U.D.O. Announce New Drummer, Udo's Son Sven Dirkschneider!

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.

The Decadent Tour kicks off in March, confirmed dates (with opening act Sister Sin) are as listed:

March
6 – Posthalle – Wurzburg, Germany     
7 – Backstage – Munchen, Germany    
8 – MMC – Bratislava, Slovakia    
10 – Batschkapp – Frankfurt, Germany    
11 – Markthalle – Hamburg, Germany
13 – Pumpe – Kiel, Germany  
14 – Godset – Kolding, Denmark    
15 – Aladin – Bremen, Germany    
18 – Zeche – Bochum, Germany    
19 – Eisenbahnhalle – Losheim Am See, Germany    
20 – JUZ – Andernach, Germany    
21 – Kaminwerk – Memmingen, Germany    
22 – Rockfabrik – Ludwigsburg, Germany  
24 – Barba Negra Music Club – Budapest, Hungary    
25 – Hirsch – Nurnberg, Germany    
26 – C Club – Berlin, Germany    
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