At 73, Udo Dirkschneider remains a powerhouse in heavy metal. Alongside bassist Peter Baltes, his former bandmate from Accept, Dirkschneider continues to defy expectations, stating, “As long as I’m healthy and my voice is working, we can tour worldwide and there is no reason to stop.” Their enduring passion for music fuels their ongoing success.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Dirkschneider shared, “I think next year we make a break with U.D.O., and now we start in November in South America, the 40-years anniversary of the ‘Balls To The Wall’ album. And that means I think we continue until the end of next year.”
Baltes expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m extremely, extremely happy playing with Udo Dirkschneider again.” Their chemistry is evident, both on stage and in the studio.
Creative Synergy and New Horizons
The duo’s reunion has sparked renewed creativity. Baltes noted the collaborative nature of U.D.O., saying, “Everyone is involved in songwriting in U.D.O. It’s great because so many different writing styles come together to create something unique.”
Their latest album, Touchdown (2023), showcases this synergy, blending classic elements with fresh ideas. Dirkschneider emphasized the band’s evolution, stating, “With Peter also involved in the next album, I think we have a really good one coming up.”
Looking Ahead: No Plans to Slow Down
Despite their extensive careers, both musicians are committed to their craft. Dirkschneider affirmed, “I have a really good band with me, especially now with Peter. And it’s a lot of fun to do this. And as long everything works — I don’t know — maybe [I can keep doing this for] another 10 years.”
Baltes echoed this sentiment, stating, “We have a lot of music still to be written. We need to be there for Sven [Dirkschneider, Udo’s son and U.D.O. drummer] and the others and guide them through the rest.”
Legacy and Future Collaborations
Their shared history and mutual respect continue to shape their musical journey. Dirkschneider remarked on their enduring bond, saying, “We have a really good relationship. It’s fantastic.”
As they approach the 50th anniversary of Accept, there’s speculation about potential collaborations. Accept’s guitarist Wolf Hoffmann has expressed openness to such reunions, stating, “The doors are always open for everyone to join in.”
For now, Dirkschneider and Baltes remain focused on their current endeavors, delivering high-energy performances and creating music that resonates with fans worldwide. Their passion and dedication to heavy metal ensure that their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
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