Saxon frontman, co-founder and lead vocalist singer Biff Byford has revealed he is battling cancer, via a special post on the band’s social media channels, and thus the reason for the cancellation of a number of live dates.
Diagnosed after the band’s Japanese jour in late April, Byford had an operation and is now due “mopping-up” chemotherapy treatment.
Byford discussed the postponement of Saxon’s French and Spanish shows until April and May of next year while he undergoes a short period of chemotherapy but has been told by doctors that his prognosis going forward is positive. All tickets will remain valid for the new rescheduled dates which will be announced on Saxon’s socials imminently.
Byford’s treatment also impacts on the band’s scheduled festival performances at both Trutnoff Open Air, with the band’s appearance later this month having to be cancelled, and Neuborn Open Air, also later this month, now postponed until the festival’s 2026 edition.
The singer reassure fans that both the band’s special Hell, Fire And Steel UK & Ireland Tour this November will be going ahead as planned along with Saxon’s headline performance at Metal Hammer Paradise in Lübeck, Germany. The Hell Fire And Steel UK Tour is currently close to being sold out, so fans are advised to grab the last few tickets quickly to avoid disappointment, as this will be the last opportunity to see the band this year in UK and Ireland and to hear the band’s classic Wheels Of Steel album played in full for the last time from start to finish.
Our best to Biff Byford for a swift full recovery.
For more information and last tickets for all shows go to here.
