Well, if it does any help, you can read Andi's perspective here. That's quite recent (when the last Helloween album was released), so I guess nothing has changed. On an interview with Roland (when "Time To Be King" was released - which, unfortunately, I don't have in English) he presented a completely different story though.
I have a few of questions. Each is for George Tzavaras of Need and Roland Grapow of Masterplan. (1) When did you begin to play guitar? (2) How long do you practice every day? (3) Is there anything special that you do before a gig to prepare? (4) What is your approach to song writing?
The answers I would love to see... 1. Sometime after lunch. I believe it was a Wednesday. 2. Practice? I have talent! 3. I bring out my guitar and patiently wear everybody down. 4. Copy and Paste.