Saxon – Live – O2 Academy – duffpress

Review By Darren McIntyre Images By Scott Anderson

Saxon (formerly Son Of A Bitch) are heavy metal band from Barnsley, England who were formed in 1975 and quickly became leadrs of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal(NWOBHM) fraternity. The band like most have had some changes in personnel but have kept the music the focus to this very day, the boys have given us 24 studio albums which includes their most recent album Hell, Fire & Damnation, 2 covers albums and have toured the world relentlessly bringing classic heavy metal to their legions of fans around the world. Tonight the boys bring their Hell, Fire & Steel show to the O2 Academy, please settle in as I take us through this blistering set of classic NWOBHM tracks that will certainly bring the memories flooding back. As the lights dim and the sound system fades the boys ready themselves as The Prophecy bellows from the PA , the curtain falls and we are met with a wall of Marshall Cabs emblazoned with the Steel Eagle that will be familiar to the legion of fans from around the world. The place goes nuts as bellowing smoke fills the stage as the rumbling rhythm section led by seasoned pro Nigel Glockler fill the venue and off we go with the thundering –

Hell, Fire & Damnation – Pouring through the sound system comes the intro for this rousing track as Biff bellows out hello before the boys launch into this blistering double bass kicked beast that has a thundering snare drum groove woven into the rhythm section. The unmistakeable vocals of Biff Byford are filling the venue as the track is unleashed and the boys set out their stall as this melodic rocking beast rears it’s head, the boys are all over the stage as this fantastic opener comes at us with searing guitar hooks that are wrapped in a deep pounding bass kick as Nigel Glockler brings the beat with his pounding grooves. The sizzling guitar work from Brian & Doug is just magical as the place is putty in their hands as the boys bring the heat to Glasgow on a Sunday night, we catch our breath as we stroll into –

Power & The Glory – Classic favourite that erupts into life with a twin shredding riff that is backed up with a thundering rhythm section that is booming from the back of the room as Nigel delivers strong monster laden fills. Biff’s epic gravelly vocals come in and really let this track break free as we feel the awesome power flow through us tonight. the thundering rhythm section is the star of the show as it just kicks in the doors and unleashes a colossal beat that lets the boys stand in front of us and deliver a shredding guitar riff that is just letting us know that these boys are here and are here to stay as they hit us again & again with epic licks and powering fills that are just on the money, the bassline is dropping cool chops that really give it to us big time, we roll into –

Sacrafice – Biff chats to us and thanks his loyal fans in Scotland and asks us if we are fucking ready as the track erupts into life as the thundering rhythm section again hits us with killer double bass drum kicks that let this rasping monster come for us. The classic gritty vocals are pouring through this phenomenal track as the cool bassline drops the hammer and wraps itself around this foot stomping beast as the slick clean twin guitar assault fills this venue tonight as the boys get ready, the pounding bass drum groove is filling the arena as this slick arrangement is just tearing us a new one tonight as we feel the juices flowing with every note punching us straight in the face tonight as we roll into –

Backs To The Wall – The place is going mental as Biff chats with us and asks us if we are feeling good, we roar back hell yeah as he says we are going back to 1979 as the shredding twin guitar assault breaks the silence as the booming rhythm section leans in with a killer double bass kick as the snare drum punches rain down on us. The soaring, gravelly toned vocals let the track breath as the deep, funking low end comes through and drops epic funk beats that let the track open and soar, the place is just bubbling with the boys as they rip us a new one with this oldie but a goodie track. Biff gets us to sing back and we oblige as the punchy bass kicks fill the air as the galloping guitar riffs roar with sheer anger as the boys give us what we came for tonight, a non stop assault of NWOBHM that is just punching us straight in the face for sure, we stroll into –

Never Surrender – Biff chats with us about appearing on TOTP’s back in the day with Judas Priest, Whitesnake with this classic rocker track. The tempo rises a little as the thundering rhythm section bursts into life and hits us with pounding snare drum kicks that have cymbal crashes that really let this track off the leash as it powers through the mid section and goes mental. Biff’s vocals are just smashing through the set and really delivering a rasping growl that we have come to know and love, the bass is hitting us hard with full on funk grooves that let this shredding power beast do it’s thing as this crowd go nuts and let the boys know they are here and loving it, we applaude loudly, shout at the top of our lungs and move on swiftly to –

Madame Guillotine – Biff bellows out let me introduce you to Madame Guillotine as this track gets an outing in this awesome venue. There is a cool slick twin guitar salvo that is pouring from the stage tonight as the boys showcase this cracking offering, we get a pounding rhythm section that is handing out thundering grooves that are wrapped in deep full on basslines that work well in this killer track. The tempo changes direction a little as a slick clean guitar solo unfolds and delivers a cool lick that fills the venue tonight as the boys are smiling from ear to ear tonight as they take in the sights of this majestic place, next up is the awesome –

Heavy Metal Thunder – Biff comes at us with his killer siren vocals that let this gritty rocking beast erupt with the thundering rhythm section hitting us hard. The twin guitar shredding chords are letting this classic beast do it’s thing as it rumbles through The O2 tonight and just delivers a slick deep groove that has the crowd rocking and rolling. Bass grooves are handing us killer beats that drive this juggernaut track firmly through this iconic building tonight, the boys are really up for it tonight as Biff is strolling around the stage like an excited kid that has just got a new toy, the boys are just smiling from ear to ear as the crowd are singing back to them and I think they really dig that, we move onto –

Dallas 1PM – The unmistakeable pounding bass kicks are ringing out as this killer track bursts into life and gives us the chills with the groove that is pulsing through The O2 tonight. A cool shredding guitar riff is making itself known as this killer track just hits us we get a full on bass line that just wraps itself around this iconic piece of music that is just smashing us straight in the face as the gravelly vocals fill the air and deliver a killer tone that breaks in the middle as a slick cool guitar lick pours into the hall and really lets the groove drive forward as we just stand there in awe as the boys crank out hit after hit that is just timeless.

Biff chats to us and tells us that when this next track came out there was no FaceBook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Phones as we only had telephone boxes, Melody Maker, Kerrang to keep us up to date with what was going on in the world of Heavy Metal as we all roar with our seal of approval. Biff asks us if we are ready to rock and we bellow back as we roll into –

Motorcycle Man – The unmistakeable riff spills into the hall as the boys acknowledge the crowds reaction to the track. The thundering beast rears it’s head as Nigel pounds away and brings the rhythm section kicking and screaming to us tonight with solid snare drum punches and killer cymbal crashes that get this crowd on the move. The cool bass lines are handing us a cool deep groove that just wraps itself around this awesome opener, guitar riffs are tearing through the track and bringing crisp sizzling licks that just let the boys do their thing as the solo erupts with ease and showers us with awesome tones that are really delighting this sold out crowd tonight. Biff as always is bringing us his usual air raid siren tones that really let this gig spring into life, Biff chats with us and thanks us for coming out to celebrate this killer show as he takes us onto –

Stand Up & Be Counted – Biff bellows out are we ready to Stand Up & Be Counted as this rumbling beast erupts into life as the thundering rhythm section kicks into life with a pounding snare drum beat as the cymbal crashes rain down on us as the boys go about their business and let us feel the energy pouring from the stage. The slick, crisp twin guitar assault is just incredible as we feel the energy bouncing off these two boys, the pulsing, delicious low end is hitting us with a funky, dark tone as Nibbs drills through the track with ease as Biff rips through the track with his killer rasping vocals that wrap themselves around the O2 tonight, we catch our breath as we move onto –

747(Strangers In The Night) – The classic guitar lick pours from the stage as this epic beast erupts into the Glasgow audience as we stamp our feet and punch the air as this fantastic track brings back memories for me of the Apollo as the boys brought the memories. The bassline is bringing the depth as the funk groove kick in the doors and let the track really open as the soaring gravelly vocals let this fantastic track deliver a crisp, meaty lick that is flowing effortlessly through the venue tonight as we feel the energy coming from these boys tonight as they deliver a string of classic tracks that are bringing smiles to faces tonight, Biff asks us to sing back to him as we bellow out Strangers In The Night which is just incredible as we feel the love surrounding us tonight, we roll into –

Wheels Of Steel – Biff chats as he tells us he remembered playing this track back in the day in Glasgow as this classic track rips open the O2. The pounding bass kicks are working tirelessly with a punchy snare drum beat that is letting this shredding beast take us down the road. Biff’s awesome gravelly vocals are reaching every corner of this venue as the sweet clean guitar licks are coming at us and bringing the riffs as the whole place is rocking for sure, the bassline is dropping sweet, deep grooves that let this iconic number really express itself for sure. The track hits it’s sweet point as Nigel brings the beat with a full on bass kick as Biff gets out his phone and tells his Facebook followers that this is Glasgow and we are going fucking crazy before we launch into the rousing ending that has crunching riffs pouring through the venue as we roll into another track from back in the day –

Freeway Mad – This monster track is brought to life as Nigel stands and takes the applause from this sold out crowd as we throw our fists in the air as this beast comes to life. Biff bellows out Freeway Mad as the twin shredding guitar licks ooze from the stage as the boys set about their business and let the good times roll as the place is just bursting at the seams as the boys deliver again. The full on low end is just pounding away and really giving us a full on blood, sweat & tears show that will be remembered for a long time to come, the boys lead into a classic guitar solo thar really delivers a classic no thrills tune that is a welcome addition to tonight’s set, we slip into –

See The Light Shining – Doug steps up and lets us feel the heat as he rips out a killer lick as Nigel offloads with a thundering beat that lets the snare drum punches grab our attention as this colossal bruiser rears it’s head. The gravelly, rasping vocals are filling every corner of the venue as the place goes mental as this foot stomping rock n roller leaves it’s mark on Glasgow tonight, the cool, dark, brooding bassline drops in with a real mellow tone that is wrapping itself around the O2 tonight as the boys shift through the gears and really deliver a shredding, power drenched set that is certainly rolling back the years as this cool, punchy metal anthem is putting smiles on faces tonight for sure. The guys are really enjoying themselves as the stage is just bubbling with sheer energy as the crowd watches in awe as the boys take us onto –

Street Fighting Gang – A crunching guitar riff oozes from the stage as the boys kick off with a thundering rhythm section that is hitting us with everything it has as the soaring snare drum punches come armed with a kick ass double bass kick that really gets the juices flowing. Biff leans in with his killer rasping vocals that really give the track depth, swagger and balls as the boys step forward and come together centre stage and just shred out as this foot stomper really lets the place feel the energy coming at us right now. The low end is hitting us with a real cool, delicious funky groove that works so well in this rasping monster track that is giving the boys the energy they need to keep us entertained for just under 2 hrs, we are loving the diversity, energy and killer setlist tonight as the boys lead us into –

Suzie Hold On – The unmistakeable guitar riff pours from the stage as the pounding double bass kicks come at us as the rhythm section kicks in the doors and really socks it to us. Biff leans in with his killer rasping, gravel laden vocals that just set this track alight as the boys hit us with a killer twin guitar assault that lets Glasgow know that the boys are here and here to stay. The funking low end is dropping in with a real sultry, delicious groove that really delivers a cool meaty tone that reaches every corner of this fabulous venue tonight, the hands are in the air as the killer guitar licks roll on and on as we speed towards the end of this incredible set that has just rolled back the years for many people tonight, next up –

Machine Gun – Brian steps forward and offloads with a crisp, clean lick that opens the door for this pounding beast to rear it’s head as the place readies itself for the onslaught that is coming tonight in Glasgow. The soaring, gravelly toned vocals are just telling their own story as Biff bellows out and lets the boys do their thing, the thundering rhythm section is hitting us with colossal double bass kicks that come armed with a rousing snare drum punch that just gives this track a cool, edgy, rocki feel. The galloping guitar licks are just wrapping themselves around the venue as the killer grooves come at us from the back of the room as a cool air raid siren bellows out into the crowd as we come to the end of a real door kicking gig that was well worth the wait let me tell you.

I forgot to say that Biff has recently recovered from a Cancer scare but you wouldn’t know it as he was bouncing around the stage and letting us know that he is going nowhere, the boys leave the stage and return to a heroes welcome as we hit the encore and smash straight into –

Denim & Leather – This is a colossal track that brings a shredding power riffed lick that is backed up by the awesome pounding grooves from Nigel as he gives us epic double bass kicks that let this monster break free. The cool vocals are ripping through the venue tonight as Biff just unleashes his unmistakeable vocal range upon us as the slick classy guitar licks are unleashed as Biff bellows out his cool vocals that work so well through this fantastic track that is sounding as good today as it did back in the day. Biff asks us to sing it back as the pounding rhythm section commands the room as this shredding monster gets us on our feet and really celebrating the music of this iconic NWOBHM band as they take us into –

And The Bands Played On – This has to be one of my favourite tracks as It was written about Monsters Of Rock when they appeared there many many years ago. The boys ring out with killer guitar riffs that just shake this place to it’s very foundation as we really get into this killer track albeit short but powerful. The snare drum punches are hitting us from all angles as this iconic rock n roll track just delivers a truly amazing riff that warms the heart for sure, the twin guitar licks are just setting the place on fire as they tear through the venue with ease as we are led into a surprise addition to the set –

Strong Arm Of The Law – A killer shredding riff pours into the venue tonight as the thundering snare drum punches fill the air as the cymbal snaps control the groove as this classic track comes to life. A deep meaty bass line rips open the track as it allows the killer riffs to really take hold of this iconic track tonight, vocals are really driving this classic track onwards as the boys grab this piece and really shake it with all it’s might. The guitar riffs are just flowing effortlessly through this pounding beat as the crowd joins in and belts out Strong Arm Of The Law at full pelt, the slick guitar solo is filling the air and really letting us know that Saxon are as strong as ever, we trundle into the last track of this incredible set –

Princess Of The Night – A shredding power driven riff eases through the intro as Biff’s awesome vocals let this thundering beast loose. The rhythm section is again bringing the heat as a thundering bass kick fills the air as the boys bring the noise on this final track that is a fitting way to end tonight’s epic entertainment. The bassline is handing us deep, meaty grooves that are driving this bad boy onwards as we punch the air with joy as this colossal night ending track builds with shredding guitar fills and a real meaty rhythm section that is just on the money, a real nice way to be entertained on a Sunday night in Glasgow.

You know when you are in for a great night when you see a wall of Marshall Cabs that are positioned between a monster drum kit as the boys deliver time and time again. We know that these boys are true leaders in the NWOBHM fraternity and cannot wait for them to grace the stage of a Glasgow venue real soon

Saxon –

Biff Byford – Lead Vocals

Brian Tatler – Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals

Doug Scarrett – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Nibbs Carter – Bass / Backing Vocals

Nigel Glockler – Drums / Backing Vocals

Setlist –

The Prophecy(Intro )

Hell, Fire & Damnation

Power & The Glory

Sacrafice

Backs To The Wall