High note: The Scorpions [pic: PabloBM]

The Scorpions have announced they're to split up after releasing their upcoming album, Sting in the Tail. They'll embark on a farewell tour to support the release then go their separate ways.

Klaus Meine, Rudi Schenker, Matthias Jabs, Pawel Maciwoda and James Kottak say in a statement they want to end their career on a high note, and have thanked their fans for years of support.

The German outfit, best-known for their 1984 track Rock You Like a Hurricane and 1991 power ballad Winds of Change, explain: "While we were working on our album we could feel how powerful and creative our work was - and how much fun we were still having.

"But there was something else. We want to end the Scorpions' extraordinary career on a high note. We agree we have reached the end of the road.

"We are extremely grateful for the fact that we still have the same passion for music we've had since the beginning. We finish with an album we consider to be one of the best we have ever recorded."

Guitarist Schenker formed the Scorpions as a beat band in 1965 before being joined by younger brother Michael and singer Meine four years later. Their first album was 1972's Lonesome Crow, then Michael left to join UFO. Quickly attaining a reputation for energetic live shows and a party attitude, the band went on to release a further 20 albums before announcing Sting in the Tail will be their last.

Their statement concludes: "It was always our pleasure and our purpose in life to make music for you, live on stage or in the studio. Thank for your never-ending support - and now, let's the get the party started for a Sting in the Tail."

The band aim to start its final tour in Germany then take in five continents in the next two years. They've released two teaser clips from the upcoming album: Raised on Rock and The Good Die Young.

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