Saxon legends Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn to reunite in Tokyo – again
In June 2023, the legendary Saxon guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn reunited on stage in Tokyo for two great evenings in the name of NWOBHM. It was a one-off run of two shows in Tokyo shortly after Paul had announced his retirement from Saxon. They have decided to do it again!
Together guitarists Graham Oliver and Paul Quinn recorded classic Saxon albums such as “Saxon”, “Wheels of Steel”, “Strong Arm of the Law”, “Denim and Leather”, “Power & the Glory” and many more. Graham and Paul played together for two decades, from 1975 until 1995. They were one of the most influential pairs of guitarists in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). “The fact that we influenced people like Metallica, with our riffs, that’s pretty amazing,” said Graham when I talked with him and Paul backstage in Tokyo in June 2023. “And to be told by them that ‘Wheels of Steel’, they had that picture on the back of the album on their wall when they were rehearsing, to inspire them when they’re writing songs.”
Saxon was formed in Barnsley in Yorkshire, England. While the NWOBHM bands were spread across the UK, most had working-class backgrounds and came from industrial towns. That, no doubt, inspired the music and the lyrics. “I think it plays a part. Trying to get out of run-of-the-mill jobs and play,” said Paul about the NWOBHM bands’ roots.
Graham explained that the timing of the arrival of Saxon was fortunate. “The punks couldn’t play. There were a couple of exceptions, but it was fashion. When you get out to the sticks you can’t kid the people. You have to deliver a great show. And we delivered a great show, a legendary show. That’s what we did. We overcame the odds of fashion. We became fashionable ourselves.”
The two Tokyo gigs in 2023 were magical nights of classic Saxon music. I asked Graham then how they came up with the setlists for this special reunion. “It was quite difficult. There was a list sent to us where people voted for songs. Some of them are on there, some of them aren’t. We can’t do everything. It’s impossible. We came up with something that was a good mix, a good balance. Like ‘Suzie Hold On’. They were asking for that one so we put that back in the set. I haven’t played that since 1981 or something. So, it’s been good. ‘Backs to the Wall’! I have not played that with Paul or anybody since God knows when. It was a very early Saxon song.”
I asked if the two of them would play together again. Graham replied: “It would be nice. Never say never. Because you never know what’s around the corner. Life’s so short. You have to grab the opportunities and take ‘em. Because you never know when you can’t do it anymore. For me and Paul, we can’t do these long flights and gruelling schedules. It’s difficult. As you get older, it’s more difficult.”
Well, here’s your (final?) chance to see two NWOBHM legends perform the classics together again. On Saturday 17th August 2024, the two guitarists will again be on stage with Graham Oliver’s Army to perform our favourite Saxon tunes. In addition to Graham and Paul, Graham Oliver’s Army consists of Brian Shaughnessy (lead vocals), Gav Coulson (lead guitar), Jamie Mallender (bass) and Rod Fearnley (drums).
Read the gig reviews of the 2023 reunion shows here.
Get your tickets for the 17th August show here.
