SAXON - WHEELS OF STEEL 12" Vinyl LP Album

- USA Release

Alright, metal maniacs! Saxon's "Wheels of Steel" is about to take you on a sonic joyride straight through the heart of the NWOBHM. This ain't no tea and biscuits affair, mind you. It's a full-throttle blast of riffs, rebellion, and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll swagger. So grab your leather jacket, crank up the volume, and get ready to feel the wind in your hair as Saxon takes you on a journey you won't soon forget. Just remember, keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times... unless you're Biff Byford, in which case, go wild!

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

 

Album Front cover of Saxon’s Wheels of Steel featuring the band’s red logo with a stylized axe, a silver eagle with outstretched wings perched on a motorcycle wheel, and a gradient background transitioning from black to blue

Saxon's "Wheels of Steel" (US Release): A Steel-Plated Classic Forged in the NWOBHM's White-Hot Furnace
Album Description:

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal's earth-shattering eruption, but had he survived, Saxon's 1980 US release of "Wheels of Steel" would have surely ignited his rock 'n' roll soul. This 12" vinyl LP, Saxon's second studio album, wasn't just another heavy metal record; it was a seismic shockwave that reverberated across the Atlantic, leaving an indelible mark on the burgeoning US metal scene.

Historical Context: Riding the NWOBHM Wave

In 1980, the UK was ground zero for a musical revolution. Punk's rebellious spirit had paved the way for a new breed of hard rock bands, hungry, raw, and fueled by a working-class fury. Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and Judas Priest were leading the charge, and Saxon, hailing from the gritty steel town of Barnsley, were ready to stake their claim. "Wheels of Steel" was their battle cry, a defiant declaration of intent.

Musical Exploration: A Steel-Plated Sonic Assault

Saxon weren't reinventing the wheel; they were perfecting it. "Wheels of Steel" was a masterclass in heavy metal songwriting, a relentless barrage of razor-sharp riffs, thunderous drums, and Biff Byford's soaring vocals. From the opening salvo of the title track to the anthemic "747 (Strangers in the Night)," Saxon delivered a sonic assault that was both exhilarating and undeniably catchy.

The album's production, helmed by Pete Hinton and the band themselves at Ramport Studios in London, captured Saxon's raw energy and power. This wasn't the over-polished, radio-friendly sound that would later dominate the genre; this was heavy metal in its purest, most visceral form.

Anthems that Echo Through Time

Several songs from "Wheels of Steel" have become staples of Saxon's live shows and fan favorites. The title track, with its driving rhythm and infectious chorus, is an undisputed classic. "747 (Strangers in the Night)" is a soaring power ballad that showcases Byford's vocal range and emotional depth. "Motorcycle Man" is a high-octane rocker that celebrates the freedom of the open road. These songs, along with other album highlights like "Freeway Mad" and "See the Light Shining," have solidified "Wheels of Steel"'s legacy as a heavy metal masterpiece.

Controversies: Fueling the Fire

Saxon weren't afraid to court controversy. The album's lyrics tackled themes of rebellion, working-class struggles, and the darker side of life. Songs like "Motorcycle Man" and "Street Fighting Gang" resonated with disaffected youth, while the album cover, featuring a motorcycle crashing through a brick wall, was a visual statement of defiance.

Legacy: Rolling On

"Wheels of Steel" wasn't just a commercial success; it was a cultural touchstone. It helped solidify Saxon's position as one of the NWOBHM's leading lights, and its influence can still be heard in countless heavy metal bands today. The album's US release was a crucial step in Saxon's global conquest, introducing their music to a wider audience and paving the way for their future success.

In the grand narrative of heavy metal, "Wheels of Steel" stands as a monument to Saxon's enduring power and influence. It's a reminder of a time when heavy metal was raw, rebellious, and unapologetically loud. It's an album that continues to inspire and excite, a steel-plated classic that will forever roll on.

Saxon's "Motorcycle Man": A High-Octane Anthem of Freedom and Rebellion
Album Description:

In the heart of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal's roaring engine, Saxon's "Motorcycle Man" stands as a chrome-plated testament to the untamed spirit of rock 'n' roll. This thunderous track, featured on their iconic 1980 album "Wheels of Steel," captures the essence of youthful rebellion, the thrill of the open road, and the unyielding desire for freedom.

The Song's Essence: Born to be Wild

At its core, "Motorcycle Man" is an ode to the motorcycle, a symbol of liberation and escape. Biff Byford's raspy vocals paint a vivid picture of a leather-clad rider, tearing down the highway, leaving the constraints of everyday life in his dust. The song's lyrics are simple yet evocative, capturing the exhilaration of speed, the wind in your hair, and the feeling of being truly alive.

Musical Prowess: A Sonic Ride

Musically, "Motorcycle Man" is a high-octane thrill ride. The song opens with a revving engine sound, setting the stage for the explosive energy that follows. Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn's twin guitars deliver a blistering assault of riffs, while Steve Dawson's pounding drums and Pete Gill's driving bass propel the song forward with relentless force. Byford's vocals, meanwhile, are a perfect match for the song's raw power, soaring above the instrumentation with a mix of defiance and joy.

Cultural Impact: Riding the Wave

Released in 1980, "Motorcycle Man" perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the NWOBHM era. It was a time of social unrest, economic hardship, and a growing sense of disillusionment among Britain's youth. The song's themes of rebellion and escape resonated with a generation looking for an outlet for their frustrations.

"Motorcycle Man" quickly became a fan favorite, and its popularity helped solidify Saxon's position as one of the leading lights of the NWOBHM. The song remains a staple of their live shows, and its enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless message of freedom and individuality.

Beyond the Lyrics: A Universal Anthem

While "Motorcycle Man" is rooted in the specific context of the NWOBHM, its themes are universal. The desire for freedom, the thrill of adventure, and the spirit of rebellion are timeless human experiences. The song's enduring popularity speaks to its ability to connect with listeners on a deep, emotional level.

Conclusion: The Ride Never Ends

Saxon's "Motorcycle Man" is more than just a heavy metal song; it's an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the urge to break free from the constraints of society and chart their own course. It's a celebration of the open road, the power of the individual, and the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Watch Saxon's "Motorcycle Man":

Album Production information: 

The album: "Wheels of Steel" was produced by: Saxon and Pete Hinton

  • Pete Hinton – Record producer

    The Carrere A&R who signed Saxon and helped their early 80s metal hit like steel.

    Pete Hinton is the catalyst who helped turn UK metal into chartable thunder. Raised on 60s radio grit, he surfaced at Carrere UK (1978-1984) as A&R and producer, signing Saxon (formed 1976: Biff Byford, Graham Oliver, Paul Quinn, Steve Dawson, Pete Gill) in 1979 and steering the breakthrough punch of "Wheels of Steel" (1980) and "Strong Arm of the Law" (1980); he stayed in the "Denim and Leather" orbit as mixer/partial producer (1981). Early 80s he produced Demon (1982 "The Unexpected Guest" plus singles). Late 80s he jumped borders, producing Deathwish (1987) and Coroner's "No More Color" (1989). His biggest controversy was label politics: budgets shifted, producers got swapped, and he walked away in 1984 rather than play nice.

    • Sound / Recording engineer: Will Reid-Dick

  • Will Reid-Dick – Producer, engineer

    The behind-the-glass trouble-shooter who went from Thin Lizzy to Motörhead and kept the tape rolling.

    Will Reid-Dick, I first noticed him as the guy behind the glass who could make chaos sound deliberate. Coming out of the 70s hard-rock studio grind, he shows up on records right where heavy metal starts turning professional: engineering Thin Lizzy's 1976 "Johnny the Fox" (Lynott, Gorham, Robertson, Downey), then helping capture Saxon's early NWOBHM punch on 1980's "Strong Arm of the Law" (Byford, Oliver, Quinn, Dawson, Gill). In 1982 he co-produced Motörhead's "Iron Fist" with "Fast" Eddie Clarke (Lemmy, Clarke, Phil Taylor) — a tense, rushed session that became as infamous as it was loud. By the late 80s he was producing Thunderhead (1989), proof his ears travelled well.

    • Music Genre:

    NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal

    Record Label & Catalognr:

    Carrere CAR 38-126

    Media Format:

    12" Vinyl Full-Length Stereo Long-Play  Gramophone Record
    Album weight: 230 gram  

    Year & Country:

    1980 Made in USA
    Band Members and Musicians on: Saxon Wheels of Steel NWOBHM
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Biff Byford - Vocals
    • Biff Byford – Vocals

      Saxon's iron-lung frontman since 1976, still turning choruses into marching orders.

      Biff Byford, Saxon's storm-tested voice, is the bloke who can turn a chorus into a pub chant and a battle order in the same breath. I first clock him in the mid-1970s fronting Son of a Bitch, then he takes the wheel when Saxon forms in 1976 and never really lets go. The NWOBHM years are where he stamps the passport: "Wheels of Steel" and "Strong Arm of the Law" (1980) push them into headliner territory, and "Denim and Leather" (1981) seals the tribe. The mid-80s gloss got purists grumbling, but he kept touring and recording through the 1990s. Later he went solo with "School of Hard Knocks" (2020) and formed Heavy Water with his son. He never sang like he was asking permission.

      Biff Byford Wiki
    • Graham Oliver - Guitar
    • Graham Oliver – Guitar

      Saxon co-founder (1976–1995), twin-lead architect, later keeping the flame alive with Oliver/Dawson Saxon.

      Graham Oliver, Saxon’s original lead guitarist, is the bloke who made those early twin-lead harmonies feel like two motorbikes racing down the same hill. I remember him from the Son of a Bitch days (mid-1970s), then as a Saxon founder from 1976 to 1995 through the classic NWOBHM punch—“Wheels of Steel” and “Strong Arm of the Law” (1980), “Denim and Leather” (1981)—where his tone stayed bright, sharp, and just a bit reckless. After leaving, the band-name dispute turned into paperwork warfare. From the late 1990s into the 2000s he resurfaced with Oliver/Dawson Saxon, keeping the old songs alive with Steve Dawson. Not tidy. Not polite. Very Oliver.

      Graham Oliver Wiki
    • Paul Quinn - Guitar
    • Paul Quinn – Guitar

      Founding Saxon guitarist (1975–present; not touring since 2023) with riffs that hit like a rivet gun.

      Paul Quinn is the quiet engine of Saxon, a Barnsley guitarist who helped turn late-70s pub grit into NWOBHM muscle. I first clock him in Son of a Bitch (1975-1978), then in Saxon from 1978 onward, locking riffs with Graham Oliver while Biff Byford barked the orders. The early run hit like a double punch: "Wheels of Steel" and "Strong Arm of the Law" (1980), then "Denim and Leather" (1981) when the scene became a tribe. He kept the machine running through the 80s and into the early 90s, even when labels wanted polish and the fans wanted blood. In 2023 he stepped back from touring; Brian Tatler took the live seat, while Quinn stayed on for studio work. Sensible, sure. Still stings.

      Paul Quinn Wiki
    • Steve Dawson - Bass
    • Steve "Dobby" Dawson – Bass guitar

      I still hear his bass under "Wheels of Steel" like motorway rumble you can't un-hear.

      Steve "Dobby" Dawson, is the Sheffield-born low-end anchor who helped turn pub-blues into full-bore NWOBHM thunder. My first note on him is Blue Condition (1970-1974), tightening into SOB (1974-1975), then Son of a Bitch (1975-1978) before the name finally snapped into Saxon (1978-1986). On record he's the calm steel beam under the early classics, locking in the kick, nudging the chorus, and leaving space for the twin guitars to do their hooligan dance. Worker's punch: steady eighth-notes, clean runs, backing vocals when needed, and absolutely no 'look at me' nonsense. After 1986 he reunited with Graham Oliver for Oliver/Dawson Saxon (1996-2021), touring and recording to keep the original-era spark alive.

      Steve "Dobby" Dawson Wiki
    • Pete Gill - Drums
    • Pete Gill – Drums

      I always liked drummers who hit like they mean it, and Gill was built for the job.

      Pete Gill, Sheffield drummer with a backbeat like a rivet gun, is the original engine behind Saxon's early charge. I first clock him as one of The Glitter Band's twin drummers (1973), then grinding it out in Son of a Bitch (1977–1979) before the badge changed to Saxon (1979–1981). Those first four studio albums don't breathe without his boots-on-concrete timing—straight, hard, and built for denim-and-leather choruses. A hand injury ended his first Saxon run in 1981, but he didn't fade; he jumped into Motörhead from 1984–1987, recording the new tracks for "No Remorse", the live "The Birthday Party", and the album "Orgasmatron". He returned for one last blast in 1996 with Oliver and Dawson's Son of a Bitch, laying drums on "Victim You".

      Pete Gill Wiki
    Complete Track Listing of: "Wheels of Steel"
      Side One:
    1. Motorcycle Man
    2. Stand Up and be Counted
    3. 747 (Strangers in the Night)
    4. Wheels of Steel
      Side Two:
    1. Freeway Mad
    2. See the Light Shining
    3. Street Fighting Man
    4. Suzie Hold On
    5. Machine Gun

    SAXON - Wheels Of Steel ( USA Release ) High Resolution & Quality Photos

    Front Cover Photo Of SAXON - Wheels Of Steel ( USA Release )
    Album Front cover of Saxon’s Wheels of Steel featuring the band’s red logo with a stylized axe, a silver eagle with outstretched wings perched on a motorcycle wheel, and a gradient background transitioning from black to blue

    This is the front cover of Saxon’s Wheels of Steel album, a classic of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The artwork prominently features the band’s name, Saxon, in a bold red font with a medieval-style logo, incorporating a stylized axe. Below the logo is the album title, Wheels of Steel, in a clean, blocky white font.

    The main graphic depicts a powerful silver eagle with outstretched wings perched atop a motorcycle wheel, symbolizing strength, freedom, and rebellion—core themes of the album’s music. The gradient background transitions from black at the top to blue at the bottom, creating a sleek and dramatic atmosphere. The overall design emphasizes a tough, metallic vibe, perfectly reflecting the heavy metal energy of Saxon during this era.

    Close up of record's label SAXON - Wheels Of Steel ( USA Release ) Side One:
    Red record label of Saxon’s Wheels of Steel album by Carrere Records, featuring the band name, album title, catalog number, and production credits with a vertical Carrere logo on the left.

    The record label for Saxon’s Wheels of Steel (1980) reflects the straightforward style of the NWOBHM era. Set against a bold red background, it features the band’s name and album title prominently centered, with essential details like catalog number, format, and release year clearly displayed. The Carrere Records logo is printed vertically on the left, adding contrast. Production credits highlight Saxon’s collaboration with Pete Hinton and Will Reid Dick, with publishing handled by Carrere Music Ltd. The clean, functional design mirrors the raw energy and unapologetic spirit of the album.

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

    SAXON - Anthology album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Anthology

    Saxon's 'Anthology,' a monumental compilation, emerged in the musical landscape of 1988. The British Heavy Metal icons unveiled this masterpiece as a 12" double LP, a testament to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era. The anthology encapsulates the band's prowess, offering an auditory journey

    Anthology 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - Back on the Streets album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Back on the Streets

    In the mid-1980s, British heavy metal band Saxon released an extended 12" vinyl maxi-single featuring two tracks, "Back on the Streets (Extended Version)" and "Live Fast Die Young". This release aimed to capitalize on the success of their album "Innocence Is No Excuse" and further solidify their position

    Back on the Streets 12" Vinyl Maxi
    SAXON - Crusader album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Crusader

    Saxon's "Crusader," a hallmark of NWOBHM in 1984, exemplifies the genre's evolution. Produced by Kevin Beamish, known for his 1980s metal expertise, the 12" Gatefold vinyl offers a tactile journey. This album, a blend of anthems and experimentation, embodies the era's heavy metal spirit.

    Crusader 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - Denim and Leather album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Denim and Leather

    In the early 1980s, amidst a burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, Saxon released their iconic album "Denim and Leather" on 12" vinyl LP. This album solidified their standing in the genre and became an anthem for the burgeoning heavy metal community.

    Denim and Leather 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed (Canadian and French Releases) album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - The Eagle Has Landed (Canadian and French Releases)

    Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, this live recording transports listeners back to a time when heavy metal was forging its identity, a genre marked by unbridled passion, piercing guitar solos, and anthemic vocals. The early 1980s were a defining period for metal, witnessing the rise of iconic bands

    - The Eagle has Landed Live (1982, Canada) - The Eagle Has Landed Live (1982, France)
    SAXON - Innocence Is No Excuse album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Innocence Is No Excuse

    Saxon's "Innocence Is No Excuse," a seminal British Heavy Metal masterpiece, emerged in 1985 as the band's seventh studio album. Marking their debut with EMI post a rift with Carrere Records, the LP showcases Saxon's resilience and evolution. Its tracks resonate with powerful guitar riffs and anthemic vocal

    Innocence Is No Excuse 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - Power and the Glory album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Power and the Glory

    The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a pivotal moment in the history of heavy metal, giving rise to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This movement, characterized by a raw and energetic sound, emerged as a reaction to the perceived stagnation in the rock and metal scenes of the time.

    Power and the Glory 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - Rock The Nations (British and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Rock The Nations (British and German Releases)

    Saxon's 1986 release, 'Rock The Nations,' epitomizes the NWOBHM era's spirit. Recorded at Wisseloord Studios, the album, featuring Elton John on select tracks, is a testament to Saxon's musical prowess. The production quality at Hilversum elevated their raw sound, contributing to their status as NWOBHM

    - Rock the Nations (1986, England) - Rock The Nations (1986, Germany)

    SAXON - S/T Self-Titled album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - S/T Self-Titled

    Saxon burst onto the music scene at a time when rock music was undergoing a transformation. The late '70s witnessed the emergence of a new wave of British heavy metal, a movement characterized by the fusion of traditional heavy metal with punk and hard rock influences.

    SAXON - Self-Titled 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits

    SAXON's "Strong Arm Metal" is not just an album; it's a journey through the very essence of heavy metal. Released during a period when the genre was exploding with creativity and innovation, the album compiles some of the band's most iconic tracks, showcasing their ability to craft anthems

    Strong Arm Metal, Saxon's Greatest Hits 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - Strong Arm of the Law album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Strong Arm of the Law

    Saxon's 1980 album "Strong Arm of the Law," released on Carrere Records in France, encapsulates the dynamic early 1980s metal scene. A product of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the album's production on a 12" vinyl LP resonates with the era's analog warmth.

    Strong Arm of the Law 12" Vinyl LP
    SAXON - Wheels of Steel (Multiple International Versions) album front cover vinyl record
    SAXON - Wheels of Steel (Multiple International Versions)

    The release of "Wheels of Steel" by the British Heavy Metal band SAXON in 1980 marked a significant moment in the history of the genre. This iconic album, recorded at Ramport Studios in London, UK, and produced by Pete Hinton and Saxon themselves, became a cornerstone in the metal landscape.

    - Wheels of Steel (1980, England) - Wheels of Steels ( 1980, Europe ) - Wheels of Steel (1980, France) - Wheels of Steel (1980, USA)