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The Scorpions are one of the most iconic bands from the ‘80s.  A new book, And Speaking of Scorpions…Autobiography of Herman ‘Ze German’ Rarebell, is an autobiography of this rock and roll legend written by Herman Rarebell and Michael Krikorian.

Herman has had some amazing life experiences, and his book goes into detail about his personal life and his life with the Scorpions.  “When I think back about my own life, I realize that I have had an interesting ride – that’s putting it mildly,” Herman says.  “As I look back, I think how fortunate I am to be alive.  I still have countless regrets, but not in areas that most might believe.  I have discovered that we all have our purpose and place.”

From 1976 to 1996, Herman served as drummer and creative force for the world famous German rock band, Scorpions.  I recently had the opportunity to talk with Herman about his new book and his time in the Scorpions and what he is up to now.

Herman got his start as a musician when he was very young, and by the time he was 12 years old, his passion for drumming was strong.  His music was mostly influenced by Led Zeppelin, and still is.  When talking about his early start, he says, “You have to have the basic talent, but the rest is rehearsing.”  All of those early years of constant rehearsing paid off for him, as he has been in one of the most iconic bands from the ‘80s, as well as one of the most distinguished drummers of his time.  He is undoubtedly a large part of music history.  To date, he has 78 Gold records, 30 Platinum records, and has received many music awards, including an Echo and a World Music Award.

The Scorpions have numerous hit songs, and Herman attributed to chart topping hits such as “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “Blackout” and “Make it Real.”  Herman has had some amazing moments to look back on in his career.  When asked about his most memorable, he says, “I’ve had some amazing moments to live through.  Two moments were visiting with Mikhail Gorbachev at the Kremlin and performing at the U.S. Festival in May 1983.”  He talks about both of these life-changing moments in his book.  Herman first met Gorbachev in 1989 on their second visit to Moscow.  The Scorpions played in Moscow the summer of 1989, and then returned to Moscow in November  for another concert.

When you read the book, you will see that Herman’s all-time favorite Scorpions song is “Passion Rules the Game.”  He is not only a talented drummer, but a distinguished songwriter as well.  He had a lot to do with the Scorpions having so many hit songs.  Of his songwriting process, he tells me, “Sometimes I hear the beat first, and sometimes I hear the lyrics first.  It’s different every time.”

We also talked about the current state of the music business.  Herman is careful to keep up with new music.  To do so, he watches MTV and VH1 and listens to everything on the radio.  “The music industry has a lot of one hit wonders now.  Back in the day, bands had to make great albums,” he says when talking about how record companies used to focus on the whole album instead of just a hit song.

Currently, Herman is in the U.S. promoting his new book.  He has also taped a segment for That Metal Show with Eddie Trunk, which will air on VH1 Classic on January 14, 2012.

This talented musician definitely stays busy.  He has a new band called Herman Ze German & Band, and they had their first concert on June 18th in Germany.  He is also a part of Michael Schenker’s world tour featuring Michael Schenker (MSG, Scorpions, UFO) on lead guitar, Herman on drums, Pete Way (UFO) on bass, Michael Voss on vocals, Elliott Rubinson (owner of Dean Guitar) on bass, and Wayne Findley (MSG) on keyboards and guitar.  This group formed about a year ago, and they will hopefully be in the U.S. for some shows in 2012.  In addition, after Herman left the Scorpions, he founded Monaco Records with Prince Albert II of Monaco.

When asked what he wants people to take away from his book, Herman says, “I want them to read the book so they can read what my life is all about.  It’s my complete life story.”  The main thing he wants his fans to take away is the lesson to live life to their fullest.  “This book was written for the fans, from my heart and soul.  Be sure to live your life free.”  Herman also wanted me to mention that he couldn’t have written this book without the help of good friend and writer Michael Krikorian.

I highly recommend this book.  It is an honest look at Herman’s life, with humor and many life lessons along the way.  The book is available now on Amazon a http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1463601107/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=radiscre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1463601107

For more information about Herman, the book and tour dates, please visit his website:  www.hermanrarebell.com.

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