Saxon

Saxon are an English heavy metal band from Barnsley, South Yorkshire. They form in 1976 and remain active. Their music sits within heavy metal, hard rock, rock and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), and they are one of the best-known bands associated with that scene.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms from the merging of members of two Yorkshire groups, S.O.B. and Coast. S.O.B. begins as Blue Condition in 1970 and includes Graham Oliver on guitar, Steve Dawson on bass and John Walker on drums. Coast includes vocalist and bassist Peter “Biff” Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn. The new band first uses the name Son of a Bitch, with Byford as lead singer. It records a demo called Tapestry and plays regularly between 1975 and 1978. Walker is later replaced by Dave Cowell and then Pete Gill on drums.

In 1978 the band signs to Carrere Records and adopts the name Saxon, after the earlier name is considered unsuitable for radio airplay. Their self-titled debut album appears in 1979.

Commercial breakthrough in the 1980s

Saxon gain early recognition by supporting acts such as Motörhead and the Ian Gillan Band. Their breakthrough comes with Wheels of Steel in 1980, which reaches number 5 in the UK Albums Chart and includes the singles “Wheels of Steel” and “747 (Strangers in the Night)”. The band tours widely in the UK and appears at the Monsters of Rock festival in 1980. The following year’s “And the Bands Played On” later refers to that appearance.

Strong Arm of the Law also appears in 1980 and reaches number 11 in the UK, with singles including “Strong Arm of the Law” and “Dallas 1PM”, the latter referring to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Denim and Leather follows in 1981 and is dedicated to the band’s audience. It includes “Denim and Leather”, “Princess of the Night”, “Never Surrender” and “And the Bands Played On”, and is often regarded as a defining NWOBHM album. It achieves gold status in several European countries.

During this period Saxon are widely viewed alongside Iron Maiden and Def Leppard as leading NWOBHM acts. They also achieve chart success with eight UK Top 40 albums, four UK Top 10 albums and two Top 5 albums, and release singles that chart in the UK. Their records sell more than 23 million copies worldwide, and they build an international following in Europe, South America, Japan, the United States and Canada.

Line-up changes and later albums

After drummer Pete Gill leaves because of injury, Nigel Glockler joins and learns the live set quickly. Saxon continue touring extensively, including shows with Ozzy Osbourne, and release the live album The Eagle Has Landed in 1982. They also return to Monsters of Rock, becoming the first band to appear there twice. Power & the Glory follows in 1983 and becomes their best-selling release at that point. Its cover is designed by filmmaker Ridley Scott.

In 1984 the band signs to EMI Records and releases Crusader, which moves toward a more commercial sound. Innocence Is No Excuse follows in 1985. Steve Dawson leaves in 1986, and Rock the Nations is recorded without a permanent bassist, with Byford playing bass parts; Elton John contributes to the album. Paul Johnson plays bass live. Nigel Glockler leaves in 1987 and is replaced by Nigel Durham. Destiny appears in 1988 but does not match earlier commercial success, and EMI drops the band. Paul Johnson is replaced by Nibbs Carter, and Glockler later returns. Rock n Roll Gypsies is released in 1989.

The band regains momentum through touring, including the 10 Years of Denim and Leather tour, and signs to Virgin Records. Solid Ball of Rock appears in 1991, followed by Forever Free in 1992, which includes “Iron Wheels”, written in memory of Byford’s father. Dogs of War follows in 1994. Graham Oliver leaves in 1996 and is replaced by Doug Scarratt. The band then releases Unleash the Beast in 1997, Metalhead in 1999, Killing Ground in 2001 and the compilation Heavy Metal Thunder in 2002.

Name dispute, later work and live reputation

A legal dispute arises when former members Graham Oliver and Steven Dawson register the Saxon trademark. In 2003 the High Court rules that Byford and the current line-up hold the rights to the name. Lionheart is released in 2004, followed by The Eagle Has Landed – Part III. Nigel Glockler rejoins in 2005.

The Inner Sanctum appears in 2007 and Into the Labyrinth in 2009. Saxon continue to tour extensively and appear at major festivals including Download, Wacken Open Air and Sonisphere. They become frequent performers at Wacken Open Air and later regular headliners there.

Recent releases

Call to Arms is released in 2011, followed by the live album Heavy Metal Thunder - Live: Eagles Over Wacken in 2012. The band receives a Metal Hammer award for Best UK Band. Sacrifice follows in 2013, then Battering Ram in 2015 and Thunderbolt in 2018. They also tour with acts including Judas Priest.

In 2021 Saxon release the covers album Inspirations, followed by Carpe Diem in 2022 and More Inspirations in 2023. Hell, Fire and Damnation appears in 2024, alongside international touring. Guitarist Brian Tatler joins first as a touring member and later becomes a permanent member. The band continues to work on new material.

Current membership

Members associated with Saxon include Biff Byford, Pete Gill, Steve Dawson, Graham Oliver, Paul Quinn, Nigel Glockler, Paul Johnson, Nigel Durham, Nibbs Carter, Doug Scarratt, Fritz Randow, Jörg Michael and Brian Tatler.