You never forget your first. Be it a first crush, first love, first pet, first car, etc., you never forget it. For this reviewer, his first was Monday, 19th November 1979 at the Apollo Theatre, Glasgow. The first baptism in the cauldron of live music. Aged 12. Motörhead, ‘Bomber’ Tour to be precise. Support act on the evening, and therefore “the first”, Barnsley’s finest sons, Saxon, who six months earlier had released their debut self-titled album, and were only a few months away from releasing the ground-breaking sophomore album, ‘Wheels of Steel’. All for the princely sum of £3.00.

By fuck it was loud. So loud, the following day, one was hit on the head by a large old-fashioned blackboard duster thrown by a bastard Maths teacher who thought he was being ignored. How can you ignore someone that you cannot hear due to the insane ringing in the ears? Fast forward almost exactly forty-six years, and this reviewer is still here, as is Saxon, and as is that insane ringing in the ears.

Dubbed the “Hell Fire And Steel Tour”, this tour not only features “Fan favourites, hits & songs from the new album ‘Hell, Fire, and Damnation'”, but – and something to get the motor running – it features the British Metal stalwarts performing the classic ‘Wheels Of Steel’ album in its entirety, from start-to-finish, in its original running order. And judging by how busy (at times, uncomfortably busy) the venue is, it’s a tour that has captured the imagination of Metal fans of all ages.

Special guest on the tour is Udo Dirkschneider, performing under the banner of Dirkschneider. Alongside Udo, on bass, is Peter Baltes, two of the three founding members of legendary German metal machine Accept, and for this tour, Dirkschneider are performing the seminal 1983 Accept album ‘Balls to the Wall’ in all its glory. With ‘Balls to the Wall’ and ‘Wheels of Steel’ coming from an era where sub-genres were an alien concept, this tour is all about Heavy Metal. Classic old-school, heads-down, Heavy Metal. And ‘Balls to the Wall’ is a classic old-school, heads-down, Heavy Metal album. Controversial at the time because of uptight Americans being offended at the album sleeve and the supposed gay connotations surrounding tracks ‘London Leatherboys’ and ‘Love Child’, it is an out-and-out belter of an album, and after what seems like an eternity, Udo Dirkschneider is back performing again on regional UK stages.

Once the stagelights spring to life, one of the tightest bands that you are as likely to encounter today crams onto the stage with Udo, the last to take his place. To rapturous applause, it has to be said. With Saxon’s large and impressive production hidden behind a curtain, Dirkschneider junior, powerhouse drummer Sven, is perched on the far side rather than the usual centre position for a drummer, and by Christ, he can play. His double-kick drum work is incredible, and at times, sparks comparisons with the trailblazer that was Philthy Animal Taylor of Motörhead.

With not much room to move, the band (a fantastic blend of youth and experience) chose instead to let the music do the talking. Udo is the star, obviously, but there is a great traditional band feel about this bunch, rather than Udo surrounding himself with nameless hired hands going through the motions. The man himself still sounds like he gargles every morning with mouthwash laced with broken glass, and that trademark growl is still very much prevalent, especially on the spoken word segment of ‘Balls…’. ‘London Leatherboys’ is fantastic to witness again for the first time in an eternity, but it’s moments like ‘Losing More Than You’ve Ever Had’, the sharp riffage of ‘Love Child’, and the mercurial ‘Winter Dreams’ that particularly stand out. Throw in a fast-as-fuck encore of the only non-BTTW track aired tonight, ‘Fast As A Shark’, and chances are that you won’t see a special guest complement the headliner in the same way that Dirkschneider did tonight. Now, how about some headlining shows?

Curtain drops are still the best opening to a gig. Nothing beats that heightened sense of anticipation, especially when the intro music before the drop itself features Brian Blessed in full-on gonzo-mode for his spoken word piece ‘The Prophecy’, which serves as a precursor to the set-opener and title-track of the most recent album, ‘Hell, Fire and Damnation’. Once the words of fellow Yorkshireman Blessed fade away, the curtain drops, strobe lights burst to life, and all five Saxon band members are atop Nigel Glockler’s drum riser. Legendary frontman Biff Byford is looking resplendent in his trademark long tunic overcoat, and after a few moments to soak up the applause – and let the smoke plumes disappear – the four outfield players descend the stairs and attack the stage.

With original guitarist Paul Quinn stepping down from touring duties, Biff is the last of the OG’s, and has had more than his share of health issues these last few years. And broaches the subject with true Yorkshire stoicism: “As you know, I’ve not been very well this year, so it is great to be back onstage with you all…” The audience roars their support for a lengthy moment before Biff adds, “This song means a lot to the band…and to me…it’s called NEVER SURRENDER!” Honestly, given the gusto with which Biff is performing, had you not known that he had health issues, then you would not have suspected it. Every note is hit, including some ear-piercing high ones in the lead-up to a ballsy version of ‘Heavy Metal Thunder’; his trademark whistle is still there, and he headbangs with the best of them. A lesson for any up-and-coming vocalists out there.

As mentioned, Paul Quinn has stepped down from Saxon’s punishing live schedule (he did join the band for a few songs the previous night in Sheffield), but the band have a top-quality replacement in the unmistakable shape of Diamond Head legend Brian Tatler. Weilding his trademark Flying V, it’s a joy to watch Tatler swapping solos with fellow guitarist Doug Scarratt on what is a guitar-heavy set. None of that toning-the-guitars-down shenanigans. Both are exciting players and have quickly created a killer partnership that looks like it could run for years.

So many highlights from a set that thrilled from start to finish. ‘Power and the Glory’, ‘Sacrifice’, ‘Backs to the Wall’, and newbie ‘Madam Guillotine’ all land in the opening 30 minutes like an army of sledgehammers on the march. But, but, but…just how good is ‘Dallas 1 PM’! 45 years old and still slapping even today. Some of Saxon’s biggest hooks – both vocally and musically – it is a joy to hear. And with the screen flashing images of Kennedy’s assassination and the band firing on all cylinders, it’s a fantastic visual moment.

‘Wheels of Steel’ in its entirety is special. No other word for it. Not just for all the Saxon setlist staples like ‘Motorcycle Man’, the title track itself (introduced by Biff saying: “It’s 1980, it’s Wheels of Fooking Steel”), and ‘747 (Strangers in the Night)’ – is the latter the best example of what a Saxon/UFO mash-up might sound like? – but for the deeper cuts like ‘Freeway Mad’, ‘See the Light Shining’, and ‘Machine Gun’. Nostalgia-filled, but as a smiling Biff points out, so many in attendance were not born yet in 1980…“It doesn’t matter, you are all part of the family now”.

Once ‘Machine Gun’ fades out and ‘Wheels of Steel’ is complete, it’s bang into a 4-song encore that features the addition of ‘Strong Arm of the Law’ alongside the traditional closing 3 of ‘Denim and Leather’, ‘And the Bands Played On’, and ‘Princess of the Night’. Biff pointed out earlier that tonight’s show was being recorded, but never said what for. One can only hope that this incredible set will see a live recording of some sort because it deserves it. Not many bands can deliver a 21-song set these days without resorting to filler material during the midset lull. No fear of this from Saxon. And no fear of them ever dialling it in.

Except for Iron Maiden, there isn’t a British Heavy Metal band as loved as Saxon, and the sheer number of younger fans in the front few rows (visible thanks to a large screen, fuelled by footage from discreet cameras) proves it. Not a band simply just for older geezers that were there back in the day, a band for the generations. And a band showing so many younger bands how it is done. Genuinely, an incredible, emotional evening. Don’t miss this show if you can.

Remaining tour dates:

NOV 13 – Beacon, Bristol (UK) [LOW TICKET WARNING]

NOV 14 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (UK)

NOV 15 – Hammersmith Apollo, London (UK)

NOV 16 – Great Hall, Cardiff (UK)

For more information and last tickets for all shows go to www.saxon747.com/tourdates

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Review – Dave

All images – Dave Jamieson