Scorpions to rock Istanbul stadium on 60th anniversary tour

Anniversary tour hits Istanbul

German rock legends Scorpions will perform at Beşiktaş Tüpraş Stadium on June 24, event organizers BKM announced on Monday. The concert marks a significant stop on the band's 60th anniversary tour, which sees lead vocalist Klaus Meine and guitarist Matthias Jabs returning to the same Istanbul venue where they first performed in 1993. The musicians spoke to Turkish media ahead of the show, outlining their vision for the upcoming performance and reflecting on their six-decade career.

Message of peace and perseverance

Meine, composer of the landmark peace anthem "Wind of Change," emphasized that the group has maintained a non-political stance throughout its 60-year history. "We want people to sing together, not shoot at each other. It has always been about love, peace and rock n roll," he said, adding that music serves as a unifying force across divides. Despite ongoing global conflicts, Meine urged audiences not to abandon hope for a better world, noting that the band's catalog has consistently promoted reconciliation rather than confrontation.

No retirement for legendary guitarists

Jabs, who has remained with the group for nearly half a century, affirmed that Scorpions continues to pursue new creative projects with undiminished intensity. "We dedicated our lives, everything we have, to music. We never compromised for anything. It is a passion until the very end. We will stop making music the day we die. Until then, there is no retirement," he stated. The guitarist revealed that the band is currently developing fresh material, saying, "Maybe it will not be a full album, but there are new ideas and songs we are working on."

Istanbul setlist promises surprises

The upcoming show will feature a specially curated setlist designed for the anniversary tour, including compositions not performed live for years alongside other undisclosed surprises. Jabs guaranteed a distinct experience for local audiences, noting that fans will hear selections absent from their previous Istanbul appearances. "Years later, we will meet again at the same place. That alone is a great story. Istanbul is truly a fascinating city. I have toured the world for years, and I can easily say that Istanbul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world," he said, recalling that the band first took the stage at the venue — then known as İnönü Stadium — three decades ago during their initial Turkish visit.