About
Uli Jon Roth is a German multi-instrumentalist musician who has written his own musical scores and arrangements and achieved international fame with his hard rock and heavy metal work, earning acclaim both as a solo artist and as a member of the popular group Scorpions. Roth has also served as a music director as well as a painter of realistic oil paintings and writer of his own poetry. Many guitarists have looked to Roth's music as inspiration over the years. Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- neoclassical
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Uli Jon Roth sing?
- Yes, Uli Jon Roth does sing, although he is primarily known as a virtuoso guitarist. Throughout his career, Roth has contributed both lead and backing vocals to various projects, especially in his solo work and with his band, Electric Sun. While with the Scorpions, Roth occasionally provided background vocals but was not the main vocalist
- What guitar does Uli Jon Roth play?
- Uli Jon Roth is renowned for playing the Sky Guitar, an innovative custom instrument that he designed to expand his expressive range far beyond that of conventional guitars. The Sky Guitar features an extended fretboard, often with up to 30 frets, allowing Roth to reach soaring high notes and create a violin-like sound that has become his signature. Earlier in his career, especially during his tenure with the Scorpions, Roth played Fender Stratocasters, favoring their bright tone and versatility. However, seeking greater musical possibilities, he collaborated with luthiers like Andreas Demetriou to create the first Sky Guitar in the 1980s. These guitars are equipped with custom pickups, advanced electronics, and a scalloped fretboard for enhanced playability. Whether in the studio or on stage, Uli Jon Roth's choice of guitar is integral to his unique sound, blending classical influences with heavy metal and melodic rock. For guitar enthusiasts, seeing Roth perform on his iconic Sky Guitar is a highlight of any live show.
- What Scorpions albums did Uli Jon Roth play on?
- Uli Jon Roth played on several classic Scorpions albums during his tenure as the band's lead guitarist and songwriter from 1973 to 1978. His first appearance was on "Fly to the Rainbow"
- Why did Uli Roth leave Scorpions?
- Uli Roth left the Scorpions in 1978 due to creative differences and a desire to pursue his own musical vision. While the band was moving toward a more commercial hard rock sound, Roth's interests leaned toward classical influences and experimental compositions. He felt limited by the constraints of the band's evolving direction and wanted more artistic freedom to explore new musical landscapes, including neo-classical and psychedelic rock. Roth's departure allowed him to form Electric Sun, where he could fully express his creative ideas as both a guitarist and composer. His decision ultimately proved fruitful, as he developed a unique style that has influenced generations of guitarists. For fans and musicians alike, Roth's exit from the Scorpions is viewed as a pivotal moment that enabled him to pioneer new sounds in the heavy metal genre, while the band itself continued to achieve worldwide commercial success with a more mainstream approach.
- Why did Uli Jon Roth leave Scorpions?
- Uli Jon Roth left the Scorpions primarily because he sought greater artistic freedom and wished to explore his own musical ideas outside the band's commercial trajectory. During his time with the Scorpions, the group was shifting toward a more mainstream hard rock style, aiming for broader international appeal. Roth, on the other hand, was increasingly drawn to classical music influences and complex, experimental compositions that didn't fit the band's evolving sound. Feeling creatively restricted, Roth made the decision to depart after the "Tokyo Tapes"