Legendary Saxon’s front man Peter “Biff” Byfford is one of the pretty easy going guys who enjoys writing music and touring with bands like Motorhead and Crobot. We had the chance to sit down and interview this legend. Walking to The House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay in 107 degrees weather is worth the sweat and adrenaline rush one gets. As we approach the gates to the Chateau, where Mr. Biff prepares to rock the stage, I get my camera ready as well as my mind set on the questions I have for this rock star. I enter the bus with my brother (camera man) by my side to be welcomed by his grace. Wearing some basketball shorts and a shirt Mr. Biff welcomes us as we sit down and let the questions commence.

Rockbrary: “Mr. Biff if i may, its an honor to meet such a legend like your self thank you for taking time to answer a few questions.”

Mr. Biff: ” Absolutely, welcome have a sit, shoot away.”

RB: “It appears to me that the legendary bands like Motorhead which you happen to be touring with, as well as Slayer, and Exodus have been dishing out new music, would you say this will be an album that puts Heavy Metal back on the radar of younger fans?”

MB: ” Well its all due to great vibes with then band, and this album is just such a good project it gives me good vibes to be releasing it.” I do have good vibes and it can mean a lot, but we have our old fan base and we write for the love of music.”

RB: “It seems to me that since your debut in 1976 going from Son of A Bitch to Saxon, the band has stayed together what drives you to keep going?”

MB: “Love for Music, the irony of why things happen cant be explained all we have is the love for music and fans, that is what keeps us going.”

RB: “Touring with legends like Motorhead, Ozzy & Anthrax, would we be seeing a tour with Saxon, Iron Maiden and Motorhead the three British Heavy Metal powers? Bands like Iron Maiden, Motorhead and Saxon coming together what are the odds of that?”

MB: “Well, we helped each other for the tour and we would never oppose for a british heavy metal show.”

 MB: “We started playing around the same time and would always support each other. Iron Maiden is great and we are all friends”

RB: “Touring with Motorhead in the past and present must have its crazy stories, do you have any stories that you would like to share about your tour so far?”
(He laughs and says)
MB: “It’s something that I don’t talk much about”

RB: “its too wild the media would not take it.” I replied jokingly and he just nodded laughing.

RB: “What do you think of the Nu wave of Metal:bands like Arch Enemy Kill Switch Engage etc, can they be considered heavy metal? I personally don’t think so.”

MB: “Bands like kill switch engage they have an over tone
something they cant compare to heavy metal”

RB: “Right there is more melody and cleanliness to heavy metal”

I did get the chance to ask him about “Battering Ram” and he politely said- “have you heard the new album?” I said- “yea”
He replied -“Well yea on you tube“

I thought he was testing me to see if I knew his music, as many reporters would just agree or watch a clip of a song so I talked about “Altar of Gods” and  “Princes of the Night”

He said-“Well you have done your homework, this album is great and it has good vibes. We got together and had fun recording it.”

RB: “What was is like to have Ozzy Osbourne Open for you guys back in 1981”

MB: “It was an amazing experience and one that can remain in my mind.”

I gratefully thanked him for his time and proceeded to ask my final question;

RB: ” What is it like to wake up as Mr. Peter “Biff” Byford every morning?”

MB: “Its great I just keep waking up. Whats not to like (laughs)”

 I shook his hand and we proceeded to our exit feeling a bit overwhelmed with his presence as he is a heavy metal god. We walked out looking forward to the show that night and they could not have been better than ever. With such powerful voice Biff took the stage and chanted those melodic metal words. The rest of the band played in unison and tore the House of Blues down with their “Battering Ram” and other classics. Now don’t let the interview fooled you as it was such a great one, and we had some laughs with this legend. However, due to my head injury from earlier that day I was a little woozy. Non the less its great to meet a down to earth guy who knows that he is playing for the love of music and is grateful to have such a great fan base.

The Band -Saxon

Peter “Biff” Byford-Vocals
Paul Quinn- Guitars
Doug Scaratt- Guitars
Nibbs Carter- Bass
Nigel Clockler-Drums

Joe Doe