SAXON - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release 12" Vinyl LP Album

SAXON's 1980"Wheels of Steel," a pivotal release in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, made its mark on Germany and Holland with a 12" Vinyl LP. Recorded at London's Ramport Studios, its anthemic tracks and raw energy captivated metal enthusiasts. The strategic European release showcased SAXON's international appeal, contributing to the band's enduring influence in the global heavy metal scene.

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

 

Large Album Front Cover Photo of SAXON  - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release

Essential Album Information For: SAXON - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release

"Wheels of Steel" Album Description:

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. However, your mention of a Germany/Holland release adds an intriguing layer to the story.

The European release of "Wheels of Steel" on 12" Vinyl LP brought the thunderous sound of SAXON to the continent, captivating metal enthusiasts and contributing to the burgeoning heavy metal scene in Germany and Holland. This period was characterized by the rising popularity of heavy metal across Europe, as bands like SAXON played a pivotal role in shaping the genre.

During the late '70s and early '80s, heavy metal was undergoing a transformative phase. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement was in full swing, and SAXON emerged as one of its leading forces. The band's blend of powerful riffs, anthemic melodies, and gritty vocals resonated with audiences, earning them a dedicated fan base.

The choice of Ramport Studios for recording added a touch of British authenticity to the album. The studio, located in London, was known for its association with prominent artists, contributing to the rich musical history of the city. This setting played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive sound of "Wheels of Steel."

The production, led by Pete Hinton and the band itself, showcased the raw energy and musical prowess of SAXON. The album's tracks, including the title track "Wheels of Steel," "747 (Strangers in the Night)," and "Motorcycle Man," became anthems for a generation of metal enthusiasts.

The decision to release the album in Germany and Holland further solidified SAXON's international presence. The European release strategy was a testament to the band's growing popularity beyond the UK, reflecting the global appeal of heavy metal during that era.

In Germany and Holland, the album found a receptive audience eager for the electrifying sound of SAXON. The vibrant metal scenes in these countries embraced the album, contributing to its success and the band's increasing influence.

The 12" Vinyl LP format was a popular choice for music enthusiasts during this time, offering a tangible and collectible way to experience the music. The album cover, with its distinctive artwork and design, became an iconic representation of the era.

Music Genre:

British Heavy Metal ( NWOBHM )

Label & Catalognr:

Parlophone ‎– 1C 038 15 7642 1

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

1980 Germany and Holland/Netherlands

SAXON - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release Production & Recording Information

Producers:

Pete Hinton - Producer

  Pete Hinton is a British Music producer, during the 1980s he has produced records for bands like: Saxon , Demon , Deathwish, Coroner and many others.

Saxon - Producer

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Will Reid Dick - Sound Engineer

 Will Reid-Dick an English producer, engineer, mastering engineer and musician, during the 1980s responsible for some NWOBHM records from Motorhead , Saxon but also for German bands like Rage , Sinner and several others.

Recording Location:

This album was recorded Ramport Studios - London, UK


Musicians:

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.

Paul Quinn - Guitars

  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"

Graham Oliver - Guitars

  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”.

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" .

 

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Motorcycle Man
  2. Stand Up and be Counted
  3. 747 (Strangers in the Night)
  4. Wheels of Steel
Tracklisting 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 - Germany / Holland Release High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of SAXON - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release
Front Cover Photo Of SAXON  - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release

 

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. 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 - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release
Photo of album back cover SAXON  - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release

 

Close up of record's label SAXON - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release Side One:
Close up of record's label SAXON  - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release Side One

Record Label Details: Parlophone Black record label with silver lettering 1C 038-15 7642 1 . ℗ 1980 Original sound recordings made by EMI Records Ltd. LC 0299, GEMA, STEMRA, "MADE IN EEC" near 8'o clock, Boxed EMI an Parlophone logos. Label's rim-text in English and German

Photo of Side One of SAXON - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release
Photo of Side One of SAXON  - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release

 

Photo of Side Two of SAXON - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release
Photo of Side Two of SAXON  - Wheels Of Steel - Germany / Holland Release

 

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.