more or less the same formula for many years. It was tough, but we went a different way. We wanted to add a new flavor without losing the Scorpions' roots."
The result is a disc that Jabs hopes is in keeping with the Scorpions' foundation but which is colored with musical elements that he admits might catch some fans off guard. "Some hard rock fans may be upset with us. When people listen to AC/DC, they want to hear "Back in Black," and I understand that. But we definitely didn't want to be predictable."
When speaking of the group's latest effort, Jabs found many songs and points to praise, including the first recorded single, "Mysterious," and the very personal "Eye To Eye." Vocalist Klaus Meine and rhythm guitarist Rudolf Schenker -- both co-founders of the band way back in the '60s, dedicated those songs to their fathers.
"It hardly sounds like a Scorpions' song," Jabs said. "It is almost like Dire Straits-sounding guitars, very clean."
And Jabs knows his guitars. "My basic inspiration is Jimi Hendrix, even though I don't play like him. He has that special touch, like a magical touch. I also like Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton, so I have a definite blues background."
The Scorpions have had a bit of a magical touch themselves, with giant hits "No One Like You," "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "Winds of Change." But what does a band that has sold somewhere around 30 million albums do now that they have two band members over 50?
"We have achieved a lot. Our goals cannot be to play to 500,000 people.
"Personally, my main goal in the music field is to make the ultimate album or the ultimate song, to out-do yourself. We have lots of hits but I still want to top that and do musically better."
One change is the addition of American musician James Kottak, replacing Herman Rarebell, who is busy spending time with his family and his own record label. Bassist Ralph Rieckermann rounds out the lineup.
Jabs also has a family and claims that being away from them is the only drawback to his nearly ideal lifestyle. His teenage son is traveling with him this summer. While he has seen the world several times over, Jabs claims that he is bringing his son on his favorite leg of the tour.
"The best is in the summer, playing outdoors in the States. Fans here really understand the music better. I like a lot of cities in the world, and we have played everywhere, apart from China. It is great to play in Tokyo and Paris, but I prefer the States in the summer."
Not only has Salt Lake City earned a spot in Jabs' mind, but he remembers the old Salt Palace.
"We have great memories of the town. It is a big party town with wild ladies, even though it isn't supposed to be like that.
"(Our lifestyle) has mellowed out a lot I must say. The bands seem to be so busy now, especially on this tour."
So the busy Jabs and the rest of his Teutonic terrors will continue to fill medium-sized arenas, write new songs and perhaps even call newspaper reporters five times for one interview.