Dirkschneider (Sweden Rock 2016 Spotlight)

Dirkschneider Sweden_2016Udo Dirkschneider, the legendary former vocalist for German Heavy Metal band Accept is taking to the tour road once again. This time under the moniker of Dirkschneider. Why under his surname Dirkschneider? Well, this is a different tour. It is a final tour. While not Udo‘s last I hope, it will be the last time that the iconic gravelly voiced vocalist will perform material from his former band, Accept. While I love the Accept material personally, I agree that it’s time to move on. Accept has a new vocalist and Udo has released more albums under U.D.O. than he did with Accept. It’s time for the past to be the past, so this final tour will close the door. It will stop in Toronto in January, but I get the chance to preview the event thanks to Sweden Rock Festival.

Already having seen U.D.O. a couple of times previously, I knew to expect a high-quality show. Once in Toronto and once here at Sweden Rock Festival the year he filled in last minute for Megadeth. Megadeth had been forced to cancel due to the death of a band member’s family I believe. I’m repeating the cycle again. Sweden Rock Festival and Toronto for Dirkschneider. The

The Festival Stage or main stage at Sweden Rock is rather high up. Great if you’re further back in the crowd as the elevation makes it easier to see. Not so great if you’re in the photo pit or just a short guy like me! I worked myself a great position on the right side of the stage, only one person back from the barrier.  On stage with the iconic frontman, we found his usual band of merry musicians: Andrey Smirnov (guitar), Kasperi Heikkinen (guitar), Fitty Wienhold (bass) and Sven Dirkschneider (drums) and they did not disappoint!

Dirkschneider 2Starting off with “Starlight” from the Breaker album, Dirkschneider led Sweden and I through a huge setlist. All of the expected, well-known Accept tracks were present. And more! A whopping 17 songs in total. They served up song after song in a nearly non-stop barrage of classic metal. “Living for Tonite”, “London Leatherboys”, “Midnite Mover”, “Princess of the Dawn”, “Restless and Wild”, “Screaming for a Love-Bite” all made an appearance. The encore itself lasted four huge tracks, “Metal Heart”, “Fast as a Shark”, “Balls to the Wall” and “Burning”!

The real highlight for me was “Son of a Bitch”. The catchy and odd, profanity-laced composition has been a favorite for me since I first laid ears on it. Some may think it a little uncomfortable and creepy maybe to hear a 62-year-old singing lines like “c**ksucking Motherf**ker, I was right!” But it was awesome! I never expected to be hearing it live and I caught it on video! However, my new camera doesn’t seem to have the best audio, unfortunately, but I’ve included the video below.

I know I’m Canadian and we’re known for snow, but I hate snow. Now, however, I’m eagerly awaiting January because even though there will be snow, there will also be Dirkschneider!

BUY: U.D.O. Music / BUY: Accept Music

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CRAPPY CONCERT PHOTOS BY: The Meister

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The Meister

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[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-0QczBkU5I[/embedyt]

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