Saxon Live At Billboards
Anyone who's a fan of Saxon will tell you how underrated they are. They'll also go on about how they should have been as big as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. I know this because it's exactly how I feel. Therefore when Saxon were going to tour here last October I was thrilled, only to be crushed when it didn't eventuate. After an incredibly long wait and some poor promotion the dates were rescheduled. I once again had tickets, which made me excited and nervous. This was because many around me were talking up the gig more than I was, something I'm not used to. I actually found myself trying to downplay my enthusiasm to avoid disappointment.
To say the night went according to plan is a lie. I got inside Billboards to find I couldn't get where I was last time and the crowd was small. Any anger I had was quickly lost, as I seemed to know every second person there. It certainly felt like a metal party.
Opening the night in complete darkness was LORD. Having seen them recently there were no surprises. The set seemed identical which was disappointing because I definitely wanted to hear some Dungeon tracks this time. Songs like Steelheart and Art Of War would have been nice. What they did play was awesome, LORD just don't come to Melbourne enough to play such a limited set.
Keeping the power metal flowing was Melbourne's Black Majesty. They get better every time I see them. I was reminded what an amazing album Tomorrowland is. The highlight came when Danny of Eyefear sung with them. Unfortunately Black Majesty didn't play that long. This was a let down because I enjoyed them more than LORD which is something I never thought I'd say.
It was then time for one of England's finest bands. Starting off with Atila The Hun, Saxon put on one of the best shows I've ever seen. From songs I wasn't familiar with like Dogs of War and Metalhead to classics like Motorcycle Man they didn't put a foot wrong. For me the best part was when they did Power & The Glory followed by 747 (Strangers in the Night), which I think, was the point where my throat gave out. I also couldn't believe how heavy they were. After hearing To Hell and Back Again and Princess of the Night I now know better.
It all seemed to come to a close with Wheels of Steel. This had plenty of crowd participation and I almost jumped out of my skin when they broke into the chorus for the final time. Had that been the end I would have been more than satisfied.
Not long after Saxon went into Denim and Leather. This was a song I'd completely forgotten about I was so enthralled. Convinced that would be it, I couldn't believe it when they launched into Crusader to finish the show.
This was the ultimate Saxon experience. Apart from the classics they also played plenty from their recent album The Inner Sanctum with the anthem I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive) and State Of Grace being phenomenal. Not even the lack of Lionheart or Ride Like the Wind made me doubt the quality of this gig.
Seeing Saxon I couldn't help feel that it was unfair that Maiden played in arenas and they had a crowd of 200 at best. It was a tragedy that more people weren't there because it was a memorable night of metal.
To say the night went according to plan is a lie. I got inside Billboards to find I couldn't get where I was last time and the crowd was small. Any anger I had was quickly lost, as I seemed to know every second person there. It certainly felt like a metal party.
Opening the night in complete darkness was LORD. Having seen them recently there were no surprises. The set seemed identical which was disappointing because I definitely wanted to hear some Dungeon tracks this time. Songs like Steelheart and Art Of War would have been nice. What they did play was awesome, LORD just don't come to Melbourne enough to play such a limited set.
Keeping the power metal flowing was Melbourne's Black Majesty. They get better every time I see them. I was reminded what an amazing album Tomorrowland is. The highlight came when Danny of Eyefear sung with them. Unfortunately Black Majesty didn't play that long. This was a let down because I enjoyed them more than LORD which is something I never thought I'd say.
It was then time for one of England's finest bands. Starting off with Atila The Hun, Saxon put on one of the best shows I've ever seen. From songs I wasn't familiar with like Dogs of War and Metalhead to classics like Motorcycle Man they didn't put a foot wrong. For me the best part was when they did Power & The Glory followed by 747 (Strangers in the Night), which I think, was the point where my throat gave out. I also couldn't believe how heavy they were. After hearing To Hell and Back Again and Princess of the Night I now know better.
It all seemed to come to a close with Wheels of Steel. This had plenty of crowd participation and I almost jumped out of my skin when they broke into the chorus for the final time. Had that been the end I would have been more than satisfied.
Not long after Saxon went into Denim and Leather. This was a song I'd completely forgotten about I was so enthralled. Convinced that would be it, I couldn't believe it when they launched into Crusader to finish the show.
This was the ultimate Saxon experience. Apart from the classics they also played plenty from their recent album The Inner Sanctum with the anthem I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive) and State Of Grace being phenomenal. Not even the lack of Lionheart or Ride Like the Wind made me doubt the quality of this gig.
Seeing Saxon I couldn't help feel that it was unfair that Maiden played in arenas and they had a crowd of 200 at best. It was a tragedy that more people weren't there because it was a memorable night of metal.
