Circumstances dictate that I’m writing this review nearly two days after the event, however, one thought has been occupying my mind since the gig; namely – how many f**kin’ great songs have Saxon got? I believe that the answer is that they have many, but we’re getting in front of ourselves here as plenty happened before they even hit the stage. 

For a start, the doors opened over thirty-five minutes late and support act Chokehold were nowhere to be seen. It transpired that Saxon’s equipment had arrived very late so there was not enough time for three acts. There was time for Masterplan though. It was, as Mr. Cummings pointed out, a very brave decision by Saxon to tour with a real name band even one which has undergone a few line-up changes recently. On entering what used to be the MDH, the stage appeared to be dominated by an enormous drum kit, the size of which I have never personally seen at this venue.

 

As good as Masterplan were (and they were very good), their style was noticeably cramped by the drum kit as none of them had any room to move around the stage especially new singer Mike DiMeo who sounded great and to these ears had no problems with the older Jorn Lande songs – which is good as the set mostly comprised of those songs! Spirit opened the evening’s entertainment in splendid fashion before DiMeo got his teeth into Enlighten Me. After that he informed us how pleased he was to be in front, “of an audience that speaks English.” The version of newie Lost and Gone that followed was truly excellent and highlighted both how good Masterplan currently are and how great they can potentially become. They also played Soulburn, Crystal Night, Back for my Life and Kindhearted but for many the highlight must have been Mike Terrana’s drum solo (and coming from someone who routinely hates drum solos, that is praise), where the troll-like sticksman gave everything he had, utilising all his many drums and cymbals in a highly entertaining effort.

 I have to report that I enjoyed Masterplan but would really like to see them on a larger stage where they can express themselves more freely and for a longer period of time. Saxon would have to work hard now. 

After an interminable length of time after the lights went down Saxon did just that. They gave, for me, a complete performance in terms of musicianship, honesty and commitment. From the opening song State of Grace to the closing Ashes to Ashes this was a gig to savour. The band are obviously very confident in their material as State of Grace was followed by Let Me feel Your Power and was one six cuts from The Inner Sanctum aired. Motorcycle Man really got the crowd going and it was the interspersing of classics, rare-ish songs and new tracks that gave the set its wondrousness. 

If I Was You led into Strong Arm of the Law and didn’t pale by comparison with an all time classic. Thin Red Line and Are We Travellers in Time were displayed for the more loyal fans whilst Witchfinder General from Lionheart was ridiculously powerful. A personal highlight was Red Star Falling, which was even better than the recorded version. There were many other highlights such as Crusader, Princess of the Night and 747 (Strangers in the Night), which is officially the best song ever! 

Biff Byford led Saxon to tonight’s triumph with a consummate performance both vocally and in his interaction with a crowd that he seemed genuinely surprised at the size of. Paul Quinn gave the impression of being a kind of benevolent uncle sharing his riffs with us out of the goodness of his heart whilst Doug Scarrat peeled off solo after solo. Energy-wise, it was bassist Nibbs Carter who helped Biff out the most. He must be a contender for the Happiest Man in Rock Award – and let’s not forget the performance from Nigel Glockler behind the skins. He was much less showy than Mike Terrana earlier but just as effective. 

I don’t think that it would be unfair to put this forward as an early-ish runner in the Gig of the Year Stakes – it really was that good.