Former Judas Priest frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens joined forces with German heavy metal icons Accept on stage at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany on Thursday, August 1st, performing the band's classic anthem "Balls To The Wall".
This unexpected collaboration comes ahead of a highly anticipated North American tour, kicking off on August 31st in Los Angeles, California. The "Full Metal Assault" tour will see KK's Priest, Owens' current band alongside former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, share the stage with Accept, bringing together two titans of heavy metal for a truly epic spectacle.
The tour marks a significant reunion for Downing and Accept, who last shared the stage in 1983. "It's time!!! Let the full European metal assault commence, KK'S PRIEST / ACCEPT," Downing enthusiastically declared. "From Germany, from the U.K., let the Flying Vs clash, let the metal fly! This is a spectacle not to be missed, and this is possibly the one and only time in history for you to witness this iconic duel."
Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann echoed Downing's sentiment, calling the tour "a dream come true". "ACCEPT supported JUDAS PRIEST back in the early '80sâit was our first 'real' international tour and PRIEST had been a huge influence on us." He added, "I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with K.K. on this very special tour. It's going to be epic! Don't miss it!"
KK's Priest's recent successes include their debut album, "Sermons Of The Sinner" (2021), and their sophomore offering, "The Sinner Rides Again" (2023). The band made its live debut in July 2023, shortly after Downing's attempt to rejoin Judas Priest for their 50th anniversary tour was declined.
Meanwhile, Accept, currently fronted by Mark Tornillo, released their latest album, "Humanoid", in April 2024. The band has consistently delivered high-energy performances, captivating audiences with their powerful blend of classic heavy metal and modern influences.
The Wacken Open Air appearance marked a thrilling prelude to the "Full Metal Assault" tour, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming spectacle. With two legendary bands at the height of their powers, this collaboration promises to be a monumental event for metal enthusiasts worldwide.
