Saxon’s Hell, Fire & Chaos Tour at Saint Andrew’s in Detroit
Detroit, Michigan (May 13th)- St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit was transformed into a haven for heavy metal Monday as British legends Saxon brought their Hell, Fire & Chaos tour to the Motor City. Co-headlining with the iconic outfit Uriah Heep, Saxon delivered a powerful performance that harkened back to the glory days of the genre, relying on a steady blend of classic hits and fresh tracks from their latest album, Hell, Fire and Damnation, released in January 2024.
Saxon, the quintessential British metal band, kicked off the evening with a sonic assault that would have impressed the God of Thunder himself, Thor. Fronted by the indefatigable Biff Byford, the metal Icons launched into their set with the title cut from their latest release”Hell,Fire and Damination.” This burner of a cut was the high octane segue into the thundering “Motorcycle Man” and “Sacrifice.” An opening salvo that any band would be proud of, but this is Saxon, a nearly five-decade old outfit who has a intricate cache full of theses power laden anthems!
The 16-song setlist was a well-curated mix of new material and beloved metal classics that demonstrated Saxon’s enduring appeal and musical versatility. The inclusion of four songs from Hell, Fire and Damnation showcased the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots that were formed nearly 50 years ago in South Yorkshire. The banger”1066″ stood out with its epic narrative and powerful riffs that transported the near sell-out crowd back to the Battle of Hastings. “Hell, Fire and Damnation,” was a fiery anthem that had fans chanting along, while “Madame Guillotine” brought a dark, historical edge to the performance. Standout cut,”There’s Something in Roswell,” with its eerie, otherworldly vibes, highlighted Saxon’s heritage for storytelling and kept the audience rapt.
Interspersed with these new tracks were Saxon’s classic anthems. “Sacrifice” and “This Town Rocks” kept the energy levels high, with Nigel Glockler’s incredible drumming holding the intense rhythms together, driving the songs forward. “Heavy Metal Thunder” and “Dallas 1 PM” were met with roars of approval, the latter’s haunting lyrics resonating deeply with long-time fans.
One of the evening’s highlights was the fan-selected cover of Christopher Cross’s “Ride Like the Wind.” Saxon’s rendition turned the soft rock classic into a heavy metal rapture, complete with blistering guitar solos from Brian Tatler and Doug Scarratt. Byford’s vocals, both gritty and soaring, added a new dimension to the song, making it one of a many standout moments of the night.
As the show progressed, Saxon continued to delve deep into their extensive catalog. “Strong Arm of the Law” and “Crusader” were particularly powerful, with the latter’s epic, anthemic quality resonating through St. Andrew’s Hall. The band’s ability to blend historical themes with heavy metal intensity was on full display, showcasing the legendary British Metal sound that unfortuneatly has been lacking on this side of “the pond” for many years.
Throughout the energy laden 90-minute performance, the musicianship of Saxon was impeccable. Nibbs Carter’s bass lines provided a solid foundation, while Glockler’s drumming was both precise and powerful. Tatler and Scarratt’s twin guitar attack was a masterclass in heavy metal riffs and solos, each note delivered with precision and passion. Byford’s vocals, as strong as ever, proved that age(73) is no barrier to delivering a top-notch performance.
One thing in particular that was evident and what some feel is lacking in the modern metal bands, stage camaraderie. Saxon’s interactions on stage between the band members was evident, with ongoing banter throughout the set with each other along with the fans that added a personal touch to the performance. Frontman Byford’s charismatic presence and engaging chatter kept the crowd connected and energized throughout the night. The anthemic “Denim and Leather” served as a tribute to the fans, many of whom proudly sported their own denim and leather attire.
As the fiery set came to a close with the timeless “Wheels of Steel,” every fan joined in singing along back at the Saxon, fists pumping in the air, seemingly renergizing the band. When the band left the stage for a well deserved breather, the crowd’s chants for an encore were deafening. Saxon answered the bell and returned, closing the night with their biggest hit, “Princess of the Night.” The song’s galloping rhythm and soaring chorus were the perfect end to a night of heavy metal excellence, albeit British style!
Saxon’s performance at St. Andrew’s Hall was a testament to their enduring legacy and continued relevance in the heavy metal scene. The Hell, Fire & Chaos tour not only celebrates their rich history but also showcases their ability to innovate and captivate new and old fans alike. For those who were lucky enough to be witness to these legendary rockers it was a night to remember, filled with the thunderous sound and relentless energy that only a band of Saxon’s caliber can deliver.
Saxon:
Biff Byford – lead vocals, bass (1975–present)
Nigel Glockler – drums (1981–1987 / 1988–1999 / 2005–present)
Nibbs Carter – bass, backing vocals (1988–present)
Doug Scarratt – guitars (1995–present)
Brian Tatler – touring guitarist (2023–present)
Saxon:
Saint Andrews Hall:
