It seems to me like there were only about 3 times where saxon gained a genuine following in the US. The first was in late '81. My dad and his brother (my uncle), both told me they remember "Denim and Leather" getting quite a bit of airplay back then on rock stations. Granted this might have been "regional" airplay as we lived near Chicago at the time, but never the less, it had to be more than a few hundered fans that were listening to them. Denim and Leather sales did pretty good in the US surprisingly. The second time that strikes me is from about mid to late '86 to '88. They were on the heels of "Innocence Is No Excuse" and I know they had a pretty decent sized tour in '86 to promote this album. If anyone can give more specific dates for that tour please post them! This continued through the "Rock The Nations" years and culminating with "Destiny" in '88. I definitely remember hearing Saxon's version of "Ride Like The Wind" on some rock stations. After '88, I don't remember hearing much more about them until they released "Unleash The Beast" with CMC international, and embarked on a 30 city US tour (yes 30!) I thought this was really the height of their popularity. I remember the difference in their tours, because when I was 10, I faintly remember seeing them with my dad in '86 or '87 doing stuff from "Innocence" in an old run down movie theater-looking place. It wasn't a standing room concert at that time. More of a small theater or auditorium like you'd see in a high school or something. It was in Minneapolis I believe, but God knows where. Honestly, I can't remember where the place was located. So I really think there were always more than just "a few hundred" fans as someone said on this board a few days ago.
SAXON'S ACTUAL POPULARITY IN THE US
- Thread starter devilridesout
- Start date
flyergirl
New Metal Member
I went through my old passes and I found some dates and tours, from the 80's
March 1982: opened for Molly Hatchet, SA, Tx.
August 1982: opened for Rainbow, Dallas, Tx
July 1983: opened for Iron Maiden, Dallas, Tx.
March, 1984: headlined, Dallas Tx(at the Bronco Bowl)
March, 1986, co-headline w/ Armored Saint, LA, CA.
There were always alot of Saxon fans at these gigs, but it's hard to really tell just how many were there for them, they were on a bill w/ bands that had big draws, especially the Maiden show...
Just my 2 cents but it seems to me the best thing they could do would be to get on tour w/ other bands from that time and that would maximize attendance. A few years ago I saw Maiden here in LA and they had Motorhead and Dio with them, the place was packed!!
As much as I love the band, I just don't know if they are a big enough draw by themselves in most of the US, and it probably is just not economically smart for them to come over by themselves, playing just a few gigs here and there, something I suspect management found out this time around.....
March 1982: opened for Molly Hatchet, SA, Tx.
August 1982: opened for Rainbow, Dallas, Tx
July 1983: opened for Iron Maiden, Dallas, Tx.
March, 1984: headlined, Dallas Tx(at the Bronco Bowl)
March, 1986, co-headline w/ Armored Saint, LA, CA.
There were always alot of Saxon fans at these gigs, but it's hard to really tell just how many were there for them, they were on a bill w/ bands that had big draws, especially the Maiden show...
Just my 2 cents but it seems to me the best thing they could do would be to get on tour w/ other bands from that time and that would maximize attendance. A few years ago I saw Maiden here in LA and they had Motorhead and Dio with them, the place was packed!!
As much as I love the band, I just don't know if they are a big enough draw by themselves in most of the US, and it probably is just not economically smart for them to come over by themselves, playing just a few gigs here and there, something I suspect management found out this time around.....
EarthSkynSea
Member
Well Saxon can tour like they do now forever basically. Tons of bands are doing what Saxon is doing, this year alone i saw Kreator, Vader , Agalloch, Kataklysm, and tons more, and they all played to within 200 to 500 Capacity. So Saxon is in good company, and its nothing to be ashamed of.
Now if Saxon wants to hook up with a headliner and play sheds? well then the options are slim. Maiden, Priest, Dio, Sabbath, not too many more .
their best betfor touring N America , play the smaller venues, but hook up with good (American) openers who will help the draw i.e Jag Panzer, Beyond the embrace. etc......... No offence, but Arctic flame or Wretch isnt going to help you sell any more tickets.
Now if Saxon wants to hook up with a headliner and play sheds? well then the options are slim. Maiden, Priest, Dio, Sabbath, not too many more .
their best betfor touring N America , play the smaller venues, but hook up with good (American) openers who will help the draw i.e Jag Panzer, Beyond the embrace. etc......... No offence, but Arctic flame or Wretch isnt going to help you sell any more tickets.
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