When you get a chance to sit down and chat with the frontman of a band that heavily influenced your journey into metal you simply don’t say no. In 1983 a relatively unknown German band by the name of Accept became household names with their album “Balls To The Wall”. For me, it was a defining moment, let’s face it 1983 changed the world’s perspective on Heavy Metal and made it cool. Kids lapped it up and the fact that the world had just got MTV didn’t hurt either.
Here in Australia I first recall seeing the clip for the title track on Rock Arena or maybe it was Beatbox, but either way it was everything I never knew I needed in my life. Bold, anthemic, sung with attitude and had this razor-sharp guitar tone.
Fast forward to 2025 and forty two years later Udo Dirkschneider and his band celebrate the 40th anniversary of the album by reimagining it. I sat down with Udo and his son, Dirkschneider drummer Sven to talk about the album and the idea behind it, how it had to stay true to the original musically and how the use of different textures in the voices of guest vocalists put a fresh spin on the songs.
We talk all things “Balls To The Wall Reloaded” the touring schedule behind it and what surprises could happen at the bands shows during the European Festival season. UDO also hints at a return to Australia in 2026.
