German rock legends Scorpions have announced on their website that they will quit after their next world tour, putting an end to a long and illustrious musical career spanning some 40 years.

"It was always our pleasure, our purpose in life, our passion and we were fortunate enough to make music for you - whether it was live on stage or in the studio, creating new songs," the statement said. The announcement was made on January 24 2010.

"While we were working on our album these past few months, we could literally feel how powerful and creative our work was."

"We want to end the Scorpion’s extraordinary career on a high note. We are extremely grateful for the fact that we still have the same passion for music we’ve always had since the beginning. This is why, especially now, we agree we have reached the end of the road."

As part of the Get Your Sting and Blackout world tour, the German rockers have so far confirmed on their website15 dates in six countries: the Czech Republic, Russia, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France. For future updates on the world tour, visit the band's website at www.the-scorpions.com.

There is as of yet no information whether Scorpions will play in Bulgaria in their swansong 2010 tour. Scorpions played in Bulgaria in Kavarna on July 2 2009.

"We finish our career with an album we consider to be one of the best we have ever recorded and with a tour that will start in our home country Germany and take us to five different continents over the next few years.

"We want you, our fans, to be the first to know about this. Thank you for your never-ending support throughout the years!" the statement said.