Saxon Frontman Biff Byford Launches Video For “School Of Hard Knocks” Of His Forthcoming Album
Legendary Saxon frontman Biff Byford launched the video for “School Of Hard Knocks”, the title track of his first ever solo album, “School Of Hard Knocks”, which is set for release on 21st February 2020 through Silver Lining Music.
‘The title track to the album is basically biographical about my early years…’ says Biff. ‘Have a listen to the lyrics – hope you all like it!’
With his roots firmly in The North of England, Biff has earned the right to be considered The Heavy Metal Bard Of The North and his debut album reflects the man and his personality, his loves and his musical versatility.
“School Of Hard Knocks” fulfils Biff Byford’s long-standing wish to explore rock ‘n’ roll a little more. The album is a personal journey highlighting his life and his passionate interests, from the history of the Middle Ages to growing up in the industrial North. A classic, masterfully constructed old-school British hard rock album, “School Of Hard Knocks” embraces a variety of musical genres and includes the Yorkshire folk classic Scarborough Fair, famously covered by Simon and Garfunkel. Byford and Fredrik Åkesson’s arrangement breathes new life into the legendary song.
Biff says: ‘With this album I’m singing about my past, of course, and about things I like, but mostly I wanted it to reflect me, my personality and my life.’
“School Of Hard Knocks” features Biff Byford on vocals (and a spot of four string thunder) along with Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth) on guitars, drummer Christian Lundqvist and bass player Gus Macricostas. The album also features guest appearances by Phil Campbell (Motörhead/Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire and Turilli / Lione Rhapsody), Nick Barker (Voices), Dave Kemp (Wayward Sons) and Nibbs Carter (Saxon). The album was produced by Biff Byford, recorded by Jacky Lehmann at Brighton Electric Studios in Brighton (UK) and mixed at Queen Street Studios in Stockholm (Sweden) by Mats Valentin.
School Of Hard Knocks UK tour
Byford recently announced his first ever solo tour dates. The tour begins in the UK in April 2020 with European dates to be announced later. The show, in the form of ‘An evening with…’, will be split into two halves. The first features Biff in conversation with Don Jamieson (American comedian and star of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show) on all aspects of his life and career. After the break Biff and his band will play some new songs, covers and, maybe, a Saxon song or two.
Biff says: ‘It’s a show I’ve wanted to do for a long time and one which I don’t think has been done in hard rock before. It’ll be something different and a lot of fun.’
UK tour dates are:
April
Friday 17th Gateshead. Sage 2
Saturday 18th Birmingham. Town Hall
Monday 20th Glasgow. St. Lukes
Tuesday 21st Leeds. City Varieties
Wednesday 22nd Bath. Komedia
Friday 24th Liverpool. Arts Club
Saturday 25th Aberdare. Coliseum Theatre
Monday 27th Milton Keynes. Stables
Tuesday 28th London. Islington Assembly Hall
Wednesday 29th Brighton. Old Market
