On this day April 3 1980 British heavy metal band Saxon released their second studio album Wheels of Steel. The album became a major breakthrough for the band reaching number 5 on the UK charts and helping define the sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Featuring hard hitting tracks like Motorcycle Man 747 Strangers in the Night and the title track Wheels of Steel the album delivered high energy riffs and working class power that resonated with rock fans across Europe. It cemented Saxon’s status as one of the leading metal bands of the early 80s.
Wheels of Steel was also the first of several albums that would establish the band’s presence on the UK charts throughout the decade.
80s insight: Saxon’s original name was Son of a Bitch before they changed it in 1978 to appeal to a wider audience and avoid controversy.
Featuring hard hitting tracks like Motorcycle Man 747 Strangers in the Night and the title track Wheels of Steel the album delivered high energy riffs and working class power that resonated with rock fans across Europe. It cemented Saxon’s status as one of the leading metal bands of the early 80s.
Wheels of Steel was also the first of several albums that would establish the band’s presence on the UK charts throughout the decade.
80s insight: Saxon’s original name was Son of a Bitch before they changed it in 1978 to appeal to a wider audience and avoid controversy.
