GIG REVIEW: Saxon @ Manchester Apollo, with Dirkschneider and Untamed Silence
Few bands embody the spirit of British heavy metal quite like Saxon. Going back on the road to celebrate the Wheels of Steel 45th Anniversary, they’re still showing the same commanding presence when the album released in 1980. Friday night, Manchester Apollo welcomed the band for a night of head-banging nostalgia, buzzing long before the lights dimmed. Fans spanning generations — from those who bought Wheels of Steel on vinyl to teenagers discovering Saxon through streaming playlists — packed the venue. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, and there was a sense that historic events were about to unfold.
UNTAMED SILENCE
First to take the stage are up-and-coming four piece band Untamed Silence. Launching straight into the set with Long Time Dead, it’s clear why they’ve been chosen to open. Blending hard rock with seamless elements of prog, the audience are already engaged, clapping along enthusiastically. Vocalist Debbie soars through the roof with effortlessness in The Power, complemented by guitarist Dave’s smooth melodic solos. The brilliant time signatures in standout track Nowhere showcase bassist Nigel’s rhythm, which resonates throughout the venue. They conclude their short yet impressive set with Deadspeak, where Ryan Smith’s thundering drums pave the way for what we consider to be a future classic track. For many in the audience, this was their first experience with the band, and judging by the cheers and raised fists, Untamed Silence certainly gained several new fans.
DIRKSCHNEIDER
If Untamed Silence represented the future, we blast back to the past with German rockers Dirkschneider. They blasted through their album Balls to the Wall, delivering a relentless barrage of riffs and grit throughout the set. Udo's gravelly voice is unmistakable in songs like London Leatherboys and Head Over Heels. Large inflatable balloons bounce among the crowd while guitars intertwine in solos and drumsticks twirl behind the kit, they’ve reminded the audience why Accept’s catalogue remains foundational to European metal.
SAXON
Pillars of smoke raise into the air, and the first enormous chords of The Prophecy begin. The stage looks monumental and striking, with stacks of Marshalls amps either side of dramatic steps to the drum riser, this looks like a hell of a setup. Saxon are here and ready to rock the building! Ripping through tracks like Backs To The Wall and Madame Guillotine, a selection of hits through the generations, before heading into Wheels Of Steel Territory, marking the last time they’ll do so in the UK. Biff Byford’s commanding vocals carry the weight of decades, while the band’s musicianship remain razor-sharp. From Motorcycle Man, through to Freeway Mad and Machine Gun, there’s a shared bond between band and audience, unified in chorus and raised horns. Nigel Glockler’s drumming is thunderous precision that’s driving the set forward. Brian and Doug bounce between solos without any difficulty, and Nibbs is flying around the stage with kicks and ferocious hair spinning so fast I’m slightly worried for his neck. Coasting through every song masterfully, it shows that Saxon are one of the few bands who haven’t deteriorated a single notch with time. If anything, I think they’re stronger than ever.
The album finishes and the band slink off the stage, allowing the crowd to rise into a deafening chorus for more. And so they stride back on with pride, first allowing Nigel his moment stood behind the kit, a mention of him being one of the longest standing founding members of the band. Biff mentions that next year marks 50 years since they first played Manchester, an remarkable achievement and thanks the crowd for their ongoing support, especially since Biff had to take some time to recover from illness. The audience respond with a resounding roar, and the final section of the night begins with three more songs. Denim and Leather, And The Bands Played On, and Princess Of The Night.
The last notes linger and the stage lights dim, Saxon bow for the deafening claps of the crowd, and the night has finished. A lot of people linger, hesitant to leave and drinking in the last moments of a historic night. We’ve witnessed a headlining band that are still hungry, still powerful and still command the same level of intensity that ignited their career decades ago. It’s clear that Saxon’s legacy remains not just intact but it thrives.
Words and Photos by Neve Saltmarsh