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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSAXONHeavy metal band formed '77 in Yorkshire, England: Peter 'Biff' Byford, vocals (b 5 Jan. '51); Paul Quinn, Graham Oliver, guitars; Steve Dawson, bass; Pete Gill, drums. Created following with live work, established themselves in New Wave of British Heavy Metal with Iron Maiden, Def Leppard etc. Saxon '79 showed lyrical ability not restricted to sex and well-worn sword-and-sorcery themes beloved of HM axegrinders. Wheels Of Steel '80 provided top 20 hit with title track, took LP to no. 5; no. 11 LP Strong Arm Of The Law '80 incl. 'Dallas 1 p.m.', about presidential assassination, no. 13 single '747 (Strangers In The Night)', tale of a near-miss in the air. Denim And Leather incl. 'Princess Of The Night', about steam trains, Nigel Glockler (ex-Toyah) replacing Gill, who later joined Motorhead. 'And The Bands Played On' and 'Never Surrender' were hit singles '81; The Eagle Has Landed '83 was an accurate record of the stage act; Power And The Glory '83 was best studio set to date, with top 40 title track, first to make top 200 LPs in USA, but Crusader '84 disappointed. Dispute with Carrere label kept them out of the studio for a while, then Innocence Is No Excuse '85 and reissue of back catalogue on EMI/Parlophone: with a brash North Country image and sound, they did not reap the rewards of slicker bands named above, and major-label deal didn't help. Rock The Nations '86 had Elton John guesting on piano, incl. track 'Party 'Til You Puke'. Destiny '88 was followed by label change to M.F.N. for Rock'n'Roll Gypsies '89 (recorded live in Hungary '88), to Virgin for Solid Ball Of Rock '91. Compilations on various labels. |