Accept Release Heartfelt Farewell Song Honoring Their Late Drummer, with Help from Wolf Hoffmann and U.D.O.’s Udo Dirkschneider…

Accept Release Heartfelt Farewell Song Honoring Their Late Drummer, with Help from Wolf Hoffmann and U.D.O.’s Udo Dirkschneider

 

Legendary German heavy metal band Accept has released an emotional farewell song dedicated to one of their most iconic and beloved drummers, who recently passed away. The tribute track, filled with raw emotion and powerful musicality, features a special collaboration with guitarist Wolf Hoffmann and former Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider, now of U.D.O. fame.

The song, which dropped on all major streaming platforms this week, is titled “Final Beat” and stands as a heartfelt homage to Stefan Kaufmann, the former Accept drummer who played a crucial role in shaping the band’s classic sound in the ’80s and early ’90s. Kaufmann passed away earlier this month after a prolonged illness, sparking an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and musicians around the world.

Accept’s surviving members issued a statement alongside the song’s release, saying, “Stefan was more than just a drummer — he was family. His influence on our music and his spirit in the studio and on tour will never be forgotten. This song is our way of saying thank you and goodbye.”

The track blends Accept’s signature heavy riffing with somber melodies and introspective lyrics, reflecting on both loss and legacy. Wolf Hoffmann, who co-wrote the piece, described the process as “cathartic” and “deeply personal.”

“Stefan and I shared the stage for years,” Hoffmann said in a press release. “We laughed, we toured the world, and we built something timeless together. Writing this song helped me grieve. I think fans will feel that.”

A particularly moving aspect of the tribute is the involvement of Udo Dirkschneider, who had not collaborated with Accept on a recording in decades. The reunion, though brief, was symbolic.

“Despite our differences over the years, when it came to honoring Stefan, there was no hesitation,” Dirkschneider said. “He was our brother. This song was made with love, and I hope it brings comfort to those who feel his loss.”

The track’s accompanying music video, directed by long-time Accept collaborator Martin Müller, features archival footage of Kaufmann on stage, in the studio, and behind the scenes. These clips are interspersed with current-day shots of the band recording the tribute and paying their respects at Kaufmann’s resting place.

Fans around the globe have praised the release, flooding social media with memories, condolences, and thanks. The hashtag #FinalBeatForStefan has begun trending in metal circles, with fans sharing their favorite Kaufmann performances and recounting the impact he had on their lives.

“Stefan was the heartbeat of Accept,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This song is the goodbye we all needed.”

“Final Beat” is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other major platforms. All proceeds from the song will go toward a charitable foundation supporting young musicians, in line with Kaufmann’s lifelong dedication to nurturing talent and music education.