Scorpions are a German rock band from Hanover. Formed in 1965 by rhythm guitarist and vocalist Rudolf Schenker, the band went through numerous changes in personnel in its early years before settling on a lineup which included lead vocalist Klaus Meine, lead guitarist Michael Schenker (Rudolf's younger brother), bassist Lothar Heimberg and drummer Wolfgang Dziony to record their debut album Lonesome Crow, released in 1972. Michael Schenker, Heimberg and Dziony all left after the album's release, with Rudolf Schenker and Meine briefly disbanding the group and joining Dawn Road, featuring guitarist Uli Jon Roth, bassist Francis Buchholz, drummer Jürgen Rosenthal and keyboardist Achim Kirschning; the six-piece later opted to adopt the Scorpions moniker, and in 1974 released Fly to the Rainbow.