SAXON Drummer: 'My Playing Has Become A Lot More Aggressive'

SAXON drummer Nigel Glockler has issued following update:

"The 'Inner Sanctum' tour was probably the most enjoyable tour I've ever done so far; the gigs were great, the audiences were fantastic and the band were cooking every night. It was a long trek — and it's not over yet! The body held up well to the strain — in fact, I've never felt better, and my playing, I feel, has become a lot more aggressive, which, I think is necessary for a heavy metal band. The Niggster stood up to the nightly pounding with great aplomb! However, I do think it's time to retire it! So now the hunt is on for a replacement. That's a big gap to fill — I still haven't yet found it's equal sound-wise, although Torben, our sound engineer, spoke to me and let me know he thought the shells were sounding a little tired. Hardly surprising really since the drums are 18 years old!! I'm looking at various options and will reveal the outcome at a later date!

"We've done a few festivals since the main part of the tour. Wacken was incredible, although the height of the drum riser made me crave oxygen!!!! No, I had a great view being up there, but Django, my tech, had to keep basting me when the flame-throwers were unleashed. Felt I was being barbecued!!!!

"Next stop is Japan in October so, until then, I'm going to get my head down, bury myself in my studio and get the synths cooking! And practice, of course!

"Must say thanks to all the crew who worked tirelessly to keep the show turning over — cheers guys! — and thanks to MASTERPLAN, HELLFUELLED, ROSE TATTOO, CHOKEHOLD, etc., etc. — great to have you with us! To our intrepid tour-bus driver John, who managed to sniff out Indian restaurants with the intensity of a bloodhound — well done! Could also be due to the fact that he found a website listing practically every Indian curry house in every city of the world. This led to us partaking of curry in such places as Helsinki, Talinn, etc. Brilliant!!! Also, the apres-gig curries on the tour bus were most welcome!

"On a different note, saw MAGNUM on their latest tour at The Mean Fiddler. A few beers were sunk in the Royal George after — the Crobar had a pre-gig visit!

"We were kindly invited to the Metal Hammer Awards. That was a great night — and watched short sets from the likes of LAMB OF GOD, DIMMU BORGIR, MACHINE HEAD, and others.

"It's been a busy year so far " phew!

"And I want to say thanks to all that have attended the gigs so far, and to say hi to everyone I met — see you soon!"