Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Germany’s hard rock/heavy metal heroes Scorpions have already said “farewell” and reunited, along with commemorating a 50th anniversary, which would’ve left very few reasons to tour at this point, apart from a victory lap, had the group not gone back into the recording studio.

And that’s exactly what happened when the legendary band (not pictured due to a delay in management approval) broke a seven-year gap between releases, the longest its ever had, with “Rock Believer” reviving both the bravado and the monster ballads of its commercial peak.

With that in mind, Scorpions centered yet another Allstate Arena stop around that particular period from the late 1970s through the early ’90s, along with a few of those like-minded newer tunes, but in the process, left out the earlier, more experimental opuses.

Even so, singer Klaus Meine, rhythm guitarist Rudolf Schenker, lead guitarist Matthias Jabs, bassist Pawel Maciwoda and drummer Mikkey Dee (formerly of Motörhead) kept right on stinging with “Gas In The Tank,” “Make It Real” and “The Zoo” to start the 100-minute evening.

The guys showcased their softer but no less passionate side during “Send Me An Angel” and “Wind Of Change” (dedicated to the people of Ukraine) then cranked it back up thanks to “Tease Me Please Me” and the current collection’s title track, all of which made maximum use of the stadium-level light show and screens filled with crawling creatures or additional atmosphere.

They saved the grandest anthems until the end, including “Blackout,” “Big City Nights,” “No One Like You” and the “Stranger Things”-revived “Rock You Like A Hurricane” as multiple generations pumped their fists and rejoiced that even after a false alarm and advancing age, Scorpions still can’t seem to retire.

Unfortunately, the originally advertised Whitesnake wasn’t able to join them due to front man David Coverdale’s health issues, but that gave Sweden’s already established Thundermother, who are nonetheless newcomers to America, a chance to stretch out the opening slot with several killer cuts from the brand new “Black And Gold.”

The entirely female act brought slices of AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses and Bon Jovi, alongside its own blend of chunky hooks and charging riffs, all while gradually winning over those taking their seats and raising countless toasts along the way.

For additional information on Scorpions and Thundermother, visit The-Scorpions.com and Thundermother.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Allstate Arena include Michael Buble (Sept. 2); Daddy Yankee (Sept. 4); Karol G (Sept. 6); Ay Amor Mariachi Festival (Sept. 9); Gloria Trevi (Sept. 10); Pepe Aguilar (Sept. 30-Oct. 1); Ozuna (Oct. 9); Pancho Barraza (Oct. 16); Carrie Underwood (Oct. 22); Wisin & Yandel (Oct. 23); Camilo (Oct. 28); Los Tigres Del Norte (Nov. 18); Fuerza Regida (Dec. 2); Daddy Yankee (Dec. 12-13) and Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 21). For additional details, visit Rosemont.com/Allstate/.

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