Shock for Metal Fans: Saxon Cancels Concerts After Emergency Surgery of Frontman Biff Byford
In the midst of the festival summer, this bombshell hits like a bomb. Ten planned performances by the rock titans have to be canceled. It hits the German fans particularly hard, as three concerts in this country are affected. These include not only the performance at the Oberhausen Turbinenhalle on July 29, but also two of the largest and most popular German festivals: the legendary Wacken Open Air on August 1 and the Summer Breeze Festival in Dinkelsbühl on August 16. One can only imagine the disappointment of the fans who were already looking forward to the power of the Brits.
What happened to Biff?
In an official statement, the band announced that they were really looking forward to the festival summer. However, the health of the members has absolute priority. Singer Biff Byford had to undergo a surgical procedure. The exact type of operation was not disclosed. But the fact that an immediate cancellation of so many concerts was necessary suggests that it is a serious matter.
Your tickets: What now?
For all those who have already purchased tickets for the affected shows, there is at least a glimmer of hope: The band is already working with the organizers on replacement dates. Those who wish to return their tickets should contact the sales outlets where the tickets were purchased. So, don't despair, but take action!
The List of Affected Concerts
So you know exactly whether your desired concert is affected, here is the complete list of canceled Saxon shows:
- 12. Juli: Area 53 Festival, Leoben (Österreich)
- 24. Juli: Lokomotivat, Ekilstuna (Schweden)
- 25. Juli: Öland Rock Festival, Borgholm (Schweden)
- 26. Juli: Garden, Linköping (Schweden)
- 27. Juli: Furuvik, Gävle (Schweden)
- 29. Juli: Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen (Deutschland)
- 31. Juli: Pol’And’Rock Festival, Czaplinek (Polen)
- 1. August: Wacken Open Air, Wacken (Deutschland)
- 9. August: E Town Rock, Ekenäs (Finnland)
- 16. August: Summer Breeze Festival, Dinkelsbühl (Deutschland)
But There is Hope!
The good news is: This is not a permanent cancellation! After their last performance on Tuesday evening, the band is taking a six-week break. But fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as Saxon will return to the stage later this year. The comeback is already planned for the end of August. The Trutnoff Open Air Festival in the Czech Republic on August 23 is set to be the first performance after Biff's recovery, followed by the Neuborn Open Air on August 29. So the metal summer is not entirely lost!
A True Rock Fighter
The 74-year-old frontman Biff Byford has repeatedly struggled with health issues in the past. In 2019, he suffered a heart attack and had to undergo a triple bypass. At the end of 2024, he had a hip operation, and in the same year, he was treated for heart arrhythmias. The fact that he keeps returning to the stage and rocking with full energy despite these challenges shows his unwavering will and passion for music. A true rock hero, to whom we all now wish a quick and full recovery!
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.