Biff Byford Joins Metallica On Stage

Saxon lead singer Biff Byford flew from Helsinki to San Francisco this week to join Metallica on stage in one of the band’s 30th Anniversary shows. Byford couldn’t miss the chance to celebrate such a milestone in Metallica’s career, and took advantage of a two days gap in Saxon’s current tour to make the event. The iconic British metal vocalist performed the Saxon classic ‘Motorcycle Man’ at the Fillmore with Metallica on 5th December.

It’s not the first time Biff and Metallica have surprised their fans with a live rendition of the song: in 2009, Byford joined the cult band in Paris, at Palais Omnisport de Bercy. Fans footage can be seen below:

Metallica’s second-ever gig was opening for Saxon, and Biff has been a long time friend of the San Francisco heavy metal giants; like many other seminal bands of the genre, Metallica always recognized Saxon as one of their main influences.

Biff Byford is the original frontman and main force in Saxon, who recently released their 19th studio album, the acclaimed ‘Call to Arms’; he continues leading the pack and mesmerizing audiences with his energetic performances, together with Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt on guitars, Nibbs Carter on bass and Nigel Glockler on drums.

Saxon will hit the UK for the second time this year in December, performing a mix of old unforgettable heavy metal classics and more recent material, except for the London show where they will perform ‘Denim and Leather’ in its entirety as a special treat for their fans.

Dates as follows, support from Hammerfall:

December Tues 13th Oxford 02 Academy Wed 14th Leicester 02 Academy Fri 16th Edinburgh Picturehouse Sat 17th Belfast Mandela Hall Mon 19th Sheffield 02 Academy Tues 20th London Koko

Tickets are priced at £18.50 for all shows except London where they are £20.00 and are subject to booking fee. Doors open for all shows at 7.00pm except Edinburgh 6.30pm

Saxon formed in 1976 in Barnsley, Yorkshire, and went on to lead the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They had 8 Top 40 albums in the UK in the 1980s – including 4 Top 10 – plus an impressive amount of Top 20 singles. Saxon have sold more than 13 million albums worldwide and heavily influenced bands such as Metallica, Megadeth, Sodom and Running Wild. Live performances have always been one of the biggest strengths for the band, which is renowned as one of the best heavy metal live acts Britain ever fathered.

“They leave the stage as conquering heroes.” Classic Rock