The Saxon frontman will release the third single ‘You And Me’ from his up and coming solo album ‘School Of Hard Knocks’. Biff will also be heading out on a run of solo headlining dates before hitting the road with Saxon later in the year.
“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 Åkessons arrangement breathes new life into the legendary song.
‘School Of 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.
Byford recently announced his first-ever solo tour dates. The tour begins in the UK in April and continues to Europe in May. The show, in the form of “An evening with” and 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.”
Watch the video for ‘Me And You’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbH8kaJm28A&feature=youtu.be
April UK tour dates:
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
Tickets are available from myticket.co.uk
For more Saxon/Biff News head over to www.saxon747.com or www.biffbyford.com
