SCORPIONS' KLAUS MEINE Is Open To Making Another Studio Album

SCORPIONS singer Klaus Meine says that the band is not opposed to making another studio album.

The legendary German hard rockers' latest release, 2017's "Born To Touch Your Feelings - Best Of Rock Ballads", was an anthology of the band's new and classic material.

SCORPIONS' last full-length collection of new recordings was 2015's "Return To Forever", partially comprising songs the band had in the vault from the '80s. It was the final recorded appearance of SCORPIONS' longtime drummer James Kottak, who was dismissed from the band in September 2016. He has since been replaced by Mikkey Dee, formerly of MOTÖRHEAD.

Asked by SiriusXM's Eddie Trunk if SCORPIONS would consider releasing a new album in the not-too-distant future, Meine said: "I think we never would say no, because it's so much in our veins to have this rhythm of touring, making records, being creative, going back into the studio.

"We just put an album out in 2015 with 19 songs, with all the extras and bonus tracks for Japan and whatsoever, so it takes a lot of time, it takes a lot of work in the studio," he continued. "And I think we might be ready next year, at least to go back and come together and start songwriting, and let's see what comes out.

"At the end of the day, to make an album, to go back into the studio, you have to have the feeling we have great material, there are great songs, and it's time now to do it, and really to top yourself — at least give it a try," Meine added. "And it only makes sense if everybody feels it in the band, if everybody wants it, and we know the fans want it. And if we feel we have the right material, the right songs, the right setup, I think we might go back into the studio and maybe surprise a lot of people. But if we do it, we'll definitely go for the harder edge of the SCORPIONS. But if that would be reality, we have to figure out, and we have to see how things will turn out at the end of this year into next year and if everybody's ready to go for another challenge and really try and go for the best. Because that's all what counts at the end of the day — if you make another album, then you'd better come out with something strong. And there are a few examples of bands [from] our generation — like JUDAS PRIEST recently; DEEP PURPLE as well — they came up with really strong new albums. So it can be done. And let's see what life will bring."

SCORPIONS will return to America on August 31 to kick off rescheduled tour dates in Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, Tampa, and Hollywood (Florida),as well as adding two new stops in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and Irvine, California. Joining the SCORPIONS on these U.S. dates will be QUEENSRŸCHE.

In a statement announcing the tour, Meine said: "I am extremely happy to announce that the SCORPIONS have rescheduled all the remaining American dates that we were forced to cancel last fall due to my severe laryngitis. I was so overwhelmed with all the love and well wishes from our fans when we had to cancel, that the band and I were determined to get back to the U.S. to make these dates up to our loyal and dedicated fans. I am also happy to say that QUEENSRŸCHE will join us as well for these 'Crazy World' shows! We look very much forward to seeing you out there and get ready to ROCK!"

SCORPIONS tour dates with QUEENSRŸCHE:

Aug. 31 - Lake Tahoe, NV - Harvey's Lake Tahoe
Sep. 02 - Irvine, CA - FivePoint Amphitheatre
Sep. 05 - Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theatre
Sep. 07 - San Antonio, TX - Freeman Coliseum
Sep. 09 - Dallas, TX - Pavilion at the Music Factory
Sep. 12 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Event Center
Sep. 14 - Tampa, FL - Amalie Arena