Saxon are an
EnglishEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west and the North Sea to the east, with the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
heavy metalHeavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in England and the United States...
band, formed in
1976-January-February:* January 5 - Bob Dylan releases Desire.* January 6 - Peter Frampton releases Frampton Comes Alive!* January 7 - Kenneth Moss, a former record company executive, is sentenced to 120 days in the Los Angeles County Jail and four years probation for involuntary manslaughter in the...
in
BarnsleyBarnsley is a town in South Yorkshire, England. It lies on the River Dearne, north of the city of Sheffield, south of Leeds and west of Doncaster. Barnsley is surrounded by several smaller settlements which together form the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley, of which Barnsley is the largest and...
,
YorkshireYorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the British Isles. Because of its great size, functions were increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have been subject to periodic reform. Throughout these changes, Yorkshire has continued to be recognised as...
. As leading lights in the
New Wave of British Heavy MetalThe New Wave of British Heavy Metal is a heavy metal movement that started in the late 1970s, in Britain, and achieved international attention by the early 1980s. Sometimes compared to Beatlemania, the era developed as a reaction in part to the decline of early heavy metal bands such as Deep...
they had huge success in the 1980s with 8 UK Top 40 albums including 4 UK Top 10 albums. Saxon also had numerous singles in the Top 20 singles chart. Between 1980 and 1987 Saxon established themselves as one of
Europe'sEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus Mountains , and the Black Sea to the southeast...
biggest metal acts, they also had success in
Japanis an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and in the
USAThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. In Japan, the single "Motorcycle Man" stayed in the charts for over 5 months. They still tour heavily and regularly. Their latest tour is their largest in the UK since the late 1980s. Saxon have sold more than 13 million albums worldwide and heavily influenced bands such as
MetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1981. Founded when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advertisement in a local newspaper, Metallica's line-up has primarily consisted of Ulrich, rhythm guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, and lead guitarist Kirk...
,
MegadethMegadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1983. Founded by Dave Mustaine following his departure from Metallica, the band has since released twelve studio albums, six live albums, two EPs, twenty six singles, thirty-two music videos, and three compilations.As...
,
SodomSodom is a German thrash metal band from Gelsenkirchen, formed in 1982.Along with the bands Kreator and Destruction, Sodom is considered one of the "big three" of Teutonic thrash metal...
and
Running WildRunning Wild are a German heavy metal band, formed in 1976 in Hamburg. They were part of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s. The band has carved its niche in the metal world as the first "pirate metal" band, a theme which took off with the release of Under...
.
There is another incarnation of Saxon featuring two former band members who hold the legal rights to the name - "
Oliver/Dawson SaxonOliver/Dawson Saxon is a British heavy metal band formed in 1995 by former members of Saxon, guitarist Graham Oliver and bassist Steve Dawson.-Oliver/Dawson Saxon :...
".
History
Saxon began with a lineup of
Peter "Biff" ByfordBiff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
on vocals,
Paul QuinnPaul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
and
Graham OliverGraham Oliver is an English guitarist.-Career:He played with the heavy metal band Saxon from 1977 to 1994. After leaving the band he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill...
on
guitarThe guitar is a musical instrument with ancient roots that adapts readily to a wide variety of musical styles. It typically has six strings, but four-, seven-, eight-, ten-, eleven-, twelve-, thirteen- and eighteen-string guitars also exist. The size and shape of the neck and the base of the guitar...
s, Steve "Dobby" Dawson on
bassThe electric bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a plectrum....
and
drummerA drummer is a person who plays drums, particularly a drum kit , marching percussion or hand drums. The term percussionist applies to a musician performing on any percussion instrument, but usually refers to one who plays classical or Latin percussion. Most bands for Rock, Pop, Jazz, R&B etc...
Pete "Frank" Gill. Early in their career the band changed their name from Son of a Bitch to Saxon, and gained support slots on tour with more established bands such as
MotörheadMotörhead are a British rock band formed in 1975 by bassist, singer and songwriter Lemmy, who has remained the sole constant member. The band was part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which re-energized heavy metal in the late '70s and early '80s. Usually a power trio, Motörhead had...
.
In 1979 the band signed to the
CarrereCarrere was a French record label which specialized in euro disco and pop. One of the most successful performers was Sheila B. Devotion who started her career there.
record label and released their eponymous
debut albumSaxon is the debut studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1979 .-Track listing:All tracks by Byford/Quinn/Oliver/Dawson/Gill# "Rainbow Theme" - 3:07# "Frozen Rainbow" - 2:29# "Big Teaser" - 3:55...
. In 1980 follow-up album
Wheels of SteelWheels of Steel is the second studio album by heavy metal band Saxon. It was released in 1980 .Despite its lyric, "747 " does not appear to be based on any actual incidents....
(UK no 5) spawned two hit singles: the title track, and the crowd favourite "747 (Strangers in the Night)". The
Strong Arm of the LawStrong Arm of The Law is the third studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1980 . This was released a few months after the classic Wheels of Steel and debuted on the UK chart at #11....
album (UK no 11), considered by fans to be one of their best recordings, was released later that same year, and chart success continued with singles from their next release,
Denim and LeatherDenim and Leather is the fourth studio album by English heavy metal band Saxon released in 1981 . The namesake of the album and song of the name was inspired by the popular attire of metalheads in the early 1980s, defined by denim pants and leather jackets...
(1981 UK no 9). The title track to that album is seen as an anthem of the early 1980s metal movement. Later legal issues with Carrere negated most if not all of the financial gains seen during their early success.
A relentless series of headlining tours around the UK capitalised on this success and a sold out tour of Europe with support act
Ozzy OsbourneJohn Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English singer-songwriter, whose career has now spanned four decades. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead vocalist of pioneering British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and eventually achieved a multi-platinum solo career which revolutionized the heavy metal genre...
highlighted Saxon's immense ability on the road and was set in stone with the live release
The Eagle Has LandedThe Eagle Has Landed is the first live album by heavy metal band Saxon. It was recorded during the 1981 United States raw of the world tour and released in 1982.It won the British Heavy Metal live 1982 Award.-Track listing:...
(1982 UK no 5).
In America they were supported by, amongst others, Metallica and they finished the U.S. tour with four sold out shows in Los Angeles.
As the NWOBHM movement began to fade 1983's
Power & the Glory saw Saxon establish themselves as one of the major European metal acts together with
Iron MaidenIron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in East London, formed in 1975. The band are directed by founder, bassist and songwriter Steve Harris...
and
Judas PriestJudas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, formed in 1969. Judas Priest's core line-up consists of bass player Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing. The band has gone through several drummers, though Scott Travis has held the position since...
. The "Power and Glory Tour" of 1983 was an arena tour that began in Europe and was a huge success. The US leg of the tour with support act Accept proved successful and Saxon found themselves on the verge of becoming a major act in the US as the album, in its first week of release, sold more than 15,000 copies in
Los AngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the municipality of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123.445 inhabitants...
alone. The emerging Glam Metal scene in America would however put a dent in the bands conquest of the American market.
CrusaderCrusader is the sixth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1984 .-Track listing:# "The Crusader Prelude" – 1:05# "Crusader" – 6:33# "A Little Bit Of What You Fancy" – 3:50...
, released in 1984 (UK no 12) sold well and the 1984 world tour "The World Crusade" was again a success both in Europe and America. In the US they had
Mötley CrüeMötley Crüe is a American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981. The band was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil...
and
KrokusKrokus is a hard rock/heavy metal band from Switzerland. According to music website Blabbermouth.net, they have sold over 13 million albums worldwide, including one Platinum Record and one Gold Record in the United States....
as support for parts of the tour as the band spent one year on the road. Though still heavy, critics detected a more americanized sound on
Crusader and fans began to wonder what direction the band was taking.
They signed with EMI in 1985 and took a more commercial direction with their new record company.
Innocence Is No ExcuseInnocence Is No Excuse is the seventh studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1985 .The song "Everybody Up" was used in the 1985 horror movie Demoni.-Track listing:...
released in 1985, was a question mark to many fans as the raw, heavy Saxon-sound had been polished to gain US attraction. The album has however gained more critical acclaim with the years. A huge world tour followed but in early 1986 bassist Steve Dawson left the band and Saxon was back in the studio recording their 8th studio album
Rock the NationsRock the Nations is the eighth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1986 . Elton John features on the song "Party til You Puke"-Track listing:All tracks by Byford/Quinn/Oliver/Glockler, except where noted....
without a bass player. With Elton John guest playing on 2 tracks Byford laid down the bass parts and soon hired Paul Johnson to fill the spot and a European arena tour followed.
With American success hard to find and European support declining the release of the disappointing
DestinyDestiny is the ninth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1988.-Track listing:# "Ride Like the Wind" – 4:28# "Where the Lightning Strikes" – 4:19...
(1988) did not help and Saxon were later dropped by EMI. They found new life in 1990, signed to
Virgin RecordsVirgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. It was later sold to Thorn EMI, and then, in the US, merged with Capitol Records in 2007 to create the Capitol Music Group....
and released five studio albums in the 90s before becoming increasingly popular in the new millennium with a string of strong album releases.
Saxon's
The Inner SanctumThe Inner Sanctum is the seventeenth album by the British heavy metal band Saxon, released on March 5, 2007. A limited edition with DVD is available too....
album, released in
EuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus Mountains , and the Black Sea to the southeast...
on March 5, 2007, and
North AmericaNorth America is the northern continent of the Americas, situated in the Earth's northern hemisphere and in the western hemisphere. It is bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the east by the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southeast by the Caribbean Sea, and on the west by the North Pacific...
on April 3, was seen by many critics as their best work in years. In 2007, they started a world tour in support of
The Inner Sanctum which saw them have only 15 nights off from 60 dates.
Saxon released a new studio album entitled "Into the Labyrinth" on 12 January 2009. In February, it was announced that the band were cancelling the Spanish leg of their European tour with
Iced EarthIced Earth is an American heavy metal band from Tampa, Florida that combines influences from thrash metal, power metal, progressive metal, opera, speed metal and NWOBHM. Iced Earth has been known to have a volatile and oft changing line-up...
, due to scheduling issues.
Collaboration with Harvey Goldsmith
In 2007, Saxon was the subject of an episode of
Harvey GoldsmithHarvey Goldsmith CBE is a British performing arts promoter. He is best known as promoter of rock concerts, charity concerts, television broadcasts for the Prince's Trust and more recently the Teenage Cancer Trust shows at the Royal Albert Hall.During the spring of 2007 he appeared on the Channel 4...
's Get Your Act Together.
As part of his program, Goldsmith wanted to try and restore their popularity and cement their reputation as a great band once again. He drafted in two new producers to overlook the production of the new single
If I Was You (a song about gun culture), which went straight to number one of the Rock Charts in over 10 countries (becoming their most successful single for over 12 years).
At the end of the programme, Saxon played at the sold out Sheffield City Hall. Saxon also performed at the 2008
Download FestivalThe Download Festival is a three day music download festival held annually at Donington Park, England...
.
Line-ups
Throughout the band's history line-up changes have been common, but with Byford and Quinn remaining as constants. Gill left in 1981 after injuring his hand, to be replaced by
Nigel GlocklerNigel Glockler, born in Hove, East Sussex on 24 January 1953, British longtime drummer for the NWOBHM band Saxon.His first pro musical experience was the UK band Krakatoa, followed by session work. He joined Toyah Willcox's band in late 1980...
, formerly of
Toyah WillcoxToyah Ann Willcox is an English actress and singer.-Early life and career:Toyah's father ran a successful joinery business...
's band, who was himself replaced twice – briefly between 1987 and 1988 (by
Nigel DurhamNigel Durham is the drummer on Saxon's album Destiny. He now performs with former Saxon members Steve Dawson and Graham Oliver in Oliver/Dawson Saxon....
), and, more permanently, following an injury of his own in 1998. Glockler rejoined the band in 2005 after his neck and shoulder injury had been healed.
Gill later went on to play for
MotörheadMotörhead are a British rock band formed in 1975 by bassist, singer and songwriter Lemmy, who has remained the sole constant member. The band was part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which re-energized heavy metal in the late '70s and early '80s. Usually a power trio, Motörhead had...
. Dawson departed in 1986 – his replacement, Paul Johnson, lasted two years before leaving.
Nibbs CarterTimothy 'Nibbs' Carter , British born bassist for heavy metal band Saxon. He is the most enduring bass player in Saxon history, appearing on thirteen of their albums...
has filled the position ever since.
When Graham Oliver left in 1995 (replaced by Doug Scarratt), the band split into two different Saxon groups - one dominated by vocalist Byford and his cohort Quinn and the other consisting of original Saxon members Oliver and Dawson. A period of legal actions ensued, resulting in both groups having the right to use Saxon in their name (although former member one must be indicated as "
Oliver/Dawson SaxonOliver/Dawson Saxon is a British heavy metal band formed in 1995 by former members of Saxon, guitarist Graham Oliver and bassist Steve Dawson.-Oliver/Dawson Saxon :...
").
The line-up of Byford's Saxon has been fairly stable apart from the departure of a few drummers. Following Glockler's departure,
GermanGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a country in Central Europe. It is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea; to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic; to the south by Austria and Switzerland; and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium,...
Fritz RandowFritz Randow is a drummer from Germany. He has played in rock and heavy metal oriented bands such as Eloy, Victory, Sinner and Saxon and in 2007 with Peter Panka's Jane.-Biography:...
took up the position until 2004. His replacement was former
StratovariusStratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Their material contains elements of power metal and symphonic metal. To this day the band has sold over 2.5 million records worldwide.-1984 - 1989:...
man
Jörg MichaelJörg Michael is a German drummer. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and several other bands....
.
The line-up that played on the Lionheart album consisted of Byford on vocals, guitarists Quinn and Scarrat, Carter on bass and Michael on drums. The German originally agreed to perform on the album as a
session musicianSession musicians are instrumental performers or vocalists who are available for hire for live performances or recording sessions, as opposed to musicians who are either permanent members of a musical ensemble or who have acquired fame in their own right as bandleaders...
, but following his firing from
StratovariusStratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Their material contains elements of power metal and symphonic metal. To this day the band has sold over 2.5 million records worldwide.-1984 - 1989:...
was hired as a full-time member. Following the rapid reunion of Stratovarius, Michael departed after only a year in the job, opening the door for Glockler to return to Saxon. Saxon recorded
The Inner SanctumThe Inner Sanctum is the seventeenth album by the British heavy metal band Saxon, released on March 5, 2007. A limited edition with DVD is available too....
after the release of the live album
The Eagle Has Landed - part 3The Eagle Has Landed - part III is a double live album by the band Saxon.-Track listing:DISC 1# "This Town Rocks "# "Backs to the Wall "# "Redline "# "Stand Up And Be Counted "...
, which features Glockler and Micheal on drums, as well as former drummer Fritz Randow.
Son of a Bitch (1976-1978)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Graham Oliver
Graham Oliver is an English guitarist.-Career:He played with the heavy metal band Saxon from 1977 to 1994. After leaving the band he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill...
- guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Steve Dawson
Steven "Dobby" Dawson , is an English bass guitarist, founder of Saxon.It has been documented that Dawson was the inspiration for Harry Shearer's Spinal Tap character Derek Smalls.-Saxon:*Saxon...
- bass
- David Ward
David Ward may refer to:*David J. Ward, American politician*David M. Ward, cricketer*David S. Ward, American film director*David Ward , English rugby league footballer...
- drums
Original lineup (1978-1981)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Graham Oliver
Graham Oliver is an English guitarist.-Career:He played with the heavy metal band Saxon from 1977 to 1994. After leaving the band he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill...
- guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Steve Dawson
Steven "Dobby" Dawson , is an English bass guitarist, founder of Saxon.It has been documented that Dawson was the inspiration for Harry Shearer's Spinal Tap character Derek Smalls.-Saxon:*Saxon...
- bass
- Pete Gill
Pete Gill , is a heavy metal drummer, formerly a member of The Glitter Band, Saxon and Motörhead.Gill was one of the two drummers in The Glitter Band, then formed part of the original line up Saxon in 1976. He stayed with them until 1981 when he injured his hand...
- drums
Second lineup (1981-1986)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Graham Oliver
Graham Oliver is an English guitarist.-Career:He played with the heavy metal band Saxon from 1977 to 1994. After leaving the band he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill...
- guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Steve Dawson
Steven "Dobby" Dawson , is an English bass guitarist, founder of Saxon.It has been documented that Dawson was the inspiration for Harry Shearer's Spinal Tap character Derek Smalls.-Saxon:*Saxon...
- bass
- Nigel Glockler
Nigel Glockler, born in Hove, East Sussex on 24 January 1953, British longtime drummer for the NWOBHM band Saxon.His first pro musical experience was the UK band Krakatoa, followed by session work. He joined Toyah Willcox's band in late 1980...
- drums
Third lineup (1986-1987)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Graham Oliver
Graham Oliver is an English guitarist.-Career:He played with the heavy metal band Saxon from 1977 to 1994. After leaving the band he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill...
- guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Paul Johnson - bass
- Nigel Glockler
Nigel Glockler, born in Hove, East Sussex on 24 January 1953, British longtime drummer for the NWOBHM band Saxon.His first pro musical experience was the UK band Krakatoa, followed by session work. He joined Toyah Willcox's band in late 1980...
- drums
Fourth lineup (1987-1988)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Graham Oliver
Graham Oliver is an English guitarist.-Career:He played with the heavy metal band Saxon from 1977 to 1994. After leaving the band he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill...
- guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Paul Johnson - bass
- Nigel Durham
Nigel Durham is the drummer on Saxon's album Destiny. He now performs with former Saxon members Steve Dawson and Graham Oliver in Oliver/Dawson Saxon....
- drums
Fifth lineup (1988-1994)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Graham Oliver
Graham Oliver is an English guitarist.-Career:He played with the heavy metal band Saxon from 1977 to 1994. After leaving the band he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill...
- guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Nibbs Carter
Timothy 'Nibbs' Carter , British born bassist for heavy metal band Saxon. He is the most enduring bass player in Saxon history, appearing on thirteen of their albums...
- bass
- Nigel Glockler
Nigel Glockler, born in Hove, East Sussex on 24 January 1953, British longtime drummer for the NWOBHM band Saxon.His first pro musical experience was the UK band Krakatoa, followed by session work. He joined Toyah Willcox's band in late 1980...
- drums
Sixth lineup (1995-1999)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Doug Scarratt - guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Nibbs Carter
Timothy 'Nibbs' Carter , British born bassist for heavy metal band Saxon. He is the most enduring bass player in Saxon history, appearing on thirteen of their albums...
- bass
- Nigel Glockler
Nigel Glockler, born in Hove, East Sussex on 24 January 1953, British longtime drummer for the NWOBHM band Saxon.His first pro musical experience was the UK band Krakatoa, followed by session work. He joined Toyah Willcox's band in late 1980...
- drums
Seventh lineup (1999-2004)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Doug Scarratt - guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Nibbs Carter
Timothy 'Nibbs' Carter , British born bassist for heavy metal band Saxon. He is the most enduring bass player in Saxon history, appearing on thirteen of their albums...
- bass
- Fritz Randow
Fritz Randow is a drummer from Germany. He has played in rock and heavy metal oriented bands such as Eloy, Victory, Sinner and Saxon and in 2007 with Peter Panka's Jane.-Biography:...
- drums
Eighth lineup (2004-2005)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Doug Scarratt - guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Nibbs Carter
Timothy 'Nibbs' Carter , British born bassist for heavy metal band Saxon. He is the most enduring bass player in Saxon history, appearing on thirteen of their albums...
- bass, keyboards
- Jörg Michael
Jörg Michael is a German drummer. He is well-known for his time in the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and several other bands....
- drums
Present lineup (2005-present)
- Biff Byford
Biff Byford is an English vocalist for the heavy metal band Saxon. Byford formed Son of a Bitch with guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn, bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill in 1976...
- vocals
- Doug Scarratt - guitar
- Paul Quinn
Paul Quinn is an English lead guitarist and the current and founding member of the NWOBHM band, Saxon. Other than Biff Byford, Quinn is the only remaining member of Saxon's original line up, and is present on every Saxon release...
- guitar
- Nibbs Carter
Timothy 'Nibbs' Carter , British born bassist for heavy metal band Saxon. He is the most enduring bass player in Saxon history, appearing on thirteen of their albums...
- bass, keyboards
- Nigel Glockler
Nigel Glockler, born in Hove, East Sussex on 24 January 1953, British longtime drummer for the NWOBHM band Saxon.His first pro musical experience was the UK band Krakatoa, followed by session work. He joined Toyah Willcox's band in late 1980...
- drums
Discography
- Saxon
Saxon is the debut studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1979 .-Track listing:All tracks by Byford/Quinn/Oliver/Dawson/Gill# "Rainbow Theme" - 3:07# "Frozen Rainbow" - 2:29# "Big Teaser" - 3:55...
(1979)
- Wheels of Steel
Wheels of Steel is the second studio album by heavy metal band Saxon. It was released in 1980 .Despite its lyric, "747 " does not appear to be based on any actual incidents....
(1980)
- Strong Arm of the Law
Strong Arm of The Law is the third studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1980 . This was released a few months after the classic Wheels of Steel and debuted on the UK chart at #11....
(1980)
- Denim and Leather
Denim and Leather is the fourth studio album by English heavy metal band Saxon released in 1981 . The namesake of the album and song of the name was inspired by the popular attire of metalheads in the early 1980s, defined by denim pants and leather jackets...
(1981)
- Power & the Glory (1983)
- Crusader
Crusader is the sixth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1984 .-Track listing:# "The Crusader Prelude" – 1:05# "Crusader" – 6:33# "A Little Bit Of What You Fancy" – 3:50...
(1984)
- Innocence Is No Excuse
Innocence Is No Excuse is the seventh studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1985 .The song "Everybody Up" was used in the 1985 horror movie Demoni.-Track listing:...
(1985)
- Rock the Nations
Rock the Nations is the eighth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1986 . Elton John features on the song "Party til You Puke"-Track listing:All tracks by Byford/Quinn/Oliver/Glockler, except where noted....
(1986)
- Destiny
Destiny is the ninth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1988.-Track listing:# "Ride Like the Wind" – 4:28# "Where the Lightning Strikes" – 4:19...
(1988)
- Solid Ball of Rock
Solid Ball of Rock is the tenth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1991 .Interestingly, five of the 11 tracks on Solid Ball of Rock were written by new bassist Nibbs Carter, who co-wrote an additional three songs...
(1990)
- Forever Free
Forever Free is the eleventh studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1992 .A UK version of the album features a cover of a biker Space Marine from the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame.-Track listing:...
(1992)
- Dogs of War
Dogs of War is the twelfth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1995 .-Track listing:All tracks: lyrics: Byford/Glockler; music: Saxon# "Dogs of War" – 4:36# "Burning Wheels" – 4:10# "Don't Worry" – 5:17...
(1995)
- Unleash the Beast
Unleash the Beast is Saxon's thirteenth studio album, released in 1997.-Track listing:* Tracks 2, 4, 5, and 6 by Byford/Glockler/Carter/Scarrat* Tracks 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10 by Byford/Quinn/Glockler/Carter/Scarrat...
(1997)
- Metalhead
Metalhead is the fourteenth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 1999 .-Track listing:#"Intro" - 1:24#"Metalhead" – 4:52#"Are We Travellers in Time" – 5:17#"Conquistador" – 4:42#"What Goes Around" – 4:24...
(1999)
- Killing Ground
Killing Ground is the fifteenth full-length studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 2001 .Killing Ground was also released as a special Digi-pack edition with a bonus disc featuring 8 classics re-recorded tracks which would later appear in Heavy Metal Thunder."The Court of the Crimson...
(2001)
- Lionheart
Lionheart is the sixteenth studio album by heavy metal band Saxon released in 2004 .The album title is inspired from Richard Lionheart, King of England...
(2004)
- The Inner Sanctum
The Inner Sanctum is the seventeenth album by the British heavy metal band Saxon, released on March 5, 2007. A limited edition with DVD is available too....
(2007)
- Into the Labyrinth
Into the Labyrinth is the 18th studio album by British heavy metal band Saxon, which was released on 9th January, 2009. The album was made in between Saxon tours in 2008 and written by the band in England and at Biff Byford's house in France...
(2009)
External links