Statue of Rudolf Schenker, Founder of Scorpions, Unveiled in Hometown as a Sign of Honor
June 2025
In a moment that blended rock nostalgia with civic pride, a statue honoring Rudolf Schenker—the legendary guitarist and founder of the German hard rock band Scorpions—was officially unveiled in his hometown of Hildesheim, Lower Saxony. The ceremony, held in front of hundreds of fans, local officials, and music industry guests, marked a historic tribute to one of rock music’s most enduring icons.
The bronze statue, standing proudly in the city square, captures Schenker in his signature pose—guitar slung low, a wide grin on his face, mid-riff as if frozen in time during a live performance. The sculpture, commissioned by the city of Hildesheim and created by renowned German artist Friedrich Klotz, serves as a lasting monument to Schenker’s contributions to music, culture, and German global identity.
A Rock Legend Comes Home
Rudolf Schenker, now 76, founded Scorpions in 1965 in Hanover, a short distance from Hildesheim, and has remained the band’s rhythm guitarist and driving creative force for over five decades. Under his leadership, the Scorpions rose to international fame in the late 1970s and 1980s, producing anthems like “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “Still Loving You”, and the iconic “Wind of Change”—a song that became a soundtrack to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Schenker appeared visibly moved:
“To see this happen in my hometown, where my journey started with just a guitar and a dream, is something I never imagined. I share this honor with my bandmates, my family, and every fan who believed in our music across the decades.”
A Tribute Beyond the Music
The unveiling event was part of a larger weekend festival titled “Winds of Honor: A Tribute to Rudolf Schenker”, featuring local rock acts, a Scorpions cover band, and a special multimedia exhibit chronicling the band’s rise. The city collaborated with the Scorpions’ fan club and music historians to curate rare photographs, stage costumes, guitars, and personal letters from Schenker’s archive.
Mayor Ulrich Meyer spoke passionately about the city’s decision to honor Schenker with a statue:
“Rudolf is not just a global rock star—he’s a cultural ambassador for Germany. His music helped break down walls, inspire unity, and bring German rock to the world stage. Hildesheim is proud to call him one of our own.”
Symbolism in the Statue
Artist Friedrich Klotz said the goal of the sculpture was to capture both the energy and soul of Schenker.
“This isn’t just a statue of a man holding a guitar—it’s a snapshot of freedom, joy, and resilience. I wanted to immortalize that electrifying moment when music and emotion collide.”
The base of the statue features an engraved plaque with the words: “Rudolf Schenker – Founder of Scorpions. Born to Rock. Hildesheim’s Own.” Surrounding the statue are inscribed bricks, each etched with the names of fans who contributed to the project through a fundraising campaign launched in 2024.
A Legacy Still Alive
Though decades have passed since the Scorpions first broke onto the international scene, their music continues to resonate across generations. Their farewell tour, originally announced in 2010, has since evolved into a series of comeback albums and global performances, reaffirming the band’s place in rock history.
Schenker remains active in both music and philanthropy. He regularly hosts guitar clinics, supports young artists, and advocates for music education in schools. His energy on stage, even at 76, has been described as “unrelenting” by critics and fans alike.
During the event, longtime Scorpions frontman Klaus Meine sent a video message celebrating his bandmate’s achievement:
“Rudolf has always been the heart and soul of Scorpions. This statue is more than well deserved—it’s a symbol of what passion, persistence, and power chords can build over a lifetime.”
Fans Flock to Pay Tribute
Attendees traveled from as far as the United States, Japan, and Brazil to witness the statue’s unveiling. Many held up vintage tour posters, vinyl albums, and homemade banners that read messages like “Danke, Rudolf!” and “Still Loving You Since ’84.”
One fan, Helga from Stuttgart, reflected:
“I saw Scorpions live when I was 17. I’m 55 now, and their music still gives me chills. Rudolf’s guitar was like a fire in the dark. This statue brings all that emotion back.”
A Permanent Rock Landmark
With the statue now installed in the town’s main square, Hildesheim hopes it will become both a tourist attraction and an inspiration for young musicians. Plans are already underway to host an annual “Schenker Fest” featuring rock concerts, music workshops, and local artisan markets.
The statue of Rudolf Schenker not only immortalizes a music legend—it cements the town’s role in shaping rock history and honors the enduring power of sound to inspire, unite, and transform lives.
As the sun set behind the statue and the crowd erupted into a chorus of “Wind of Change,” one thing was clear: Rudolf Schenker’s legacy isn’t just carved in bronze—it lives on in every chord, every lyric, and every fan who ever felt the roar of the hurricane.
