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Last Updated: November 23, 2009 6:46 AM

Former GRAVE DIGGER Guitarist Discusses His Departure - Nov. 5, 2009

Germany's Hooked On Music web site recently conducted an in-depth interview with former GRAVE DIGGER guitarist Manni Schmidt about his departure from the group. The chat is now available in German and English (rough translation).

Schmidt left GRAVE DIGGER last month due to disagreements between him and vocalist/mastermind Chris Boltendahl.

GRAVE DIGGER has tapped DOMAIN's Axel Ritt to handle guitar duties for the band for their upcoming live shows.

Boltendahl and Ritt have known each other for about two decades, but this is the first time they are performing together in the same band.

Upcoming GRAVE DIGGER shows:

Nov. 20 - Siara Hall - Fortaleza, Brazil
Nov. 21 - Carioca Club - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Dec. 18 - Christmas Metal Meeting - Outback - Bad Arolsen, Germany
Dec. 19 - Christmas Metal Meeting - Stadthalle - Langen, Germany

"Ballads Of A Hangman", the latest album from GRAVE DIGGER, registered the following first-week chart positions:

Germany: #31
Austria: #78
Switzerland: #81

The CD was released on January 9 via Austria's Napalm Records.

Fan-filmed video footage of GRAVE DIGGER performing on the Sweden Rock Cruise, which departed from Stockholm on April 2, 2009, can be viewed below (courtesy of "blackopalrough").

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	COMMENT \| posted by : juanneman 11/5/2009 9:40:21 AM

	I was right the moment I knew about his departure: Chris is the boss and you cannot discuss business matters with him, the interview states it very clearly, that´s the shitty side of music. I wish the best to Manni in his future endeavours, including Daily Horror.

	COMMENT \| Huh? posted by : DulBEat 11/5/2009 9:54:42 AM

	Someone still remembers Grave Digger?

	COMMENT \| MANNI SCHMIDT IS AN AWESOME GUITARIST posted by : Choir666Of666Satan 11/5/2009 11:36:52 AM

	He played on Rage's "Secrets in a Weird World," which is my candidate for the greatest thrash record ever. Manni is very Van Halen-influenced, and just plain shreds. Great player.

	COMMENT \| posted by : Egg Nogg And Relish 11/5/2009 2:40:09 PM

	Grave Digger is one of the best speed metal bands that exists. Woo.

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