CIA Conspiracy or Divine Inspiration? The Untold Story Behind Scorpions' Wind of Change

2025-09-16 00:00:20.472

Klaus Meine (vocals/songwriter) recounts the band's experiences playing in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, describing the initially reserved atmosphere that transformed into Beatlemania-like enthusiasm. He notes the band's awareness of KGB surveillance but also the incredible shift at the Moscow Music Peace Festival, where soldiers joined the cheering crowds. Meine describes 'Wind of Change' as a song born from his experiences, inspired by a boat trip on the Moskva River. He recounts the initial skepticism from the US record company regarding the song's whistling, which later became a signature element. He dismisses the theory that the CIA was involved in the song's creation. Meine reflects on the song's message of hope and the current geopolitical context, noting the sadness of the changed world. Rudolf Schenker (guitar) adds his perspective on the band's popularity in Russia, the contrast of their performance with Bon Jovi's, and his contribution to the song's guitar solo. He highlights the song's popularity in Russia and its use by pirate radio stations. He mentions Klaus Meine's recent decision to modify the live lyrics to support Ukraine. The article concludes with information on a new Scorpions compilation.