Saxon, one of the biggest forces in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, helped reignite heavy metal in the late ’70s—right when punk was taking over—and paved the way for legends like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Diamond Head, Samson, Angel Witch, and more. They are making their way back to Brazil for Bangers Open Air 2025!
Currently comprised of Biff Byford (vocals), Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler (guitars), Nibbs Carter (bass), and Nigel Glockler (drums), the group boasts an extensive discography and several classics from their early days such as “Wheels Of Steel” (1980), “Strong Arm Of The Law” (1980), “Denim And Leather” (1981), “Power & The Glory” (1983), and “Crusader” (1984). Over time, they gradually shifted further into hard rock, forging their path with “Innocence Is No Excuse” (1985), “Rock the Nations” (1986), and “Destiny” (1988).
The heaviness of metal was reclaimed starting with “Solid Ball of Rock” (1990), and Saxon continued to release standout works. Among them were “Dogs of War” (1995), “Unleash the Beast” (1997), “Metalhead” (1999), “The Inner Sanctum” (2007), “Into the Labyrinth” (2009), “Sacrifice” (2013), “Battering Ram” (2015), “Thunderbolt” (2018), and “Carpe Diem” (2022). During this period, they also released cover albums “Inspirations” (2021) and “More Inspirations” (2023), along with several live recordings. Their most recent studio album, “Hell, Fire and Damnation” (2024), marked the debut of Brian Tatler (from Diamond Head) in place of Paul Quinn, who decided to retire from touring.
Since their first visit to Brazil in 1997, the band has consistently attracted new fans while thrilling longtime followers. At Bangers Open Air 2025, it will be no different, as the experience of seeing Saxon live always leaves a lasting impression.
Saturday, May 3
SAXON
Saxon, one of the biggest forces in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, helped reignite heavy metal in the late ’70s—right when punk was taking over—and paved the way for legends like Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Diamond Head, Samson, Angel Witch, and more. They are making their way back to Brazil for Bangers Open Air 2025!
The band now features Biff Byford (vocals), Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler (guitars), Nibbs Carter (bass), and Nigel Glockler (drums). Their story dates back to 1975 in Barnsley, South Yorkshire (UK), where Saxon rose from the ashes of Son of a Bitch and Coast.
Back in the day, their original lineup—still under the name Son of a Bitch—featured Byford, Paul Quinn, and Graham Oliver on guitars, Steve Dawson on bass, and Pete Gill on drums. After changing its name to Saxon, this lineup recorded the classics “Saxon” (1979), “Wheels Of Steel” (1980), “Strong Arm Of The Law” (1980), and “Denim And Leather” (1981).
Pete Gill then handed over his position to Nigel Glockler, who made his debut with the live album “The Eagle Has Landed” (1982). The lineup remained stable and recorded the acclaimed “Power & The Glory” (1983), “Crusader” (1984), and “Innocence Is No Excuse” (1985), moving towards hard rock.
In early 1986, with Paul Johnson replacing Dawson, “Rock The Nations” (1986) was released. However, Glockler then joined the band GTR. His replacement, Nigel Durham, participated in the recording of “Destiny” (1988), wherein Saxon solidified its foothold in hard rock, targeting the American market. Glockler returned to the lineup and supported the band on tour. Paul Johnson, in turn, gave his position to Nibbs Carter, who debuted with the live albums “Rock And Roll Gypsies” (1989) and “Greatest Hits Live!” (1990), and continued with the band on “Solid Ball Of Rock” (1990), “Forever Free” (1992), and “Dogs Of War” (1995).
After the recording of “Dogs Of War,” Graham Oliver departed and was replaced by Doug Scarratt. Saxon embarked on another long tour in 1996, which was captured on “The Eagle Has Landed Pt.II”. In May 1997, “Unleash The Beast” was released, marking the last work with Glockler before he was replaced by Fritz Randow. With this lineup, they recorded “Metalhead” (1999), “Killing Ground” (2001), and “Heavy Metal Thunder” (2002).
On “Lionheart” (2004), the experienced German drummer Jörg Michael replaced Randow, and the group recorded the double live album “The Eagle Has Landed III” (2006) during their promotional tour—the third in the series that began in 1982. By the time of the release, Glockler had resumed his position, and the band continued to release impactful works, such as “The Inner Sanctum” (2007), “Into the Labyrinth” (2009), “Call to Arms” (2011), “Sacrifice” (2013), “Battering Ram” (2015), “Thunderbolt” (2018), and “Carpe Diem” (2022). In the meantime, Saxon also released the covers albums “Inspirations” (2021) and “More Inspirations” (2023), as well as several other live works. The most recent album, “Hell, Fire and Damnation” (2024), marked the debut of Brian Tatler (from Diamond Head) in place of Paul Quinn, the founding guitarist who decided to retire from touring.
Since 1997, when they first came to Brazil, the group has consistently attracted new fans and left their followers ecstatic. Bangers Open Air 2025 will be no different, as the experience of seeing Saxon live always leaves a lasting impression.
