Where you in ’79, when the dam began to burst? A six hour documentary tells the tale of where 5 young lads from Barnsley, South Yorkshire were in 1979; about to ride the crest of the British Heavy Metal movement. It was an exciting time, and Saxon positioned themselves in the right place, at that right time. Disk 1 chronicles Saxon’s story in a “Behind the Music” format, narrated by singer-songwriter, Toby Jepson, starting with the bands humble beginnings from sleeping in beat up old vans and on the living room floors of those who came out to see the band perform live, to their five year struggle to secure a record deal.
Each band member (former and present) gets a chance to recall their fondest memories in great detail, and share the personal trials and tribulations experienced over the bands 30+ year history.
I will, however, suggest using the subtitle feature to keep up with the heavy British vernacular; unless you commonly refer to women as “birds,” and feel quite “knackered” after spending the evening with one. At any rate, part one also features commentary by Lars Ulrich of Metallica and Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister, who were on the cusp of worldwide success with their own bands, around the time Saxon appeared on the scene. Lars, always the eloquent speaker, has the unique ability to bring you back to that magical era, when the dam was indeed about to burst. I suppose it’s because, like us, he is a passionate fan of heavy music. Part 1 goes on to dissect and expose the in depth emotions of current and former band mates, providing insight into in the inner workings of the band dynamic and the stresses of being employed by the music industry.
The production is quite well-done, as I found myself easily transfixed on the tale being told.
Ok, time to stretch and pour a cup of tea for Disk #2. Here is where you will find a plethora of vintage live footage including a string bean-esque Biff Byford (attempting a daring David Lee Roth impression) vigorously shaking his hips, which are clearly defined in a pair of skin tight silver spandex on an episode of Germany’s Beat Club, circa 1981. Although you’ll get a good chuckle mocking the bands goofy wardrobe, keep in mind that this was the “fashion” back in the day, and once Saxon gets into their groove, all attention quickly turns toward the performance. Disk 2 also features live footage from the 2010 Bomber tour, 2008 St Georges Day concert and The Wacken Festival, each of which show why Saxon has been able to maintain a loyal fan base and successful recording career for over three decades. It was intriguing to discover that no one in the band really fancied drugs or alcohol, but instead favored tea (yes, tea) which may have also played a role in the bands longevity, and this fact is highlighted at many junctures throughout the movie, in a fun loving way of course!
At opposite ends of the live performances, there are plenty of behind the scenes interviews that took place in recording studios and dressing rooms and focus on the arduous task of recording and the rigors of touring. There are some funny moments throughout that are sure to bring a smile your face, and one spoiler alert, there is a brief moment of full frontal nudity, but I’m not going to disclose who got the courage to drop trou! You’ll have to search that scene out for yourself.
“Heavy Metal Thunder” is one of the best rock documentaries you will find and it’s sure to get fans of Saxon digging out their old vinyl copies of “Wheels of Steel” and “Strong Arm of the Law,” just like I did. Now I just have to get something to play them on! In his notoriously facetious manner, Lemmy defines Saxon as melodic, high pitched, screeching subversive rock ‘n roll.
I define them as an incredible hard rock band, chock full of power anthems and inspiring riffs; a band of visionaries who never wavered far from their roots, and never stopped believing in a genre of music that many told them was “dead.”
Nearly 20 studio records later, Saxon is still selling out venues and headlining major rock festivals around the globe, and they attribute it all to us, you & me. The long-haired, head banging, denim and leather wearing metal heads…that in one glorious decade of debauchery… set the spirit free!
