Saxon heading to Cedar Rapids on double bill

Some British recording artists who are massive in the United Kingdom and Europe, just aren’t as successful in America. It’s been that way for years.

Robbie Williams, Status Quo and Cliff Richard are examples of British superstars who never made a big dent in the United States.

The same goes for the iconic British band Saxon, a stars on the other side of the pond, but the rock solid metal band never hit the echelon that peers like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden rose to during their heydays.

“I don’t know why we haven’t done better in America,” vocalist Peter “Biff” Byford said while calling from Jim Thorpe, Pa. “I think it had something to do with the team from our record company (EMI) back in the day. We didn’t get enough promotion. We didn’t spend enough time in America. We had some gold albums, but we never had a platinum record in the U.S. The U.S. audience is very selective. You need that big album to break big here.”

Saxon, which has sold more than 23 million albums, has a following, thanks to such hits as “Denim and Leather,” “Princess of the Night” and “Never Surrender.”

To Saxon’s credit, the band is one of the most prolific metal bands to come out of England. The band has recorded 24 albums and is on tour behind its latest project, "Hell, Fire and Damnation," which dropped in January. Its “Hell, Fire & Chaos” tour is coming to the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids on May 23, 2024, co-headlining with Uriah Heep.

“Bands like us and Judas Priest put out albums every few years,” Byford said. “It makes it interesting. We’ll be playing a few songs from ‘Hell, Fire and Damnation,’ and the new stuff keeps us going. Fans are curious about what’s new with the band. It’s a win-win situation for us.”

But it can’t be easy to put together a set list when there is such a catalog.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Byford said. “I love that we have so many songs to choose from. We have to play the hits, but in the middle of the show, I ask the audience what they want to hear, and we’ll play them. Not everybody does that, but we enjoy it.”

Saxon, which also includes drummer Nigel Glockler, bassist Nibbs Carter and guitarists Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler, plans to create more albums since the group has no desire to be a nostalgia act.

“We don’t want to be this legacy band,” Byford said. “We’re still inspired, so why not make new music?”

Such iconic acts as Metallica, Pantera and Motley Crue have cited Saxon as an influence.

“I think it’s awesome to get a shout out from these bands like that,” Byford said. “That’s cool that we influenced them, and so did other British bands from that time, like Motorhead. I’m proud of the impact we’ve had. But everyone is influenced by something. When I was growing up, I was inspired by the Rolling Stones and The Kinks.”

Unlike bands like Motorhead, Saxon remains active, and like other long of tooth British acts like the Stones, remain dynamic live.

“We’re a touring band and we live for the road,” Byford said. “This life isn’t for everyone. That’s why some musicians retire. It’s a grind on the road but we love getting up there before the fans and performing.”

Part of what makes Byford so entertaining live is his sense of humor. Byford can take a joke. Back in the day, actor/musician Harry Shearer hung out with Saxon for a few days. Apparently some of what Shearer experienced was utilized for the classic mockumentary “This is Spinal Tap.” The film, directed by Rob Reiner, features Shearer, Michael McKean and Christopher Guest as a British metal band that deals with a tour full of hilarious misadventures.

“When I saw ‘Spinal Tap’ I couldn't stop laughing,” Byford said. “You have to have a sense of humor or you’re in trouble in this business. I don’t think you can last as long as we have without a sense of humor.”