Saxon - Oxford O2 Academy 13-12-11
First up
were Hammerfall from Sweden who got the rapidly filling crowd off to a great
start.
Playing
power metal like a combination of Helloween, Priest, Saxon and Maiden with some
Thin Lizzy duelling guitars their 45 minute 9 song set flew past with a more
rabid response after every song.
Led by the
very melodic voice of Joacim Cans and the twin lead guitars of Pontus Norgren
and Oscar Dronjak with plenty of synchronized headbanging songs included B.Y.H.
(Bang Your Head), Last Man Standing, Let The Hammer Fall and One More Time and
left the crowd wanting more.
Perfect
support.
Saxon were
back in Oxford for the first time in over 20 years (my second ever gig way back
in 1982 was Saxon at Oxford Apollo) with their second set of UK dates this year
in support of their 19th studio release the excellent “Call To
Arms”.
Here’s what
they played over the course of 2 hours
Hammer Of
The Gods
When
Doomsday Comes
Never
Surrender
Chasing The
Bullet
Motorcycle
Man
Back In 79
Solid Ball
Of Rock
To Hell And
Back Again
I’ve Got To
Rock To Stay Alive
Call To Arms
Demon
Sweeney Todd
The Eagle
Has Landed (the crowd had the choice of this or Broken Heroes. I lost!!)
Mists Of
Avalon
Power And
The Glory
Denim And
Leather/guitar solo by Doug
Wheels Of
Steel
Encore 1
Crusader and 747 Strangers In The Night)
Encore 2 Bass
Solo/Strong Arm Of The Law
Princess Of
The Night
A fantastic
selection of hits, new songs and some long forgotten nuggets which the large crowd
sang along to every note.
Special note
of thanks to the sound man who gave us a loud but very clear sound and an
impressive light show considering the size of the venue and the low roof!
Led by Biff
who was in great voice and backed up by Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt on guitars
and the backline of Nibbs Carter on bass and Nigel Glockler on drums we were
treated to a night of old school British Heavy Metal that left everyone with a
smile on their face.
Job done!!
10/10