Udo Dirkschneider – Balls To The 2025 Wall
1. Udo, this year marks 40 years since the release of “Balls To The Wall.” What made you decide that now was the perfect time to reinterpret the album with a fresh approach?
Well in the beginning, there was no plan to do this record. We were going to do the 40 Years Anniversary Tour on Balls to the Walls and that was it. But then on different festivals and gigs fellow musicians approached us and were asking if we plan to do anything special for it, and that -if we did- they would love to participate as “this album is so special to them”, “they grew up with this or the other song” etc. So somehow like this the idea came up. We knew that to touch and fiddle with a nowadays classic album is critical. But then we sat down and thought about the concept of rerecording it with guest singers on every song and we came to the decision that this could turn out very interesting or even exciting. So we listed up the singers who had contacted us and the ones we had in mind and then all came into place.
2. You’ve brought in an incredible lineup of guest musicians from across the rock and metal world. How did you go about selecting these artists, and was there anyone you were particularly excited to collaborate with?
We got in touch with a lot of people and most of them have been my friends for a long time so they were very happy that we asked them. Some were also surprised, like Nils Molin from Dynazty / Amaranthe. He has a fantastic voice and we saw him perform live on many occasions, so we knew that he would be great in Head Over Heels. Of course we also had artists who really wanted to take part but business plans would in the end not allow it. In the end we are so happy with the final guests and the amazing results they delivered.
3. Each guest brings their own unique style to these classic tracks. Were there any moments in the recording process where a guest artist’s interpretation surprised you in a way you didn’t expect?
For me definitely Michael Kiste. I knew that Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had was the right song for him but he made it his own, it could be a Helloween song the way he interpreted it. Same with Biff – London Leatherboys suddenly was a Saxon song. But also with many we were hoping that they sing it their own special way and they did not disappoint us at all. Danko Jones in Turn Me On – he put his very unique singing style in there or Mille Petrozza, he totally owned it.
4. Revisiting these songs after four decades, did your perspective on any of the tracks change? Were there certain songs that felt even more relevant today?
It’s not that my perspective changed on any of these songs but going back into the studio recording these songs again to release them again shows you that you achieved something with these songs and in music history in general.
I think that a lot of these songs are still relevant today. When we wrote these songs back in the day nobody really talked about a lot of the topics that we have on this record. For example‚ Love Child is about someone who doesn’t really know his identity and if he feels like a woman or a men. Balls to the Wall is about courage and defiance against authority and injustice and this is more than relevant today as well, i think.
5. You’ve said that this project is more than just a remake—it’s an homage. What do you hope longtime fans will take away from this reimagined version, and how do you think it will introduce “Balls To The Wall” to a new generation of metalheads?
For me, it’s an ongoing personal journey — Balls To The Wall will forever be a part of who I am. With this rerecording each guest has brought their unique touch to these classic tracks, and working with such exceptional vocalists has given the songs a new and exciting energy. This album stands as a powerful tribute while inviting a new generation of fans to experience these songs with the same passion I felt when I first recorded them.
6. Looking back, did you face any particular challenges in re-recording these songs while keeping their original essence intact? 10. Over the years, how has your approach to singing and performing evolved? Did you bring any new vocal techniques or interpretations to these songs compared to how you originally recorded them?
I have to admit, I was nervous if I could hit all the notes as they were. Peter was also thinking what he should do, play the songs exactly as in 1983? Or maybe as he played them live on stage over the years with a few twitches? We also had Stefan Kaufmann there with us, who is of course also an original Accept member, working together with Sven and our guitar players on how to perform the songs. We aimed to stay as close to the original but with a modern sound obviously, because the means of technology allow this now. What we think, but this is also the feedback that we got until now, is that the album has a modern sound but kept the oldschoool vibe. As for my singing, again here, I had Stefan behind the recording desk to guide me through recording and I can say, that I am pleased with the result.
7. Many of the tracks from Balls To The Wall have become anthems over the years. Do you feel that heavy metal still carries that same rebellious and powerful spirit today as it did in the 1980s?
Heavy metal comes from very deep inside, from the heart. If it’s true it lives until today the same way it did back then!
8. You’ve had a long and influential career in heavy metal. If you could go back to 1983 and give advice to your younger self while recording the original album, what would you say?
I think my younger self and the other guys in the band did a terrific job back then and the proof is this 40 Years Anniversary Tour of Balls to the Wall, as well as the many guest singers and friends who wanted to be part of the rerecording of this album. Everything went more than well, so there is no reason to give any advice to that young fella.
9. The tracklist features a mix of legendary vocalists and rising stars in metal. Were there any interesting behind-the-scenes stories from the recording sessions that stand out to you?
Trying to get all these artists into a studio and delivering their part on time was a big challenge. Dee Snider for example was in the middle of a move when we needed him to deliver his part and he absolutely didn’t know the area and where to record it. So after some back and forth he finally came up with a solution and recorded the part within two hours and sent it to us. We were blown away by his vocal performance, he is absolutely incredible. We also know that Doro spent a whole night in the studio because she wanted to have it absolutely perfect and we really appreciate it, Winter Dreams turned out so beautiful.
10. Heavy metal is known for its strong fan community. What has been the most meaningful feedback you’ve received from fans about this project so far?
The best feedback that you can get is if the fans still buying your records and coming to the shows. Both is given here – the response for the album is fantastic and the upcoming tour is selling out in a lot of cities. This makes me very proud and encourages me to keep on going!
11. Finally, your upcoming concerts in Greece are highly anticipated. What can Greek fans expect from your performances, and do you have any special memories from past shows in Greece?
We love playing in Greece! Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete … the fans are always great and loud! And of course the food is amazing! I think our Greek fans will love this show, we have a really great band with three young musicians and Peter and myself from the old days. We are excited to play Balls to the Wall for you!
Information: https://www.udo-online.de
Photo Credit by Eddi Bachmann
