The statue, which depicts Hoffmann mid-performance with his signature Flying V guitar, was unveiled in a public ceremony attended by …
Mainz, Germany — In a momentous tribute to one of heavy metal’s most enduring icons, a statue of Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann was unveiled today in his hometown of Mainz. The bronze sculpture captures Hoffmann in his signature pose — mid-performance, wielding his iconic Flying V guitar — and stands prominently in the city’s central music square.
Hundreds of fans, local officials, and fellow musicians gathered for the unveiling ceremony, celebrating Hoffmann’s lasting contributions to the genre and his influence on generations of guitarists. The statue was commissioned by the city council in partnership with the German Rock Hall of Fame, which recognized Hoffmann last year for his pioneering work in the 1980s metal scene.
“Wolf is more than just a guitarist — he’s a cultural figure who put German metal on the world map,” said Mayor Katrin Eder during her opening remarks. “This statue is a permanent reminder of his legacy and the power of music to connect people across borders.”
Hoffmann, visibly moved, thanked fans and the city for the honor. “I never imagined anything like this when we started Accept all those years ago,” he said. “Mainz is where it all began, and it’s incredibly humbling to be recognized in this way.”
The statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Klaus Hartmann, stands over two meters tall and includes a plaque listing Hoffmann’s musical achievements, including albums like Balls to the Wall and Restless and Wild. It is already being dubbed a new cultural landmark for the city.
The ceremony concluded with a local cover band performing Accept’s classic “Metal Heart,” drawing cheers from fans young and old.
