'Saxon'
Rock City 9/11/2009
Review By Mat Beardall

Salkuidaina were up first, who you might ask? And having listened to them you might ask the same question again! Loud, energetic, opening with a great head banger, this band seemed to morph into a cross between German Beer Festival goers and a bunch of Celts! Almost Big Country meets heavy metal! Sorry lads, I can only say that you were ok and I appreciate that the crowd were waiting for bigger and better acts. I know who to book if I want to head bang whilst downing a few pints of German Beer (no doubt it’s litres over there!), and who knows, after a few litres you might sound better.

Glory days!! It’s fantastic to see these “older” bands who’ve been there and got several t-shirts. Anvil arrived to rapturous applause from a very appreciative and growing crowd and played an extremely lively set, almost for fun. “666” certainly woke the crowd up; probably a good thing as the average age was getting to the unmentionable end of the scale! 1981’s classic “School Love” soon followed, along with “This Is 13”, and further classics such as “White Rhino” and “Metal on Metal”. Steve “Lips” Kudlow did not disappoint, especially when the vibrator made its customary appearance!! And as for Robb “Geza” Reiner’s drum solo – not bad for an oldie!! Bass guitarist Glenn Gyorffy did not disappoint either; in fact it’s fair to say that this was one of the best sessions I’d seen in a long time. I truly believe that this was a genuine case of mutual respect – well done lads, 10 out of 10!! And thanks for mixing with the crowd after the gig – a nice touch that was appreciated by many.

And so to the main attraction – Saxon. Having listened to this band for the best part of 30 years, I soon understood why they have been one of the mainstays of anyone’s rock collection. Rock City was by now heaving with excitement; the only trouble was telling the difference between excitement and poor bladder control as the average age of the audience was nearing bus pass stage!! I’m sure I heard someone ask their Granddad if he wanted another pint!!

Opening with Battalions of Steel, Saxon went on to play an absolutely brilliant set. Biff’s vocals were still as distinctive now as they were way back in 1978. You name the classic, it was there – Strong Arm Law, Solid Ball of Rock, Band Played On, Ride Like the Wind and Wheels of Steel. This was classic Saxon at their best (splits aside). This was money well spent, this was metal played as it should be and a rapport with the audience still there after all this time – and still wanting more – what better testament?

Denim and Leather, 747 and Princess of the Night closed what was an exceptional night – well done lads. The picture on the back of my t-shirt might resemble “some old geysers” – not my words I hasten to add!! – but these “old geysers” can show younger bands how to play!!