This was a night celebrating two of the seminal Heavy Metal albums of the early ’80s. Naturally, the Eventim Apollo is the most fitting spot, and the venue is packed as Udo Dirkschneider celebrates Accept’s Balls To The Wall and Saxon thrill with Wheels Of Steel.
Saxon – Udo Dirkschneider
Eventim Apollo, London – 15 November 2025
Words: Kahmel Farahani
Photography: Steve Ritchie
The Hammersmith Odeon has seen more than its fair share of famous Metal performances and live albums cut there. Tonight, Saxon’s Hell, Fire and Steel tour has landed in London and, as the band are recording their show, one likes to think of their touring mates Motörhead looking down with a grin and fond memories of No Sleep ‘Till Hammersmith. 
Brian Blessed’s voice booms out as the intro rolls, and when the curtain drops and Saxon stride down the stairs from the drum riser, it is both exciting and surreal to think this tour marks the band’s 50th anniversary.
If tonight’s gig is anything to go by, they are not slowing down one bit.
The band certainly bring the power and the glory tonight. Frontman Biff Byford turns 75 in January, and he easily puts vocalists one-third of his age to shame.
“Hammersmith!” shouts a jubilant Biff. “It’s good to be back! It’s going to be a special night.” After some recent health scares, it is wonderful to see him looking good and fighting fit again. “This song means a lot to the band and a lot to me this year,” says Biff. “It’s called Never Surrender.”
The twin guitar of Doug Scarratt and the legend that is Brian Tatler sound superb. Whether trading solos and licks or just striking up the riff to Wheels Of Steel together, they are a perfect team.
“The first time we played here was in 1979, with Motörhead,” says Biff Byford, before the band launch into Back To The Wall. Saxon sound on top of their game and play with passion and energy that many younger bands should study. 
After a superb Dallas 1 PM, Saxon get ready to play their iconic Wheels Of Steel album in order. Biff Byford declares, “Now we are going back in time to 1980,” before acknowledging the number of younger fans in attendance by adding, “some of you weren’t even born in 1980.”
As a straight-up Heavy Metal record, it is still superb and loaded with anthems as well as the gems. Wheels Of Steel and 747 (Strangers In The Night) are possibly Saxon’s greatest anthems. At the same time, it is hearing lesser-known gems that makes tonight a real treat.
The best of them all is arguably Suzie Hang On, which is Saxon in an almost romantic mood and one of the most simply brilliant riffs known to man. There is nothing in the way of pyro or props, and, frankly, they do not need it. Saxon’s songs speak for themselves.
The encore begins with Biff Byford asking the crowd for a denim vest.
Several patch-covered battle vests go flying on stage, and the band put them on before starting Denim And Leather. This is one of Saxon’s greatest anthems, with one of the greatest and most memorable riffs of the era.
Biff takes off his new vest and signs it before throwing it back to its rightful owner.
Then we have the biggest guns in the Saxon catalogue. And The Band Played On is followed by Strong Arm Of The Law. Ending with Princess Of The Night, Saxon take a well-deserved bow and leave to thunderous applause.
Tonight was proof, if any more was needed, that Saxon stand level with the icons of British Metal, including their old touring mates Motörhead and Iron Maiden.
Still standing strong and flying high after 50 years, we can only hope that they keep flying the Heavy Metal flag for many years to come. 
Udo Dirkschneider
The former frontman of German Metal stalwarts Accept is playing their famous Balls To The Wall album in its entirety, and in order tonight.
This means starting off with the biggest song from that aforementioned album, which is the title track. Backed by a tight and very competent band, which includes his own son on drums, Udo plays a mean set for the Hammersmith audience tonight.
Songs like London Leatherboys and Turn Me On are fairly standard, early ’80s Metal with no frills and no extras. However, having just the meat and potatoes gives Dirkschneider’s set its own charm.
Finishing their set with what passes for the album’s ballad Winterdreams, Udo and co leave the stage briefly before his son Sven returns to the stage to ask if the crowd would like to hear “One more German pop song?”
The roar of approval brings the band back on stage and Udo Dirkschneider end their setlist with Accept’s Fast As A Shark. At 73 years old, Udo Dirkschneider still has a dedication and love for Heavy Metal that is infectious.
