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Band Timeline
1968
Formation and Early Beginnings
Accept originated in 1968 in Solingen, Germany, originally under the name Band X. Founded by vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, and bassist Peter Baltes, the band started as a local group influenced by the British blues rock album 'Accept' by Chicken Shack, from which they took their name in 1972. Through the late 1960s and early 1970s, Accept underwent various lineup changes and development, remaining at an amateur level during this period. Their professional career began taking shape by 1976 as the band began playing notable festivals such as Rock am Rhein, eventually leading to their first recording contract.
1979
Debut Album Release and Early Lineup Stabilization
Accept released their self-titled debut album in 1979, marking their entry into the recorded music scene. Despite limited commercial success, this release helped establish them in the German heavy metal scene. Around this time, the lineup stabilized with Udo Dirkschneider (vocals), Wolf Hoffmann and Jörg Fischer (guitars), Peter Baltes (bass), and Stefan Kaufmann replacing the original drummer. This lineup recorded the 1980 album 'I'm a Rebel,' which brought the band some media attention and their first televised appearances, expanding their audience beyond local fans.
1981
Supporting Tour and Growing Exposure
In 1981, Accept released their third album, 'Breaker,' continuing to build their reputation within heavy metal circles. Managed by Gaby Hauke, the band secured a significant opportunity by serving as a supporting act for Judas Priest's World Wide Blitz Tour. This exposure was critical as it introduced Accept to international audiences for the first time and helped establish their presence in the broader heavy metal community beyond Europe.
1982
Release of 'Restless and Wild,' a Defining Heavy Metal Sound
The 1982 release of 'Restless and Wild' marked an important evolution in Accept's music, featuring faster tempos and the development of musical elements that would later be associated with speed and thrash metal genres. The band dealt with lineup changes before recording, with guitarist Jörg Fischer leaving and being replaced by Jan Koemmet briefly. This album included the notable track 'Fast as a Shark,' regarded as pioneering in speed metal, solidifying Accept's influence on the genre's development.
1983
Breakthrough with 'Balls to the Wall' and Commercial Success
Accept achieved major commercial success with the release of their fifth studio album, 'Balls to the Wall,' in 1983. This album became their most successful to date and the only one certified gold in the United States and Canada. Its title track became a hit single, gaining recognition and contributing to Accept's global fame. The album's blend of robust heavy metal and socially conscious lyrics garnered wide attention, making 'Balls to the Wall' a seminal album for the band and a landmark in heavy metal history.
1989
First Disbandment After Lineup Changes
Following the release of 'Eat the Heat' in 1989, which featured David Reece replacing Udo Dirkschneider as vocalist, Accept disbanded for the first time. This period marked significant instability, as the band struggled to maintain the success achieved earlier in the decade. The departure of key members and changes in musical direction contributed to this initial dissolution, halting the band's momentum and leaving fans uncertain about the future.
1992
Reunion with Dirkschneider and New Albums
Accept reformed in 1992 with original vocalist Udo Dirkschneider returning to the lineup. During this phase, they released three more studio albums, reaffirming their presence in the heavy metal world. The reunion was well-received by fans who appreciated the return to the band's classic sound. This period helped preserve the band's legacy and maintain relevance in the evolving metal scene of the 1990s, even though it ended with another disbandment in 1997.
2005
Brief Reunion and Activity
Accept briefly reunited in 2005, reigniting excitement among their fanbase. While this reunion did not lead to a long-term reformation or new major releases, it demonstrated the enduring appeal and influence of the band. This short-lived reunion foreshadowed the band's more substantial return a few years later, emphasizing their lasting impact on the heavy metal genre.
2009
Third Reunion and New Vocalist Mark Tornillo
In 2009, Accept announced a significant reunion that marked a new era for the band. Original vocalist Udo Dirkschneider declined to participate, leading to the recruitment of Mark Tornillo, former frontman of T.T. Quick, as the new lead singer. This lineup change ushered in renewed creativity and energy, allowing Accept to record six studio albums with Tornillo. The reunion restored the band's popularity, particularly in Germany, where all new albums reached the top ten in national charts.
2010-2024
Modern Era: Continued Releases and Chart Success
From 2010 onwards, Accept experienced a resurgence of popularity with the release of six studio albums: 'Blood of the Nations' (2010), 'Stalingrad' (2012), 'Blind Rage' (2014), 'The Rise of Chaos' (2017), 'Too Mean to Die' (2021), and 'Humanoid' (2024). These albums received critical acclaim and commercial success, revitalizing Accept's career. The band continued to tour extensively and maintain relevance in the heavy metal community. By 2024, Accept had sold over 17 million albums worldwide, cementing their legacy as pioneers in speed and thrash metal and enduring heavy metal icons.
Albums
Accept
10 tracks
1979
I’m a Rebel
8 tracks
1980
Breaker
10 tracks
1981
Restless and Wild
10 tracks
1982
Balls to the Wall
10 tracks
1983
Metal Heart
10 tracks
1985
Russian Roulette
10 tracks
1986
Eat the Heat
12 tracks
1989
Objection Overruled
11 tracks
1993
Death Row
15 tracks
1994
Predator
13 tracks
1996
Blood of the Nations
7 tracks
2010
Stalingrad
10 tracks
2012
Blind Rage
12 tracks
2013
The Rise of Chaos
10 tracks
2017
Too Mean to Die
12 tracks
2021
Humanoid
11 tracks
2024
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Mark Tornillo
2009
Lead vocals
Stefan Schwarzmann
2005
Drums (drum set)
Christopher Williams
2015
Drums (drum set)
Wolf Hoffmann
1976
Guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Jörg Fischer
1984
1988
Guitar
Peter Baltes
2005
2005
Bass guitar
Dirkschneider
1971
2005
Jörg Fischer
1978
1982
Guitar
Peter Baltes
1992
1997
Bass guitar
Dieter Rubach
1976
1976
Bass guitar
Herman Frank
2005
2014
Guitar
Gerhard Wahl
1976
1979
Guitar
Michael Wagener
1976
1976
Guitar
Rob Armitage
1987
1988
Lead vocals
Frank Friedrich
1976
1979
Drums (drum set)
Stefan Kaufmann
1980
1994
Drums (drum set)
Udo Dirkschneider
2005
2005
Lead vocals
Peter Baltes
1976
1987
Bass guitar
Herman Frank
1982
1984
Guitar
Udo Dirkschneider
1976
1987
Lead vocals
Jim Stacey
1989
1989
Guitar
Jan Koemmet
1982
1982
Guitar
Michael White
1987
1987
Lead vocals
Michael Cartellone
1995
1997
Drums (drum set)
Peter Baltes
2009
2018
Bass guitar
David Reece
1988
1989
Lead vocals
Stefan Schwarzmann
1994
1995
Membranophone
Udo Dirkschneider
1992
1996
Lead vocals
Ken Mary
1989
1989
Drums (drum set)
Story of Accept
Accept, the German heavy metal titans, roared onto the scene in Solingen in 1976, forged from the ashes of earlier projects like Band X. Founded by guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, and bassist Peter Baltes, the band`s influence on speed and thrash metal is undeniable, solidifying their place in the burgeoning German heavy metal scene of the early to mid-1980s.
While numerous lineup changes have seen all but Hoffmann depart—he remains the sole constant member across their extensive discography—Accepts legacy remains untarnished. Their breakthrough arrived with 1983s Balls to the Wall, achieving US and Canadian gold certification and cementing their status with the iconic title track. The band`s seventeen studio albums, five live albums, and nine compilations represent a vast catalog, totaling over 17 million units sold worldwide as of 2024.
Accept`s history is punctuated by periods of both intense activity and hiatus. Their first split in 1989, shortly after Eat the Heat (their only album with David Reece on vocals), saw a reformation in 1992 followed by another split in 1997. A brief reunion in 2005 ultimately led to a more permanent return in 2009, with former T.T. Quick frontman Mark Tornillo taking the reins from Dirkschneider. This lineup has produced six highly successful albums: Blood of the Nations, Stalingrad, Blind Rage, The Rise of Chaos, Too Mean to Die, and Humanoid (2024). These releases have propelled Accept back into the German top ten charts, reigniting their fervent fanbase.
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