German heavy metal legends ACCEPT kicked off their 50th anniversary live celebrations on May 1 at the Karmøygeddon Metal Festival in Kopervik, Norway, welcoming former MEGADETH drummer SHAWN DROVER as a special guest artist. Video footage from the powerful performance has been shared online.
DROVER, who manned the kit for MEGADETH from 2004 to 2014, delivered a powerhouse showing alongside ACCEPT vocalist Mark Tornillo and guitarist Wolf Hoffmann. The collaboration continues — DROVER is set to perform with the band at additional shows in Sweden on May 3 and May 6.
ACCEPT stated: "The one and only drummer Shawn Drover will be the first special guest artist for ACCEPT's 50th-anniversary celebrations LIVE! An absolute legend and beast of a drummer, we are thrilled to have him join us on stage as part of this very special and unique year."
The band's landmark anniversary also includes an extensive European tour of 24 headline shows across 11 countries, with Swedish metallers DYNAZTY and British newcomers TAILGUNNER as support acts.
Completing the anniversary package, ACCEPT will release the milestone album "Teutonic Titans 1976–2026" on September 4, 2026 via Napalm Records. The project features newly re-recorded classics performed by an extraordinary all-star lineup of metal icons — including Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST), Philip Anselmo (PANTERA), Tobias Forge (GHOST), Kirk Hammett (METALLICA), Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN), K.K. Downing (JUDAS PRIEST), Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (OVERKILL), Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG), and Chris Jericho (FOZZY), among others.
Wolf Hoffmann reflected: "It's incredible to be celebrating 50 years of ACCEPT. The support from our fans over the decades has been overwhelming, and we can't wait to bring these shows to so many countries and celebrate this milestone together."