A product of the new wave of British heavy metal, Saxon got its start back in 1975 and broke out in the 1980s. Given that 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the band, the group decided to schedule numerous performances to celebrate Saxon’s legacy. While excited to hit the road, the members found themselves without a singer after Biff Byford needed to undergo emergency surgery, causing Saxon to cancel a slew of concerts.
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Although preparing for their upcoming concert, nothing could have prepared Saxon for needing to cancel 10 concerts after Byford needed to focus on his health. Over the years, Byford has struggled with his health as he suffered a heart attack back in 2019, which led to him having a triple bypass heart surgery. In August of 2024, he found himself on the operating table once again to treat a heart rhythm abnormality. At the time, he told fans, “I feel a bit like a train hit me.” He added, “Home now and resting.”
As for his new health issue, Saxon didn’t release much information as to what happened to Byford. The band wrote on Facebook, “Saxon are sorry to announce the immediate cancellation of 10 Summer shows and Festival appearances while singer Biff Byford undergoes an emergency procedure.”
[RELATED: Saxon’s Biff Byford Bluntly Opposes KISS Avatars: “I Don’t Think They Should Do It”]
Saxon Hopes To Return To The Stage In August
A spokesperson from Saxon shared some insight into when the band will return to the stage, explaining, “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 Aug. 23 and Neuborn Open Air on Aug. 29.”
While not wanting to disappoint those fans who purchased tickets to see them perform, the spokesperson insisted, “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.”
With Byford focusing on his health and Saxon supporting his recovery, only time will tell when the heavy metal band will return.
(Photo by Enric Fontcuberta/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
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