by Rudolf Schenker recently opened up about the moment Uli Jon Roth decided to leave Scorpions. He shared details of their final conversation and collaboration in an interview with Get On The Bus.
The Scorpions founder recalled the Sunday morning when Roth came to his apartment in Hanover to announce his departure from the band.
“One day in the morning, on Sunday, he came. Uli Jon Roth came to me. I was living in a normal apartment in Hanover. And [he] said, ‘Rudolf, can I talk to you?’ I said, ‘Sure. Come in, come in.’ So [he said], ‘Rudolf, I want to quit,’” Schenker said.
Schenker’s response revealed that he had anticipated Roth’s decision to pursue his own musical path.
“I said, ‘Yeah.’ [Roth replied,] ‘You don’t say anything more?’ I said, ‘No, because I was watching you. I could see that you, sooner or later, will move to your own project,’” he continued.
Before parting ways, Schenker made one final request to ensure Roth’s legacy with the band would be properly documented.
“‘Do this Tokyo Tapes [live] album with us as a last piece, as a Last Testament for the Scorpions.’ We went to Japan. We played the Tokyo Tapes album. And then, Uli left,” Schenker recalled.
Roth’s departure marked the end of a significant era for Scorpions. The guitarist had been instrumental in shaping the band’s early hard rock and heavy metal sound during the 1970s.
Guitar World reported that Roth left primarily for artistic reasons rather than interpersonal conflict. By 1977, he felt creatively restricted within the band’s musical direction. He began writing music that he believed would not fit with Scorpions’ evolving style. He described feeling “in a musical no man’s land,” disconnected from the band’s sound, especially during the recording of their 1977 album Taken by Force. He contributed fewer songs to this album than on previous releases.
The Tokyo Tapes, recorded during Scorpions’ 1978 tour of Japan, became a defining moment in the band’s history. Various sources noted that the double live album was well-received by fans and critics. It cemented Scorpions’ reputation as a powerful live act and helped to expand their following outside Europe. The album captured the raw energy and musicianship of the band’s classic 1970s lineup, featuring Roth’s final performances with the group.
After leaving Scorpions, Roth pursued more experimental and ambitious music with his own band, Electric Sun, and later as a solo artist. Rock and Roll Garage explained that his new work explored complex compositions and guitar techniques that diverged sharply from Scorpions’ commercial hard rock. This reflected his desire for greater creative freedom. His post-Scorpions career incorporated classical and Eastern influences, earning him a cult following among guitar enthusiasts.
Roth’s exit came at a pivotal time when Scorpions were becoming increasingly successful. The band had their first gold albums already under their belt. The band subsequently moved toward a more polished, radio-friendly hard rock sound with new guitarist Matthias Jabs. They eventually achieved massive commercial success in the 1980s. Despite the different paths their careers took, Roth has maintained a positive relationship with his former bandmates. He has expressed openness to the idea of a reunion, though he acknowledges it is unlikely.
