Legendary drummer Herman Rarebell is bringing back the spirit of the ’80s with his latest studio album, What About Love?, set for release on April 11 via Metalville Records. Known for his time with Scorpions, Rarebell has gathered a group of talented friends to reimagine some of the most iconic songs from the era that defined his career.
On What About Love?, Rarebell enlists former Ozzy Osbourne bassist Bob Daisley, renowned session guitarist Dann Huff, Heart‘s Howard Leese, and vocalist Michael Voss (Casanova, Mad Max, Michael Schenker) to breathe new life into 12 classic tracks. For Rarebell, the album is a journey back to a golden age of music.
The album’s title track, “What About Love?”, has already been released with an official music video, carrying a heartfelt message from Rarebell. “Here is my message to the world: We must return to love again! We have to stop the hate!!! This song should remind you all of love and peace! I am grateful to all my musician friends for helping me with this news!”
Pre-order the album here.
“I think that more powerful music has never been created before or since,” Rarebell reflects. “It was the golden age for me. I enjoyed it. We traveled the world with Scorpions, we met people from all cultures. It was one big rush. Anything was possible at any time.”
But beyond nostalgia, Rarebell sees this project as a way to reignite the feeling that made these songs timeless. “With this album, I don’t just want to bring back memories of the great hits of the ‘80s. It’s not just about the melodies and rhythms that I miss today. Above all, it’s about the feeling that these songs convey. The love, the courage, the optimism that is in them. I think a lot of that has been lost.”
He points to specific tracks that embody that energy: the groove of “Here I Go Again”, the anthemic chorus of “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, the sheer force of “Rock You Like A Hurricane”, and the raw emotion of “I Want To Know What Love Is”. “It’s no wonder that these songs have held a place in people’s hearts for four decades,” he adds.
The album was co-produced by Rarebell and Voss at Kidwood Studios in Münstertal, Black Forest. “Every take we recorded for this album was pure pleasure. Friends who play great music,” Rarebell says. “We hope you feel what we’ve put into these new recordings: Love, power, optimism! For me, that’s the power of the ’80s!”
