Saxon are an English heavy metal band formed in 1977 in Barnsley. As leaders of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), they had eight UK Top 40 albums in the 1980s including four UK Top 10 albums and two Top 5 albums. They had numerous singles in the UK Singles Chart and chart success all over Europe and Japan, as well as success in the United States.
During the 1980s, Saxon established themselves among Europe's most successful metal acts. The band tour regularly and by 2015 have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.[1] They have also been cited as a major influence or inspiration by notable bands, including Mötley Crüe, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Pantera, Testament, Dokken, Skid Row, Dream Theater, Exodus, Overkill, King Diamond and Celtic Frost. Saxon was formed by former Coast members Peter "Biff" Byford on vocals, Paul Quinn, and former SOB member Graham Oliver on guitars, Steve "Dobby" Dawson on bass;[6] and Pete Gill on drums and were originally named "Son of a Bitch". The band changed their name to Saxon shortly afterwards. They began by supporting established bands such as Motörhead. In 1979, the band signed to French record label Carrere, run by Freddy Cannon in the UK, and released their eponymous debut album.
During the 1980s, Saxon established themselves among Europe's most successful metal acts. The band tour regularly and by 2015 have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.[1] They have also been cited as a major influence or inspiration by notable bands, including Mötley Crüe, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Pantera, Testament, Dokken, Skid Row, Dream Theater, Exodus, Overkill, King Diamond and Celtic Frost. Saxon was formed by former Coast members Peter "Biff" Byford on vocals, Paul Quinn, and former SOB member Graham Oliver on guitars, Steve "Dobby" Dawson on bass;[6] and Pete Gill on drums and were originally named "Son of a Bitch". The band changed their name to Saxon shortly afterwards. They began by supporting established bands such as Motörhead. In 1979, the band signed to French record label Carrere, run by Freddy Cannon in the UK, and released their eponymous debut album.
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