Alcatraz Line up: 2009, 2017, 2019

With 22 studio albums to their credit and a career that spans the better part of five decades, Saxon have absolutely nothing left to prove. Formed in 1976 in Barnsley, UK, Saxon are true giants of the NWOBHM movement. ‘Saxon’ (1979), ‘Wheels of Steel’ & ‘Strong Arm of the Law’ (both 1980) built a huge fan base for the band, who embarked on several sold-out tours throughout Europe, the US and Japan. Their fourth album ‘Denim and Leather’ (1981) includes such classics as the title track, ‘Never surrender’ and ‘Princess of the Night’. Their fifth full-length was even more successful and consolidated their status as one of the leading European metal acts. In the US their popularity started to wane in the late 80s but in Europe they remained a fan favourite. On 2007’s ‘The Inner Sanctum’, Saxon were back to their old form and their popularity soared once again. They haven’t looked back since and their latest album ‘Thunderbolt’ (2018) is a solid punch to the gut, delivering yet another lethal dose of thunderous and epic old school metal. Even after forty-odd years and with album No. 23 already in the works, Saxon show no signs of slowing down.