Accept Lose Founding Member

Veteran metal band Accept have announced that founding bassist Peter Baltes has decided to leave the band, but the group assured fans that "the Metal Heart will continue beating".

Baltes had this to say, "To all Accept fans: I hereby announce my departure as bass player from Accept. I have been with the band from the very beginning. Many of you were there as well. I'd like to thank you all for the great years we shared together. Keep it metal."

The band issued this group statement, "We are all heartbroken! Peter needed a change in his life and we wish him all the best. He will always be part of the Accept family and to honour his tribute to music history, we should all wish him well. Gaby, Wolf, Mark, Uwe & Christopher...indeed ACCEPT WILL KEEP IT METAL!"

Guitarist Wolf Hoffmann added this personal comments, "We spent four decades together through thick and thin, ups and downs and I remember some incredible moments on stage. There was a blind understanding between us, personally and musically, which is very rare in this business! Looking back, I will forever cherish the carefree early years, the countless hours we spent writing songs, goofing around or roaming cities together on tour - just having a good ol' time! Especially these last 10 years, after the revival of Accept being so much fun and so successful that I thought we would continue forever and sail into the proverbial sunset together - maybe until one of us would drop dead on stage. But I guess I was wrong, it wasn't meant to be. To see Peter leave Accept now saddens me immensely but there's nothing I can do but to wish him well - hoping that this is the right decision for him and that he will find whatever he is looking for... I will certainly miss my musical brother! One thing is certain, however: Accept will continue full steam ahead!"

Drummer Christopher Williams added, "I want to wish Peter nothing but the best in his future endeavors. Peter simply needed a change in his personal life. It has been an absolute blast sharing the stage with him over the last four years. He is one of the most solid rock and roll bass players I've had the pleasure of working with, and I've worked with many. One thing is for certain: I will miss my friend! Thank you Peter for the great memories and the great music. Cheers!

"To the fans: I'm sure this is a shocking moment for many of you. As a diehard fan of many bands myself, I understand that transitions like these are never easy, especially with the legacy someone like Peter has with their band. From one fan to another, thank you all for your continued support. Love and best wishes to all of you! Accept and the Metal Heart will continue beating."

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