Saxon are an English heavy metal band formed in Barnsley in 1975. As one of the key acts of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), they achieved significant commercial success during the 1980s, including eight UK Top 40 albums, four UK Top 10 albums, and two Top 5 albums. The band also released numerous hit singles on the UK Singles Chart and achieved international success in Europe, South America, Japan, the United States, and Canada. They have sold more than 23 million records worldwide and remain an active touring band. The band formed from the merger of members of two Yorkshire bands, S.O.B. and Coast. S.O.B. originated as Blue Condition in 1970, featuring Graham Oliver on guitar, Steve "Dobby" Dawson on bass, and John Walker on drums, performing blues rock and hard rock. The group later became S.O.B. in 1974. Coast included vocalist and bassist Peter "Biff" Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn. In 1975, members of S.O.B. and Coast combined to form a new band initially named Son of a Bitch, with Byford as lead singer. The band recorded a demo titled "Tapestry" and performed extensively between 1975 and 1978. Walker was later replaced by Dave Cowell in 1977, and subsequently Pete Gill became the drummer. In 1978, the band signed with Carrere Records and changed their name to Saxon, as the previous name was considered unsuitable for radio airplay. Their debut album, "Saxon", was released in 1979. They initially gained recognition by supporting acts such as Motörhead and the Ian Gillan Band. The band achieved a commercial breakthrough with the album "Wheels of Steel" in 1980, which reached number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. It produced the singles "Wheels of Steel" and "747 (Strangers in the Night)". The band undertook extensive UK touring and performed at the Monsters of Rock festival in 1980. Their appearance was later commemorated in the following year’s song "And the Bands Played On". Their third album, "Strong Arm of the Law", was released in 1980 and reached number 11 in the UK Albums Chart. It included the singles "Strong Arm of the Law" and "Dallas 1PM", the latter referencing the assassination of U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The band toured extensively across Europe and the UK, and also gained popularity in Japan with the single "Motorcycle Man". The album "Denim and Leather", released in 1981, was dedicated to the band’s fanbase and is often regarded as a defining release of the NWOBHM era. It included tracks such as "Denim and Leather", "Princess of the Night", "Never Surrender", and "And the Bands Played On". The album achieved gold status in several European countries. During this period, Saxon were widely regarded as leading figures of the NWOBHM movement alongside bands such as Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. Following the departure of drummer Pete Gill due to injury, Nigel Glockler joined the band and quickly learned their live set. The band continued touring extensively, including shows with Ozzy Osbourne, and released the live album "The Eagle Has Landed" in 1982. They also performed again at Monsters of Rock, becoming the first band to appear at the festival twice. In 1983, the album "Power & the Glory" became the band’s best-selling release at the time and further established their international profile. The album cover was designed by filmmaker Ridley Scott. The band toured extensively in Europe and North America, including shows supporting Iron Maiden and Fastway. In 1984, Saxon signed with EMI Records and released "Crusader", which marked a more commercial direction. Despite mixed critical reactions, the title track became a fan favourite, and the album achieved strong sales. This was followed by "Innocence Is No Excuse" in 1985, which continued the more commercial sound. In 1986, bassist Steve Dawson was dismissed and the band recorded "Rock the Nations" without a permanent replacement, with Biff Byford recording bass parts. The album included guest contributions from Elton John. A touring bassist, Paul Johnson, joined for live performances. In 1987, the band reduced their activity due to extensive touring and recording commitments. Nigel Glockler left and was replaced by Nigel Durham. The 1988 album "Destiny" failed to achieve significant commercial success, and the band was dropped by EMI. Paul Johnson was replaced by Nibbs Carter, and Glockler later returned. The live album "Rock n Roll Gypsies" was released in 1989. The band regained momentum through touring, including the "10 Years of Denim and Leather" tour, and signed with Virgin Records. The album "Solid Ball of Rock" was released in 1991, followed by "Forever Free" in 1992. The latter included the single "Iron Wheels", dedicated to Byford’s father. In 1994, the band released "Dogs of War". Guitarist Graham Oliver was dismissed in 1996 and replaced by Doug Scarratt. The band released "Unleash the Beast" in 1997 and toured extensively in Europe and South America. The album "Metalhead" followed in 1999. Saxon became frequent performers at major metal festivals such as Wacken Open Air, where they later became regular headliners. They released "Killing Ground" in 2001 and the compilation "Heavy Metal Thunder" in 2002. A legal dispute over the band name arose when former members Graham Oliver and Steven Dawson registered the Saxon trademark. The High Court ruled in 2003 that Biff Byford and the current members held the rights to the name. The album "Lionheart" was released in 2004, followed by the live album "The Eagle Has Landed – Part III". Nigel Glockler rejoined the band in 2005. In 2007, Saxon released "The Inner Sanctum", which was well received critically, and in 2009 they released "Into the Labyrinth". The band continued to tour extensively and appeared at major festivals including Download, Wacken Open Air, and Sonisphere. In 2011, they released "Call to Arms", followed by touring across Europe and North America. The live release "Heavy Metal Thunder - Live: Eagles Over Wacken" appeared in 2012, and the band won a Metal Hammer award for Best UK Band. The album "Sacrifice" was released in 2013, followed by various live and compilation releases. In 2015, Saxon released "Battering Ram", followed by "Thunderbolt" in 2018. The band also supported major acts including Judas Priest on tour. In 2021, they released the covers album "Inspirations", followed by "Carpe Diem" in 2022. A second covers album, "More Inspirations", was released in 2023. In 2024, the band released "Hell, Fire and Damnation" and toured internationally. Guitarist Brian Tatler joined as a touring member and later became a permanent member. The band continued working on new material, with plans for another album towards late 2026. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxon_(band) Studio albums Saxon (1979) Wheels of Steel (1980) Strong Arm of the Law (1980) Denim and Leather (1981) Power & the Glory (1983) Crusader (1984) Innocence Is No Excuse (1985) Rock the Nations (1986) Destiny (1988) Solid Rock Ball of Rock (1991) Forever Free (1992) Dogs of War (1995) Unleash the Beast (1997) Metalhead (1999) Killing Ground (2001) Lionheart (2004) The Inner Sanctum (2007) Into the Labyrinth (2009) Call to Arms (2011) Sacrifice (2013) Battering Ram (2015) Thunderbolt (2018) Carpe Diem (2022) Hell, Fire and Damnation (2024)