Saxon + Doro + Sweet Savage
Glasgow ABC, 28th April 2009
'Arriving at the ABC a scant fifteen minutes after the doors open, we still manage to miss most of the set from tonight's openers, ageing Northern Irish rockers and Thin Lizzy cohorts Sweet Savage. Their greatest claim to fame appears to be that Metallica covered one of their songs ('Killing Time') but a final rousing version of 'Whiskey in the Jar' makes me wish I'd seen more.
Next up is every metal schoolboy's pin-up, that diminutive diva Doro Pesch. Looking not a day older not an ounce heavier than she did in the early '80s, and still encased in her trademark uncomfortable-looking studded leather ensemble, her frame may be small but her voice is massive. She also comes across as being enormously likeable, wooing the crowd with her thick, guttural drawl, and it's refreshing to see a strong, confident female artist who can be sexy without writhing around flashing her bits, and feisty without screeching swear words. Her Teutonic take on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal isn't entirely my cuppa, but she treats us to a triumphant cover of Priest's 'Breaking the Law' and ends on 'All We Are', so what's not to like?
Saxon must be one of the most underrated bands in Britain. Like Motorhead, they've been touring more or less continuously for the last thirty years, regularly packing in large venues, yet the majority of the country has no idea who they are. Maybe it's time to get your T-shirts into H&M guys – although perhaps that boat has sailed.
Biff Byford, the Gandalf of Metal, leads his fellowship of rock through a meaty set packed with classic, no-nonsense heavy metal thunder. From Discovery Channel history lessons like 'Witchfinder General' and 'Crusader' to full-on Hell's Angel biker rock with 'Motorcycle Man' and 'Wheels of Steel', via 'The Bands Played On' and a smattering of tracks from the new album (not a huge departure from there existing back catalogue), they deliver a masterclass in British heavy metal.
The almost two hour set squeals to a halt with (my favourite) '747', 'Princess of the Night' and 'Denim and Leather', and then it's all over – 'til these indefatigable road hogs are back next year, that is. Next stop the Royal Variety Performance? They're as much a British institution as Her Maj. Britain's got talent? Rock on…
Sweden Rock 2008, 5th-8th June 2008
Saxon, 19th May 2007
Metalway Festival, 12th-14th August 2005
