Guitar legend Michael Schenker will be hitting the road in 2012 for a fairly large U.S. tour in support of his recently released album 'Temple Of Rock.' The trek kicks off on Feb. 15 in San Francisco, then crisscrosses the country before winding up March 24 in San Juan Capistrano.

'Temple of Rock,' Schenker's first new album in over eight years, features a pretty amazing cast of contributors that includes former UFO band mate Pete Way, Leslie West, Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge), ex-Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, and...the one and only...Mr. William Shatner!

That's right, Captain Kirk himself delivers the opening monologue for the album's lead off track 'How Long' in his own inimitable style. It's only fair, since Schenker guested on Shatner's 2011 concept album 'Seeking Major Tom.'

Speaking on the new album, which recalls the style of some of his early 80's work with MSG, Schenker says, "The temple of rock is within me, where I create since I was introduced to the amazing invention of the distorted guitar which is for me the most enjoyable and the best possible way to express myself. "

We're sure his loyal fans agree. Since starting his professional career at the tender age of 16 by delivering the amazing lead guitar on the Scorpions' 'Lonesome Crow', Schenker has continued to be one of the most respected guitarists of hard rock.

"With 'Temple of Rock' I am entering a new stage of my life," says Michael, "a new level of existence enjoying life more than ever, reaping the joy of all sorts of developments from the past."

Michael Schenker 2012 Tour Dates:
2/15  -- San Francisco, Calif.
2/16  -- Santa Rosa, Calif.
2/17 -- Portland, Ore.
2/18 -- Tacoma, Wash.
2/19 -- Seattle, Wash.
2/20 -- Victoria, B.C.
2/21 -- Vancouver, B.C.
2/23 -- Orangevale, Calif.
2/24 -- Corona, Calif.
2/25 -- West Hollywood, Calif.
2/26 -- San Diego, Calif.
3/1 -- Libertyville, Ill.
3/3 -- Detroit, Mich.
3/4 -- Etobicoke, Ontario
3/5 -- Cleveland, Ohio
3/7  -- Springfield, Va.
3/8  -- Foxborough, Mass.
3/9 -- Asbury Park, N.J.

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