Peter Beltes is a German musician, former bassist of heavy metal band , having played bass guitar on their first 15 albums. He joined them in 1976 after Dieter Rubach left the band and also made minor contributions as a lead vocalist with Accept on their early albums and on the album Predator of 1996.
After 42 years as a member, Baltes announced his departure from Accept in November 2018, the band later replaced him with former Uli Jon Roth sideman Martin Motnik.
In 2023, Baltes joined U.D.O. and Dirkschneider alongside his former Accept band mate, Udo Dirkschneider..
Peter Baltes is a renowned German musician best known for his long-standing role as the bassist for the iconic heavy metal band Accept. Born on April 4, 1958, Baltes joined Accept in 1976, shortly after the departure of Dieter Rubach. His arrival marked the beginning of a pivotal era for the band, and he went on to become one of the most consistent and integral members of the group. Over the span of more than four decades, Baltes played bass on Accept’s first 15 studio albums, helping to shape the signature sound that defined the band’s contribution to heavy metal history.
Accept gained international fame in the 1980s with classic albums such as Balls to the Wall (1983), Metal Heart (1985), and Restless and Wild (1982), with Baltes’ bass playing providing a powerful rhythmic backbone to their aggressive yet melodic sound. While he primarily served as bassist, Baltes also made occasional contributions as a vocalist, especially during the band’s early years. Notably, he shared lead vocal duties on some tracks and even lent his voice on a few songs on the 1996 album Predator.
In November 2018, after 42 years of service to Accept, Baltes announced his departure from the band. His exit marked the end of an era, as he had been one of the last remaining classic-era members still active in the group. The band later replaced him with Martin Motnik, a skilled bassist known for his work with guitarist Uli Jon Roth.
Baltes’ departure, however, did not signal the end of his musical journey. In 2023, he joined forces with U.D.O. and Dirkschneider, projects led by his former Accept bandmate and vocalist Udo Dirkschneider. This reunion was welcomed by fans of classic German heavy metal, as it brought together two of Accept’s most recognizable figures. Baltes’ return to the stage with U.D.O. marked a powerful continuation of his legacy in the genre, offering longtime fans a nostalgic yet revitalized heavy metal experience.
Through his distinctive playing style, songwriting contributions, and stage presence, Peter Baltes has earned his place as a respected figure in heavy metal. His work with Accept and U.D.O. has left a lasting impact on the genre and continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.
