Uli Jon Roth - The Arcada, St. Charles, IL 4/18/26 (words by Mark Kadzielawa, images by Edward Spinelli)

 

Uli Jon Roth always delivers a sensational show filled with spirituality, breathtaking music, and guitar work that leaves a lasting impression. This particular performance at The Arcada was divided into two sets, striking a compelling balance between ambition and accessibility—reflecting both Roth’s artistic vision and the passions that continue to drive him forward.

The first set featured Roth alone with his guitars and backing tracks, and it leaned heavily into his more ambitious side. The material demanded focused listening, rewarding the audience with depth and nuance. Roth moved seamlessly between Mozart interpretations, selections from his time with Scorpions, and his own orchestral compositions. The result was nothing short of beautiful, delivered with precision and emotion.

Roth truly stretched himself here, reaching remarkable heights. Pieces like “The Cry,” “Sky Overture,” and “Spirit of the Heart” stood out as absolute masterpieces, and experiencing them live was a rare treat. At several moments, his playing was so expressive that it brought tears to my eyes—a peaceful, almost transcendent response to the emotion coming from the stage.  The closing performance of “The Sails of Charon” was especially powerful, elevated by an expanded arrangement that gave the piece even greater impact. The set was further enhanced by carefully chosen visuals displayed on screen, creating an immersive experience. Altogether, it felt like an unforgettable journey—rich with emotion, evocative imagery, and storytelling through guitar.

The second set featured exclusively Scorpions material from the era when Roth was still in the band. At the beginning of this review, this portion was described as more commercial—but if you know Uli Jon Roth, you know he never takes the easy route. While the material may seem more accessible compared to the first set, Roth infused each track with ambition and depth.

Roth was backed by an exceptional band. David Klosinski, on second guitar, proved to be a perfect counterpart. The understanding between the two players is subtle yet powerful, elevating every riff and lead break into something truly compelling. It’s no surprise Klosinski has remained alongside Roth for so long—he’s a fantastic player with a vivid musical imagination of his own.

Niklas Turmann added yet another dimension with his guitar work. At certain moments, the triple-guitar attack from Roth, Klosinski, and Turmann was simply breathtaking. Turmann also handled the vocals admirably, capturing the spirit of Klaus Meine in those classic Scorpions tracks.

The rhythm section was equally impressive. Barry Sparks delivered an energetic performance on bass while also contributing backing vocals. Jamie Little did an excellent job on drums, demonstrating sensitivity and the right feel for the material. His versatility and personal touch added nuance to the songs.

Rounding out the lineup was the mystical and mysterious Gwen Antti-Adams, who provided backing vocals, danced, and delivered a standout performance of “Yellow Raven.” With a band of this caliber, it’s no wonder everything on stage shone so brightly.

The main attraction of the second set was the performance of the Scorpions’ Virgin Killer and In Trance albums. Both are celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it was a perfect fit for the “Pictures of Destiny” tour. Hearing those tracks live again was a thrilling experience, delivered with electrifying energy. “Polar Nights” stood out as an absolute highlight of the set, with Roth and the band truly outdoing themselves. Every note felt magical, creating a deeply spiritual experience for both the band and the audience.

Other featured tracks included “Sun in My Hand,” “We’ll Burn the Sky,” and another standout, “In Trance,” which showcased Turmann’s exceptional vocal delivery. The band concluded the set with “All Along the Watchtower,” adding a Hendrix-inspired touch that provided a powerful and fitting close.  Great energy flowed all night long here.

There is no doubt that Uli Jon Roth remains one of the most inventive guitarists in the world. His ability to channel emotion through his playing is a rare and remarkable gift that he continues to share with audiences across the globe. This is an experience that truly must be seen to be fully understood, appreciated, and, in some cases, believed. Once you witness it, it becomes impossible to resist—it’s simply addictive.

Mark Kadzielawa