Saxon rewound to 1980 in Dublin on Wednesday night [5th November 2025], performing their breakthrough 'Wheels of Steel' album in full at the city's ornate Olympia Theatre. They brought with them Dirkschneider featuring a brace of Accept originals, who performed the band's 'Balls to the Wall' masterwork in full, making it a night fuelled by nostalgia.
Photo; Darren McLoughlin
As if the crowd aren't already awash with nostalgia having witnessed Udo Dirkschneider and band rip through Accept's 1983 high watermark 'Balls to the Wall', Biff Byford hammers it home; "there were no mobile phones, no Internet, no CDs. The only thing there was, was vinyl and cassettes, and magazines, and radio stations; remember them?", says a man as happy to look back as the sold-out the denim and leather-clad crowd at Dublin's Olympia Theatre.
Saxon last played here under very different circumstances. Just over two years ago, the NWOBHM heroes were - unbeknown to the crowd at the time - witnessing one of the final shows to feature original guitarist Paul Quinn. With the founder stepping away from the band after almost five decades just a fortnight later, it was unclear where they'd go from here.
However with Diamond Head's Brian Tatler stepping into the fold seamlessly, the classic metal act have been reborn. There's a new sense of purpose and definite lift in energy, and as they take to the stage clamoured around Nigel Glockler's kit - à la Judas Priest, who they shared a bill with in 2024 - they're in defiantly valiant form.
This is all the more deserved when you consider that Byford has been receiving cancer treatment that has forced the postponement of a huge chunk of this 'Hell, Fire and Steel' tour. Not that you'd know it, for from the off the front man is in fierce form, both vocally, and in with his usual on stage antics and banter.
The band too seem pumped after a longer than usual break, and kicking off with the title track of latest album 'Hell, Fire and Damnation', there's an almost tangible fire in their belly.
Although a newie, it slots in perfectly alongside classic track 'The Power and the Glory', which follows, and the first set continues in a similar vein, mixing the old with the new, as the Jurassic 'Backs to the Wall' from their 1979 debut, rubs shoulders with 2024's 'Madam Guillotine'.
Saxon last played here under very different circumstances. Just over two years ago, the NWOBHM heroes were - unbeknown to the crowd at the time - witnessing one of the final shows to feature original guitarist Paul Quinn. With the founder stepping away from the band after almost five decades just a fortnight later, it was unclear where they'd go from here.
However with Diamond Head's Brian Tatler stepping into the fold seamlessly, the classic metal act have been reborn. There's a new sense of purpose and definite lift in energy, and as they take to the stage clamoured around Nigel Glockler's kit - à la Judas Priest, who they shared a bill with in 2024 - they're in defiantly valiant form.
This is all the more deserved when you consider that Byford has been receiving cancer treatment that has forced the postponement of a huge chunk of this 'Hell, Fire and Steel' tour. Not that you'd know it, for from the off the front man is in fierce form, both vocally, and in with his usual on stage antics and banter.
The band too seem pumped after a longer than usual break, and kicking off with the title track of latest album 'Hell, Fire and Damnation', there's an almost tangible fire in their belly.
Although a newie, it slots in perfectly alongside classic track 'The Power and the Glory', which follows, and the first set continues in a similar vein, mixing the old with the new, as the Jurassic 'Backs to the Wall' from their 1979 debut, rubs shoulders with 2024's 'Madam Guillotine'.
Doug Scarratt and Brian Tatler of Saxon, Dublin 2025
It's only the second date of the run, but Biff is in fine form as he greets the audience; "well, its good to be back with our friends in Dublin", he declares; "I think we sold this place out tonight. Fucking fantastic!"
Making full use of the giant video screen behind them with animated backdrops which bring the band's iconic album covers to life, 'Dallas 1pm' sees footage of John F Kennedy's tragic final visit to the Texan city used, bringing the song's lyrics to life.
Of course the real treat is the 'Wheels of Steel' album being played in full. "So, 1980, the was album released", announces Byford; "Some of you weren't fucking born in 1980!" And with that the engines rev, as 'Motorcycle Man' bursts into life.
Firing through the album with barely a pause for breath, deep tracks like 'Street Fighting Gang' and 'Machine Gun' are back in the set for the first time - bar just two plays in the 2010s - since its release. '747 (Strangers in the Night)' and the title track meanwhile, are welcomed like the classics they are, and with the crowd at their most receptive, Biff tantalisingly teases "we're recording you!"
Whether a live album is in the works or not, one thing's for sure, a follow up to the excellent 'Hell, Fire and Damnation' is on the way, with Byford revealing that it's written and will be recorded when the tour reaches its end.
Back in the room it's a trio of the band's best to see the night out, with ultimate Saxon anthem 'Denim and Leather', recounting of the 1980 Monsters of Rock festival 'And the Bands Played On', and a storming 'Princess of the Night' bringing the house down.
Although a celebration of their past, Saxon, and in particular Biff Byford's return to the stage feels less like a nostalgia trip and more like a statement of renewed power. With Tatler injecting fresh fire into their sound and Byford proving as commanding as ever despite recent battles, they stand as proud torchbearers for the spirit of 1980. Decades on, Saxon remind us that those wheels doesn’t rust, they only shines brighter with time.
Check out our gallery from the festival. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
Making full use of the giant video screen behind them with animated backdrops which bring the band's iconic album covers to life, 'Dallas 1pm' sees footage of John F Kennedy's tragic final visit to the Texan city used, bringing the song's lyrics to life.
Of course the real treat is the 'Wheels of Steel' album being played in full. "So, 1980, the was album released", announces Byford; "Some of you weren't fucking born in 1980!" And with that the engines rev, as 'Motorcycle Man' bursts into life.
Firing through the album with barely a pause for breath, deep tracks like 'Street Fighting Gang' and 'Machine Gun' are back in the set for the first time - bar just two plays in the 2010s - since its release. '747 (Strangers in the Night)' and the title track meanwhile, are welcomed like the classics they are, and with the crowd at their most receptive, Biff tantalisingly teases "we're recording you!"
Whether a live album is in the works or not, one thing's for sure, a follow up to the excellent 'Hell, Fire and Damnation' is on the way, with Byford revealing that it's written and will be recorded when the tour reaches its end.
Back in the room it's a trio of the band's best to see the night out, with ultimate Saxon anthem 'Denim and Leather', recounting of the 1980 Monsters of Rock festival 'And the Bands Played On', and a storming 'Princess of the Night' bringing the house down.
Although a celebration of their past, Saxon, and in particular Biff Byford's return to the stage feels less like a nostalgia trip and more like a statement of renewed power. With Tatler injecting fresh fire into their sound and Byford proving as commanding as ever despite recent battles, they stand as proud torchbearers for the spirit of 1980. Decades on, Saxon remind us that those wheels doesn’t rust, they only shines brighter with time.
Check out our gallery from the festival. All photos by Darren McLoughlin.
