Saxon and Black Star Riders, that’s an excellent combination. Orange County was in for a treat, as they did a one-off show at the City National Grove in Anaheim, California April 20.
Having the night off during the Judas Priest‘s Firepower tour, the boy’s were ready to rock. I couldn’t wait.
Black Star Riders opened their set with All Hell Breaks Loose off the song titled album, they couldn’t have said it, or I should say sang it any better as Ricky Warwick, Scott Gorham, Damon Johnson, Robert Crane and Chad Szeliga kick it into gear, followed by Jailbreak (Thin Lizzy cover), I was beside myself, conflicted on taking photos or rock out, I loved it.
Formed in 2012, Black Star Riders recently released their third studio album Heavy Fire in February 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records, including three songs into their eleven song set, Heavy Fire, Who Rides the Tiger and When the Night Comes In.
To sum it all up, All Hell Breaks Loose, with a Jailbreak, there was Heavy Fire with The Killer Instinct from The Boys Are Back in Town, and they are Bound for Glory!! My expectations were high, and they went above and beyond, it was my first time seeing them live, definitely not my last, I loved them. Connect with BSR on all social media, for news and tour dates.
Black Star Riders’ Setlist
All Hell Breaks Loose
Jailbreak (Thin Lizzy Cover)
Heavy Fire
Soldierstown
Who Rides the Tiger
Before the War
The Killer Instinct
When the Night Comes In
The Boys are Back in Town (Thin Lizzy cover)
Kingdom of the Lost
Bound for Glory
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Orange County didn’t have much of a wait for the almighty Saxon to grace the stage at the Grove of Anaheim. Actually, it was just a little over a year. Missing their tours in 2013 & 2015, I’m making up for lost time having the honor of covering their show in support of their 2015 release Battering Ram in 2017, and now in support of their latest release Thunderbolt via Silver Lining Music.
Biff Byford, Nibbs Carter, Paul Quinn, Doug Scarrett and Nigel Glockler hit the stage like a streak of lightning opening with the title track Thunderbolt off the album released February 2018, following with Sacrifice off the 2013 song titled album, and rounding out the first three songs with Nosferatu (Vampires Waltz) off the new release Thunderbolt. The head thrashing and the hair was flying from the first note.
Over 4 decades, twenty-two studio albums, more live albums than I can count there is a wealth of material to make a set list. Twenty-one songs total, and two encore’s, primarily focusing on the latest release Thunderbolt, songs included Sniper, The Secret Flight Plan, Predator, They Played Rock and Roll and Sons of Odin, their loyal fans sang loud and proud every word, proving again Saxon can please their fans with every release. Adding songs from their albums released in the 80tys, plus a dedication to drummer Nigel Glockler wife who runs their social media site, Rock ˈnˈ Roll Gypsy off the song titled “Live” album.
This being Saxon’s only headlining show in the area, it was well deserved. Is it possible Byford and the boys can outshine themselves year after year? Like a fine wine, right to the last note.
Connect with Saxon on all social media for the latest tour updates and news. Pick up the newest release Thunderbolt; you’ll love it!
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Saxon Setlist
Thunderbolt
Sacrifice
Nosferatu (The Vampires Waltz)
Motorcycle Man
Strong Arm of the Law
Battering Ram
Power and the Glory
Sniper
The Secret of Flight
Dallas 1PM
Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsy (dedicated to Nigel’s wife)
And the Bands Played On
Predator
They Played Rock and Roll
747 (Strangers in the Night)
Sons of Odin
Crusader
Princess of the Night
Encore:
Heavy Metal Thunder
Wheels of Steel
Encore 2
Denim and Leather
All photos by Tammy Greene
©2018. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
Black Star Riders
Saxon
