Special report by Mark Gromen

It seems unfathomable that a legendary metal outfit ACCEPT would carry on with a hastily selected replacement for a recognizable voice/visual presence as Udo Dirkschneider. Could you imagine MAIDEN performing without Dickinson? No PRIEST without Halford, right? SABBATH isn't Sabbath without Ozzy, nor Dio and VAN HALEN, minus Diamond Dave... Er, wait, oh... Purely a matter of perspective and for North America, who only got a glimmer of the Germans in their heyday (initially opening a limited run for Kiss, headlining slots for Metal Heart and Russian Roulette, before resurrection #1, with ex-BANGALORE CHOIR singer David Reece, then a series of short/spotty US club tours in the mid-to-late 90s), to say nothing of a generation born post-80s. Even U.D.O., Dirkschneider's long running band, has been absent from these shores for most of their two decade existence. People are hungry for Accept, in any form, but is it BEATLEMANIA, WINGS or THE PLASTIC ONO BAND?

That said, it still took a good while for a 750 capacity venue (in newly drafted singer Mark Tornillo's own backyard) to sell out in a metropolitan area of close to 12 million inhabitants. Having seen the original band on several of the aforementioned tours, witnessed the headlining Wacken show in '05, as well as numerous U.D.O. performances (where nearly half the set is Accept classics), I entered the Gramercy Theater will apprehension, but an open mind. Know what, it works: in an "Udo has a cold/sore throat tonight" sort of way! Should be interesting to see/hear who the super-critical German fans will react, but Wolf Hoffman (guitar) and Peter Baltes (bass) chose an extensive set (25 songs! doubtful all shows will be as lengthy), focusing on the songs that best fit/hid deficiencies in Tornillo's voice and the pace lightning quick throughout. The diminutive singer does have to work on his stage presence though, this isn't (won't be) TT QUICK playing some bar in Jersey. It was evident the old-timers were enjoying themselves, smiling and mugging for the crowd. Curly ringlets to his shoulders, Baltes looked the same as the 80s, proving Asians aren't the only ones who can disguise their age. The two originals resurrected several vintage poses and synchronized stage movements, occasionally joined by second guitarist Herman Frank (who was with the band for Balls To The Wall).

The place was electric, from the opening trio of 'Metal Heart', 'Midnight Mover' and 'Living For Tonight'. One of the new songs, 'The Abyss' was nestled between amazing string of early 80s hits. Having purposefully not listened to any of the pre-release material, the newbie did little for these ears, lacking the definitive Accept sound. First single 'Teutonic Terror', aired just a few songs later, fared better. Both Baltes and Hoffman were given a solo spotlight, during a rendition of Khachaturian's 'Sabre Dance'. When Tornillo (who apart from gray goatee bears some facial resemblance to Dee Snider) returned, he'd removed his t-shirt, sporting plenty on ink (remember that TT Quick album?). 'Bulletproof' and 'Demon's Night' were a bit of a surprise, but the likes of 'I'm A Rebel', 'Breaker' and 'Burning' are all staples of the U.D.O. live show and this signalled something of an unwritten challenge. Truthfully, 'Burning' was completely lost on this crowd. Might as well have been a song by someone else, given the lack of recognition. Can't say the same about the closing duo. Prefaced by with the infamous music box and scratching LP intro, 'Fast As A Shark' (my favourite) was even more hepped up tonight and then the obligatory 'Balls To The Wall' finale.

Call me pleasantly surprised! I'll definitely make a point of seeing them again.

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Complete setlist:

'Metal Heart'

'Midnight Mover'

'Living For Tonight'

'Restless And Wild'

'Son Of A Bitch'

'Losers And Winners'

'London Leatherboys'

'The Abyss'

'Run If You Can'

'Tuetonic Terror'

'Breaker'

'Bulletproof'

'Neon Nghts'

'Flash Rockin Man'

'Up To The Limit'

'Demon's Night'

'Turn Me On'

'Starlight'

'Burning'

'Princess Of The Dawn'

'I'm A Rebel'

'Fast As A Shark'

'Balls To The Wall'

Check out fan-filmed footage below: