Accept lose two members

[RoadWarrior]

The German heavy metal band Accept are losing two of their long-term members.

Guitarist Herman Frank, who has been with the band on-and-off since 1982, and drummer Stefan Schwarzmann, an occasional member since 1994, have both decided to leave the band to concentrate on their own group, the German Panzer.

The band made the official announcement on their website:

'WE ARE PARTING AS FRIENDS!'

ACCEPT would like to thank Herman Frank & Stefan Schwarzmann for being with us these last 4 + years, for making themselves available whenever needed and for rocking their asses off! We and the fans all knew that they had their own careers and that eventually we would run into scheduling and other conflicts beyond our control. Herman and Stefan are now ready to take on the world, with their own band 'PANZER', a Nuclear Blast Record deal under their belts and a new album!

We are parting as friends and wish them nothing but success!

We ourselves are getting ready for 2015 ' another year of heavy touring! We would like to say thanks again to our fans around the world for their huge support and for the fantastic year 2014!

Both Frank and Schwarzmann have had divided times with Accept. Frank joined in 1982 right after they released their album Restless and Wild. He stayed with them long enough to record the followup, Balls to the Wall before leaving in 1984. When Accept decided to reform in 2005 after their second hiatus, Frank once again took his place as one of the band's guitarist.

Schwarzmann joined the band in 1994 during the tour in support of the album Death Row when regular drummer Stefan Kaufann injured his back. He gave up the position the next year to Michael Cartellone of Damn Yankees. Like Frank, Schwarzmann rejoined when the band came back together in 2005 and, except for the third split from late 2005 to 2009, has been their drummer up until today's announcement.