🎸 Still Roaring: “Rock Until I Drop”
Wolf Hoffmann, the iconic guitarist and the lone remaining original member of German heavy‑metal giants Accept, has made it abundantly clear: retirement isn’t on the menu. In a 2024 interview with Rapture Radio, he stated emphatically, “I don’t wanna ever retire… I wanna do this until the bitter end, man”
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. That echoes his earlier bold proclamation: “I’m gonna keep on going and going till I drop dead on stage”
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Hoffmann recalls his mid‑1990s hiatus as a form of “early retirement,” during which he pursued photography. But once Accept revived in the late 2000s, his zest returned tenfold . He explains that the band offers him everyday joy and purpose—far more compelling than kicking back in retirement
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🔄 A Journey Through Time and Challenges
Founding father of Accept: Hoffmann joined the band as a teenager in 1976 and has been the creative backbone ever since
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A lifetime on the road: He’s led Accept through multiple phases—classic‑era glory in the ’80s, disbandment in the ’90s, a 2008 resurgence, and relentless touring ever since .
Keeping things fresh: Even after nearly five decades, Hoffmann refuses to “get bored” because he’s deeply invested in songwriting and live performances, calling each show “magic”
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🛳️ The Sole Survivor and Captain of a New Crew
Over 48 years in, Hoffmann is proud to be the last original member of Accept, helming the band’s ship ever since his former bandmates departed
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. As the “captain,” he assembled a rejuvenated lineup that’s been steering Accept toward new horizons.
🌍 Legacy & What Lies Ahead
Celebrating 50 years: Accept is gearing up for its golden anniversary tour at the close of 2025, followed by a commemorative album in early 2026 featuring re‑recorded classics and guest appearances
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New music in the works: Hoffmann insists that crafting fresh material is essential. In fact, he’s already penning songs that sound unmistakably like Accept—honoring tradition while pushing boundaries .
Award‑winning mastery: His decades of passionate playing recently earned him the title of Best Heavy Metal Guitarist at the 2025 IHAERTRADIO Music Awards, highlighting his enduring artistic impact
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💬 Why Retirement Has No Appeal
Across interviews, Hoffmann has offered candid insight into why he won’t slow down:
Retirement was unfulfilling for him—after ten years as a photographer, he returned to music with renewed vigor
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He can’t imagine doing anything else—music gives him daily purpose, excitement, and creative challenge
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As long as he’s healthy, he intends to keep playing. “If music is what you like best… why would I quit?”
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🔚 Conclusion: Rock Till the End
As Accept hurtles toward its 50th year, Wolf Hoffmann remains as vital and driven as ever. From his teenage days in Solingen to commanding stages worldwide, he’s committed to rocking “until I drop.” With fresh music in development, world‑spanning tours ahead, and a recent accolade cementing his relevance, Hoffmann proves age is no barrier when passion is the fuel.
