A quarter of a century ago, Gotthard set out to conquer the world with pure, straightforward rock and gigantic ballads and they’ve pulled off the trick: With 15 #1 albums and plenty of multi-platinum awards, they’re not only the most successful Swiss band but also a staple in the global spotlight. Especially the much-deserved Swiss Music Award from last year has shown that the band’s nowhere near finished: Gotthard’s past 25 years have only been the first round - it’s definitely time for a new album in 2017.

Gotthard are currently refining their 12th studio album at the Yellow House Studio in Lugano. The title will be announced as soon as it’s decided. The third album with lead singer Nic Maeder is produced by Charlie Bauerfeind (Helloween, Blind Guardian among others) and Leo Leoni - so the dream team’s at it again: “We were all very happy with the workflow and the result of the BANG! production - so it was pretty clear that we wanted to give the great collaboration another shot!”

The record will be released on January 13, 2017 on Musikvertrieb in Switzerland and internationally via PIAS - which means that the first Friday the 13th next year won’t spell bad luck. Quite the opposite.

Check out a video message from Yellow House Studio:

Immediately after the release, the tour’s kicking off at full speed as well: From February 9th, the big 25th Anniversary tour is champing at the bit to turbocharge the new record with plenty of live rock ’n’ roll. The tour starts in Ravensburg and lays rubber all across Europe with full entourage. Danish rock band Pretty Maids will be special guests at all shows - the pre-sale of this milestone birthday is already in full swing.

Those who haven’t secured tickets yet, should check out Leo’s message again: “25 years of Gotthard - that means 150 songs to chose from, not mentioning our new album - that’s not going to be easy! However, we’ll select only the best for a proper anniversary party!”

Tour dates:

February
9 - Oberschwaben Club - Ravensburg, Germany
10 - Airport Obertraubling - Obertraubling, Germany
11 - ratiopharm arena - Neu Ulm, Germany
13 - Batschkapp Frankfurt - Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
14 - Markthalle - Hamburg (Altstadt), Germany
15 - Capitol - Hannover, Germany
17 - Hyde Park - Osnabruck, Germany
18 - Turbinenhalle - Oberhausen, Germany
19 - Zäpfle Club - Freiburg, Germany
22 - Alcatraz - Milano, Italy
24 - Santana 27 - Bilbao, Spain
25 - La Riviera - Madrid, Spain
26 - Razznatazz 2 - Barcelona, Spain
      
March
2 - Tonhalle - Munich, Germany
3 - Festhalle - Bern, Switzerland
4 - Eventpark Zürich - Dübendorf, Switzerland
6 - Gasometer - Vienna, Austria
7 - Löwensaal - Nürnberg, Germany
8 - Garage - Saarbrücken, Germany
10 - Volksbankmesse - Balingen, Germany
12 - Salle Métropole de Lausanne - Lausanne, Switzerland

For the first time ever, the two biggest rock bands of Switzerland share the same stage on one bill. Gotthard and Krokus co-headline exclusively two shows in the German-speaking parts of Switzerland. Special guest Shakra is rounding out this unique monster package. For every rock fan an absolute MUST and the unique opportunity to experience Swiss rock history live in concert when Gotthard and Krokus rock together on one stage at Festhalle in Bern and at Eventpark in Zurich on Friday and Saturday, March 3rd & 4th, 2017 respectively.

Special guests Shakra are the opener for the two shows. Since the early 90's the Bernese band stands for "Swiss hard rock" and rock the stages of the world. With its former and new singer Mark Fox, Shakra just released their 10th and probably best album. Fans of Swiss rock can look forward to two super concerts that without a doubt will go down in history - Friday and Saturday, March 3rd and 4th, 2017 at Festhalle in Bern and Event Park in Zurich.

Get your tickets while they last. Pre-sales via GotthardShop.com.

(Photo - Gotthard Facebook)