Stratovarius have announced on their website that 24-year-old Rolf Pilve will replace Jörg Michael as their drummer. Pilve will play his first gig with the band in Tavastia, Helsinki, on July 11th. Stratovarius had received more than 100 applications for the position from Finland as well as from abroad.

Vocalist Timo Kotipelto commented: "Although the competition was fierce, Rolf was clearly the best one of the bunch. His precise playing, sureness and right attitude was there right away. He has an astonishing technique and to top that of he has a very musical way of playing, so he can bring something of his own into our old songs as well. Rolf has played a variety of different styles of metal, so fast tempos or more progressive parts will not be a problem. Whatever songs we might compose in the future - I have no doubt that he will be able to play them."

The newly chosen drummer had this to say: "I had prepared for the audition thoroughly, learning all the songs we agreed on, with the live-endings and everything. In addition to that I had also learned some extra songs just to be safe. Playing with the guys was excellent, and already the next day after the audition I got to hear that I had been the best one of the drummers they had auditioned. What followed was yet another audition where we would play more casually and jam."

Source:	stratovarius.com
Band profile:	Stratovarius