British hard-rock greats come to Bay Area

One of the most under appreciated British hard-rock outfits of the '70s, UFO spotlighted heavy-hitting songwriting hooks from singer Phil Mogg and bassist Pete Way as well as the melodic guitar stylings of onetime Scorpions guitarist Michael Schenker on such classic albums as 'Force It,' 'Obsession' and the seminal live recording 'Strangers in the Night,' a concert document many critics rank among the best produced during that decade. Hailed as a huge influence by guitarists in such bands as Metallica, Megadeth and Tesla, Schenker injected the music of UFO with potent riffs and unfailingly melodic solos.

While the classic-era members haven't been together since Schenker rejoined the fold for 'Sharks' in 2002, Mogg, Way and second guitarist/keyboard player Paul Raymond enlisted the talents of guitar wizard Vinnie Moore and drumming powerhouse Jason Bonham (son of Led Zeppelin legend John Bonham) to record the group's 2006 venture 'You Are Here.' However, with Bonham's departure to play with Foreigner a number of years ago, the band reunited with original drummer Andy Parker.

The band's most recent studio offering -- 2009's 'The Visitor' -- was praised as a solid return to late '70s form, containing several bruising tracks that wouldn't sound out of place alongside such Schenker gems as "Doctor Doctor," "Rock Bottom" and "Too Hot To Handle." Though health problems have kept bassist Way from recording and touring (journeyman Barry Sparks is currently filling in), fans are sure to turn out to hear old chestnuts and new tracks alike at these two Bay Area shows.

UFO

Thursday, Sept. 15, 8:30 p.m. $25-$30 Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa

Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. $20 Avalon