The international music community is in mourning after the sudden death of legendary guitarist Wolf Hoffmann from the German band Accept. The 64-year-old artist was confirmed dead following a car accident while traveling to a scheduled concert in Vienna, Austria.
According to official statements from the band’s management, the accident occurred Wednesday morning on the A4 highway near the town of Parndorf. The car Hoffmann was in, driven by a member of the logistics team, veered off the road and overturned, causing the musician’s instant death. Two other individuals were injured and are currently in stable condition at the hospital.
Austrian authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Initial findings suggest that excessive speed and poor road conditions contributed to the tragedy. Possible technical issues with the vehicle are also being examined.
Accept was scheduled to perform in front of over 10,000 fans as part of their European “Too Mean to Die” tour. Organizers have announced the immediate cancellation of the show and offered their condolences to Hoffmann’s family and bandmates. The remaining members are said to be deeply shaken by the loss of their longtime friend and colleague.
Fans around the world have begun paying tribute on social media, expressing their grief and gratitude for Hoffmann’s musical legacy. He was known for his unique style—fusing heavy metal with classical influences—and for his essential role in Accept’s global success.
Wolf Hoffmann was a pioneer of European metal and a symbol of the international rock scene. With a career spanning over four decades, he inspired generations of musicians. His death is a tremendous loss for music and leaves a void that will be difficult to fill in the hearts of fans and fellow artists alike.