It was summer of 1979 and I was an impressionable youth. Music was my best friend, music got me through the tough times. I used to hang out at the local record store pouring through the vinyl looking for new music and bands that would fill my ears and mind. I came across a record in the import section and the cover immediately grabbed my attention. A warrior with a bloody sword and shield, the band was called Saxon. I didn’t have enough money to buy it right out but I remember asking the guy there if I could give him a couple of bucks to hold it for me. I came up with the rest of the cash a few days later and ran home with my prize.

The music was powerful, loud, and glorious. Songs like   “Big Teaser”, “Judgement Day”, “Stallions of the Highway”, and “Militia Guard” called to me. I knew then Saxon was destined for greatness and would be one of my favorite bands.

Saxon and their music carried me through the years giving us anthems to raise our fist high and shot at the top of our lungs. “Strong Arm Of The Law”, “Denim And Leather”, and many more.

Saxon never charted here in the US but there were plenty of us listening to them and we still do.

“Denim And Leather”

Where were you in ’79 when the dam began to burst?
Did you check us out down at the local show?
Were you wearing denim, wearing leather?
Did you run down to the front?
Did you queue for your ticket through the ice and snow?

Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free

Did you read the music paper from the back and to the front?
Did you find out where to see your favorite band?
Did you listen to the radio every Friday night?
Did you hang around your local record store? Sing it

Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
C’mon

It was you, you, you, you that set the spirit free
It was you, you, you, you that put us here today
It was you, you, you, you that filled the concert halls
It was you, you, you, you that set the spirit free

Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free

Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free
Denim and leather brought us all together
It was you that set the spirit free

It was you that set the spirit free
It was you that set the spirit free
It’s you, you, you, you

           I was there in ’79 wearing Denim and Leather, and I’m still here today and still wearing Denim and Leather. Thank you Saxon, thank you for helping us to set our spirits free.

     it’s loud, it’s dirty, it’s SAXON!!!

     -the Hellion