Bilderbuch sign Uche Yara as new live lead guitarist

Bilderbuch has counted for years among the most internationally successful domestic pop exports. With the signing of the young musician Uche Yara, born in Upper Austria, the band is turning to a younger generation. The newcomer, who was born in 2005, had previously appeared on stage with the band several times.

Past joint performances

For example, in 2022, Uche Yara served as the opening act for Bilderbuch at several concerts of the "Gelb ist das Feld" tour. Shortly afterward, she performed twice with the band at Vienna's Ernst-Happel-Stadion. "The other time as part of a solidarity concert evening for Ukraine," several sources report regarding the appearance; at the other concert, she performed before the Rolling Stones' set.

The singer and multi-instrumentalist has long since ceased to be an unknown quantity on the domestic music scene. This September, her first solo album will be released. With her appointment as the permanent live lead guitarist, Uche Yara is now stepping into a lasting role with one of Austria's best-known rock bands.

Album "∞+1" without cuts to the personnel

Despite the prominent personnel change, the band's upcoming studio album was already completed before Michael Krammer's departure. The album "∞+1" was still recorded with Krammer on lead guitar. The band will release its now-ninth studio album, "∞+1," on 18 September, according to the available information.

The singles "Irgendwo" and "Push Reality" have already been released as precursors. Both tracks offered a preview of the new work's musical direction. With Yara as the new live companion, the band is nevertheless likely to set a fresh sonic accent for upcoming concert appearances.

A generational change at Bilderbuch

The appointment of the young musician also marks a generational shift within the band. Bilderbuch had established itself in recent years as a fixture in the German-language pop and rock scene. With the new live lead guitarist at their side, Ernst, Horazdovsky, and Scheibl evidently want to build on this success story.

Uche Yara herself brings not only guitar skills but also experience as a singer and multi-instrumentalist. The domestic artist had made a name for herself in recent years as a celebrated newcomer. Her solo album in September could further raise her profile – not least through the additional stage that her role with Bilderbuch provides.

The personnel move fits into a phase in which Bilderbuch, after a longer concert break, intends to perform live again more frequently. The remaining band members Maurice Ernst, Peter Horazdovsky, and Philipp Scheibl announced that new live dates would be revealed at short notice. As a result, Uche Yara is likely to be experienced as lead guitarist before a large audience soon.

Observers of the domestic music scene read the step as a signal: Bilderbuch is deliberately turning to an artist who has already gained experience in the band's environment and is familiar with the peculiarities of the stage program. The multiple joint appearances – from the opening-act role to stadium concerts – speak to a smooth transition.

Outlook on upcoming live dates

The band shared the personnel decision via its social media channels. "Die Band heute Abend auf Instagram mit," according to the available reports on the announcement. Further details about the upcoming tour or individual concert dates are to follow shortly.

With the upcoming album "∞+1," Bilderbuch deliver what is already their ninth studio album. The title with the mathematical symbol points to the band's ongoing creative work – fitting the idea of a continuum that is now to be continued live as well with the new personnel.

Significance for the band and the fans

Overall, Uche Yara's appointment shows that Bilderbuch aims to combine continuity and renewal despite personnel changes. The mix of experienced band members and a young musician already established in domestic pop could give the group fresh momentum – especially with regard to the upcoming live performances, whose dates are still pending.

The album's release on 18 September is therefore being awaited with particular attention. Alongside the already released singles "Irgendwo" and "Push Reality," the public can look forward to discovering which further tracks will be found on "∞+1" – and how the band will present itself live with the new stage lineup.