Saxon at Koko

December 2011

Saxon was on perfect form as they played their last gig of the year and their last CALL TO ARMS tour date at London’s Koko just before Christmas.

The band was on top form despite having been on a gruelling journey covering multiple countries and cities. As if not strenuous enough, lead singer Biff Byford took a 2 day ‘break’ between gigs flying Helsinki to San Francisco to perform with Metallica at their 30th Anniversary concert. Saxon was a strong influence on Metallica and so this was one Biff couldn’t miss including purportedly drinking till 5.30 am before rejoining the tour!

Nevertheless at Koko all were revved up for the final show before a well deserved break with a set list that included both old and new releases. Saxon played the title track off a number of albums including the latest Call to Arms, Crusader, Wheels of Steel, Solid Ball of Rock and of course Denim & Leather, the latter being the subject of much debate on the Saxon community forum given that the band had planned to play the whole album in its entirety at the concert and had asked fans for their views – which were mixed.

However 2011 marked another 30th anniversary; that of Denim & Leather’s release and the songs weaved in well with the overall programme which rolled along smoothly and professionally to a full and applauding audience. We were given the option to vote between two numbers The Eagle Has Landed or Broken Heroes which won, although I guess they knew which they would play anyway!

Doug Scarratt performed a fantastic solo to Crusader in the encore and the show ended with their classic number Wheels of Steel. Saxon were supported by Hammerfall who I missed unfortunately but this is a decent support band that I have seen live previously at High Voltage and they are totally suited to Saxon’s sound and mission as a heavy battle metal band. By all accounts and having caught the end of the performance, they did Saxon proud.

Koko was a great setting; red, warm and Christmas-like, conveniently located, spacious and good visibility. Saxon are starting to fill larger venues and there is talk that they will soon be ready to fill sites such as the Hammersmith Apollo; hopefully sooner rather than later.

Pandora Mather-Lees