Currently on the road in Europe supporting their new album Decadent, U.D.O. - featuring former Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider - performed at Batschkapp in Frankfurt, Germany on March 10th. High quality fan-filmed video from the night can be viewed below:

After the split with former U.D.O. drummer Francesco Jovino and numerous auditions with possible new band members, the decision has been made – the new drummer and band member of U.D.O. will be Sven Dirkschneider!

"His drumming has simply convinced us most“, the band says. "His style of playing drums is fresh and really grooves heavily. It simply is exactly what we need for U.D.O. We also know that Sven fits perfectly into the band family. He has been working as a drum tec for us for more than four years and we know from several world tours that everyone likes him and gets along with him perfectly."

Sven Dirkschneider is 21 years old and is now the youngest member of U.D.O.. From the beginning Sven was in touch with his father's job and ran around backstage at his shows. His father's world, consisting of tour busses, lots of event techniques and travelling has been normal to him since he can think. And he felt at a very early stage that this could be his world as well. After his high school diploma he started studying media design and event techniques.

Now Sven is a permanent member of U.D.O. His debut show for U.D.O. will be on March 6th in Wuerzburg/Germany.

"It is a very special feeling to be a part of my father’s band“, he says. "I somehow have always been around with the band since I can remember. But I have never dreamed of being a real band member one day.“

U.D.O.'s new studio album, Decadent, was released on January 23rd in Europe via AFM Records. It entered the German Media Control album charts at #16. That’s the highest chart entry for U.D.O. ever! The album also charted in Finland at #35 and in Sweden at #66. Decadent is now available in North America.

Confirmed tour dates (with opening act Sister Sin) are as listed:

March

27 - Hellraiser - Leipzig, Germany   
28 - Airport - Obertraubling, Germany   
30 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland    

April      

1 - De Kreun - Kortrijk, Belgium
2 - 02 Academy - Sheffield, United Kingdom  
3 - Queens Hall - Nuneaton, United Kingdom    
4 - O2 Academy - London, United Kingdom  
5 - Le Forum - Vaureal, France  
9 - Sala Caracol - Madrid, Spain    
10 - Polideportivo - Valladolid, Spain    
11 - Sala Totem - Pamplona, Spain    
12 - Sala Salamandra - Barcelona, Spain    
16 - Sala Rock City - Valencia, Spain    
17 - CC Delicias - Zaragoza, Spain   
19 - Conrad Sohm - Dornbirn, Austria    
23 - Klubben - Stockholm, Sweden  
24 - Liljan - Borlänge, Sweden  
25 - Trädgårn - Goteborg, Sweden 
26 - KB - Malmö, Sweden  
30 - Vulkan Arena - Oslo, Norway    

May      

1 - Karmoygeddon Festival - Haugesund, Norway
2 - Byscenen - Trondheim, Norway    
7 - Nosturi - Helsinki, Finland    
8 - Leipeatehdas - Vaasa, Finland   
9 - Finlandia Klubi - Lahti, Finland   
30 - Beast Of Rock - Brunflo, Sweden