ACCEPT

German metal band ACCEPT released their debut self-titled album in 1979, and with a new album Rise of Chaos that will be available by the time the band plays in Japan, KS spoke with original and ever-present guitarist Wolf Hoffman about the upcoming tour, and also how the band have weathered the rigors of time in the volatile musical world.

By the time the band arrives in Japan, the new album Rise of Chaos will be available. The band has a special relationship with Japan – do you have a special message to the faithful here?

We are very happy to come back to Japan. This country has been a huge part of our career: it has been the Japanese fans who have made ACCEPT standing next to the greatest bands of that time! No other country – not even Germany – has given ACCEPT such early and spontaneous real superstar credentials! So, being able to say thanks to our Japanese fans is always a very special gift for us.

ACCEPT’s studio album debut was the self-titled release in 1979. Over the past nearly 40 years, many genres of rock and metal have come and gone. What is it that has kept a strong fan base for ACCEPT and meant the band has endured where many have fallen by the wayside?

Nearly 40 years and there are no secrets about it: we did not change the fabric of our work ethic, our live performance strategy, or – most importantly – how we write songs. The hardest part is to withstand the constant influences that others want to impose on musicians. Everybody thinks they know better. But in reality, no one can know your music better than you – how you feel and what you want to say. We have been blessed because our strongest ally has been Gaby – our forever manager – and it is she who keeps our noses to the ground! Whatever we feel, whatever we want to share, she is the one who is running with it! So our secret is none – we are just very protected and very, very stubborn and not all of our peers could deal with that.

Are there any special plans for celebrating this 40-year milestone and what do the next few years hold for ACCEPT?

We are celebrating life every day – anniversaries as well – there is always an anniversary of something! We celebrate the best when we are in front of our fans, to be honest. That is our moment! And if in 40 more years there are still ACCEPT fans, we will sure do what we always do: ROCK THE HOUSE! Perhaps not as wildly as today, though! We’re having the time of our lives – come and celebrate with us!

German pioneers of heavy metal
Sep 12 • Club Quattro, Osaka • Metal • 7pm • ¥8,500 • Tel: 06-6311-8111