Saxon walked into Budweiser Gardens with the kind of confidence that comes from decades of doing this at a high level. They were on the road supporting Thunderbolt, a record widely seen as a late‑career surge, and the band played like they knew it. The opener, Olympus Rising, rolled straight into Thunderbolt, setting a pace that didn’t let up for the rest of their set.
The band leaned into the mix of new material and classics that defined the 2018 tour. Power and the Glory and Motorcycle Man hit with the same force they’ve carried since the early days, while The Secret of Flight and Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz) showed how well the newer songs translated live. The crowd locked in early, and the energy stayed high throughout.
Mid‑set, Saxon shifted gears with Dallas 1 PM, a reminder of how strong their storytelling instincts are when they dig into their catalogue. They Played Rock and Roll — their tribute to Motörhead — landed with real weight, and you could feel the room respond to it.
The final stretch was pure heavy‑metal release. Denim and Leather, Princess of the Night, and Wheels of Steel turned the floor into a full‑voice sing‑along. By the time they closed with And the Bands Played On and Heavy Metal Thunder, it felt like Saxon had delivered a full headliner’s punch, not just a warm‑up slot.
What stood out most was how sharp and assured the band sounded. The musicianship was tight, the pacing was smart, and the crowd reaction made it clear that London wasn’t just watching an opening act — they were watching a band still fully in command of what makes them great.
Saxon didn’t just revisit their legacy; they showed why it still matters.
The Setlist is down below and don’t forget to leave a comment 🙂
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
