British heavy metal legends Saxon have announced the immediate cancellation of ten upcoming summer shows and festival appearances due to frontman Biff Byford requiring an emergency medical procedure.
In a statement released via the band’s official channels, Saxon confirmed that Byford’s operation and the necessary recovery time will force the band to cancel or postpone several highly anticipated performances over a six-week period. This includes major festival slots at Wacken Open Air, Pol’And’Rock, Summer Breeze, Ekenäs, Area 53, and Öland Rock Festival, among others.
A spokesperson for the band’s management said:
“Saxon were so looking forward to performing at all the below summer festivals and events, but the health and wellbeing of the band obviously has to come first. It goes without saying that all in Saxon are gutted that they will be unable to perform but look forward to hopefully being back on stage in time to play both Trutnoff Open Air Festival in the Czech Republic on August 23rd and Neuborn Open Air on August 29th. The band are also very much looking forward to their upcoming tours of Spain, France, and the UK later this year.”
Despite the cancellations, Saxon will still perform as planned at Rockharz Festival in Ballenstedt, Germany, on July 2nd.
Cancelled/Postponed Shows:
- JUL 12 – Area 53 Festival, Leoben (Austria)
- JUL 24 – Lokomotivet, Eskilstuna (Sweden)
- JUL 25 – Öland Rock Festival, Borgholm (Sweden)
- JUL 26 – Garden, Linköping (Sweden)
- JUL 27 – Furuvik, Gävle (Sweden)
- JUL 29 – Turbinenhalle 2, Oberhausen (Germany)
- JUL 31 – Pol’And’Rock Festival, Czaplinek (Poland)
- AUG 1 – Wacken Open Air, Wacken (Germany)
- AUG 9 – E Town Rock, Ekenäs (Finland)
- AUG 16 – Summer Breeze Festival, Dinkelsbühl (Germany)
The three club shows in Sweden—Eskilstuna (July 24), Linköping (July 26), and Gävle (July 27)—have been fully cancelled. Ticket holders are advised to contact their point of purchase for a full refund.
Promoters are currently working with the band to explore the possibility of rescheduling some of the cancelled dates. Area 53 Festival has already confirmed that Saxon will return for its 2026 edition.
The band expressed their regret over the cancellations and asked fans for patience and understanding, promising further updates on rescheduled dates via their official website, www.saxon747.com.
Fans and the metal community around the world send their best wishes to Biff Byford for a successful procedure and a full, speedy recovery.
About The Author
