Biography
This German heavy rock quintet originally comprised Udo Dirkschneider (vocals), Gerhard Wahl (guitar) and Wolf Hoffman (Born 10 December 1959, Mainz, Germany; guitar), Frank Friedrich (drums) and Peter Baltes (bass). Formed in 1976 in their hometown of Solingen, Jorg Fischer replaced Wahl in 1978. The band's power metal sound was characterized by Dirkschneider's guttural howl and the speed drumming of Stefan Kaufmann, who replaced Friedrich after their 1979 debut. Fischer left in 1982 following a tour supporting Judas Priest (although he did return briefly in 1983). Restless & Wild, from 1983, epitomized their blitzing style, which had an undeniable influence on the thrash movement that developed during the late 80s. Metal Heart adopted a more melodic approach, but, unhappy with this style, Dirkschneider left and formed his own outfit, Udo. A series of replacement vocalists came and went, including Rob Armitage (ex-Baby Tuckoo), David Reece and Jim Stacey (Stacey stepped in to complete tracks on Eat The Heat after Reece and Baltes had a physical confrontation on tour in the USA). Several lacklustre albums were released during these years that received little critical acclaim or commercial reward. Internal problems persisted, with Kaufmann contracting a muscular disease and being replaced by Ken Mary (House Of Lords). However, the band eventually disintegrated in 1989. Reece went on to form Bangalore Choir while old sparring partner Baltes contributed to Dokken. The band reunited in the 90s with a revised line-up including Dirkschneider, Hoffman, Baltes and Kaufmann, releasing several low-key albums before disbanding once more.
Discography:
Accept (Brain 1979)***, I'm A Rebel (Logo 1980)***, Breaker (Brain 1981)***, Restless & Wild (Heavy Metal 1983)***, Balls To The Wall (Portrait 1984)****, Metal Heart (Portrait 1985)***, Kaizoku-Ban (Portrait 1986)**, Russian Roulette (Portrait 1986)***, Eat The Heat (RCA 1989)**, Staying A Life: Live In Japan (Epic 1990)***, Objection Overruled (RCA 1993)***, Death Row (Pavement 1995)***, Steel Glove (Castle 1996)**, Predator (Sweat Shop 1997)***, The Final Chapter (CMC International 1998)***
Compilations:
Best Of Accept (Metronome 1983)***, Accept (Portrait 1986)***, Hungry Years (Razor 1991)***, The Collection (Castle 1991)***, Steel Glove: The Collection (Castle 1995)***, All Areas Worldwide (Gun 1998)**, Classics: Rockers 'N' Ballads (BMG 2002)***.
Music Albums
Double CD
CMC International
n/a
Death Row
Nuclear Blast Records
08/08/2000
The Final Chapter
CMC International
01/13/1998
Breaker [Digipak]
Breaker Records (Germany)
06/01/2004
No Substitutes
Sony Music Special Products
12/01/1995
I'm A Rebel [Remaster]
Nuclear Blast Records
10/31/2000
Objection Overruled
Nuclear Blast Records
05/09/2000
Restless And Wild (Breaker) [Digipak]
Breaker Records (Germany)
06/01/2004
I'm A Rebel (Breaker) [Digipak]
Breaker Records (Germany)
06/01/2004
Accept [Digipak]
Breaker Records (Germany)
06/01/2004
Balls To The Wall [Remaster]
Legacy Recordings
08/28/2001
Compilation
Portrait
07/15/1986
Eat The Heat
Epic
05/30/1989
Hungry Years
Castle Communications - (import)
n/a
Metal Heart
Portrait
05/24/1985
Restless And Wild [Remaster]
Epic
10/31/2000
Russian Roulette
Portrait
07/01/1986
Staying A Life
Epic
11/20/1990
Source: Encyclopedia of Popular Music
