LIVE REVIEW
SAXON
+ TYGERS OF PAN TANG AND DIRKSCHNIEDER
O2 CITY HALL NEWCASTLE
Saxon turned a Tuesday night in Newcastle into a full-throttle metal celebration.
Heavy metal heavyweights Saxon have been rocking their way across the UK this month on their Hell, Fire and Steel UK Tour and they stopped by to see their friends in Newcastle as they stopped by O2 City Hall Newcastle on the 11th of November. As well as playing their hits and songs from Hell, Fire and Damnation! they also promised to play 'Wheels Of Steel' in full and that is something no fan can resist.
Opening act of the night was Tygers of Pan Tang, a very special appearance for the band who were originally formed in Whitley Bay. They played a blazing set, it was mainly songs from Wildcats apart from Love Potion No.9. The band had a load of fun and that rubbed off on the crowd who were having a blast as well.
Opening act of the night was Tygers of Pan Tang, a very special appearance for the band who were originally formed in Whitley Bay. They played a blazing set, it was mainly songs from Wildcats apart from Love Potion No.9. The band had a load of fun and that rubbed off on the crowd who were having a blast as well.
Second act of the night was Dirkschneider. Playing Accept's 1983 album 'Balls to the Wall' in full, the party atmosphere took a notch up with the addition of giant inflatable balls that were let loose on the Geordie crowd. They ended up on stage so many times, the lads definitely got a bit of extra exercise in, kicking them back into the audience. Udo is still a vocal powerhouse and the band were so tight, they knew exactly how to get the crowd going.
After a short break it was time for the headliners Saxon to entertain the fans. The mood was set with The Prophecy piped through the P.A. system before the band were revealed on an elaborate drum riser centre stage. Smoke cannons firing and lights going crackers made for a powerful image as the band came into view. Getting straight into the swing of things with Power and the Glory, it was plain to see that they had brought their A-game with them.
I last saw the band in 2022 with Diamond Head opening up, so seeing Brian Tatler playing with the band took a few brief moments to register even though I knew he would be there, but it is clear why he was the band's choice to pick up the guitar for them. He is just a joy to watch as he works the strings.
I last saw the band in 2022 with Diamond Head opening up, so seeing Brian Tatler playing with the band took a few brief moments to register even though I knew he would be there, but it is clear why he was the band's choice to pick up the guitar for them. He is just a joy to watch as he works the strings.
Right after 'Sacrifice' Biff took a moment to speak to the crowd saying, “It’s a Tuesday night, who the fuck plays Newcastle on a Tuesday night? Let’s make it like a Friday!”, the crowd cheered in agreement. The band first played Newcastle City Hall in 1979 supporting Motörhead, and Biff spoke about the Bomber Tour before breaking into a killer rendition of 'Backs to the Wall'. That sense of history carried through the set, which, as well as playing 'Wheels of Steel' in full, pulled from across the band’s catalogue. Fans were treated to everything from the newer material to the long-established favourites that have shaped the band’s legacy.
The crowd were fully locked in as the night rolled on, and the band didn’t let up. Each track landed with the weight that the fans have come to expect from Saxon, and despite Biff's recent illness the band still ticked all of the boxes and then some. The huge 21 song set was boosted by a tight performance and a stage production that felt properly dialled in, stunning visuals taking full advantage of the giant screen used as the backdrop. The encore saw them play classics like 'Denim and Leather', 'And the Bands Played On', 'Strong Arm of the Law', and 'Princess of the Night' which closed out the show with the kind of energy you’d expect from a Friday night rather than a Tuesday.
Saxon showed once again why they have earned their place as one of British metal’s most enduring names. A packed O2 City Hall Newcastle, a crowd more than up for it, and a band who still deliver the goods, it all made for a night that fans will be talking about for a long time.
The crowd were fully locked in as the night rolled on, and the band didn’t let up. Each track landed with the weight that the fans have come to expect from Saxon, and despite Biff's recent illness the band still ticked all of the boxes and then some. The huge 21 song set was boosted by a tight performance and a stage production that felt properly dialled in, stunning visuals taking full advantage of the giant screen used as the backdrop. The encore saw them play classics like 'Denim and Leather', 'And the Bands Played On', 'Strong Arm of the Law', and 'Princess of the Night' which closed out the show with the kind of energy you’d expect from a Friday night rather than a Tuesday.
Saxon showed once again why they have earned their place as one of British metal’s most enduring names. A packed O2 City Hall Newcastle, a crowd more than up for it, and a band who still deliver the goods, it all made for a night that fans will be talking about for a long time.
