Origin: Barnsley, England  
Genres: NWOBHM
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Last update/review: February 6, 2024

Saxon

Saxon began life as Son Of A Bitch, formed by Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson in the late 70's. Biff Byford and Paul Quinn came over from another band, and when Pete Gill signed up, the classic lineup was born. They changed name to Saxon right before their first album, and by the time of Wheels Of Steel they were regarded as one the leaders of the fledgling NWOBHM movement. Though the lineup has changed over the years, their blue-collar approach to their music has won them long-standing fan appeal that remains to this day in their native England. The four albums released in their prime (Wheels Of Steel through Power And The Glory) are regarded as classics in the genre.

An legal battle ensued between the current lineup (led by original members Byford and Quinn) and former members Oliver and Dawson, over the rights to the name Saxon. Some time after leaving Saxon, Oliver and Dawson wished to form a new band to continue the old Saxon tradition that they believed had diminished in recent times. Originally that new band took the old Saxon name (), releasing an album Victim You in 1996. They then decided they wanted the Saxon name for themselves, and a legal battle ensued. A final court settlement was reached in October 2003, awarding naming rights to Biff's group, with the other faction allowed to continue as Oliver Dawson Saxon.

Saxon themselves march on, releasing a 2004 album, Lionheart, More recently, the band announced the return of drummer Nigel Glockner.

Recent album: Hell, Fire And Damnation, released on January 19, 2024.

Current Members

Biff Byford

vocals

Doug Scarratt

guitars

Brian Tatler

guitars (Diamond Head)

Nibbs Carter

bass (ex-Fastway)

Nigel Glockler

drums

Former Members/Guests

Paul Quinn

guitars

Graham Oliver

guitars (Oliver/Dawson Saxon)

Steve Dawson

bass (ex-Oliver/Dawson Saxon)

Paul Johnson

bass (ex-Demon)

Pete Gill

drums (ex-Motorhead, ex-Oliver/Dawson Saxon)

Nigel Durham

drums (ex-Oliver/Dawson Saxon)

Fritz Randow

drums (ex-Sinner, ex-Victory)

Jörg Michael

drums (ex-Grave Digger, ex-Headhunter, ex-House Of Spirits, ex-Mekong Delta, ex-Axel Rudi Pell, ex-Rage, ex-Running Wild, ex-Schwarzarbeit, ex-Stratovarius, ex-Unleashed Power)


Discography



Saxon  
1979 Carrerre
  1. Rainbow Theme
  2. Frozen Rainbow
  3. Big Teaser
  4. Judgement Day
  5. Stallions Of The Highway
  6. Backs To The Wall
  7. Still Fit To Boogie
  8. Militia Guard
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Pete Gill


Wheels Of Steel  
1980 Carrerre
  1. Motorcycle Man
  2. Stand Up And Be Counted
  3. 747 (Strangers In The Night)
  4. Wheels Of Steel
  5. Freeway Mad
  6. See The Light Shining
  7. Street Fighting Gang
  8. Suzie Hold On
  9. Machine Gun
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Pete Gill
1980 Readers' Album #7

1980 BNR Top Ten Album



Strong Arm Of The Law  
1980 Carrerre
  1. Heavy Metal Thunder
  2. To Hell And Back Again
  3. Strong Arm Of The Law
  4. Taking Your Chances
  5. 20,000 Ft
  6. Hungry Years
  7. Sixth Form Girls
  8. Dallas 1PM
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Pete Gill
1980 Readers' Album #8

1980 BNR Top Ten Album



Denim And Leather  
1981 Carrerre
  1. Princess Of The Night
  2. Never Surrender*
  3. Out Of Control
  4. Rough And Ready
  5. Play It Loud
  6. And The Bands Played On*
  7. Midnight Rider
  8. Fire In The Sky
  9. Denim And Leather
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Pete Gill


The Eagle Has Landed  LIVE
1982 Carrerre
  1. Motorcycle Man
  2. 747
  3. Princess Of The Night
  4. Strong Arm Of The Law
  5. Heavy Metal Thunder
  6. 20,000 Ft
  7. Wheels Of Steel
  8. Never Surrender
  9. Fire In The Sky
  10. Machine Gun
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Nigel Glockler


Power And The Glory  
1983 Carrerre
  1. Power And The Glory
  2. Redline
  3. Warrior
  4. Nightmare
  5. This Town Rocks
  6. Watching The Sky
  7. Midas Touch
  8. The Eagle Has Landed
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Nigel Glockler


Strong Arm Metal  COMPILATION
1984


Crusader  
1984 Carrerre
  1. The Crusader Prelude
  2. Crusader
  3. A Little Bit Of What You Fancy
  4. Sailing To America
  5. Set Me Free
  6. Just Let Me Rock
  7. Bad Boys
  8. Do It All For You
  9. Rock City
  10. Run For Your Lives
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Nigel Glockler


Innocence Is No Excuse  
1985 Capitol
  1. Rockin' Again
  2. Call Of The Wild
  3. Back On The Streets
  4. Devil Rides Out
  5. Rock N' Roll Gypsy
  6. Broken Heroes
  7. Gonna Shout
  8. Everybody Up
  9. Raise Some Hell
  10. Give It Everything You've Got
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Steve Dawson
  • Nigel Glockler


Rock The Nations  
1986 Capitol
  1. Rock The Nations
  2. Battle Cry
  3. Waiting For The Night
  4. We Came Here To Rock
  5. You Ain't No Angel
  6. Running Hot
  7. Party Til You Puke
  8. Empty Promises
  9. Northern Lady
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Paul Johnson
  • Nigel Glockler


The Best  COMPILATION
1987


Anthology  COMPILATION
1988


Destiny  
1988 Enigma
  1. Ride Like The Wind
  2. Where The Lightning Strikes
  3. I Can't Wait Anymore
  4. Calm Before The Storm
  5. S.O.S.
  6. Song For Emma
  7. For Whom The Bell Tolls
  8. We Are Strong
  9. Jericho Siren
  10. Red Alert
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Paul Johnson
  • Nigel Durham


Rock'n'Roll Gypsies  LIVE
1989 Enigma
  1. Power And The Glory
  2. And The Bands Played On
  3. Rock The Nations
  4. Dallas 1PM
  5. Broken Heroes
  6. Battle Cry
  7. Rock N' Roll Gypsy
  8. Northern Lady
  9. I Can't Wait Anymore
  10. This Town Rocks
  11. The Eagle Has Landed
  12. Just Let Me Rock
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


Back On The Street  COMPILATION
1990


Best Of Saxon  COMPILATION
1991


Solid Ball Of Rock  
1991 Charisma
  1. Solid Ball Of Rock
  2. Altar Of The Gods
  3. Requiem (We Will Remember)
  4. Lights In The Sky
  5. I Just Can't Get Enough
  6. Baptism Of Fire
  7. Ain't Gonna Take It
  8. I'm On Fire
  9. Overture In B-Minor/Refugee
  10. Bavarian Rhapsody
  11. Crash Dive
  12. Requiem
  13. Reeperbahn Stomp
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


Greatest Hits Live!  LIVE
1991 Grand Slamm
  1. Opening Theme
  2. Heavy Metal Thunder
  3. Rock N' Roll Gypsy
  4. And The Bands Played On
  5. 20,000 Ft
  6. Ride Like The Wind
  7. Motorcycle Man
  8. 747
  9. See The Light Shinin'
  10. Frozen Rainbow
  11. Princess Of The Night
  12. Wheels Of Steel
  13. Denim And Leather
  14. Crusader
  15. Rockin' Again
  16. Back On The Streets
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
1991 Readers' Album #37



Forever Free  
1993 Mayhem
  1. Forever Free
  2. Hole In The Sky
  3. Just Wanna Make Love To You
  4. Get Down And Dirty
  5. Iron Wheels
  6. One Step Away
  7. Can't Stop Rockin'
  8. Nighthunter
  9. Grind
  10. Cloud Nine
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


The Best Of Saxon  
1994 Griffin


Dogs Of War  
1995 Mayhem
  1. Dogs Of War
  2. Burning Wheels
  3. Don't Worry
  4. Big Twin Rolling
  5. Hold On
  6. The Great White Buffalo
  7. Demolition Alley
  8. Walking Through Tokyo
  9. Give It All Away
  10. Yesterday's Gone
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Graham Oliver
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


The Eagle Has Landed II  LIVE
1996 CBH
  1. Intro/Warlord
  2. Dogs Of War
  3. Forever Free
  4. Requiem (We Will Remember)
  5. Crusader
  6. Lights In The Sky
  7. Iron Wheels
  8. Ain't Gonna Take It
  9. Crash Dive
  10. Refugee
  11. Solid Ball Of Rock
  12. The Great White Buffalo
  13. The Eagle Has Landed
  14. Princess Of The Night
  15. Can't Stop Rockin'
  16. Denim And Leather
  17. Wheels Of Steel-Demolition Alley
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


Unleash The Beast  
1997 Virgin
  1. Gothic Dreams
  2. Unleash The Beast
  3. Terminal Velocity
  4. Circle Of Light
  5. The Thin Red Line
  6. Ministry Of Fools
  7. The Preacher
  8. Bloodletter
  9. Cut Out The Disease
  10. Absent Friends
  11. All Hell Breaking Loose
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
1997 Readers' Album #27



Metalhead  
1999 Steamhammer/SPV
  1. Intro
  2. Metalhead
  3. Are We Travellers In Time
  4. Conquistador
  5. What Goes Around
  6. Song Of Evil
  7. All Guns Blazing
  8. Prisoner
  9. Piss Off
  10. Watching You
  11. Sea Of Life
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Fritz Randow
1999 Readers' Album #78



Killing Ground  
2001 Steamhammer/SPV
  1. Prelude To War
  2. Killing Ground
  3. Court Of The Crimson King
  4. Coming Home
  5. Till Hell Freezes Over
  6. Dragon's Lair -
  7. You Don't Know What You've Got
  8. Deeds Of Glory
  9. Running For The Border
  10. Shadows On The Wall
  11. Rock Is Our Life
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Fritz Randow


Classic Rock Legends  VIDEO
2002


Live Innocence / The Power And The Glory  VIDEO
2003


The Saxon Chronicles  VIDEO
2003


Live Legends  VIDEO
2004


Lionheart  
2004 Steamhammer/SPV
  1. Witchfinder General
  2. Man And Machine
  3. The Return
  4. Lionheart
  5. Beyond the Grave
  6. Justice
  7. To live by the Sword
  8. Jack Tars
  9. English Man´o`war
  10. Searching for Atlantis
  11. Flying on the Edge
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Jörg Michael
2004 Readers' Album #47



The Eagle Has Landed III  LIVE
2006 Steamhammer/SPV
  1. This Town Rocks
  2. Backs To The Wall
  3. Redline
  4. Stand Up And Be Counted
  5. Never Surrender
  6. Frozen Rainbow
  7. Suzie Hold On
  8. Play It Loud
  9. Warrior
  10. See The Lights Shining
  11. To Hell And Back Again
  12. Stallions Of The Highway
  13. Wheels Of Steel
  14. And The Bands Played On
  15. Crusader
  16. The Return
  17. Lionheart
  18. Man & Machine
  19. Beyond The Grave
  20. Searching For Atlantis
  21. To Live By The Sword Pt. I
  22. Unleash The Beast
  23. To Live By The Sword Pt. II
  24. Flying On The Edge
  25. Jack Tars
  26. English Man 'O' War
  27. Court Of The Crimson King
  28. Broken Heroes
  29. Dragon's Lair
  30. Rock Is Our Live
  31. Travellers Time
  32. Solid Ball Of Rock
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
  • Jörg Michael


The Inner Sanctum  
2006 Steamhammer/SPV
  1. State Of Grace
  2. Need For Speed
  3. Let Me Feel Your Power
  4. Red Star Falling
  5. I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)
  6. If I Was You
  7. Going Nowhere Fast
  8. Ashes To Ashes
  9. Empire Rising
  10. Atilla The Hun
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


To Hell And Back Again  VIDEO
2007 Steamhammer/SPV


Transmissions (Live At Nottingham Rock City 1990)  LIVE
2007


Into The Labyrinth  
2009 Steamhammer/SPV
  1. Battalions Of Steel
  2. Live To Rock
  3. Demon Sweeney Todd
  4. The Letter
  5. Valley Of The Kings
  6. Slow Lane Blues
  7. Crime Of Passion
  8. Premonition in D Minor
  9. Voice
  10. Protect Yourselves
  11. Hellcat
  12. Come Rock Of Ages (The Circle Is Complete)
  13. Coming Home (Bottleneck Version)
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
2009 Readers' Album #26



Call To Arms  
2011 Militia Guard
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
2011 Readers' Album #10



Heavy Metal Thunder - The Movie  VIDEO
2011 Steamhammer/SPV


Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken  
2012 Militia Guard
  1. Battalions of Steel
  2. Let Me Feel Your Power
  3. Lion Heart
  4. Strong Arm of the Law
  5. Killing Ground
  6. Metalhead
  7. Wheels of Steel
  8. Unleash the Beast
  9. Dogs of War
  10. Rock‘n Roll Gipsy
  11. Rock the Nations
  12. Motorcycle Man
  13. Forever Free
  14. Solid Ball of Rock
  15. Crusader
  16. The Power and the Glory
  17. Princess of the Night
  18. Heavy Metal Thunder
  19. Live to Rock
  20. 747 (Strangers in the Night)
  21. Stallions of the Highway
  22. Denim and Leather
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
2012 Readers' Album #60



Sacrifice  
2013 UDR
  1. Procession
  2. Sacrifice
  3. Made In Belfast
  4. Warriors Of The Road
  5. Guardians Of The Tomb
  6. Stand Up And Fight
  7. Walking The Steel
  8. Night Of The Wolf
  9. Wheels Of Terror
  10. Standing In A Queue
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
2013 Readers' Album #16



St. George's Day Sacrifice - Live In Manchester  
2014
  1. Sacrifice
  2. Wheels Of Terror
  3. Power And The Glory
  4. Made In Belfast
  5. Rock 'N' Roll Gypsy
  6. And The Bands Played On
  7. I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)
  8. Night Of The Wolf
  9. Conquistador
  10. Broken Heroes
  11. Guardians Of The Tomb
  12. Never Surrender
  13. Ride Like The Wind
  14. Crusader
  15. Stand Up And Fight
  16. Dallas 1 PM
  17. 747 (Strangers In The Night)
  18. Wheels Of Steel
  19. Strong Arm Of The Law
  20. Denim And Leather
  21. Princess Of The Night
2014 Readers' Album #40



Warriors Of The Road  VIDEO
2014


Battering Ram  
2015 UDR
  1. Battering Ram
  2. The Devil's Footprint
  3. Queen Of Hearts
  4. Destroyer
  5. Hard And Fast
  6. Eye Of The Storm
  7. Stand Your Ground
  8. Top Of The World
  9. To The End
  10. Kingdom Of The Cross
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
2015 Readers' Album #16



Thunderbolt  
2018 Militia Guard
  1. Olympus Rising
  2. Thunderbolt
  3. The Secret Of Flight
  4. Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz)
  5. They Played Rock And Roll
  6. Predator
  7. Sons Of Odin
  8. Sniper
  9. A Wizard's Tale
  10. Speed Merchants
  11. Roadie's Song
  12. Nosferatu (Raw Version)
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler
2018 Readers' Album #13



Inspirations  COVERS
2021 Silver Lining
  1. Paint It Black (The Rolling Stones cover)
  2. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin cover)
  3. Paperback Writer (The Beatles cover)
  4. Evil Woman (Crow cover)
  5. Stone Free (Jimi Hendrix cover)
  6. Bomber (Motörhead cover)
  7. Speed King (Deep Purple cover)
  8. The Rocker (Thin Lizzy cover)
  9. Hold the Line (Toto cover)
  10. Problem Child (AC/DC cover)
  11. See My Friends (The Kinks cover)
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


Carpe Diem  
2022
  1. Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)
  2. Age of Steam
  3. The Pilgrimage
  4. Dambusters
  5. Remember the Fallen
  6. Super Nova
  7. Lady in Gray
  8. All for One
  9. Black Is the Night
  10. Living on the Limit
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


More Inspirations  COVERS
2023 Silver Lining
  1. We¿ve Gotta Get Out of This Place (The Animals cover)
  2. The Faith Healer (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover)
  3. From the Inside (Alice Cooper cover)
  4. Chevrolet (ZZ Top cover)
  5. Substitute (The Who cover)
  6. Gypsy (Uriah Heep cover)
  7. Man on the Silver Mountain (Rainbow cover)
  8. Detroit Rock City (Kiss cover)
  9. Razamanaz (Nazareth cover)
  10. Tales of Brave Ulysses (Cream cover)
  • Biff Byford
  • Paul Quinn
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler


Hell, Fire And Damnation  
2024 Silver Lining
  1. The Prophecy
  2. Hell, Fire and Damnation
  3. Madame Guillotine
  4. Fire and Steel
  5. There's Something in Roswell
  6. Kubla Khan and the Merchant of Venice
  7. Pirates of the Airwaves
  8. 1066
  9. Witches of Salem
  10. Super Charger
  • Biff Byford
  • Doug Scarratt
  • Brian Tatler
  • Nibbs Carter
  • Nigel Glockler



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