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U.D.O. Guitarist Andrey Smirnov Parts Ways Amicably

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Udo Dirkschneider, the former ACCEPT singer who fronts U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER, parted ways with guitarist Andrey Smirnov, who joined U.D.O. in 2013.
The split was mutual and amicable, with both bands wishing Smirnov success in future endeavors.
Smirnov contributed to U.D.O.'s last six studio albums and various live records.
U.D.O.'s latest album, Touchdown, was released in August 2023.

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Story summary

Udo Dirkschneider, the former ACCEPT singer who fronts U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER, parted ways with guitarist Andrey Smirnov, who joined U.D.O. in 2013.
The split was mutual and amicable, with both bands wishing Smirnov success in future endeavors.
Smirnov contributed to U.D.O.'s last six studio albums and various live records.
U.D.O.'s latest album, Touchdown, was released in August 2023.