Published: March 16, 2026
The short-lived 1991 supergroup united Michael Schenker, Tracii Guns, Bobby Blotzer, Share Pedersen and Richard Black in one of the most unusual collaborations of the early ’90s hard rock scene.
In the early 1990s, the hard rock world briefly witnessed the creation of an unlikely all-star lineup known as Contraband a project that brought together musicians from some of the most recognizable bands of the 1980s.
The group united guitarist Michael Schenker (Scorpions, UFO, McAuley Schenker Group), guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns), drummer Bobby Blotzer (Ratt), bassist Share Pedersen (Vixen), and vocalist Richard Black (Shark Island).
Together they formed a short-lived supergroup that captured the spirit of late-’80s hard rock just as the musical landscape was beginning to change.
The origins of Contraband can be traced back to the early 1990s, when several musicians from the Los Angeles hard rock scene began discussing the idea of creating a collaborative project that would combine their different musical backgrounds. The lineup itself represented a fascinating blend of artists from bands that had helped define the sound of the previous decade.
In 1991 the band released its only album, Contraband, through Impact American Records. The record featured a mix of melodic hard rock and glam metal influences, reflecting the musical pedigree of its members and the arena-ready sound that dominated rock radio at the time.
One of the most notable tracks from the album was their version of “All the Way from Memphis”, originally written by Ian Hunter and associated with Mott the Hoople, which became the band’s only chart entry in the United Kingdom.
Although the project generated curiosity among fans, the album ultimately achieved modest commercial success, peaking at No. 187 on the Billboard 200 before the band dissolved shortly afterward.
Decades later, however, the album has taken on a different life. For many collectors and fans of classic hard rock, Contraband has become something of a cult record, a rare collaboration between musicians who helped shape the sound of late-’80s and early-’90s rock.
In fact, even for collectors the album can be surprisingly difficult to find. Personally, it took me years to track down a copy until I finally managed to secure one through a seller on eBay based in Newfoundland (Canada), who happened to have a single copy available in perfect condition. Fortunately, that rare piece of hard rock history now sits in my collection.
Despite the impressive lineup, the project proved to be short-lived. Like many supergroups, Contraband demonstrated enormous potential but struggled to survive beyond its initial burst of enthusiasm, as the members soon returned to their respective bands and other musical commitments.
Today, Contraband remains one of the most intriguing forgotten collaborations of the early ’90s hard rock scene. With musicians from Scorpions, Ratt, L.A. Guns, Vixen and Shark Island sharing the same stage, the project represented a rare moment when several worlds of hard rock briefly collided.
Even if the band lasted only a short time, the album stands today as a fascinating snapshot of an era when supergroups were still capable of surprising the rock world.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
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