BIFF BYFORD: 'This Is The Best SAXON By Far'

In a recent interview with Rockdetector.com, SAXON frontman Biff Byford spoke about the fans' and the media's reaction to the group's new album, "Lionheart".

"I think we all knew as soon as we had finished it that we had something very good on our hands but the initial response from both fans and the critics has showed us that maybe this one is a bit special," he said.

"When you're in the band it's difficult to judge of course, because you're so close to it. Sometimes you can see a lot of work going into one song and then the fans pick up on another one, which you didn't expect. You just have to do your best, try and get the right mix of songs, fast ones, slow ones, epics, rockers, then hope the fans like it.

"But yeah, I think 'Lionheart' is getting a very strong reaction."

With regards to the band's ability to continue putting out quality product, Biff said, "We always get judged on 'Wheels of Steel' and '747', because for most people that was the first they heard of SAXON and we had a lot of big hits back then and for quite a few albums after. 'Crusader' was another high point for us too then we got involved with a lot of people trying to steer us in the American direction by picking producers and cover songs. At the time we went along with it, although we were never entirely comfortable with it. We're just not that kind of band. Even so, I think stuff we did like 'Ride Like The Wind' was quite cool and even today we have fans who want to hear that one still. There's also quite a demand for those albums too, like 'Innocence Is No Excuse', 'Rock The Nations' and 'Destiny'. There is a group of fans that are really into it.

"It didn't quite work though, more the label than us really. There was this theory that bands should get 'sophisticated,' I remember. It just didn't fit SAXON at all. So, we fell back on Europe and Germany, where we have always had a lot of fans, and started building things back up to where we are now. Of course we had a bit of a split in there too, but that really just gave us the fire in our bellies to be even better.

"There are always periods in any bands career when things get tough. It's mostly fashion, not what you're doing. If you believe in what you're doing then you'll bounce back.

"Over the years though we've always done our best with SAXON. You have to, because then you have to convince your fans that what you're doing is worth them forking out their wages for albums and concert tickets. Fortunately for us, our fans are just great like that. Right now, things are just great. People are really into the band and we get a lot of fans coming to the gigs so I'm very happy right now, with the management team we've got, the record company, our fans and the band too. Even now I'm amazed when we play in some places when so many people come out to see us play. This is a great band, the best SAXON by far."

Read Biff Byford's entire interview with Rockdetector.com at this location.