Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 04:06 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
The Greek crowd’s affection toward the Heavy Metal genre is a reality that grows stronger day by day, especially when distinguished historical personas and bands of the global Heavy Metal scene, such as Udo Dirkschneider and Anvil serve as points of reference. Each of them has created a huge name and deserve a high place in the pyramid of history and none of us can possibly question the ways they have influenced various / known bands both from the past and the future. So, since Udo Dirkschneider and his gang will be visiting our country for two gigs along with the speed metal maniacs Anvil, I think a flashback is needed here, just to get our blood pumping as the concert days draw near.
Udo, the Legend.
Udo Dirkschneider is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures of the German and global Heavy Metal scene. He has been loved by thousands and thousands of people across the world and despite the fact that many decades have passed, Udo is still loved like no day has passed. Dirkschneider was born on April 6, 1952 in Wuppertal, Germany. He became familiar with the rock music in the age of twelve, when his parents gave him as a present Beatles’ self titled record. Two years later he got his first keyboard and in the age of sixteen he formed a band called Band X, with whom he played for three years in local clubs before they change their name into Accept.
Accept.
After many changes in the band’s lineup, Accept finally signed their first contract in 1978 and released their self titled debut record in 1978, followed by “I’m A Rebel” and “Breaker” in 1981, which was the record that rocketed Accept’s fame to the skies and established their mighty presence in the Heavy Metal scene. “Restless and Wild” was the band’s first record that made it to the Great Britain’s charts. “Balls to the Wall” hitted Billboard’s Top 100 and became golden in the United States and in Canada. In 1985 Accept released the groundbreaking musical epic “Metal Heart”. It was the album in which Accept looked US market straight in the eye, writing more catchy compositions, with emphasis on melodies and hooks. Additionally, it was the first time ever for Accept to release an album digitally recorded. The legacy the record has created and the path it paved for other bands to follow, make “Metal Heart” a classic. Besides, that’s how you understand the value of a record, besides the impression it leaves you with the first time you listen to it; you’ll talk about it with your friends several years later and make a couple of toasts in the name Accept. Moving forward, after the release of “Metal Heart” the Live EP “Kaizoku-Ban” and the studio album “Russian Roulette” followed next. After a successful European tour, the band decided to take a step back, so Udo decided to follow a solo career.
U.D.O.
Dirkschneider’s first record ever released with his newly formed band U.D.O. came out under the name “Animal House” (1987), followed by “Mean Machine”in 1989. U.D.O. faced success with “Faceless World”. And why shouldn’t they? One of the most characteristic voices in Heavy Metal was in their inventory. After “Timebomb” (1991), Dirkschneider returned to Accept, recording three more albums, up until 1996, when the group disbanded. U.D.O. became active again in 1996, recording a cover of Judas Priest’s “Metal Gods” for the “Tribute to Judas Priest” compilation. “Solid” was released a year later, followed by the mighty “Man and Machine”, which included the track “Dancing With An Angel”, a duet between Udo and Warlock’s Doro. “Thunderball” and “Mission No. X” followed next, and the band strted touring across Eastern Europe and South America. In 2007 the band released “Mastercutor” entering Germany’s Top 40 for the first time since 1989. Later on Dirkschneider collaborated with Lordi for the record “The Arockalypse”. Their next two records, “Dominator” and “Rev-Raptor” reached #27 and #20 in the charts, respectively.
‘Farewell’ Tour.
Despite the fact that Udo’s personal band met with universal success and also, despite the fact that Accept kept going on with their career without Udo as a member, the legendary frontman, during a press conference at Wacken Open Air, announced that he decided to finish his “Accept chapter” by touring excessively. In this tour, he promised to sing for the last time the tracks he had performed with Accept for the last time. Udo stated:
“I still love singing these songs live. The songs still are an important part of my catalog and still suit my voice very well. But at some point in your life, it’s just time to close the chapter. There has been so much talk and speculation about Accept, so I just want to give my last definitive musical statement about it and give my fans a chance to see me perform a complete concert of these songs one last time onstage.”
As a matter of fact, this tour will be probably recorded and released in both CD and DVD!
The Canadian Speed Metal Beasts Anvil, will be Dirkschneider’s supporting act in this tour.
Anvil.
Anvil, as opposed to the common though that they belong within the underground’s wall, have managed to influence some of the greatest bands ever, i.e. Metallica, Megadeth etc. and have created one of the most devoted fanbases, that seem comfortable with the idea of slitting their veins in favor of Anvil’s name.
But, let’s take things from the top. Unleashed from Canada, with a crushing battering ram called Speed Metal, Anvil began their march toward world musical domination in 1978. At that time, the band was known as Lips. Their first recording was made before the band changed its name into Anvil and was essentially their first album in demo recordings before their first official release via the label “Attic” entitled “Hard ‘n’ Heavy”, on 25 May 1981. Characteristic of their stage presence was the sadomasochistic look and at times, the vibrators, Steve “Lips” Kudlow used as partners in guitar crimes. In 1982 Anvil released one of its most successful record and a manual on “how to play proper badass speed metal” “Metal on Metal”, which was produced by Chris Tsangarides. “Forged in Fire” followed in 1983 in the same style and with very positive reviews, again with Chris Tsangkarides on production. Despite the success of the band and the tours around the world next to notorious names of the scene, Anvil were left without a label contract, due to the low sales of their records. Pretty strange, huh?
In the end of 1985 and after excessive talks with Metal Blade, Anvil finally found “a home” and released “Strength of Steel” in 1987; the band’s only record to enter Billboard 200 in the U.S.A. In 1988 the band releases “Pound for Pound” again via Metal Blade and that’s the point when constant changes were made in Anvil’s lineup. After the release of “Pound for Pound” guitarist Dave Allison left the band. His position was filled by Sebastian Marino, while Ian Dickson’s place was taken by bassist Mike Duncan in 1992. That year, Anvil found a new label and released “Worth the Weight”. But the changes didn’t stop there. Marino left as well, with Ivan Hurd taking his place, who records with Anvil “Plugged in Permanent”, released in 1996 via “Hypnotic” in Canada and “Massacre” in Europe. “Absolutely No Alternative” followed next year with songs like “Piss Test”, “Hair Pie” and “Show Me Your Tits” showing the band’s humor. “Speed of Sound” was released in 1999 by “Massacre” in Europe, “Rock Brigade” in Brazil, “Avalon Marquee” in Japan and “Hypnotic” in Canada. In 2001 they released “Plenty of Power”, followed by “Still Going Strong” next year. In March 2004 Anvil released “Back to Basics”. In 2005, while the band was on tour, the British journalist and filmmaker Sacha Gervasi started filming Anvil’s everyday life in order to release of a documentary entitled “Anvil! The Story of Anvil”. The renewed collaboration of the band with Chris Tsangkarides for “This Is Thirteen” followed by the release of this documentary in 2008 gave new impetus to the band. Anvil’s 14th the album titled “Juggernaut of Justice” was released on May 10, 2011, while in May 2013 the band released “Hope in Hell”. The latest album of Anvil was released about a month bearing the title “Anvil Is Anvil”.
What can you possibly say against this beast form Canada, that even though it had its ups and downs, it’s still one of the most intense and energetic bands on stage? Why on Earth would you possibly miss out the opportunity to see UDO FUCKING DIRKSCHNEIDER and MOTHERFUCKIN’ ANVIL on stage?
They’ll be visiting Thessaloniki and Athens on 18 and 19 of March, respectively.
Useful info:
Thessaloniki: Venue: Principal Club Theater
Doors: 19:00 – Show: 19:30
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/969394203155011/
Athens: Venue: – Piraeus 117 Academy
Doors: 19:00 – Show: 19:30
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/981224665258872
