Accept is a German heavy metal band from the town of Solingen, originally assembled by former vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, guitarist Wolf Hoffmann and bassist Peter Baltes. Their beginnings can be traced back to the late 1960s. The band played an important role in the development of speed and thrash metal, being part of the German heavy metal scene, which emerged in the early to mid-1980s.

In 1987, Udo Dirkschneider decided to embark on a solo career. Supporting this decision, the songwriting team in Accept wrote his entire solo album, released in 1987 as Animal House under the band moniker U.D.O.

By a tour end in late 1989, the band decided it was time to cease their activities for the time being.
Between 1997 and 2005, all the members continued working on their own projects.

At the end of May 2009, rumours surfaced on a possible Accept reformation, when bassist Peter Baltes revealed he spent a weekend at his house in Pennsylvania “shredding away” with guitarist Wolf Hoffmann:

“Something amazing is in the works. As soon as I can, I’ll let everybody know. Let’s make the ‘Metal Heart’ beat again.”
Bassist Peter Baltes about the possible reunion.

A coincidental meeting between Accept and singer Mark Tornillo at this informal jam session meant shortly after Tornillo was announced as the new vocalist. With his entrance in the band, the group was reformed and started to hit the Metal scene once again.