U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER, the two bands led by former ACCEPT frontman Udo Dirkschneider, have officially parted ways with guitarist Andrey Smirnov. A new guitarist has not yet been announced.
Earlier today, U.D.O. released the following statement via social media: “After many years of successful collaboration, U.D.O. / DIRKSCHNEIDER and guitarist Andrey Smirnov have decided to part ways. This decision was made amicably and with mutual respect.
“The band would like to thank Andrey for his outstanding musicianship, dedication and contribution to U.D.O. over the years. We wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors.
“U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER will continue with all upcoming projects and live shows as planned and further news will be announced soon.”
Smirnov joined U.D.O. in January 2013, stepping in for Stefan Kaufmann, who had departed the band in late 2012 due to health issues.
At 41, Andrey Smirnov is a Russian rock musician, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter. He previously served as the lead vocalist, guitarist, main songwriter, and founder of the Russian modern metal band EVERLOST. Over the years, he has also performed as a session guitarist for Paul Di’Anno and Blaze Bayley (both former IRON MAIDEN singers) and was a member of several notable Russian metal acts, including MASTER and EPIDEMIA. Smirnov is also widely regarded as a respected studio musician.
photo of Andrey Smirnov by Iro Kalligeri (@irokalligeriphotography)
