🎸 The End of an Era — “One Last Ride” Farewell Tour
German metal legends Accept have officially announced their 2026 North American farewell tour, titled “One Last Ride.” The tour, spanning six major cities, honors five decades of blistering riffs, anthemic choruses, and undying rock spirit
Why Now?
Marking their 50th anniversary (since 1976), Accept has been building up to a momentous celebration. Guitarist Wolf Hoffmann described the band’s golden milestone as something “crazy” and rare — “not every band is lucky enough to be around for this long” With lineups shifting and momentum fluctuating throughout the years, the band seized 2025–2026 as a fitting finale: combining celebration with closure. Hoffmann voiced that while the idea of retirement has “crossed our mind,” only a highlight of this scale would truly mark the end
Tour Dates & Cities
While the band hasn’t published every date yet, six North American cities have already been confirmed – each representing a key milestone in their continental journey. Though the complete routing remains under wraps, the confirmed tour stops include:
- Los Angeles – A frequent hotspot for Accept, spotlighting Hollywood’s legacy stages.
- New York City – The Big Apple played a pivotal role after their 2010 reformation, making this a symbolic closer.
- Toronto – A cornerstone of their passionate Canadian fanbase.
- Chicago – Heartland metal hasn’t been the same since their early ’80s breakthrough.
- Dallas – A Southern metal stronghold that’s hosted their intense setlists.
- San Francisco – The West Coast picks up where L.A. left off, capping the tour with Bay Area metal pride.
(Note: These six reflect the announced major stops, but additional support dates or festival appearances may be added.)
What to Expect Onstage
Expect a career-spanning spectacle. Hoffmann promises a curated blend of classics, deep cuts, and fan favorites never or rarely performed live . Surprise guest appearances are anticipated—including former members like Udo Dirkschneider and Peter Baltes—though participation remains unconfirmed
The band recently revealed plans for a 50th-anniversary record in spring 2026, featuring re-recorded classics and tracks from across their catalog, involving “well‑known surprise musical guests” The tour will likely double as a live showcase for select tracks from that project.
Legacy Meets New Beginnings
It’s a rare moment when a legendary band closes the curtain in style. Accept is seizing theirs—not with a backward glance but with a full‑throttle celebration. This isn’t a farewell born of decline; it’s one by design, emerging from a place of artistic strength and integrity.
As Hoffmann explained, they rejected smaller milestone tours (“20th of this album, 30th of that album”)—instead focusing energy on an honorable and complete 50-year legacy tour That dedication is rooted in intentionality: “50 is a big deal… this is the one — the big one.”
Band Line‑Up & Evolution
Accept’s journey began in 1976, Solingen, Germany, founded by Wolf Hoffmann, Udo Dirkschneider, and Peter Baltes
- Hoffmann remains the only founding member still in the band.
- Vocal duties have evolved: after Dirkschneider’s era and a hiatus, Mark Tornillo joined in 2009, revitalizing the band with six more studio albums
- The current touring line‑up also includes guitarists Uwe Lulis and Philip Shouse, bassist Martin Motnik, and drummer Christopher Williams
This final tour will highlight both the classic and modern eras, giving fans a comprehensive overview of Accept’s contributions to heavy metal.
Fan Experience
What makes this tour stand out:
- Rare live gems: Tracks seldom performed live are finally coming to light.
- Special guest spots: A lineage of former mates and heavy metal peers may surprise attendees.
- Anniversary album tie‑in: Each live show will act as a live preview of the spring 2026 re‑recording project.
- Staging & production: Expect a lavish production—metal theatrics, elaborate lighting, and visual montages spanning Accept’s journey.
Broader Tour Timeline
- The “Humanoid” tour in 2024 made waves across North America and Europe, establishing renewed momentum
- A unique anniversary tour kicked off in late 2025 in Europe, leading to this farewell run in North America throughout 2026
- Fans worldwide await further announcements—and the upcoming anniversary album.
Final Thoughts: An Iconic Exit
Accept’s “One Last Ride” is more than a tour—it’s a closure of a 50‑year chapter. Few bands take their final bow with this level of artistry, reflection, and fan‑centered vision. For many, it’s a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance to witness heavy metal royalty deliver one final, legendary live experience.
Stay tuned for full tour dates, ticket info, and album drop details—due to roll out later this year. For devoted fans, “One Last Ride” is the ultimate tribute to Accept’s metal reign.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into setlists, ticket presales, or a breakdown of their legacy albums!
