German metallers DOMAIN have issued the following update:

"We're proud to say that we will support one of the biggest names in German heavy metal. Until the end of the year, guitarist Axel Ritt has the privilege to do the live guitar works for GRAVE DIGGER.

Mastermind Chris Boltendahl and he have known each other for about 2 decades, but this will be the first time, performing together in the same band. The first rehearsal started yesterday and it was a blast!"

Upcoming Grave Digger dates include:

October

24 - Maschinenhalle Zweckel - Gladbeck, Germany

November

20 - Siara Hall - Fortaleza, Brazil
21 - Carioca Club - Sao Paulo, Brazil

December

18 - Christmas Metal Meeting - Outback - Bad Arolsen, Germany
19 - Christmas Metal Meeting - Stadthalle - Langen, Germany

Earlier this month, BraveWords.com received the following update from Grave Digger vocalist Chris Boltendahl:

"We have to make an announcement that most of you probably never expected.

A band like Grave Digger has to develop constantly. The problem is that this is only possible if the musicians have the same goal and the same attitude. And they have to feel good with what they are doing.

If you have some permanent stress in the band, there is no more productive work possible and in the long run the music suffers from this situation.

Unfortunately there were so many disagreements recently building up between Manni (Schmidt, guitar) and myself, that this would affect the productivity and creativity in a bad way.

So Manni decided to leave Grave Digger.

This happened by mutual consent. We wish Manni all the best for the future and say thank you for many nice and eventful years.

There is no effect on the concerts that are already booked. The final word about a replacement guitar player has not yet been spoken. We first want to wait for the results of the rehearsals. After this we will introduce you to the replacement guitarist. We already spoke to a possible candidate and we will start the rehearsals in the next days."

More information will follow at BraveWords.com.