SAXON THE EAGLE HAS LANDED Live FRANCE Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

Saxon's "The Eagle Has Landed" French release, a live heavy metal gem from 1981, encapsulates the band's peak performance during their world tour. Recorded in France, it captures the vibrant energy of the burgeoning metal scene. The 12" vinyl LP's production, blending raw live sounds with meticulous mastering, preserves the essence of the era. A cultural artifact, this release remains cherished for its musical prowess and historical significance.

This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.

 

SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Live France Release 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"The Eagle Has Landed" Album Description:

The Saxon live album, "The Eagle Has Landed," holds a special place in the annals of heavy metal history, capturing the essence of the band's electrifying performances during the 1981 United States leg of their world tour. As we delve into the significance of this release, let us explore not only the musical prowess exhibited by Saxon but also the broader cultural context of the time period and the intricacies of production that went into crafting this iconic 12" vinyl LP.

The early 1980s were a transformative era for the heavy metal genre, marked by the rise of numerous iconic bands and the consolidation of its distinctive sound. Saxon, hailing from the United Kingdom, was a formidable force in this movement. With their leather-clad image, powerful vocals, and intricate guitar work, the band quickly gained a dedicated fanbase.

"The Eagle Has Landed" emerged at a pivotal moment in Saxon's career, capturing the band at the peak of their live performance prowess. The year 1981 saw the heavy metal scene expanding its global reach, and Saxon's decision to record the album in France added a unique flair to its international appeal.

The live album format has always been a testament to a band's ability to connect with its audience, and "The Eagle Has Landed" excels in this regard. The raw energy and infectious enthusiasm of the crowd are palpable, creating an immersive experience for the listener. The choice to record in France not only speaks to the band's desire to reach a diverse audience but also adds a touch of European flavor to the album.

Production, a crucial aspect of any musical endeavor, played a pivotal role in bringing the live experience to the vinyl format. The analog nature of 12" vinyl LPs posed both challenges and opportunities. The warm, rich sound that vinyl is known for became a canvas for capturing the nuances of Saxon's performance. From the thunderous drumming to the soaring guitar solos, each element was carefully mixed and mastered to ensure a faithful representation of the live show.

The artwork and packaging of the French release further contribute to the album's allure. Often, the visual elements of a record are as important as the music itself. The cover art, liner notes, and overall design were crafted with a keen understanding of the aesthetic sensibilities of the time.

Album Production team:

Andy Lydon - Sound Engineer

Stewart Eales - Sound Engineer

George Bodnar (RIP 2011) - Photographer

Music Genre:

 NWOBHM New Wave of British Heavy Metal 

Record Label & Catalognr:

Carrere 67870

Media Format:

 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1982 Made in France
Band Members and Musicians on: SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Biff Byford - Vocals

      Biff Byford (real-name: Peter Rodney Byford) born in the year 1951 in Skelmanthorpe, Win England. Lead singer in the bands “Son of a Bitch” from 1977 until 1978, followed by being lead-singer in the SAXON band

     Byford formed Saxon in 1977 and has been a constant member of the band ever since. Over the years, Saxon has become one of the most influential bands in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, and Byford's powerful voice and charismatic stage presence have been a key part of their success.

    In addition to his work with Saxon, Byford has also worked on various solo projects and collaborated with other musicians. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre, and has been referred to as one of the most influential heavy metal singers of all time.

    Byford is known for his unique vocal style, which features a blend of powerful and melodic singing, and his distinctive stage presence and energy have made him a popular figure among heavy metal fans around the world.

  • Graham Oliver - Guitar

      Graham Oliver a guitarist and bass player , born in 1952 Mexborough, England. He was founding member and one of the main song-writer in the British Heavy Metal band Saxon. He started his career around 1975 in a band called “Son of a Bitch”.

  • Paul Quinn - Guitar

      Paul Quinn (full-name: Paul Anthony Quinn) is one of original founding members of Saxon and started in the Coast and "Son Of Bitch Bands"

  • Steve Dawson - Bass

      Steve "Dobby" Dawson was born in 1952 , bass guitar player and one of the founding members of the British Heavy Metal band “SAXON”

  • Pete Gill - Drums

      Pete Gill - Drums, one of the co-founders of the British bands: "Son Of A Bitch" and "Saxon", he has played drums in two major British Heavy Metal bands: "Saxon" and "Motorhead" .

Track Listing of: "SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed"

The Songs/tracks on "SAXON - The Eagle has Landed Live" are

  1. Motorcycle Man - 4:22
  2. 747 (Strangers in the Night) - 4:38
  3. Princess of the Night - 4:20
  4. Strong Arm of the Law - 4:39
  5. Heavy Metal Thunder - 4:09
  6. 20,000 Ft. - 3:26
  7. Wheels of Steel - 8:52
  8. Never Surrender - 3:54
  9. Fire in the Sky - 2:41
  10. Machine Gun - 3:52

 

Front Cover Photo Of SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Live France Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Live France Release 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Live France Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Live France Release 12" Vinyl LP Album back cover

Close up of Side One record's label SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed Live France Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

"The Eagle Has Landed Live (France)" Pink Colour Carrere Record Label Details: CARRERE 67870, SACEM France ℗ 1982 Carrere Sound Copyright

"The Eagle Has Landed Live (France)" Pink Colour Carrere Record Label Details: CARRERE 67870, SACEM France ℗ 1982 Carrere Sound Copyright
 

Saxon: Revving Up the New Wave of British Heavy Metal - A Discography

SAXON Band Information:

Saxon was a British heavy metal band that emerged in the late 1970s and went on to achieve considerable success during the 1980s. The band, which consisted of Biff Byford on vocals, Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn on guitar, Steve Dawson on bass, and Nigel Glockler on drums, was known for their high-energy performances, catchy hooks, and hard-driving riffs.

During the early 1980s, Saxon released a string of successful albums, including "Wheels of Steel" (1980), "Strong Arm of the Law" (1980), and "Denim and Leather" (1981). These albums established Saxon as one of the leading bands in the new wave of British heavy metal, alongside bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard.

One of the defining characteristics of Saxon's music during this period was their use of twin guitar harmonies, a technique popularized by Thin Lizzy and used by many of the leading metal bands of the time. This technique was particularly prominent on songs like "Princess of the Night" and "And the Bands Played On," both of which became fan favorites and staples of the band's live shows.

Saxon's success during the 1980s was not limited to the UK. The band was also popular in the US, where they toured extensively and made a number of high-profile appearances on shows like "The Merv Griffin Show" and "American Bandstand." Their popularity in the US was helped by the fact that they had a sound that was more accessible than some of their contemporaries, with a heavy emphasis on melody and catchy hooks.

Despite their success, Saxon was not without their share of controversies during the 1980s. One of the most notable of these was their decision to play a show in apartheid-era South Africa in 1981, which led to widespread criticism and accusations of racism. The band defended their decision, stating that they did not support apartheid and that their primary motivation was to play for their fans in the country. However, the controversy led to a boycott of the band in some countries, and they were banned from performing in New Zealand and Australia for several years.

There have been several controversies surrounding the English rock band Saxon throughout their career. Here are a few notable ones:

"Denim and Leather" controversy: In 1981, Saxon released their album "Denim and Leather" which paid tribute to their fans and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene. However, the album cover featured a photo of two young boys wearing denim and leather jackets, which some critics and fans felt was inappropriate and exploitative. The band defended the cover, saying it was meant to symbolize the next generation of metal fans.

"Crusader" controversy: In 1984, Saxon released their album "Crusader" which had a title track that was accused of promoting Christian crusades and religious intolerance. The band denied these allegations and said the song was meant to be about standing up for one's beliefs.

Nigel Glockler's firing: In 1987, Saxon fired their drummer Nigel Glockler due to creative differences. This caused a rift in the band and led to several lineup changes over the years.

Graham Oliver's departure: In 1995, Saxon parted ways with guitarist Graham Oliver, who sued the band over trademark infringement for continuing to use the Saxon name without his consent. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and Oliver went on to form his own version of Saxon.

"Solid Ball of Rock" artwork: In 1991, Saxon released their album "Solid Ball of Rock" which featured artwork that was accused of being sexist and objectifying women. The band defended the artwork, saying it was meant to be tongue-in-cheek and not to be taken seriously.

In addition to their controversies, Saxon also faced some internal tensions during the 1980s. One of the most significant of these was the departure of guitarist Graham Oliver in 1995, which was followed by a period of declining commercial success and changes in the band's lineup. However, Saxon remained a popular live act and continued to release new music throughout the 1990s and 2000s.