Archive for dirkschneider

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG Release New Single “Dead Man’s Hand”

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , , on August 10, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

If you’ve been following the journey of “Babylon”, the highly anticipated debut full-length album from DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG, you already know what kind of powerhouse material this band delivers. Now, with the release of their fifth single, “Dead Man’s Hand“, the stakes are raised yet again. And if this is your first taste of the project, sit back, hit play, and enjoy this high-energy video clip pulled straight from the band’s studio sessions.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olR90dpMjRY

Stream/Download the song: http://datog.rpm.link/dmhPR

“Dead Man’s Hand” has a unique backstory: originally composed by Manuela Bibert on piano, the early demo featured only vocals and keys. From there, it was transferred note for note to guitar and Hammond organ. The results are unique: A pounding guitar riff meets a distorted, snarling organ line to form the backbone of a song that’s both driving and infectious.

Udo Dirkschneider, the iconic frontman and heavy metal legend, brings a vocal performance which by his own admission are exceptional for him. But the surprises don’t stop there: both Peter Baltes and Manuela step up with unexpected vocal highlights, adding rich texture and dimension to the track. And then there’s the chorus, a hands-in-the-air, stadium-sized refrain that just begs you to shout or sing along with.

With a “good time” spirit that perfectly balances the song’s grit and groove, “Dead Man’s Hand” showcases everything that makes DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG  a thrilling new chapter in classic metal history. Watch the official video now, straight from the studio floor!

Set for release on October 3, 2025 by Reigning Phoenix Music, Babylon is now available for pre-order in a variety of stunning formats:

  • Limited Red, Gold & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl
  • Limited Red Opaque & Black Marbled Gatefold Double Vinyl
  • Gold Opaque Double Vinyl
  • Deluxe Earbook Edition with CD and enhanced 36-page booklet
  • Digipak CD featuring a 24-page booklet
  • Jewelcase CD featuring a 24-page booklet

More from Babylon:
“It Takes Two To Tango” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meb1xvWHBEo

“Time To Listen” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL6ms_kEzy4

“Hellbreaker” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNXNVItL8kI

“Strangers In Paradise” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://youtu.be/U7j_th2jf_g

DATOG are:
Udo Dirkschneider | lead vocals
Peter Baltes | bass, lead & backing vocals
Manuela “Ella” Bibert | lead & backing vocals, keys
Stefan Kaufmann | guitars, backing vocals
Mathias “Don” Dieth | guitars, backing vocals
Sven Dirkschneider | drums, backing vocals

More on DATOG:
datog.de | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | RPM

Source: C Squared Music

Leave a comment »

DIRKSCHNEIDER AND THE OLD GANG Release Another Blistering Metal Anthem: “Hellbreaker”

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on June 6, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

DIRKSCHNEIDER & THE OLD GANG have released their third single and video, “Hellbreaker” – a thunderous, full-throttle anthem that delivers another fiery preview of their upcoming full-length album, Babylon, due out in October 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music.

With “Hellbreaker” the band pulls no punches, catapulting us straight into true heavy metal! Brutal guitar riffs, bold melodies and a driving power chorus complete the picture.
“Udo growls and screams like there’s no tomorrow, while Manuela’s solo vocals put the icing on the cake towards the end of the song. Mathias’ unorthodox solo guitar work is a real treat for all guitar freaks and in no way inferior to the other highlights,”states the band.

Backed by a cinematic music video, “Hellbreaker” doesn’t just build anticipation, it kicks the doors wide open for what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of the year.

Watch the music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNXNVItL8kI

Stream ‘Hellbreaker’: https://datog.rpm.link/hellbreakerPR

More from DATOG:
“It Takes Two To Tango” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meb1xvWHBEo

“Time To Listen” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL6ms_kEzy4

Photo credit: Eddi Bachmann

L-R:
Sven Dirkschneider (drums, backing vocals),
Mathias “Don” Dieth (guitars, backing vocals), Udo Dirkschneider (lead vocals),
Manuela “Ella” Bibert (lead & backing vocals, keys),
Stefan Kaufmann (guitars, backing vocals), Peter Baltes (bass, lead & backing vocals)

Source: C Squared Music

1 Comment »

DIRKSCHNEIDER Balls To The Wall Reloaded Out Now | Music Video For “London Leatherboys (feat. Biff Byford of SAXON)” Launched

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal bands, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on February 28, 2025 by Metal Odyssey

Photo credit: Linda Florin
L to R: Andrey Smirnov (guitars), Udo Dirkschneider (vocals), Sven Dirkschneider (drums),
Fabian “Dee” Dammers (guitars), Peter Baltes (bass)

40 years of Balls To The Wall: This milestone anniversary of ACCEPT’s iconic album simply couldn’t remain uncelebrated by DIRKSCHNEIDER, U.D.O.’s incarnation to pay tribute to the musical past of their frontman Udo Dirkschneider. Except for releasing two live albums, DIRKSCHNEIDER had never been a recording band, but that has changed today as they are releasing the reimagining of the mentioned cult album, titled Balls To The Wall Reloaded, through Reigning Phoenix Music. Gathering a top-notch selection of guest vocalists consisting of old companions but also of musicians from newer generations, the re-recording highlights the unbroken influence of the album on both old and young metalheads worldwide.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7wuNu04vH0
Stream/purchase BTTWR: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrPR

To celebrate, DIRKSCHNEIDER are not only performing the classic album in its entirety during their current European tour. Today, the group have even released a music video for the track “London Leatherboys,” which they could win no one better than British metal icon Biff Byford, the singer of SAXON, for. Complementing Udo as if it was the original version, Byford puts his stamp on the much-loved hit song with his unmistakable vocals. The accompanying video takes fans on the road and gives them an insight into DIRKSCHNEIDER’s ongoing Balls To The Wall anniversary tour, which also cements the continuous passion for Balls To The Wall, leading the group to many sold out and packed places across the continent.

“The re-recording of “London Leatherboys” with Biff Byford was something very special. Biff and I have a long history together – I’ve already been rocking the stages with him back in the 80s. It was great to work together again on this song. Biff’s powerful voice brings a new intensity to this classic, and it feels like we’re reviving our own heavy metal history,” states ‘the voice’ himself, Udo Dirkschneider.

01. Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON]
02. London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON]
03. Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR]
04. Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE]
05. Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN]
06. Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL]
07. Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones]
08. Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER]
09. Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens of KK’s PRIEST, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST]
10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]

Formats:
– CD-digipak + patch bundle [RPM EU excl.]
– CD-digipak
– jewelcase-CD
– various coloured 1LP vinyl (‘guardian of the night,’ ‘red hot marbled,’ ‘winter blue’)
– digital

DIRKSCHNEIDER are:
Udo Dirkschneider – vocals
Andrey Smirnov – guitar
Fabian “Dee” Dammers – guitar
Peter Baltes – bass
Sven Dirkschneider – drums

More from “Balls To The Wall Reloaded”:
“Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén]” OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRd-7LcK7OE
“Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AxQKqzL_Fs

More on RPM:
reigningphoenixmusic.com 

Source: C Squared Music

4 Comments »

DIRKSCHNEIDER – Celebrate 40 Years Of Balls To The Wall With A Star-Studded Reimagining

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , on December 16, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

Marking the 40th anniversary of ACCEPT’s iconic album, Balls To The Wall, founding member and former frontman Udo Dirkschneider is reinterpreting this classic with a fresh and star-studded twist. Far from a simple remake, this project was born out of countless conversations with prominent artists across the global rock and metal scene, who frequently asked: “Are you planning anything special for the 40th anniversary of Balls To The Wall?”

These discussions sparked the idea to re-record the album’s legendary tracks alongside a stellar lineup of guest musicians, transforming the project into a heartfelt tribute. For both Dirkschneider and the participating artists, this endeavor is more than a celebration – it’s a homage to one of heavy metal’s most groundbreaking albums.

The reimagined Balls To The Wall features an impressive roster of talent, breathing new life into each track:

01. Balls To The Wall [feat. Joakim Brodén of SABATON]
02. London Leatherboys [feat. Biff Byford of SAXON]
03. Fight It Back [feat. Mille Petrozza of KREATOR]
04. Head Over Heels [feat. Nils Molin of DYNAZTY/AMARANTHE]
05. Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had [feat. Michael Kiske of HELLOWEEN]
06. Love Child [feat. Ylva Eriksson of BROTHERS OF METAL]
07. Turn Me On [feat. Danko Jones]
08. Losers And Winners [feat. Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER]
09. Guardian Of The Night [feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens, formerly of JUDAS PRIEST]
10. Winter Dreams [feat. Doro Pesch]

Pre-order here: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrPR

This ambitious reinterpretation not only revitalises the original tracks but also underscores their timeless impact on the metal genre. More than a revival, this project serves as a celebration of the album’s enduring legacy, enriched by the enthusiasm and contributions of some of metal’s most influential voices.

“Re-recording “Balls To The Wall” was a big challenge for me. The album is a milestone of my career, of course, that’s why it was even more important to me to make the original songs shine in a new light without losing their initial essence. All guests have put their individual stamps on these classic tracks, and collaborating with such outstanding vocalists has moved them into a fresh and exciting dimension. The result is a powerful homage to all fans but also an invitation to the next generation to experience the songs not minorly passionate than I was when I recorded them back in the day. It’s a never-ending personal journey for me – “Balls To The Wall” will always be a part of me,” states Udo.

RPM managing director Jochen Richert expresses his excitement: “This masterpiece has accompanied me for almost my entire life. When Udo first told me about his idea, my initial thought was, ‘Can this really work?’ But as soon as he mentioned the first guest singers, I knew it would be great. When I finally got to hear the tracks, I was blown away. My nostalgic side cautioned me, ‘No, you can’t like this better than the original.’ But there’s no use denying it, I have to admit it’s at least as good as the 1983 recordings – if not better! Accordingly, it’s an incredible honour to be able to contribute to this opus.”

This reimagined Balls To The Wall is a fitting tribute to heavy metal history, proving that its power and influence remain as potent today as they were four decades ago. Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary celebration of a true classic. Pre-order here: https://dirkschneider.rpm.link/bttwrPR

Source: C Squared Music

Leave a comment »

DIRKSCHNEIDER – Balls To The Wall 40th Anniversary Tour | Europe 2025 Info

Posted in Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags , , , , , , on December 13, 2024 by Metal Odyssey

From U.D.O. bandsintown:

We can’t wait to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Balls to the Wall’ together with you in 2025! This will be a historic and electrifying event so make sure to grab your tickets now before they are gone!

Tour and ticket info:

Click here for all Tourdates and Ticketlinks
http://www.udo-online.de

DIRKSCHNEIDER live:

“Balls To The Wall” – 40th Anniversary Tour
w/ CROWNSHIFT, ALL FOR METAL
Presented by Contra Promotion & Metal Hammer
25.02.2025 HR Zagreb – Boogaloo * NEW
26.02.2025 AT Vienna – SiMM City
27.02.2025 DE Munich – Backstage LOW TICKETS
28.02.2025 DE Leipzig – Haus Auensee LOW TICKETS
01.03.2025 CZ Prague – SaSaZu
02.03.2025 HU Budapest – Barba Negra
04.03.2025 RO Bucharest – Quantic Club
06.03.2025 PL Kraków – Klub Studio
07.03.2025 PL Warsaw – Progresja
08.03.2025 LT Vilnius – Kablys
09.03.2025 EE Tallinn – Helitehas NEW
10.03.2025 FI Helsinki – Kulttuuritalo
11.03.2025 FI Tampere – Tavara-asema
13.03.2025 NO Oslo – Rockefeller
14.03.2025 SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n
16.03.2025 DE Berlin – Huxleys Neue Welt
17.03.2025 DE Frankfurt – Batschkapp
18.03.2025 BE Antwerp – Trix
19.03.2025 FR Paris – Le Trabendo
21.03.2025 ES Pamplona – Sala Totem
22.03.2025 ES Madrid – Mon MOVED
23.03.2025 ES Barcelona – Razzmatazz 2
25.03.2025 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7
26.03.2025 DE Stuttgart – LKA Longhorn SOLD OUT
27.03.2025 DE Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle
28.03.2025 DE Hamburg – Große Freiheit 36
29.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle LOW TICKETS
30.03.2025 DE Geiselwind – Eventhalle NEW
08.04.2025 GR Athens – Fuzz Live Music Club * NEW
09.04.2025 GR Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater * NEW
11.04.2025 TR Istanbul – IF Performance Hall Beşiktaş * NEW
12.04.2025 BG Sofia – Hristo Botev Hall * NEW

  • DIRKSCHNEIDER only

30.07. – 02.08.2025 DE Wacken – Wacken Open Air SOLD OUT NEW

Leave a comment »

DIRKSCHNEIDER – “Back To The Roots Part II” North America 2018 Tour – Begins In NYC On February 23rd!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, music news, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , , , , on February 16, 2018 by Metal Odyssey

DIRKSCHNEIDER - Back To The Roots - 2018 - tour flyer - #MO333 North America Tour - #33ILG

DIRKSCHNEIDER is about to rock the U.S. and Canada with support from Elm Street!

Head over to www.enterthevault.com/artist.php?id=910 for tickets and VIP possibilities!

Head over to www.udo-online.com for all dates and ticket links!

LONG LIVE DIRKSCHNEIDER.

UDO IS A METAL ICON.

STONE.

Leave a comment »

DIRKSCHNEIDER And UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Nominated For The Metal Hammer Awards 2016! Live Album Drops October 28th!

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, news, rock music, world news with tags , , , , , on August 20, 2016 by Metal Odyssey

Dirkschneider - Live - Back To The Roots - promo album cover pic - 2016 - #ILMGSMOS8333

From AFM Records:

We are very proud to announce that DIRKSCHNEIDER got nominated for the Metal Hammer Award 2016 as BEST LIVE BAND and Udo Dirkschneider got nominated for the Metal Hammer Award 2016 as LEGEND. The winner will be announced during the Metal Hammer Award Show in Berlin, Sept. 16th, 2016.

The long-awaited live album from DIRKSCHNEIDER‘s “Back To The Roots Tour” will be released on October 28th as 2-CD DigiPak and triple vinyl in 4 different vinyl colors (black, gold, silver and clear) via AFM Records.

Dirkschneider - Live Back To The Roots - album CD promo banner pic - 2016 - #33ILMNSMOS8993

The album “Live – Back To The Roots” was recorded at the sold out show at the “Kaminwerk” in Memmingen on April 2nd, 2016 and contains the following tracks:

01. Intro
02. Starlight
03. Living For Tonite
04. Flash Rockin‘ Man
05. London Leatherboys
06. Midnight Mover
07. Breaker
08. Head Over Heels
09. Neon Nights
10. Princess Of The Dawn
11. Winterdreams
12. Restless And Wild
13. Son Of A Bitch
14. Up To The Limit
15. Wrong Is Right
16. Midnight Highway
17. Screaming For A Love-Bite
18. Monsterman
19. T.V. War
20. Losers And Winners
21. Metal Heart
22. I’m A Rebel
23. Fast As A Shark
24. Balls To The Wall
25. Burning

CD version:
CD 1: tracks 01 – 13
CD 2: tracks 14 – 25

Vinyl version:
Side A: tracks 01 – 05
Side B: tracks 06 – 09
Side C: tracks 10 – 13
Side D: tracks 14 – 19
Side E: tracks 20 – 23
Side F: tracks 24 – 25

__________________________

* For more info:

DIRKSCHNEIDER

Udo Dirkschneider (official)

__________________________

Source:

AFM Records - logo - white background - 2015 - #MOGNALS

https://www.afm-records.de/de/

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Leave a comment »

UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER – Announces Plans For A Special Tour Performing (Only UDO Era) ACCEPT Songs In 2016

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Metal, Music, rock music with tags , , , , on August 2, 2015 by Metal Odyssey

Udo Dirkschneider - promo photo - 2015 - #MMSAGMLBOT3333033

As reported on the U.D.O. (Official) Facebook timeline:

Farewell To Accept: Metal Icon, Udo Dirkschneider is planning a special tour in which he will perform Accept songs one last time before he closes the chapter for good. Wacken – At a press conference in the VIP tent of Wacken Open Air, legendary metal singer, Udo Dirkschneider dropped some bombshell news on all those in attendance: the 62-year-old cult musician announced his definitive farewell to the Accept song library. On a special tour beginning in 2016, he will perform songs by Accept one last time before he retires them for good. It will be a night of epic proportions.

______________________

During this Accept farewell tour, he will only showcase songs from the Udo era of the band. The German rock staple will close a huge chapter of music history forever. In the early 80´s, the Solingen-raised singer skyrocketed to worldwide acclaim with the band Accept and with his unmistakeable voice. He had several hits such as Balls To The Wall and Princess of the Dawn. Now he has announced that he will perform these much-loved hits on this special tour one more time before he removes them from the set list forever.

“I still love singing these songs live,“ Dirkschneider says. “The songs still are an important part of my catalog and still suit my voice very well. But at some point in your life, it´s just time to close the chapter. There has been so much talk and speculation about Accept, so I just want to give my last definitive musical statement about it and give my fans a chance to see me perform a complete concert of these songs one last time on stage.“

______________________

After this tour, Udo will only play songs from his extensive library of U.D.O. material. After being kicked out of Accept in the late 80´s, he garnered many classic hits with his new band in a long and successful career, such as Animal House, Timebomb, and Man and Machine. “There is enough high quality material to fill a two-hour set with no problem,“ says Dirkschneider. “U.D.O. has been the band where I belong for 18 years and I want to pay tribute to them from now on.“

______________________

The musician will NOT perform this farewell tour under the name U.D.O. but simply as Dirkschneider.

___________________________

* For more info:

U.D.O. (official)

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER.

LONG LIVE U.D.O.

LONG LIVE ACCEPT.

LONG LIVE METAL.

Stone.

Leave a comment »