Saxon frontman Biff Byford has shared the fantastic news that he has completed his chemotherapy treatment for bowel cancer. In a new video update posted on Thursday, October 2, the 74-year-old heavy metal legend confirmed he is now “done” with chemo and is already back to work, recording vocals for a new Saxon album and rehearsing for the band’s major UK and Ireland tour, which kicks off next month.
In the positive and forward-looking message, Byford updated fans on his health and his immediate plans.
He said:
“Hi, it’s Biff here from Saxon. I wanna give you an update. So, yeah, I’ve done the chemo now. And, yeah, I’m gonna be getting fit now, ride the bike. I’m doing some vocals for the new album and, yeah, rehearsing for the [Saxon U.K. tour], which starts in Belfast — I think it’s on the beginning of November, 3rd or the 4th of November… So, yep, it’s gonna be great. We’re looking forward to it, and we’ll see everybody there. A few tickets left in some shows, so get your tickets bought, and come on. Peace and quiet.”
The upcoming “Hell, Fire & Steel” tour is a special event for the band and its fans. The tour will see Saxon perform their classic 1980 album, Wheels Of Steel, in its entirety for what they say will be the “very last time… in the UK.” The tour also features a powerhouse support package, including Dirkschneider (featuring former Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider) performing the Accept classicBalls To The Wall in full.
Byford underwent surgery to remove the cancer on July 8 and subsequently began a short course of chemotherapy. In August, he released a statement to clarify his diagnosis and assure fans that the November tour was still on.
He said at the time:
“Firstly thanks to everyone for their wonderful messages of support it really does mean a great deal to me. Following Friday’s post I just wanted to clear up a couple of things that seem to have been slightly misinterpreted. Firstly, I just want to quickly clarify that I actually have bowel cancer not prostate cancer although I did have a scan on my prostate. Also, as reported in some media, we have not postponed all of our upcoming shows, only the shows that clashed with my chemotherapy treatment sessions. All of our special UK & Ireland ‘Hell, Fire & Steel’ tour dates this November are still going ahead as planned… Thanks again for all your amazing support.”
