Accept, assembled by Udo Dirkschneider, had a pivotal role in the development of speed and thrash metal being a part of the German Metal Scene. Fronting Accept for a decade, they released seven studio albums, Balls to the Wall released in 1983, was the only album to be certified gold in the United States and Canada.
Dirkschneider wanting to concentrate on his U.D.O. material, he’s decided to put the past in the past with a worldwide tour, “Dirkschneider Back to the Roots Tour”, performing the Accept songs for the last time. Anaheim, California was already a buzz with it being the last day of NAMM 2017 (National Association of Music Merchants) with several other concerts throughout the weekend, the who’s who of the Metal scene, and a few hundred fans gathered at the City National Grove of Anaheim, Sunday January 22nd, to be a part of history in the making.
This being an early show starting at 8:00 P.M. it was show time. The lights dim, the fans start their chanting Udo…Udo, as the lights slowly come up its being focused on monster drum set high on the riser as you see Udo’s son Sven Dirkschneider standing behind the kit encouraging the fans to raise the volume. As the lights come up, guitarists Kasperi Heikkinen and Andrey Smirnov, bassist Fitty Wienhold enter the stage kicking off the set with Starlight off the Breaker album as Dirkschneider entered the stage I found myself in awe with the first notes he sang. Moving right into Living for Tonite off Metal Heart and rounding out the first three songs with Flash Rockin’ Man off Restless and Wild.
If anyone had any doubts about Dirkschneider pulling off a two hour show of all Accept songs, and sound like his earlier days, take note… at a young age of 64 his voice sounds better than ever. I must also give praise to the band that surrounds him, as each member had their spot light, bassist Fitty Wienhold worked the crowd, right, left and middle to see who can cheer the loudest, then guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen and finally guitarist Andrey Smirnov, as the three came together the fans ate it up. As a parent, I can only imagine how proud Udo is of his son Sven behind the kit, he’s an amazing time keeper. The musicianship, cohesiveness, and the smiles you can tell they are having a great time.
With a decade of material, the set list was a mix of fan favorites off albums, Breaker, Restless and Wild, Balls to the Wall, Metal Heart and Russian Roulette, the main body of the show was nineteen songs played to perfection. After a brief break while the fans chant Udo… Udo the boys reappear onstage. Dirkschneider addresses the fans, thanking them for all the years of support and gratitude, blowing the fans kisses, as the tears welled up in my eyes, such a touching moment and the realization this was it, Dirkschneider is saying goodbye to this part of his history. The show must go on with a three-song encore, Metal Heart off the self-titled album, following with Fast as a Shark off Restless and Wild, ending this phenomenal show with one of the best Metal songs Balls to the Wall.
There’s a few shows remaining on the North American tour, I highly suggest you catch one of them. Undoubtedly, one of the best shows I’ve seen, you won’t be disappointed!
Setlist:
Starlight
Living for Tonite
Flash Rockin’ Man
London Leatherboys
Midnight Mover
Breaker
Head Over Heels
Neon Nights
Princess of the Dawn
Winterdreams
Restless and Wild
Son of a Bitch
Up to the Limit
Wrong Is Right
Midnight Highway
Screaming for a Love-Bite
Monsterman
T.V. War
Losers and Winners
Encore:
Metal Heart
Fast as a Shark
Balls to the Wall
Connect with Udo Dirkschneider online: Website Facebook Twitter
All photos by Tammy Greene
©2017. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
