UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER And PETER BALTES Are Having ‘Too Much Fun’ To Retire: A Lot Of Music ‘Still Has To Be Written’
Udo Dirkschneider and Peter Baltes, former members of the iconic German heavy metal band Accept, have expressed no intentions of retiring from music anytime soon. In a recent interview, Dirkschneider emphasized his ongoing passion for performing, stating, “I still enjoy what I am doing. I have a lot of people asking me when I am thinking about retiring. No, come on — this is nothing for me. As long as I’m healthy and my voice is working, we can tour worldwide and there is no reason to stop” .
Baltes echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of self-assessment in the music industry. He remarked, “I believe the thing is always that you have to decide for yourself if it’s still worth it, if you can still deliver. And if that decreases, then it’s time to go. There are many guys out there who don’t see that point and keep going — and then it gets really sad. But we still have a lot of gas in the tank. There’s a lot of music that still has to be written” .
The duo’s collaboration continues to thrive, with Baltes rejoining U.D.O. in 2022 after bassist Tilen Hudrap’s health-related hiatus. Their partnership has been well-received, with fans praising the chemistry and energy they bring to the stage .
Looking ahead, Dirkschneider and Baltes are set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Accept’s classic album Balls to the Wall by performing the entire album live during their upcoming tour. Dirkschneider expressed his excitement, stating, “I’m really looking forward to this. Also now I have Peter [Baltes, former ACCEPT bassist, playing] with me” .
With plans for new music on the horizon and a shared commitment to their craft, Udo Dirkschneider and Peter Baltes show no signs of slowing down, proving that their passion for heavy metal remains as strong as ever.