U.D.O.
Formed: 1987
From:
Wuppertal,
Germany
Last Known Status: Active
Latest U.D.O. News
Below is our complete U.D.O. news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 116 1 2 3 ... 5 6 Last
U.D.O. Parts Ways With Guitarist
German heavy metal veterans U.D.O./Dirkschneider has announced that they have parted ways with guitarist Andrey Smirnov after thirteen years. A message from the band reads as follows:
"After many years of successful collaboration, U.D.O. / Dirkschneider and guitarist Andrey Smirnov have decided to part ways. This decision was made amicably and with mutual respect. The band would like to thank Andrey for his outstanding musicianship, dedication and contribution to U.D.O. over the years.
"We wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors. U.D.O. and Dirkschneider will continue with all upcoming projects and live shows as planned and further news will be announced soon."
Smirnov himself commented on the departure thusly:
"My dear friends,
After nearly 13 years, U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER and I are parting ways. It’s both overwhelming and exciting to close a chapter that has shaped my life.
"I’ve been living in the fast lane since 2012 - flying straight from my last show with Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley to recording "Steelhammer" with U.D.O. Since then, we’ve written and released 8 studio albums, 4 live records, even reimagined the legendary Accept album Balls to the Wall - and played hundreds of shows all around the world.
"I'll always treasure those nights when the crowd’s roar became my heartbeat. But every journey has its horizon - and mine is calling me forward. I will continue to write, record, mix, and play music - for you, and with you. Let’s stay connected through music - because that’s what unites us all.
"Thank you for being part of my story.
I love you all!"
U.D.O. Shares "Fight For The Right" Lyric Video
Today, iconic German heavy metallers U.D.O. strike back with their new 13-track studio album, which was lauded by hard 'n' heavy press worldwide and thereby cements the fact that they're not only midfielders but definitely one of the main forerunners of the scene. But that's not all: "Touchdown" also marks the musical reunion of singer Udo Dirkschneider and bassist Peter Baltes (ex-Accept) who joined the U.D.O. ranks a few months ago, and to celebrate those happenings, the group have launched a lyric video for new song "Fight For The Right," which can be found on their new offering. It's an anti-war track that continues U.D.O.'s tradition of delivering heavy old-school riffing, this time garnished with a grand, classical music dominated guitar solo. Watch the visualisation by Ingo Spörl (Hard Media) below.
Released via Atomic Fire Records, the album was crafted with producer and mixing engineer Martin "Mattes" Pfeiffer at Redhead Studio (Wilhelmshaven, Germany) and mastered by Stefan Kaufmann at ROXX Studio (Solingen, Germany). The record includes a guest appearance by violinist Stefan Pintev on the closing track, and bass tracks were recorded by new member Baltes. Artwork was provided by Martin Häusler who was also responsible for shooting band photos in support of the new album campaign. More...
U.D.O. Posts "Touchdown" Video Online
Down, set, WATCH! Between summer festival activities as well as following the first musical glimpse "Forever Free," iconic German heavy metal group U.D.O. -- singer Udo Dirkschneider and his son Sven (drums), a guitar duo consisting of Andrey Smirnov and Fabian Dee Dammers plus bass player Peter Baltes -- have returned with a sportive music video for the title track of their forthcoming studio album "Touchdown" which will hit the shelves on August 25, 2023 via Atomic Fire Records. Musically, "Touchdown" kicks off rapidly before culminating in an anthemic, fan block & stadium capable chorus, graced by a highly fitting violin solo contributed by Stefan Pintev. The aforementioned music video is in no way inferior and lets the worlds of both football and heavy metal clash brilliantly.
Sven recalls: "The song but also album title began to take root when we were sitting in a sports bar in São Paulo [Brazil] where a football game was shown. The word that came out of the speakers the most and therefore was remembered the best afterwards was simply 'Touchdown.' That's why my dad [Udo] suggested that it should become the name of our new album - and a touchdown is also what we have created musically with our new songs in my opinion. We're very happy with the result! The title track deals, of course, with nothing but the type of sport itself, and it also represents us as a band very well: We're a team that enters the stage together evening after evening to win the crowd. That's what we do highly motivated, in a way aggressively but powerful too. Qualities that can also be found in football and lastly throw a bridge to our music." More...
U.D.O. Releases "Forever Free" Lyric Video
Heavy metal quintet U.D.O. -- fronted by legendary singer Udo Dirkschneider and officially completed by former Accept bassist Peter Baltes in April -- recently announced their new studio album entitled »Touchdown,« due out on August 25, 2023 via Atomic Fire Records. It features 13 tracks which cement the fact that the group surely belongs to the all-star team of the scene. Currently, U.D.O., who are also performing as Dirkschneider, are entering the stages of the biggest European festivals (Graspop Metal Meeting (BE), Leyendas del Rock (ES), Summer Breeze Open Air (DE) etc.) to perform in front of their loyal worldwide fan base, making the band feel that each and every of their concerts is a home game and today, the new musical season has also kicked off: With the digital "Forever Free" single from their upcoming offering, U.D.O. sound the first attack, supported by a lyric video which can be watched via the link below. And since all good things come in threes, "Touchdown" can now finally be pre-ordered!
Drummer Sven Dirkschneider explains the meaning behind the song: "'Forever Free' is supposed to make people not simply believe facts they hear or get shown, for example by media, but to think individually. Of course, we don't mean that one should question everything. The song shall just express that it's better to create own opinions about conflicts and other topics one stands for, even when they're wrong sometimes, than to follow the mass blindly. It's a musical tribute to our privilege of living in a free world as we luckily can." More...
Graspop Announces A Further 103 Bands
The organisers of Graspop Metal Meeting, one of Europe's premier metal festivals and the biggest in Belgium has announced a further 103 bands added to next year's edition of the festival. The event will take place in the town of Dessel from June 15th - 18th.
The lineup is now as follows:
1914
Agnostic Front
Amon Amarth
Anti-Flag
Antimatter
Any Given Day
Arch Enemy
Architects
As I Lay Dying
Asking Alexandria
At The Gates
Avatar
Beast In Black
Behemoth
Billy Talent
Black Mirrors
Bloodywood
Butcher Babies
Cane Hill
Carpenter Brut
Clutch
Cradle Of Filth
Crowbar
Cyclone
Danko Jones
Dark Angel
Deathstars
Def Leppard
Delain
Dieth
Dirkschneider
Disturbed
Draconian
Eluveitie
End
Enter Shikari
Epica
Escape The Fate
Evergrey
Exodus
Fever 333
Fields of the Nephilim
Finntroll
Ghost
Gojira
Greg Puciato
Halestorm
Hatebreed
Heidevolk
Hippotraktor
Hollywood Undead
Hollywood Vampires
I Prevail
In Flames
Insomnium
Katatonia
Kissin’ Dynamite
Korpiklaani
Kreator
Landmvrks
Legion Of The Damned
Less Than Jake
Life Of Agony
Lionheart
Loathe
Lorna Shore
Marduk
Meshuggah
Molybaron
Monster Magnet
Motionless In White
Motley Crue
Novelists
Oceans
Orange Goblin
Orbit Culture
Pantera
Papa Roach
Parkway Drive
Polaris
Rancid
Russkaja
Seether
Septicflesh
Sick Of It All
Skindred
Sleep Token
Slipknot
Soen
Sólstafir
Spiritbox
Stand Atlantic
Stray From The Path
Testament
The Amity Affliction
The Answer
The Chats
The Ghost Inside
The Halo Effect
The Luka State
The Menzingers
The Raven Age
The Winery Dogs
Three Days Grace
Thundermother
Unearth
Vicious Rumours
Voivod
Watain
U.D.O. Releases "Holy" Visualizer
U.D.O. celebrate the release of "The Legacy" 2-CD compilation with a new video for their classic song "Holy," out now on AFM Records. You can check it out below.
Rounding off a special anniversary year for the band (35 years since the foundation of the group as well as the launch of their debut album "Animal House" and its fearless leader & voice Udo Dirkschneider (who turned 70 this April), today, iconic heavy metal act U.D.O. is celebrating the release of their "Best Of" compilation, entitled "The Legacy," via AFM Records!
"The Legacy" proves that U.D.O. produced classics throughout their entire career. Their longevity and quality of output is almost unmatched within the heavy music scene. With such an impressive back catalogue gathered within the past three and a half decades, it’s simply an impossible task to compile a double CD of material and satisfy everyone, but, "The Legacy" is by far the most extensive retrospective the band has ever released. Featuring 33 tracks overall and including songs from all U.D.O. studio albums, the compilation also includes 4 rare bonus songs which a lot of U.D.O.‘s loyal followers will hear for the first time. More...
U.D.O. Announces "Game Over" Tour Dates
Game Over? NO, but the WAITING is finally over! U.D.O. -- the band led by iconic singer Udo Dirkschneider, who celebrated his 70th birthday (April 6th) in the form of his first solo album titled "My Way" earlier this year (released April 22, 2022 through Atomic Fire Records; hitting #4 of the German album charts, the highest entry of his entire career!) -- are pleased to announce an extensive headline run across the continent today: lasting from September until the end of November, it will only be paused to play a series of even more gigs in Latin America in October. Support on their European journey will be coming from French heavy metal quartet Existance. But before the aforementioned tour kicks off, make sure to also see U.D.O./Dirkschneider at select festivals. All upcoming dates are listed below, more information and tickets can be found here.
The tour dates are as follows: More...
Udo Dirkschneider Shares First German Single
He is THE constant among the German metal scene - Udo Dirkschneider. Originally becoming world-famous as a founding member of Accept, he continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and Dirkschneider outfits. Remaining true to himself over the years in a way few musicians could, Dirkschneider consistently bucks music industry trends in favor of following his heart. Yet his most personal and extraordinary album to date will be released on April 22nd, 2022: "My Way".
For the first time, Udo Dirkschneider now sings in his native language and shines on the Wolfsheim cover of the hit "Kein Zurück", which is being released today as a digital single and as a limited 7-inch vinyl (700 copies, incl. "We Will Rock You") and along with a music video clip.
"When I heard the song on the radio for the first time, I got excited straight away," remembers Udo Dirkschneider and explains: "I immediately felt understood by the words. It almost seemed to me as if the text was telling about my career, about my highs and lows, about all the good and bad experiences that you have. For those who choose the life as a musician, there is simply “no way back”. It's the first time I've been singing in my native language on a song - it was a real struggle for me at first, but at the same time it was a great experience." More...
Udo Dirkschneider Covers Queen Classic
He is THE constant among the German metal scene - Udo Dirkschneider. Originally becoming world-famous as a founding member of Accept, he continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and Dirkschneider outfits. Remaining true to himself over the years in a way few musicians could, Dirkschneider consistently bucks music industry trends in favor of following his heart. Yet his most personal and extraordinary album to date will be released on April 22nd, 2022: "My Way".
Today, Udo Dirkschneider reveals the first single from his upcoming new album "My Way," the Queen classic "We Will Rock You", which has personally been approved by Brian May who described it as one of the strongest Queen cover versions he has ever heard.
"Queen have shown how versatile a band can be," states Udo Dirkschneider and explains: "They have always fascinated me and have been one of my very first favourite bands. Queen inspired me musically and I still enjoy listening to all of their records to this day. I liked the live version of „We Will Rock You“ most, which is why I used that one for my cover version." More...
U.D.O. Shares "Metal Never Dies" Music Video
German heavy metal legend Udo Dirkschneider and his eponymous band, U.D.O., has today released a brand new music video for the song, "Metal Never Dies." You can check it out below.
"Metal Never Dies" is a teutonic Metal hymn from the reigning king of German heavy metal with those infectious and memorable melodic guitar riffs and with a brilliant chorus that metal fans will sing for years.
U.D.O. will release new album "Game Over" on 22nd October via AFM Records.
"Game Over" tracklisting:
1. Fear Detector
2. Holy Invaders
3. Prophecy
4. Empty Eyes
5. I See Red
6. Metal Never Dies
7. Kids And Guns
8. Like A Beast
9. Don't Wanna Say Goodbye
10. Unbroken
11. Marching Tank
12. Thunder Road
13. Midnight Stranger
14. Speed Seeker
15. Time Control
16. Metal Damnation More...
U.D.O. Reveals New Album, "Game Over" Details
"Game Over!" That’s what rock icon Udo Dirkschneider (original voice of iconic band Accept) proclaims on his upcoming new U.D.O. record, to be released on October 22 via AFM Records.
The statement behind has got many different meanings. But one thing becomes clear immediately: U.D.O. is not doing things by halves and so they give everything they have. During hundreds of shows worldwide, some of them in the most remote places of Russia and South-America, the band has become one unit and a conglomerate of passionate musicians and friends. Each of them knows exactly, when and how to play his instrument to match to the sound of the band perfectly. All the songs on this record feature a distinctive character, that convinces today as well as it will convince tomorrow.
Available as Digipak, Coloured Ltd. Vinyl, Ltd. Boxset + Digital. Pre-order here. More...
U.D.O. Posts New Music Video Online
German heavy metal legend Udo Dirkschneider has posted a new music video online, their third from U.D.O.'s latest album, "We Are One," which was recorded with the Musikkorps der Bundeswehr/Band of the German Armed Forces. You can check it out below. The album is available now through AFM Records.
U.D.O. Records New Album With German Armed Forces
This upcoming summer will hold a musical surprise: Metal legend U.D.O. will publish an album incollaboration with the official Concert Band of the German Armed Forces (Musikkorps der Bundeswehr). The album is entitled "We Are One" and will be released on July 17th.
German Rock band U.D.O, including icon Udo Dirkschneider (the original voice of Accept with worldwide hits such as "Balls To The Wall," "Metal Heart" etc) presents, together with the renowned Concert Band of the German Armed Forces under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Scheibling, a unique worldwide musical project.
The album contains 15 new songs that will be released through AFM Records /Soulfood Music. All songs have been developed and arranged by U.D.O. together with Christoph Scheibling. The two former Accept musicians Stefan Kaufmann and Peter Baltes have been part of the songwriting too – as well as the German Armed Forces´ composers Guido Rennert and Alexander Reuber. The title of the album `We Are One‘ has been the driving force for everyone involved. More...
U.D.O. Premiere New Lyric Video "Make The Move"
A new lyric video for the track "Make The Move" from U.D.O., the German metal band led by former ACCEPT vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, can be streamed below. The track is taken from U.D.O.'s forthcoming effort, "Steelfactory", which will be out in stores on August 31 through AFM.
U.D.O. Reveals New Album Details
German metal gods U.D.O. will release their new album "Steelfactory" on August 31st worldwide via AFM Records. An official video for the new song "One Heart One Soul" is available for streaming below.
With "Steelfactory," U.D.O return to their core competence, clearly influenced by their past shows with Dirkschneider, the songs in their rousingly simple straightness have a hymn character, as it is only known from the past.
"Steelfactory" has become a timeless metal album and thus the impressive statement of a master of his craft. With its earthy, punchy and handmade sound - with the participation of the Danish producer Jacob Hansen (among others Volbeat) - "Steelfactory" meets the nerve of the time, which may be triggered again since the successful Dirkschneider tour worldwide.
Steelfactory will available in the following formats:
- Ltd. Boxset
- Ltd. Digipak
- Gtf. Red/Yellow Splatter 2-Vinyl / AFM Exclusive
- Gtf. Silver/Black Marbled 2-Vinyl / AFM Exclusive
- Gtf. Clear Red 2-Vinyl
- Gtf. Clear Yellow 2-Vinyl
- Gtf. Black 2-Vinyl
- CD Jewelcase
- Download & Streaming More...
Dirkschneider Issues "Living For Tonite" DVD Clip
In addition to the still ongoing successful "Back To The Roots" Tour, Dirkschneider will release "Live - Back To The Roots - Accepted!" on August 4th (EU) and August 18th (USA) via AFM Records as a DVD/2CD, BluRay/2CD and GTF, as well as triple Vinyl in two different colors. Check out a clip of "Living for Tonite" in the player below.
After putting out the live double CD last year ("Back to the Roots"), fans were asking for a visual output, so finally, in December 2016, the show in Brno (Czech Republic) was recorded for that purpose. Besides many classics from Udo Dirkscheider's Accept era, there's a cover version of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" as bonus track on the CD and Vinyl.
The singer with the charismatic voice had his musical breakthrough with Accept in the early 80s. "It's still so much fun to sing these songs live, they are a part of my biography, but nevertheless it's about time to turn that page. There was so much talking and speculations about me and Accept, so this is kind of a musical statement from my end - which seems to be very interesting for the fans who came to these shows."
After the triumph all over the world in 2016, including tours in Israel and Japan, summer festivals and live shows in the US, Russia and Europe, Dirkschneider (now with Jon Oliva's Pain guitarist Bill Hudson) continues touring in 2017 and 2018, including a second more extensive tour of North America. The new dates will feature an almost completely NEW set list. Of course, it will still contain only Accept hits, but this time with many different songs compared to the last tours.
The track listing for the
CD 1:
1. Intro
2. Starlight
3. Living For Tonite
4. Flash Rockin‘ Man
5. London Leatherboys
6. Midnight Mover
7. Breaker
8. Head Over Heels
9. Neon Nights
10. Princess Of The Dawn
11. Winter Dreams
12. Restless And Wild
13. Son Of A Bitch
14. Up To The Limit More...
U.D.O. Taps Bill Hudson As New Guitarist
After recently splitting with guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen, German based U.D.O. (featuring legendary ex-Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider) tapped T.S.O./Circle II Circle guitarist Bill Hudson as his replacement.
The announcement reads: "We are very proud to announce that Mr. Bill Hudson from Brazil is the new guitarist of Dirkschneider/U.D.O.!
"Bill is based in the United States, but has already been in Pulheim a few weeks ago to join the songwriting session for our next album which we will start recording soon.
"Bill fits in, in every way, perfectly with us and builds a fantastic guitar team together with Andrey Smirnov. He is very experienced and has shared the stage with several known bands, most notably Circle II Circle, Jon Oliva's Pain and TSO for the last few years. It's not really necessary to talk about his skills, simply check it out on our next tour and you will see what we're talking about!
"After Kasperi left the band we have received many suggestions and applications from great guitar players from all over the planet. At the same time, we started getting hints from different and unrelated people in the business pointing straight into the same direction, telling us to check out this Brazilian/American guy. Once in Germany he convinced everybody from the get go and it was very clear that this guy had all the requirements to become the new band member.
We are REALLY looking forward to kick ass even more so than ever before!" More...
U.D.O. Splits With Guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen
Guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen (Conquest/ex-Amberian Dawn) has split with U.D.O. for personal reason.
According to the band: "There is no bad blood or drama in this departure! The band and especially Udo wanna thank Kasperi for his great support and many fantastic shows on this planet. All the best Kasperi!"
Heikkinen also posted a statement: "I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, for these great four years I was in the band. I also wish all the best for the band with their future endeavors. From now on I will focus on my other music projects and some different outlets of creativity. You will surely hear from me again when the time is right. Stay metal and tsönk all the way!"
Heikkinen just completed a massive North American trek with Dirkschneider on the "Farewell to Accept" tour. More...
Report
A Legend In Manhattan "Accepts" No Substitutes
It’s was the fall of 1985 when Accept was introduced to me, only the second metal band to Twisted Sister that I was exposed to. “Metal Heart” was an album that captured me like no other, one that became so intertwined into what I declared “true metal” that I knew every single nuance of every single song. “Bound to Fail” became a bit of a theme song and “Teach Us to Survive” was one of the most daring songs of its time. Six months later a label company “rushed” “Russian Roulette” hit the streets and in as much as I read how disappointed the band was with it at the time of its release, it remains one of my favorite albums of all time, an underplayed, near forgotten masterpiece. I can expound upon what Accept has done to improve my life with such brilliant music, but suffice to say they have been in it for 31 of my 46 years and are ingrained in my very own “metal heart.” More...
Dirkschneider Gearing Up For 2017 Tour
Dirkschneider - the new incarnation of U.D.O. performing Accept songs - will hit the road in January in support of latest live album "Live - Back To The Roots." Catch these upcoming Dirkschneider 2017 tour dates:
Jan. 05 - New York City, NY - Stage 48
Jan. 06 - Clifton Park, NY - Upstate Concert Hall
Jan. 07 - Quebec City, QUE - Salle Multi
Jan. 08 - Montreal, QUE - Foufounes Électriques
Jan. 10 - Toronto, ONT - MOD Club
Jan. 11 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Ballroom
Jan. 12 - Westland, MI - Token Lounge
Jan. 13 - Chicago, IL - Concorde Music Hall
Jan. 14 - St Paul, MN - Amsterdam
Jan. 16 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
Jan. 18 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Jan. 19 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theater
Jan. 21 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
Jan. 22 - Anaheim, CA - City National Grove
Jan. 23 - West Hollywood, CA - Whisky a Go Go
Jan. 24 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl
Jan. 26 - Dallas, TX - Trees
Jan. 27 - San Antonio, TX - Alamo Music Hall
Jan. 28 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
Jan. 30 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
Jan. 31 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
Feb. 02 - Baltimore, MD - Soundstage
Feb. 03 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom
Feb. 04 - Philadelphia, PA - The Trocadero More...