DIRKSCHNEIDER Rocks The Palladium In Worcester, MA

by Matman

With my ears still buzzing I began to realize that just a few hours ago... i not not only heard history, but i witnessed it as well.  As a lifelong fan of Accept, the band Udo Dirkschneider co-founded and led for most of the 1980's, I never thought I would get the chance to hear some of the greatest and most influential metal songs of all time sung by the growl that made them famous... but there I was!

I was introduced to Accept and Udo through the amazing radio show 'Metalshop' where I first heard the fury and speed of 'Fast As A Shark' which led me to become a fan of their hybrid mix of heavy metal, classical rhythms and serious European influences.  And tonight, for over two hours... I would hear everything!!!!

Udo Dirkschneider is an interesting character on stage.  He doesn't speak much to the audience, he seems to never open his eyes and doesn't run around and draw attention to himself, but his intensity is something I have never experienced before from a performer.  He sings the songs and lets his amazing band do what they need to do to provide one of the most impressive, intense and emotionally draining shows I have ever been to. 

Dirkschneider (the band) is made up of Dirkschneider (the man) on vocals, who for two hours didn't miss a beat, especially on challenging songs as 'Midnight Mover' and 'Breaker'.  Guitarist Andrey Smirnov was an incredible player, playing heavy when he needed to and flowing and spiritual when he had to.  His guitar partner, Bill Hudson was as intense as Udo on stage an matched Smirnov on every song.  The two played some challenging music and get incredibly high marks for a job so well done!  Holding it all down is Fitty Weinhold, who onstage was confident, cool and playing waise was fantastic, again given some tough material to play.  Keeping the beat was Sven Dirkschneider, son of Udo and as solid a drummer as you can have; twirling the sticks, singing back-up and just creating chaos. 

The set list was an incredible 20 songs and over 2 hour set that left the audience exhausted and i'm not exaggerating.  As the band waited to come back on for their encores... the audience was dead quiet.  Everyone, including myself just looked at each other trying to catch their breath, look at the person next to them and nod in approval.  I hope the band didn't take it as a lethargic or unappreciated response... we were all friggin' tired from all the rockin'!!!!!  And when they came back for more, they saved the best for last; one of the greatest metal songs ever recorded, 'Metal Heart', the first thrash song 'Fast As A Shark' and the showstopper, 'Balls To The Wall'.     

I found out that following one more show, Dirkschneider would return to his other band U.D.O. and no longer perform this Accept show.  If that is the case than I'm so excited and fortunate to be a witness to the magic, but sad for the people that didn't know this show was going on and missed it.  Dirkschneider was one of the most entertaining and physically draining shows I have ever been to, and everyone in attendance agrees.  The band demand a lot from the audience as well as themselves and I think tonight, everyone got what they wanted. 

Set List
The Beast Inside
Aiming High
Bulletproof
Midnight Mover
Living for Tonite
Another Second to Be
Fight It Back
Can't Stand the Night
Amamos la Vida
London Leatherboys
Up to the Limit
Breaker
Screaming for a Love-Bite
Love Child
Objection Overruled
Russian Roulette
Princess of the Dawn
Metal Heart
Fast as a Shark
Balls to the Wall

Opening the show was Australian rockers, Elm Street who were amazing and incredibly cool guys.  I picked up their two CD's for Brian because their mix of Megadeth style playing and horror themes is certainly up HIS alley.  You will be hearing a lot from these guys in the future and of course on Power Chords and 53:5 - The Official Stryper Podcast. 

My thanks to Dustin Hardman from AFM Records for his trust in me to be professional, not start any fights and be "outta the pit after three."  Much appreciated!!!!!!!