{{Short description|German heavy metal band}} {{other uses|UDO (disambiguation)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = U.D.O. | image = U.D.O. Rockharz 2019 20.jpg | caption = U.D.O. performing in 2019 | image_upright = 1.25 | background = group_or_band | alias = Dirkschneider (2018–present) | origin = Solingen, Germany | genre = Heavy metal | years_active = {{flatlist| * 1987–1992 * 1996–present}} | label = AFM, Breaker, GUN, RCA | spinoffs = | website = {{URL|http://www.udo-online.de/}} | spinoff_of = Accept | current_members = *Udo Dirkschneider *Sven Dirkschneider *Dee Dammers *Peter Baltes *Alen Brentini | past_members = *Peter Szigeti *Frank Rittel *Mathias Dieth *Thomas Franke *Wolla Böhm *Dieter Rubach *Andy Susemihl *Thomas Smuszynski *Stefan Schwarzmann *Frank Fricke *Jurgen Graf *Lorenzo Milani *Stefan Kaufmann *Igor Gianola *Francesco Jovino *Kasperi Heikkinen *Bill Hudson *Fitty Wienhold *Tilen Hudrap *Andrey Smirnov }}
'''U.D.O.''' is a German heavy metal band founded in Solingen by eponymous vocalist Udo Dirkschneider following his departure from Accept in 1987. The current members of the band are vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, guitarists Dee Sommers and Alen Brentini, bassist Peter Baltes, who is also a former member of Accept, and drummer Sven Dirkschneider, the son of Udo.
==History== Following Dirkschneider's departure from Accept in 1987, he formed his own band called U.D.O. The first line-up consisted of guitarists Mathias Dieth and Peter Szigeti, bassist Frank Rittel and drummer Thomas Franke. They released the debut album ''Animal House'' on 3 November 1987, which was entirely written by Accept. Szigeti, Rittel and Franke departed the band and was replaced by guitarist Andy Susemihl, bassist Thomas Smuzyszki and drummer Stefan Schwarzmann. The second album ''Mean Machine'' was released on 10 January 1989.
Susemihl left the band, leaving U.D.O. as a four-piece. The third album ''Faceless World'' was released on 25 February 1990. Its sound was a more commercial output, but achieving great success; this being their best selling album so far. The fourth album ''Timebomb'' was released on 3 April 1991. It was a heavier effort than their previous releases. In 1992, Dirkschneider put U.D.O. on hiatus to reunite with Accept.
thumb|left|U.D.O. performing in 2004 In 1996, Dirkschneider reactivated U.D.O. with a brand new line-up; former Accept drummer Stefan Kaufmann, now performing as a guitarist, with guitarist Jürgen Graf and bassist Fitty Wienhold from Bullet and returning member Stefan Schwarzmann. The band recorded the Judas Priest song "Metal Gods" for the 1997 compilation album ''A Tribute to Judas Priest: Legends of Metal''.
On 24 March 1997, U.D.O. released their fifth album ''Solid''. It was featured on the Rock Hard magazine reader charts for more than a year after its release. The album was followed up with ''No Limits'' on 20 April 1998, featuring a similar songwriting approach from ''Solid''. It features a cover of the Austrian pop band Supermax's hit single "Love Machine". After the conclusion of the band's tour, Stefan Schwarzmann quit the band. He was replaced with new drummer Lorenzo Milani.
The next album ''Holy'' was released on 18 October 1999, receiving critical acclaim. It was a return to the guitar-driven sound similar to the ''Balls to the Wall''-era Accept. A world tour followed with dates in the United States and several other major countries. The band known as Vanize, fronted by Udo Dirkschneider's brother Peter, supported U.D.O. during the tour. Line-up changes occurred during the second part of the tour with Gotthard guitarist Igor Gianola replacing Jürgen Graf. The tour spawned the first live album ''Live from Russia'', which was released on 15 October 2001, a 2-CD release.
On 24 July 2002, the eighth album ''Man and Machine'' was released, receiving a somewhat lukewarm reception. Despite standout songs such as the title track and "Private Eye", the album was ultimately less successful than ''Holy''. It is notable for the song "Dancing with an Angel", featuring a duet performance of Dirkschneider and vocalist Doro Pesch.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-confirm-track-listing-for-man-and-machine/|title=U.D.O. Confirm Track Listing For "Man And Machine"!|date=21 December 2001 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=21 December 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dirkschneider-and-pesch-team-up-on-u-d-o-cd/|title=Dirkschneider And Pesch Team Up On U.D.O. CD|date=10 January 2002 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=10 January 2002}}</ref> U.D.O. released their ninth studio album ''Thunderball'' on 29 March 2004. The follow-up album ''Mission No. X'' was originally due for release on 4 October 2005, but was pushed forward by one week and was released on 30 September 2005 instead. It was the first album to feature Edge of Forever drummer Francesco Jovino.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-new-album-details-revealed-audio-samples-available/|title=U.D.O.: New Album Details Revealed, Audio Samples Available|date=7 June 2005 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=7 June 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-mission-no-x-cover-artwork-posted-online/|title=U.D.O.: 'Mission No. X' Cover Artwork Posted Online|date=20 July 2005 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=20 July 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-mission-no-x-to-arrive-one-week-earlier/|title=U.D.O.: 'Mission No. X' To Arrive One Week Earlier|date=24 September 2005 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=24 September 2005}}</ref>
On 18 May 2007, the eleventh album ''Mastercutor'' was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-mastercutor-bonus-tracks-detailed-the-wrong-side-of-midnight-video-available/|title=U.D.O.: 'Mastercutor' Bonus Tracks Detailed; 'The Wrong Side Of Midnight' Video Available|date=9 May 2007 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=9 May 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-discusses-new-u-d-o-album-mastercutor/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Discusses New U.D.O. Album 'Mastercutor'|date=16 June 2007 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=16 June 2007}}</ref> In August 2007, bassist Fitty Weinhold was unable to perform with the band due to "private reasons". He would be temporarily replaced with former Majesty bassist Marcus Bielenberg for touring purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-recruits-temporary-bassist/|title=U.D.O. Recruits Temporary Bassist|date=4 August 2007 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=4 August 2007}}</ref> The second live album ''Mastercutor Alive'' was released on 26 September 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-mastercutor-alive-artwork-unveiled|title=U.D.O.: 'Mastercutor Alive' Artwork Unveiled|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=8 August 2008 |access-date=8 August 2008}}</ref> U.D.O.'s twelfth studio album ''Dominator'' was released on 21 August 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-dominator-artwork-revealed/|title=U.D.O.: 'Dominator' Artwork Revealed|date=6 July 2009 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=6 July 2009}}</ref> The next studio album ''Rev-Raptor'' was originally due for release on 14 January 2011, but was delayed until 18 March 2011 due to the recurrence of Stefan Kaufmann's back problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-new-album-delayed/|title=U.D.O.: New Album Delayed|date=14 October 2010 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=14 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-new-album-pushed-back-to-may/|title=U.D.O.: New Album Pushed Back To May|date=22 November 2010 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=22 November 2010}}</ref> It was delayed again, but was officially released on 20 May 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-complete-rev-raptor-album-details-revealed/|title=U.D.O.: Complete 'Rev-Raptor' Album Details Revealed|date=28 March 2011 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=28 March 2011}}</ref> The third live album ''Live in Sofia'' was released on 9 November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-sofia-concert-to-be-filmed-for-next-dvd|title=U.D.O.: Sofia Concert To Be Filmed For Next DVD|date=25 October 2011 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=25 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-live-in-sofia-release-date-announced|title=U.D.O.: 'Live In Sofia' Release Date Announced|date=23 July 2012 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=23 July 2012}}</ref>
In September 2012, Kaufmann announced his departure for health reasons. He would continue to work in the surroundings of the band and produce for other bands in his own personal studio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/guitarist-stefan-kaufmann-leaves-u-d-o-band-seek-replacement|title=GUITARIST STEFAN KAUFMANN LEAVES U.D.O.; BAND SEEK REPLACEMENT|publisher=Bravewords.com|access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref> On 15 January 2013, Russian guitarist Andrey Smirnov was recruited as the new member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-announces-new-guitarist/|title=U.D.O. Announces New Guitarist|date=15 January 2013 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=15 January 2013}}</ref> A week later, Igor Gianola left the band "due to conflicts between band appointments and his private life and business." Following his departure, guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen joined the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=88433|title=Guitarist Igor Gianola Leaves U.D.O., Replacement Announced|publisher=metalunderground.com|access-date=24 January 2013}}</ref> The fourteenth album ''Steelhammer'' was released on 20 May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-steelhammer-track-listing-revealed/|title=U.D.O.: 'Steelhammer' Track Listing Revealed|date=8 March 2013 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=8 March 2013}}</ref> The fourth live album ''Steelhammer – Live from Moscow'' was released in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/u-d-o-steelhammer-live-from-moscow-to-be-released-in-may|title=U.D.O – STEELHAMMER – LIVE FROM MOSCOW TO BE RELEASED IN MAY|website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|accessdate=27 March 2014}}</ref>
In December 2014, drummer Francesco Jovino left the band for personal reasons, joining Primal Fear in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/drummer-francesco-jovino-leaves-u-d-o-band-seek-replacement|title=DRUMMER FRANCESCO JOVINO LEAVES U.D.O.; BAND SEEK REPLACEMENT|publisher=Bravewords.com|access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=26753|title=Primal Fear - Drummer Aquiles Out, Francesco Jovino In|publisher=metalstorm.net|access-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> He was replaced by Udo Dirkschneider's son Sven in February 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneiders-son-sven-joins-u-d-o-as-bands-drummer/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER's Son SVEN Joins U.D.O. As Band's Drummer|date=6 February 2015 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=6 February 2015}}</ref> U.D.O. released the fifteenth studio album ''Decadent'' on 23 January 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-decadent-track-listing-revealed/|title=U.D.O.: 'Decadent' Track Listing Revealed|date=14 November 2014 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=14 November 2014}}</ref> The fifth album titled ''Navy Metal Night'' was released on 30 July 2015 as the band performed with a German navy orchestra (Marinemusikkorps Nordsee).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-to-release-navy-metal-night-dvd2cd-in-july|title=U.D.O. To Release 'Navy Metal Night' DVD/2CD In July|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=22 May 2015 |accessdate=22 May 2015}}</ref>
[[File:U.D.O. with Musikkorps der Bundeswehr – Wacken Open Air 2015 04.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|U.D.O. at Wacken Open Air 2015]] In February 2017, Heikkinen announced his departure citing personal reasons. According to the band, no bad blood or drama were involved between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-kasperi-heikkinen-quits-u-d-o-and-dirkschneider/|title=Guitarist KASPERI HEIKKINEN Quits U.D.O. And DIRKSCHNEIDER|date=17 February 2017 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> In March 2017, guitarist Bill Hudson was announced as the new member.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-and-dirkschneider-joined-by-guitarist-bill-hudson/|title=U.D.O. And DIRKSCHNEIDER Joined By Guitarist BILL HUDSON|date=31 March 2017 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=31 March 2017}}</ref> On 24 April 2018, Hudson parted ways with the band "due to a difference in their individual visions for the future", according to Dirkschneider, adding that there was no "negative feelings on either side."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-bill-hudson-exits-u-d-o-and-dirkschneider-after-only-a-year/|title=Guitarist BILL HUDSON Exits U.D.O. And DIRKSCHNEIDER After Only A Year|date=24 April 2018 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=24 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-bill-hudson-sets-record-straight-regarding-his-exit-from-dirkschneider/|title=Guitarist BILL HUDSON Sets Record Straight Regarding His Exit From DIRKSCHNEIDER|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=14 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-comments-on-recent-u-d-o-lineup-changes-i-want-to-have-fresh-blood-in-the-band/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Comments On Recent U.D.O. Lineup Changes: 'I Want To Have Fresh Blood In The Band'|date=25 August 2018 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-udo-08-18/|title=U.D.O. – The Tank Drives On|publisher=Metal Forces}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-u-d-o-guitarist-kasperi-heikkinen-fires-back-at-udo-dirkschneider-his-comments-are-bitter-and-unprofessional/|title=Ex-U.D.O. Guitarist KASPERI HEIKKINEN Fires Back At UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER: His Comments Are 'Bitter' And 'Unprofessional'|date=7 September 2018 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=7 September 2018}}</ref> In June 2018, Stefan Kaufmann temporarily rejoined the band only for the summer festival appearances until a new guitarist was found.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-rejoined-by-guitarist-stefan-kaufmann-for-summer-festival-appearances/|title=U.D.O. Rejoined By Guitarist STEFAN KAUFMANN For Summer Festival Appearances|date=2 June 2018 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=2 June 2018}}</ref> The sixteenth album ''Steelfactory'' was released on 31 August 2018, with the first single "Rising High" being made available for streaming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-to-release-steelfactory-album-in-august-first-single-rising-high-now-available/|title=U.D.O. To Release 'Steelfactory' Album In August; First Single 'Rising High' Now Available|date=15 June 2018 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=15 June 2018}}</ref> On 19 September 2018, bassist Fitty Wienhold announced his departure from U.D.O., but stated that he would remain with the band if needed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bassist-fitty-wienhold-exits-u-d-o-after-22-years/|title=Bassist FITTY WIENHOLD Exits U.D.O. After 22 Years|date=19 September 2018 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=19 September 2018}}</ref> The band soon recruited German guitarist Dee Dammers and Slovenian bassist Tilen Hudrap as their new members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-announces-new-guitarist-and-bassist/|title=U.D.O. Announces New Guitarist And Bassist|date=6 October 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=6 October 2018}}</ref>
During U.D.O.'s touring in Europe in early 2019, Dirkschneider performed as a handicap after experiencing left knee pain. He vowed to continue without doctors' advice and without causing disappointment to the fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-ignores-doctors-advice-will-tour-with-u-d-o-despite-serious-health-issue/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Ignores Doctors' Advice, Will Tour With U.D.O. Despite 'Serious Health' Issue|date=19 January 2019|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> The band was originally scheduled to perform at the Wacken Open Air festival in 2020 by performing Accept's 1985 album ''Metal Heart'' in its entirety to celebrate its 35th anniversary, with the addition of Das Musikkorps der Bundeswehr,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-to-perform-accepts-metal-heart-album-in-its-entirety-at-next-years-wacken-open-air/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER To Perform ACCEPT's 'Metal Heart' Album In Its Entirety At Next Year's WACKEN OPEN AIR|date=14 September 2019|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=14 September 2019}}</ref> but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-wacken-heavy-metal-festival-called-off-due-to-outbreak/a-53144498|title=Coronavirus: Wacken heavy metal festival called off due to outbreak|website=Deutsche Welle|access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> Instead, they would collaborate together to record an album titled ''We Are One'', which was released on 17 July 2020. It reached number 8 in the official German album charts, the second highest position for any U.D.O album in 34 years, right after ''Steelfactory'', which peaked at number 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/former-accept-members-udo-dirkschneider-peter-baltes-and-stefan-kaufmann-reunite-for-u-d-o-s-we-are-one-album/|title=Former ACCEPT Members UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER, PETER BALTES And STEFAN KAUFMANN Reunite For U.D.O.'s 'We Are One' Album|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=23 April 2020|access-date=23 April 2020}}</ref>
The sixth live album ''Live In Bulgaria 2020 – Pandemic Survival Show'' was released on 19 March 2021, which was recorded live on 18 September 2020 in front of 2500 fans in Plovdiv.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/u-d-o-announce-release-of-live-in-bulgaria-2020-pandemic-survival-show/|author=EDITORIAL TEAM|title=U.D.O. Announce Release of "Live In Bulgaria 2020 – Pandemic Survival Show"|website=Sonic Perspectives|date=13 January 2021|accessdate=13 January 2021}}</ref> The seventeenth studio album ''Game Over'' was released on 22 October 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-to-release-game-over-album-in-october/|title=U.D.O. To Release 'Game Over' Album In October|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 2021|accessdate=1 July 2021}}</ref>
In September 2022, bassist Tilen Hudrap got injured in Munich while playing a show during the Game Over world tour. Former Accept bassist Peter Baltes would step in as the temporary member.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-enlists-former-accept-bassist-peter-baltes-for-u-d-o-s-european-tour|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Enlists Former ACCEPT Bassist PETER BALTES For U.D.O.'s European Tour|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=5 September 2022 |accessdate=5 September 2022}}</ref> Hudrap announced his departure from the band soon after.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-parts-ways-with-bassist-tilen-hudrap|title=U.D.O. Parts Ways With Bassist TILEN HUDRAP|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=15 December 2022 |accessdate=15 December 2022}}</ref> In April 2023, Baltes was announced as the band's new bassist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ex-accept-bassist-peter-baltes-officially-joins-udo-dirkschneiders-u-d-o-and-dirkschneider|title=Ex-ACCEPT Bassist PETER BALTES Officially Joins UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER's U.D.O. And DIRKSCHNEIDER|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 13, 2023|accessdate=April 13, 2023}}</ref> The eighteenth studio album ''Touchdown'' was released on 25 August 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinvader.net/udo-to-release-new-album-touchdown-on-august-25th-2023/|author=Metal Invader Team|title=U.D.O. to release new album “Touchdown” on August 25th, 2023|website=metalinvader.net|accessdate=19 May 2023}}</ref>
On 17 October 2025, the band announced the departure of guitarist Andrey Smirnov.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-parts-ways-with-guitarist-andrey-smirnov|title=U.D.O. Parts Ways With Guitarist ANDREY SMIRNOV|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=17 October 2025}}</ref> He would be replaced with new guitarist Alen Brentini.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/u-d-o-announces-new-guitarist-alen-brentini-his-sound-and-energy-fit-the-band-perfectly|title=U.D.O. Announces New Guitarist ALEN BRENTINI: 'His Sound And Energy Fit The Band Perfectly'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=27 October 2025}}</ref>
==Dirkschneider== In 2015, Udo Dirkschneider announced that he would embark on a special tour in 2016, stating that he would no longer perform Accept songs in the live shows. During this tour, U.D.O. would perform under the name Dirkschneider, consisting of only the songs from Udo's time in the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-to-embark-on-special-accept-farewell-tour-in-2016/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER To Embark On Special ACCEPT 'Farewell' Tour In 2016|date=August 2015|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=1 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-explains-decision-to-close-the-accept-chapter/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Explains Decision To 'Close The ACCEPT Chapter'|date=8 October 2015|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=8 October 2015}}</ref> They began the Back to the Roots – Farewell to Accept tour in North America in 2017,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-announces-north-american-back-to-the-roots-farewell-to-accept-tour/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Announces North American 'Back To The Roots - Farewell To ACCEPT' Tour|date=June 2016|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=1 June 2016}}</ref> returning for a second time in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dirkschneider-to-return-to-north-america-in-early-2018/|title=DIRKSCHNEIDER To Return To North America In Early 2018|date=9 June 2017|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=9 June 2017}}</ref> A 2-CD live album titled ''Live – Back to the Roots'' recorded in Memmingen was released on 28 October 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dirkschneider-to-release-live-back-to-the-roots-album-in-october/|title=DIRKSCHNEIDER To Release 'Live - Back To The Roots' Album In October|date=18 August 2016|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=18 August 2016}}</ref> while another live album titled ''Live – Back to the Roots – Accepted!'' was released on 4 August 2017, featuring both an audio recording and a video recording of their performance from Brno, Czech Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dirkschneider-to-release-live-back-to-the-roots-accepted-in-august/|title=DIRKSCHNEIDER To Release 'Live - Back To The Roots - Accepted!' In August|date=13 June 2017|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=13 June 2017}}</ref> They performed the songs for another year, due to the fans' request.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-to-continue-performing-accept-classics-for-at-least-another-year/|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER To Continue Performing ACCEPT Classics For At Least Another Year|date=21 March 2017|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=21 March 2017}}</ref> In 2018, the Dirkschneider band was put to a close as Udo did not want to cause confusion between U.D.O. and this band, opting to continue with U.D.O.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-accept-frontman-udo-dirkschneider-doesnt-want-to-confuse-people-by-continuing-namesake-dirkschneider-band/|title=Former ACCEPT Frontman UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Doesn't Want To Confuse People By Continuing Namesake 'DIRKSCHNEIDER' Band|date=18 November 2017|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=18 November 2017}}</ref> Due to continued interest, the band would perform under the Dirkschneider name only on an occasion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-says-he-will-perform-accept-songs-with-u-d-o-on-upcoming-north-american-tour|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Says He Will Perform ACCEPT Songs With U.D.O. On Upcoming North American Tour|website=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=8 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-why-i-am-still-performing-accept-songs|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER: Why I Am Still Performing ACCEPT Songs|website=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=1 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-defends-his-decision-to-continue-performing-accept-material-with-u-d-o-people-still-wanna-hear-these-songs|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Defends His Decision To Continue Performing ACCEPT Material With U.D.O.: People 'Still Wanna Hear These Songs'|website=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=16 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-admits-he-was-a-little-bit-too-quick-to-say-he-wouldnt-perform-accept-songs-anymore|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Admits He Was 'A Little Bit Too Quick To Say' He Wouldn't Perform ACCEPT Songs Anymore|website=Blabbermouth.net|accessdate=29 April 2025}}</ref>
On 28 February 2025, the band released a reimagined version of Accept's ''Balls to the Wall'' album titled ''Balls To The Wall - Reloaded'' in celebration of its 40th anniversary, featuring a star-studded roster of various musicians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-to-release-re-recorded-star-studded-version-of-accepts-balls-to-the-wall|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER To Release Re-Recorded, Star-Studded Version Of ACCEPT's 'Balls To The Wall'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=16 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-explains-decision-to-reimagine-accepts-iconic-balls-to-the-wall-album-for-40th-anniversary|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Explains Decision To 'Reimagine' ACCEPT's Iconic 'Balls To The Wall' Album For 40th Anniversary|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=12 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/peter-baltes-on-re-recording-accepts-iconic-balls-to-the-wall-lp-i-was-nervous-touching-the-album-again|title=PETER BALTES On Re-Recording ACCEPT's Iconic 'Balls To The Wall' LP: 'I Was Nervous Touching The Album Again'|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=15 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-didnt-ask-for-or-need-wolf-hoffmanns-permission-to-re-record-accepts-balls-to-the-wall-album|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER Didn't Ask For Or Need WOLF HOFFMANN's Permission To Re-Record ACCEPT's 'Balls To The Wall' Album|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=21 February 2025}}</ref> They would embark on a tour in support of the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/udo-dirkschneider-and-peter-baltes-to-celebrate-40th-anniversary-of-accepts-balls-to-the-wall-on-2025-european-tour|title=UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER And PETER BALTES To Celebrate 40th Anniversary Of ACCEPT's 'Balls To The Wall' On 2025 European Tour|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=13 May 2024}}</ref>
The band is scheduled to perform at the Hell's Heroes music festival in Houston in March 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-03 |title=BATHORY Tribute, LOUDNESS, VOIVOD, ENSLAVED & More Booked For Hell's Heroes 2026 |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/bathory-tribute-loudness-voivod-enslaved-more-booked-for-hells-heroes-2026 |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Band members== {{main|List of U.D.O. band members}}
'''Current''' * Udo Dirkschneider – vocals {{small|(1987–1992, 1996–present)}} * Sven Dirkschneider – drums, backing vocals {{small|(2015–present)}} * Dee Dammers – guitars, backing vocals {{small|(2018–present)}} * Peter Baltes – bass, backing vocals {{small|(2023–present)}} * Alen Brentini – guitars, backing vocals {{small|(2025–present)}}
==Discography== {{main|U.D.O. discography}}
* ''Animal House'' (1987) * ''Mean Machine'' (1989) * ''Faceless World'' (1990) * ''Timebomb'' (1991) * ''Solid'' (1997) * ''No Limits'' (1998) * ''Holy'' (1999) * ''Man and Machine'' (2002) * ''Thunderball'' (2004) * ''Mission No. X'' (2005) * ''Mastercutor'' (2007) * ''Dominator'' (2009) * ''Rev-Raptor'' (2011) * ''Steelhammer'' (2013) * ''Decadent'' (2015) * ''Steelfactory'' (2018) * ''We Are One'' (2020) * ''Game Over'' (2021) * ''Touchdown'' (2023)
== See also == * Darxon * Kreator * Sinner * Gravestone * Saxon * Teutonic thrash metal
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{commonscat}} * {{official website|1=http://www.udo-online.de/}} * {{allmusic}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110513010555/http://www.metalpaths.com/interviews/u-d-o-udo-dirkschneider,6712 Interview with Udo Dirkschneider @ Metalpaths.com (2011)]
{{U.D.O.}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Udo}} Category:1987 establishments in Germany Category:German heavy metal musical groups Category:Musical groups from North Rhine-Westphalia Category:Musical groups established in 1987 Category:GUN Records artists Category:Reigning Phoenix Music artists