Simon Rushworth
NWOBHM legends Saxon follow up last month’s Motorhead support in Newcastle with a return to the city’s Carling Academy next summer.
Biff Byford exclusively revealed to rushonrock that the rejuvenated Barnsley crew would be striking out on a headline tour of England after a spring jaunt to Europe.
And the big frontman has stayed true to his word by announcing a trip to Tyneside on May 1 as part of the band’s grandly named Battalions Of Steel World Tour.
Six dates in England plus stops in Prestatyn, Dublin, Belfast and Glasgow reinforce Saxon’s determination to build on a resurgence of interest in their no-nonsense brand of heavy metal. And Byford remains confident the UK leg of their 2009 trek will see the band riding on the back of strong sales of next month’s eagerly anticipated album Into The Labyrinth.
The first song from Saxon’s new record – Live To Rock – was released as a download only single last month and made a major impression on new fans and old. Expect a review of the rest of the band’s new material right here in the second week of January.