"ACCEPT"
(World Metal Report No.2, p.5&13, Cal Metal)
With their balls to the wall, ACCEPT has arrived in america. The band arrived in late February to tour briefly with KISS on the East Coast.
Prior to the band arriving in America, WMR telephoned the group for
an indepth interview. We would first off like to take the opportunity to
thank Cliff and the entire West Coast Important staff for their help and
support in gaining this interview.
WMR: How long has the band been together?
Wolf: The band has been together for about five years, professional musicians for about 2 1/2 years, since we released the "Breaker" album which was our third one.
WMR: What other musicians have you worked with over this period?
Wolf: We changed our lineup a few times because we changed the guitarist, Jorg Fischer which we have again. For the past two years we have worked with different guitarists.
WMR: Why did it take so long to get the American recording contract?
Wolf: Maybe it has something to do with us coming out of Germany. If we were an English band it would be a bit easier to get a contract. Also we have only worked professionally for two years with a management and all.
WMR: Is it true that Stefan posed for the cover of "Balls To The Wall"?
Wolf: Ah, that cover, no comment. It's a bit of a mystery. (much laughter)
WMR: There's rumors in America that ACCEPT is breaking up, is there any truth to these rumors?
Wolf: No, only a rumor, we are ACCEPT and work very well together.
WMR: What is the ages of the band members?
Wolf: The oldest is Udo who's 31, the rest of us are between 24 and 26.
WMR: Getting back to the album "Balls To The Wall" it's being called the Anthem of 1984. How does it feel as far as it being a hit in America?
Wolf: I know it is going very good at the moment and that it's rising in the charts and I hope the success will go on. I think it is a good album for America, American kids will like it.
WMR: Who do you feel about the record yourself personally?
Wolf:We are all satisfied with it, it is a good one. It's the best we've done so far, but there are still some points we want to do on the next one.
WMR: Will you continue on with this style or will you branch off into other areas?
Wolf: No, we will continue on with this, I think we have found our style now.
WMR: How many albums do you have out now?
Wolf: We have five.
WMR: How many of these has Michael Wagener worked on?
Wolf: The last three albums. We produced the last two ourselves.
WMR: Was it recorded on 24 tracks?
Wolf: Yes, that is the normal for Germany.
WMR: What about a video?
Wolf: We just finished one in London for the song "Balls To The Wall" which was very interesting, because they destroyed a building in the background. We were playing in front of a building and they destroyed the building with a macine with the iron ball.
WMR: Will the video be available here in the U.S. on MTV?
Wolf: Yes, it would be very important.
WMR: On the "Balls To The Wall" album it has the songs composed by ACCEPT and the lyrics by ACCEPT and Deaffy. Who is this mystery person?
Wolf: Oh, we don't want to tell, only a personal friend of ours, he wants to stay in the background, we are always working out the lyrics with him because he is good with English.
WMR: Is he an Englishman?
Wolf: No, he is German. The five members of the band make all the compositions together.
WMR: Could you tell us what is the connection between Udo and Raven?
Wolf: He only produced them. And he sung only one song with them. There were rumors in Germany that Udo is leaving the band and joining Raven, but it's all bullshit.
WMR: What type of equipment do you use on stage?
Wolf: We use the big Marshall towers and a special made drum kit that is really good looking. When we do headlining shows we use a lot of effects like burning drumsticks and guitars and explode the guitars.
WMR: What influences does ACCEPT have as far as other groups?
Wolf: At first we were influenced by every other heavy metal band and rock band. All of us listen to all kinds of music. personally I listen to Classical. And normal pop music, I like all music if it is made good. We are always trying to make our compositions good. A song is good if it can be played with any instrument. That's the goal we want to eventually reach.
WMR: What are the chances of a live album?
WOLF: Maybe when we do our European tour in the autumn, maybe if we don't have the time to write new songs. We would like to do it, I think the time is right.
WMR: Would you like to add anything else to the interview, in case there is something I didn'e ask you?
Wolf: Yes, please give our regards to all of our fans. All of our fans should come to our shows.
WMR: Last question, what does the quote "Balls To The Wall" mean?
Wolf: It is the hardest expression for a persong in a hopeles situation, everyone should take their own meaning out of it.
After the conversation with Wolf, we filled in a few more questions with their manager Gabby.
WMR: How did you get the tour with KISS?
Gaby: We were asked to join them. Also we might tour with Saxon as well, and I would like to tour with Rush after they release their new album.
WMR: How has everything gone with CBS?
Gabby: Wonderful, we have been treated so well and they are all so good to work with, especially with support.
WMR: Has ACCEPT played before any American audiences before?
Gabby: yes, here in Germany with the U.S. army. They have been great to the band and always give us good response.
WMR: The band with exposure will do very well in America, how have they done in Germany?
Gabby: ACCEPT is finally getting acceptance. The band takes their time and does every thing realistically. They do much of the work themselves. The German audience is influenced by foreign acts.
WMR: Where did the title of the LP come from?
Gabby: It is a slang, we have had a few problems with it. We believe in it, and we would not change it.
WMR: It is rumored here in America that CBS wanted to change the name and cover of "Balls To The Wall"?
Gabby: No this is not true, when we met with CBS we already knew we would not make concessions for this. CBS never wanted to change it.