Rudolf Schenker, Founder of Scorpions, Immortalized with Statue in His Hometown
June 4, 2025
In a powerful and emotional ceremony filled with music, memory, and admiration, Rudolf Schenker, the legendary founder and rhythm guitarist of the world-renowned rock band Scorpions, was honored with a statue in his hometown of Hildesheim, Germany. This tribute marks a monumental recognition of a man whose guitar riffs and stage presence helped shape the sound of modern rock and whose influence has echoed across generations and continents.
Schenker, now in his seventies, stood proudly as the bronze statue was unveiled in the city’s historic Marktplatz. Surrounded by fans, local officials, fellow musicians, and longtime friends, the moment symbolized far more than personal recognition—it celebrated a lifetime of dedication to music and cultural impact that few have matched.
A Tribute Long Overdue
Rudolf Schenker founded the Scorpions in 1965, driven by an unwavering passion for rock music and a vision to take the sound of Germany onto the world stage. What began as a local band became a global phenomenon, delivering iconic hits such as “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Wind of Change,” “Still Loving You,” and “No One Like You.”
The band’s success across Europe, America, and Asia helped place German rock on the international map. And at the center of it all was Schenker—not just the band’s founder, but its heartbeat, creative architect, and enduring spirit.
In his speech during the unveiling, Hildesheim’s mayor called Schenker “a national treasure,” and added:
“Rudolf not only brought pride to Hildesheim but also gave voice to an entire generation. His music crossed borders, carried messages of peace, and reminded us all of the power of sound to heal and unite.”
The Statue: A Monument to Rock
The bronze statue, crafted by acclaimed German sculptor Anja Krüger, depicts Schenker mid-performance—guitar in hand, one foot on a monitor, head raised as if captured in the middle of a legendary solo. The piece radiates the energy and charisma that Schenker brought to the stage for over five decades.
Inscribed at the base are the words: “Forever Rock – Rudolf Schenker, Founder of the Scorpions, Ambassador of Music and Peace.”
Fans from all over the world traveled to Hildesheim for the unveiling, waving Scorpions banners and donning vintage tour shirts. Some shared stories of how the band’s music had gotten them through tough times, inspired careers, or simply brought them joy during their youth.
A Career That Changed Music
Over the years, Schenker has been much more than a guitarist. He has been a songwriter, producer, and philosopher of rock—always emphasizing positivity, peace, and unity. While younger brother Michael Schenker and lead vocalist Klaus Meine often shared the spotlight, Rudolf’s rhythm guitar and leadership were the glue that held the band together through decades of touring and evolution.
Perhaps the band’s most iconic moment came in 1990 with the release of “Wind of Change,” a song that became the unofficial anthem of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Schenker co-wrote the song, and to this day, it stands as one of the best-selling singles of all time, symbolizing hope and transformation in a world craving unity.
An Inspiration Beyond Music
Schenker’s influence extends beyond rock. He is a motivational speaker, advocate for youth music education, and passionate supporter of peace initiatives. In the early 2000s, he helped launch several programs aimed at giving young musicians in Germany access to instruments and mentorship.
Speaking at the event, Klaus Meine remarked:
“Rudolf has always been the soul of the Scorpions. His vision, energy, and belief in music as a force for good have touched countless lives. This statue is not just for him—it’s for every kid who ever picked up a guitar because of him.”
Legacy Cast in Bronze—and Spirit
Though the Scorpions have officially wrapped up what they call their “farewell tour,” Rudolf Schenker shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to appear at music festivals, give talks, and record in his home studio. To fans, his statue is not a symbol of retirement, but a monument to the living legend who continues to inspire.
With this honor, Hildesheim has secured its place in rock history as not just the hometown of a global icon, but as the birthplace of a revolution in sound that started with one man and his guitar.
As the crowd joined in a spontaneous chorus of “Wind of Change” under the summer sky, one thing became clear—Rudolf Schenker is, and always will be, forever rock.
