The year 1980 was, in many respects, the best of Saxon’s career. Both Wheels Of Steel and the follow-up, Strong Arm Of The Law (released later that year), were big chart successes in Britain, the latter reaching No.11. They got to appear at the first ever Monsters Of Rock show at Donington (headlined by Rainbow, and also featuring Judas Priest) and played with Motörhead on the spectacular Heavy Metal Barn Dance bill at Stafford Bingley Hall [Source: Malcolm Dome (Metal Hammer, March 15, 2006].
Saxon cars back in the days
1980, Jan 5: High Oakham School in Mansfield, England, UK
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jan 23: BBC Maida Vale Studios, England, UK
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: FM
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 18′
Audio quality: A
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: CD
Audio format:
Total running time: 18′
Audio quality: A
The Recording of the BBC Session on Jan 23 was transmitted on Feb 15. It was recorded live in studio by the famous British record producer Tony Wilson for the BBC Radio 1 shows of the early 1980s.
| 1. | “Backs to the Wall” | 3:18 |
| 2. | “Stallions of the Highway” | 2:47 |
| 3. | “Motorcycle Man” | 3:47 |
| 4. | “Still Fit to Boogie” | 2:45 |
| 5. | “747 (Strangers in the Night)” | 5:01 |
Venue
Interview BBC studios
1980, Feb 2: Announcement
1980, Feb 2: Electric Ballroom in London, England, UK (with Angel Witch & Sledgehammer)
For Saxon, it was to be a case of almost overnight success. On February 2, 1980 they played a gig at the Electric Ballroom in London, showcasing some of their new songs to a venue where fans needed megaphones to communicate to each other – it was less than half full. But, within a few weeks, the five-piece were arguably the biggest metal band in Britain.
Source picture: Russell Tregent with kind permission
Set list;
Partly known (source: setlist.fm)
Wheels of Steel
Motorcycle Man
747 (Strangers in the Night)
Venue
Tour announcement Iron Maiden (with Saxon)
Advertising of February / March tour
[partly went true of cancellation Iron Maiden due recording there first album. They rescheduled the tour and joined Rainbow and Nazareth]
Promotion poster with Lautrec
1980, Feb 16: Pavillion, West Runton England
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Feb 17: Coatham Bowl, Redcar England
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Feb 19: Nottingham Boat Race Club
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Feb 22: Mayfair Ballroom in Newcastle, England, UK (with Tygers of Pantang, Crypt & Mythra)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Feb 23: University, Leicester England
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Rainbow tour
1980, Feb 24: New Bingley Hall Stafford, England UK (with Rainbow)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Feb 25: Marquee, London England (with Angelwitch and Sledgehammer)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Feb 26: Top Rank, Cardiff England
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
[1980, Feb 26: Apollo Theatre, Ardwick, Manchester, England UK (with Rainbow]
Saxon didn’t play this concert, it was supported by Samson
Venue
1980, Feb 27: Capital Radio, London
They played (and recorded) an early version of 747 (Strangers in the Night) same day they played Dee Side gig with Rainbow near Liverpool, they took train after session at Capitol to Liverpool.
No luck yet with tracing down this recording
1980, Feb 27: Deeside Leisure Centre, Queensferry, England UK (with Rainbow)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Feb 28: Fjorde Green, Leeds England (with Angelwitch and Sledgehammer)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Feb 29: Rock Garden, Middlesborough England
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Mar 1: The Porterhouse, Retford England
Cancelled, Saxon played as support act for Rainbow (early newspaper announcement – need to check if this concert still happens as Saxon didn’t open for Rainbow)
1980, Mar 1: Wembley, London England (with Rainbow)
Saxon didn’t play this concert, it was supported by The Troggs
1980, Mar 2: Top Rank, Birmingham England
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Mar 3: The Woodville Halls, Gravesend, England (with Angelwitch and Sledgehammer)
Set List
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Mar 4: Centre, Brighton England (with Rainbow)
Saxon didn’t play this concert, it was supported by The Katchies
Nazareth tour
“We had a club tour booked, and suddenly the queues were going round the block. It was amazing. We also went on tour supporting Nazareth in March 1980, and almost every venue was sold out – a lot of that was down to us. Nazareth knew it, treated us well, and on the last date, gave us a bottle of champagne to say thanks. I think the combination of all the hard work we’d done in 1979, supporting Motörhead on their Bomber tour, and the TV exposure just made things happen. It was our time.”
1980, Mar 6: Queensway Hall, Dunstable England UK (Saxon didn’t play)
Saxon didn’t play this concert, is was supported by Samson. First support date for Saxon was 8 March (see Gig guide below)
Venue
19080, Mar 7: Mayfair Ballroom, Newcastle England UK (Saxon didn’t play)
Saxon didn’t play this concert, is was supported by Samson. First support date for Saxon was 8 March
Venue
1980, Mar 8: Apollo Theatre in Glasgow, Scotland, UK (with Nazareth)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Backs to the Wall
- Wheels of Steel
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Bap Shoo Ap
Venue
1980, Mar 9: Odeon, Edinburgh England UK (with Nazareth)
Set List
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Mar 10: Caird Hall in Dundee, Scotland, UK (with Nazareth)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Mar 12: Civic, Wolverhampton, England UK (with Nazareth)
Set List
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Mar 13: Odeon Theatre, Birmingham, England UK (with Nazareth)
Set List
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Mar 14: release single Wheels of Steel
1980, Mar 14: De Monfort Hall, Leicester England UK (with Nazareth)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Mar 15: City Hall, Sheffield England UK (with Nazareth)
Set List
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
Full article
1980, Mar 16: Hammersmith Odeon London, England UK (with Nazareth)
Set List
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Mar 17: Sheffield City Hall in Sheffield, England, UK (with Nazareth)
This concert can not be confirmed, there exist a recording with probably the wrong date (of 15th March), need to check
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Backs to the Wall
- Wheels of Steel
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Bap Shoo Ap
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 30′
Audio quality: D
Venue
1980, Mar 29: Article
1980, Mar 29: Review album Wheels of Steel
1980, Apr 1: High Wycombe Town Hall, High Wycombe, England, UK
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Apr 2: Rainbow Theatre in London, England, UK
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format:
Total running time: 41′
Audio quality: D
1980, Apr 4: Official UK release “Wheels of Steel” album
1980, April 5: Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, England, UK
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Apr 10: Top Of The Pops
:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8694917-1490810358-8178.jpeg.jpg)
:format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-8694917-1490810362-4798.jpeg.jpg)
1980, Apr 12: Wheels of Steel review
1980, Apr 19: Saxon article
Wheels of Steel Tour Itinerary
Gig guide
Tour advertisement
1980, Apr 21: Newcastle City Hall in Newcastle, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Backs to the Wall
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Rainbow Theme
- Frozen Rainbow
- Wheels of Steel
- See the Light Shining
- Judgement Day
- Bap Shoo Ap
- Street Fighting Gang
- Stallions of the Highway
- Suzie Hold On
- Stand Up and Be Counted
- Machine Gun
Article concert review
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: FM
Audio format:
Total running time: 69′
Audio quality: 4+
Venue
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format:
Total running time: 71′
Audio quality: C
1980, Apr 22: Grimsby Central Hall in Grimsby, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Apr 24: Victoria Hall in Hanley, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Apr 25: Metropol in Abertillery, Wales, UK (with Lautrec)
This gig in Abertillery was cancelled as they couldn’t get the lorries through the narrow streets. They came in the June to play the gig. [Information needed on the rescheduled date]
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Apr 26: The Porterhouse in Retford, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Apr 27: Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Apr 28: Sheffield City Hall in Sheffield, England, UK (with Lautrec and Geddes Axe)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Backs to the Wall
- Frozen Rainbow
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: FM
Audio format:
Total running time: 28′
Audio quality: A
Venue
1980, Apr 29: Maidstone Mid Kent College, Kent, England in Kent, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Tygers of Pan Tang Tour Part II
1980, May 1: Chequers in Barnstaple, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Backs to the Wall
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Frozen Rainbow
- Wheels of Steel
- See the Light Shining
- Bap Shoo Ap
- Street Fighting Gang
- Stallions of the Highway
- Stand Up and Be Counted
- Machine Gun
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format:
Total running time: 63′
Audio quality: C
1980, May 2: St Albans City Hall in St Albans, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, May 4: Lyceum Theatre in London, England, UK (with Tygers Of Pantang and Sledge hammer)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980 May 5: St. George Hall, Bradford, England UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format:
Total running time: 65′
Audio quality: C
Venue
1980, May 7: High Wycombe Town Hall in High Wycombe, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, May 8: Pier in Colwyn Bay, Wales, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, May 9: Rock Garden, Middlesborough (2 Shows) (with Lautrec)
Venue
to add
1980, May 10: Birmingham Odeon in Birmingham, England, UK (with Lautrec and Quartz)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, May 11: Stroud Leisure Centre in Stroud, England, UK (with Lautrec)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
Promotion poster Tour
1980, May 21: New Theatre, Oxford (Cancelled !!! & Rescheduled)
1980, May 22: Central Hall, Chatham (Cancelled !!! & Rescheduled)
1980,May 23: Colston Hall, Bristol, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang and Quartz)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, May 24: , Sports Centre, Bracknell England (Cancelled !!!)
1980, May 24: Pier Pavillion, Hastings England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, May 24: News article in Sounds
1980, May 25: Gaumont, Southampton, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, May 26; Fiesta, Plymouth (with Tygers of Pan Tang) Cancelled !!!
1980 May 26: New Cornish Riverera, St Austall, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, May 27: , Johnson Hall, Yeovil (with Tygers of Pan Tang) Cancelled !!!
1980, May 27: Torquay Town Hall in Torquay, England, UK (with Tygers Of Pantang)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Stallions of the Highway
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Wheels of Steel
- Suzie Hold On
- Backs to the Wall
- Big Teaser
- Heavy Metal Thunder
- Stand Up and Be Counted
Venue
1980,May 28: Top Rank Suite, Cardiff, Wales UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Venue
1980,May 29: De Montfort Hall, Leicester, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980,May 30: King Georges Hall, Blackburn, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, May 31: Apollo Theater Manchester, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format:
Total running time: 85′
Audio quality: B
Venue
1980, Release of Single 747 (Strangers in the Night
1980, Jun 1: Odeon Theatre Edinburgh England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 2: Apollo Theatre Glasgow, England UK
This show was rescheduled to 3 June 1980 (the 2th June show was cancelled)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Recordings – probably recordings belongs to other concert
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format:
Total running time: 62′
Audio quality: D
1980, Jun 2: Capitol Theatre, Aberdeen (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Jun 3: Apollo, Glasgow, Scotland UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 4: Unity Hall Wakefield, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Backs to the Wall
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Frozen Rainbow (Rainbow Theme)
- Wheels of Steel
- See the Light Shining
- Bap-Shoo-Ap (cut)
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 48′
Audio quality: D
Venue
1980, Jun 5: Royal Court, Liverpool (with Tygers of Pan Tang) Cancelled !!! & Rescheduled
1980, Jun 5: Assembley Rooms, Derby, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 6: New Theatre in Coventry, England, UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 7: Queensway Hall, Dunstable, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 8: Gaumont Theatre in Ipswich, England, UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Jun 9: Wirrina Stadium in Peterborough, England, UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 10: Rotters in Doncaster, England, UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 11: Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool, England, UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 12: New Theatre, Oxford, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 13: Central Hall, Chatham (with Tygers of Pan Tang) Cancelled
1980, Jun 13: Kimberley Leisure Centre in Nottingham, England, UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun 14: Rainbow Theatre, England UK (with Tygers of Pan Tang)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Jun: The Stonehouse Hotel, Hatfield (Powerhouse Heavy Metal Roadshow) No concert
1980, Jun 21: UK release of the single “747 Strangers In The Night”
1980, Jun 22: The Loch Lomond Rock Festival, Cameron Wildlife Park, Balloch, Dumbartonshire. Scotland.
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Jul 26: New Bingy Hall, Stafford, England UK
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Aug 1: Fort Regent, Gloucester Hall, St. Helier, Jersey
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Aug 2: Fort Regent, Gloucester Hall, St. Helier, Jersey
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Aug 6: Monster Of Rock Festival
Set list
- “Motorcycle Man” – 3:42
- “Still Fit to Boogie” – 2:43
- “Freeway Mad” – 2:24
- “Backs to the Wall” – 3:24
- “Wheels of Steel” – 4:23
- “Bap Shoo Ap” – 6:16
- “747 (Strangers in the Night)” – 4:52
- “Stallions of the Highway” – 3:19
- “Machine Gun” – 5:35
- Backstage Interview – 3:01
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 44′
Audio quality: D
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: SB
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 45′
Audio quality: C
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: CD
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 48′
Audio quality: A
Official Recording
1980, Aug 23: Nuremberg Festival
1980, Aug 24: Summer concert, Loreley Amphi Theatre, St. Goursehause (Germany)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Backs to the Wall
- Wheels of Steel
- Frozen Rainbow (Rainbow Theme)
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Bap-Shoo-Ap
- Stallions of the Highway
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 45′
Audio quality: D
Single announcement
Sounds article Wheels of Steel and new tourdates
German article
US Rush Tour
1980 Sep 11: Hampton Coliseum, Hampton Virginia, US
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980 Sep 12: Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte North Carolina NC US
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980 Sep 13: Charleston, Civic Center Coliseum, Charleston North Carolina US
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980 Sep 14: Municipal Auditorium, Nashville Tennessee US
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Sep 16: Riverside Centroplex,Baton Rouge Louisiana US
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Sep18: Lee County Arena, Fort Myers, Florida US
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Sep 19: Hollywood Sportatorium, Pembroke Pines, Florida USA (with Rush)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Sep 20: Article in Record Mirror
1980, Sep 20: Lakeland Civic Center, Lakeland, Florida USA (with Rush)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Sep 21: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, Florida US
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980 Sep 23: Cincinnati OH US
Venue
1980, Sep 25: Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA (with Rush)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Wheels of Steel
- Frozen Rainbow (Rainbow Theme)
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Bap-Shoo-Ap
- Stallions of the Highway
- Machine Gun
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 45′
Audio quality: D
Venue
1980, Sep 26: Capital Centre, Largo, Maryland USA (with Rush)
Set list
- Motorcycle Man
- Still Fit to Boogie
- Freeway Mad
- Wheels of Steel
- Frozen Rainbow (Rainbow Theme)
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Bap-Shoo-Ap
- Stallions of the Highway
- Machine Gun
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 45′
Audio quality: C
Venue
1980, Sep 27: Announcement Monster of Rock album
1980, Sep 27: Cape Cod Coliseum, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts USA (with Rush)
Rescheduled from May 17th.
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Sep 28: Springfield Civic Center, Springfield, Massachusetts USA (with Rush)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Sep 30: Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown, Pennsylvania USA (with Rush)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Oct 1: Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland Maine USA (with Rush)
Rescheduled from May 16th.
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Oct 3: Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, PA USA (with Blue Oster Cult, and Black Sabbath)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Oct 4: Toledo Sports Arena in Toledo, Ohio USA (With Black Sabbath)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Oct 5: Chicago, Illinois. (Not confirmed)
1980, Oct 6: Indianapolis, Ilinois. (Not confirmed)
1980, Oct 7: Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo, MI, USA (with Blue Oster Cult)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Oct 9: Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA, USA (with ACDC)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Oct 11: Orpheum Theatre in Boston, MA, USA (with ACDC)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Oct 19: Erie County Field House,Erie, PA USA (with Black Sabbath)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Oct 25: Single announcement
Tour update announcement
Rehearsals Strong Arm Of The Law Tour (29 and 30 October)
1980, Nov 1: News article Sounds
Announcement Tour dates
1980, Nov 15: UK release of “Strong Arm Of The Law” album
Strong Arm of The Law review (Record Mirror)
Promotion poster
1980, Nov 20: Cornwall Coliseum in St. Austell, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 21: Taunton Odeon in Taunton, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 22: Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 22: Tour update
1980, Nov 23: Odeon Chelmsford in Chelmsford, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 24: Hemel Hempstead Pavilion in Hemel Hempstead, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 25: Civic Hall in Wolverhampton, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 26: Sophia Gardens Pavilion in Cardiff, Wales, UK (with ?Riot? Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 27: City Hall Sheffield England UK (with Limelight)
Graham Oliver: Swinn , Cosh the Heidie Kipling Rob Price Daktari Dave Poxan to name some
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 28: Sheffield City Hall, England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
- Intro
- Heavy Metal Thunder
- See the Light Shining
- Backs to the Wall
- Hungry Years
- Rainbow Theme / Frozen Rainbow
- Strong Arm of the Law
- 20,000 Ft
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Freeway Mad
- Dallas 1 pm
- Stand Up and Be Counted
- Stallions of the Highway
- Wheels of Steel
- Motorcycle Man
- Machine Gun
Recording
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 77′
Audio quality: E
First known video recording of a Saxon (Winter tour show), promoting the Strong Arm Of The Law album, which was just released
Venue
1980, Nov 29: UK release of the “Strong Arm Of The Law” album
1980, Nov 29: St. George Hall, Bradford England UK (Cancelled !!! rescheduled January 1981)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Nov 30: King George Hall, Blackburn England UK (Cancelled !!! rescheduled January 1981)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 1: Apollo Theatre Manchester England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
See recordings
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 63′
Audio quality: B
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 32′
Audio quality: D
A 1. Heavy Metal Thunder
A 2. Dallas 1p.M
A 3. See The Light Shining
A 4. Backs To The Wall
A 5. Hungry Years
B 6. The Rainbow Theme / Frozen Rainbow
B 7. Strong Arm Of The Law
B 8. 20.000 Ft
B 9. 747 (Stranger In The Night)
B 10. Street Fighting Gang
B 11. Sixth Form Girls
B 12. Stand Up And Be Counted
A1 Heavy Metal Thunder
A2 See The Light Shining
A3 Backs To The Wall
A4 Hungry Years
B1 Rainbow Theme
B2 Frozen Rainbow
B3 Strong Arm Of The Law
B4 20,000 Ft
Venue
1980, Dec 2: Empire Liverpool England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 3: Colston Hall, Bristol England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 4: De Monfort Hall, Leicester England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980 Dec 5: New Theatre, Coventry England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 6: New Theatre Oxford, England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980 Dec 7: Gaumont Theatre, Ipwich England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 8: Gaumont Theatre Southhampton, England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980 Dec 9 Derby Assembly Hall, England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
See recording
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: FM
Audio format:
Total running time: 48′
Audio quality: A
Venue
1980 Dec 10: Victoria Hall, Hanley England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 11: Town Hall, Middlesbrough, England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
- Intro
- Heavy Metal Thunder
- See the Light Shining
- Backs to the Wall
- Hungry Years
- Frozen Rainbow (Rainbow Theme)
- Strong Arm of the Law
- 20,000 Ft
- 747 (Strangers in the Night)
- Freeway Mad
- Dallas 1 pm
- Stand Up and Be Counted
- Stallions of the Highway
- Wheels of Steel
- Motorcycle Man
- Machine Gun
- Outro
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 75′
Audio quality: D
Venue
1980 Dec 12: Market Hall, Carlisle England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980 Dec 13: Odeon, Edinburgh Scotland UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 14: Apollo Theatre Glasgow Scotland UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 15: Caird Hall Dundee, Scotland UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 16: City Hall Newcastle England UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 17: Birmingham Odeon in Birmingham, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 18: Leisure Centre, Gloucester England. With Limelight. (Cancelled)
1980, Dec 18: Malvern Winter Gardens in Great Malvern, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 19: Hammersmith Odeon in London, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
- Heavy Metal Thunder
- See the Light Shining
- Backs to the Wall
- Hungry Years
- Hungry Years (cut) / Frozen Rainbow (cut)
- Strong Arm of the Law
- 20,000 feet
- 747 Strangers in the Night
- Freeway Mad
- Dallas 1pm
- Stand Up and Be Counted
- Stallions of the Highway
- Wheels of Steel
- Motorcycle Man
- Machine Gun
Recordings
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 80′
Audio quality: C
Media: 1 CD
Recording type: Audience
Audio format: Lossless
Total running time: 75′
Audio quality: A
Venue
1980, Dec 20: Hammersmith Odeon in London, England, UK (with Limelight)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
Venue
1980, Dec 21: Kimberly Leisure Gardens, Nottingham England (with Taurus)
Set list
Unknown, set list wanted
1980, Dec 22: At Wirrina Stadium, Peterborough, England UK (with Taurus)
Set list
Venue
1980, Dec 23: Hull City Hall in Kingston upon Hull, England, UK (with Taurus)
Set list
Venue
All known recordings
| Date | Location | Recording | Time | Quality | Bootleg | Official release |
| 23-1-1980 | London, Maida Vale Studio 4, England | FM | 18 | A | CD | No |
| 23-1-1980 | London, Maida Vale Studio 4, England | CD | 18 | A | CD | Yes |
| 17-3-1980 | Sheffield, City Hall, England | AUD | 30 | D | CD | No |
| 2-4-1980 | London, Rainbow Theatre, England | AUD | 41 | D | CD | No |
| 21-4-1980 | Newcastle, City Hall, England | AUD | 71 | C | CD | No |
| 28-4-1980 | Sheffield, City Hall, England | FM | 18 | A | CD | No |
| 1-5-1980 | Barnstable, Chequeers, England | AUD | 63 | C | CD | No |
| 5-5-1980 | Bradford, St. Georges Hall, England | AUD | 65 | C | CD | No |
| 31-5-1980 | Manchester, Apollo, England | AUD | 85 | B | CD | No |
| 2-6-1980 | Aberdeen, Capitol Theatre, Scotland | AUD | 62 | D | CD | No |
| 4-6-1980 | Wakefield, Unity Hall, England | AUD | 48 | D | CD | No |
| 16-8-1980 | Castle Donington, Park, England | AUD | 44 | D | CD | No |
| 16-8-1980 | Castle Donington, Park, England | SB | 45 | C | CD | No |
| 16-8-1980 | Castle Donington, Park, England | CD | 43 | A | CD | Yes |
| 24-8-1980 | St. Goarshausen, Loreley Amphi-Theater, Germany | AUD | 45 | D | CD | No |
| 25-9-1980 | Philadelphia PA, Spectrum, USA | AUD | 45 | D | CD | No |
| 26-9-1980 | Largo MD, Capital Center, USA | AUD | 45 | C | CD | No |
| 28-11-1980 | Sheffield, City Hall*, England | AUD | 77 | E | CD | No |
| 1-12-1980 | Manchester, Apollo, England | AUD | 63 | B | CD | No |
| 1-12-1980 | Manchester, Apollo, England | AUD | 32 | D | CD | No |
| 9-12-1980 | Derby, Assembly Rooms, England | FM | 48 | A | CD | No |
| 11-12-1980 | Middlesbrough, Town Hall, England | AUD | 75 | D | CD | No |
| 19-12-1980 | London, Hammersmith Odeon, England | AUD | 80 | C | CD | No |
| 19-12-1980 | London, Hammersmith Odeon, England | AUD | 75 | A | CD | No |
Hi,
Was the Saxon gig on 2nd April 1980 supported by Lionheart? It doesn’t say on your list but I think it was, because that was my first ever gig!
Great work!
Mark.
Thanks for the information, we added this concert to the site.
Hi,
My first gig was also Saxon, on the ‘Strong Arm of the Law’ tour, at the Halifax Civic Theatre. The support act was Tora, Tora, Tora ! It was before 28.03.81. because that was my secong gig, Motorhead at Queen’s Hall, Leeds on the ‘Ace of Spades’ tour.
I can’t find a mention of it anywhere, and am starting to question my own sanity ? But, you’re first gig…you remember nearly every detail !
You’re confirmation of said event would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Tom.
Thanks for the message Tom, i will check it and add it if i can find something.
The cancelled Bracknell show was rescheduled for December 1980, at least I have made a note of attending then, although the exact date has been lost!
Thanks Mark for the onfo. I will do some research and i will try to find the exact date.
I think it was rescheduled to 23 Jan 1981
Fantastic information! I am actually researching Limelight who supported Saxon on many of the dates above. Would love to hear from anyone with recordings of Limelights performances with a view to a trade.
Thanks Keith, i will ask around if somebody has a Limelight recording. Will let you know if i find something.