A LEGENDARY Brit band has been forced to cancel a run of shows as its frontman has emergency surgery.
The group’s management company said “the health and wellbeing of the band obviously has to come first.”
Heavy metal band Saxon have been forced to cancel summer performances[/caption]
Lead singer Biff is set to undergo emergency surgery[/caption]
The band formed back in 1975 – and took on the name Saxon in 1978[/caption]
Saxon formed in Barnsley back in 1975 – and adopted their current name three years later.
Lead vocalist Biff Byford is set to undergo emergency surgery, which requires six weeks of recuperation.
As a result of this, a string of summer performances have been cancelled.
The affected dates are listed in full further down.
The band’s management said: “Saxon were so looking forward to performing at all the below Summer festivals and events, but the health and well-being of the band obviously has to come first.
“It goes without saying that all in Saxon are gutted that they will be unable to perform but look forward to hopefully being back on stage in time to play both Trutnoff Open Air Festival in Czech Republic on August 23 and Neuborn Open Air on August 29.
“The band are also very much looking forward to their upcoming tours of both Spain, France and the UK later this year too.”
Continuing, the management relayed that Saxon are “sorry for any inconvenience” and ask for “patience and understanding”.
It means Saxon’s Swedish club shows on July 24, 26 and 27 are cancelled altogether – with fans advised to seek refunds.
However, the band are working with ticket sellers in order to reschedule other affected dates.
Alongside Biff, other Saxon members include Paul Quinn, Nigel Glockler, Nibbs Carter, Douglas Scaratt and Brian Tatler.
During the 1980s, they had eight Top 40 UK albums – which included two UK top 5 albums.
In addition, Saxon enjoyed success overseas spanning Europe, the United States, Canada, South America and Japan, to name a few.
It comes as rock band Murder Capital have also been forced to cancel gigs.
The Murder Capital are an Irish five-piece who released their third album in February of this year.
Saxon’s cancelled performances
Jul 12: Leoben Area 53 Festival, Austria
Jul 24: Ekilstuna Lokomotivat, Sweden
Jul 25: Borgholm Öland Rock Festival, Sweden
Jul 26: Linköping Garden, Sweden
Jul 27: Gävle Furuvik, Sweden
Jul 29: Oberhausen Turbinenhalle 2, Germany
Jul 31: Czaplinek Pol’And’Rock Festival, Poland
Aug 01: Wacken Open Air, Germany
Aug 09: Finland Stallörsparken, Ekenäs
Aug 16: Dinkelsbühl Summer Breeze Festival, Germany
Posting on social media, the band said: “With heavy hearts, we have to cancel our tour this autumn due to unforeseen financial challenges and the ongoing travel uncertainties.
“This is a bitter pill to swallow. We hope you know how much we wanted to be out there playing these shows for ye all.”
They continued: “Thank you to all our fans that bought tickets, we appreciate your support and can’t wait to come back as soon as the time is right. Sending you all love in these strange times.
“All our summer shows are on, we look forward to seeing everyone out there.”
Biff Byford performing in 1983[/caption]
