In proud memory of our great friend Dodge Hallatt
'Solidarity Brother'
Graham Oliver’s Army
Although the curtain has now come down on what was Oliver/Dawson Saxon, lead guitarist Graham Oliver is still keen to carry on waving the NWOBHM flag and to take his own brand of Heavy Metal Thunder on the road.
Graham, whose guitar work featured on every Saxon record up to 1994’s Dogs Of War, has a new touring line-up which includes lead vocalist Brian Shaughnessy (Seventh Son), Gav Coulson on lead guitar (John Verity/Thomas Blug) and introduces new members Jamie Mallender on bass guitar (Tony Martin Band/John Verity) and Rod Fearnley on drums (Factory/Under Lock and Key)
Alongside the classic hits that Graham recorded back in the halcyon days of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, there will be some other classic nuggets and some new tunes.
It is with great sadness that Oliver Dawson Saxon have to announce that founder member, and original Saxon bassist, Steve Dawson, has decided to step down from the band with immediate effect.
Steve’s powerhouse playing in the early days of Saxon was a major part of their sound, as was his songwriting contributions to those first seven albums, including those now-revered classic NWOBHM discs ‘Denim and Leather’ and ‘Strong Arm Of The Law’. and ‘Wheels Of Steel’.
Since the early 2000’s Steve teamed up with former Saxon band mate Graham Oliver, under the original pre-Saxon moniker of ‘Son of a Bitch’ releasing the album ‘Victim You’. This was soon followed by ‘Motorbiker’ under the new ‘Oliver/Dawson Saxon’ band name.
‘It’s very hard to see Steve go after all the history and tours we’ve shared’ says Graham. ‘However, I understand his reasons and we all wish him the very best’
“We will be looking towards options for the future, but we have obviously decided to draw a line under the Oliver/Dawson Saxon name, so any possible future bookings and/or engagements will be under a new name”
“It’s been a tough decision to make” says Steve “but the past few months have given me time to think it through properly and whilst I’ll miss the live performances, I feel stepping down is the right thing to do”
With immediate effect Steve Dawson no longer has responsibility for any outstanding ODS management or bookings, and any promoters/venues with outstanding dates/deposits for COVID-19 delayed concerts are asked to temporarily please contact Graham through the old website info@odsrock.co.uk
1. Motorcycle Man 2. 747 Strangers In The Night 3. Princess Of The Night 4. Strong Arm Of The Law 5. Heavy Metal Thunder 6. 20,000 Ft 7. Wheels Of Steel 8. Never Surrender 9. Fire in The Sky 10. Machine Gun
CD Bonus Live Tracks
Hammersmith Odeon
1981-1982 11. And The Bands Played On 12. See The Light Shining 13. Frozen Rainbow 14. Midnight Rider 15. Dallas 1PM 16. Hungry Years
Originally released in May 1982, ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ was Saxon’s first live album to be recorded and also the first album to feature long standing drummer, Nigel Glockler. Taking its name from the bands huge, eagle lighting rig it was recorded on the European leg of their ‘Denim And Leather’ tour during 1981 and was mixed at Manor And Bray Sound Studio. It was an instant hit and reached number 5 in the UK charts upon its release.
This edition features bonus live tracks recorded at London’s, famous Hammersmith Odeon during, sold out Saxon headline concerts from 1981 and 1982.
Decade of The Eagle
Decade Of The Eagle is a retrospective that spans the band’s first nine albums and represents the very best of the first decade of their astonishing career during which time Saxon notched up five Top 40 albums and four Top 20 singles.
Saxon played a significant part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, perhaps the greatest metal genre of them all and have become one of the all-time masters of heavy metal. In doing so, Saxon have ensured they are now representative of the heart and soul from the NWOBHM time. Always remaining true to the values which established them in the first place they are driven by a desire to continuously set the highest standards and meet them head on, Saxon's work on those nine studio albums still resonates resoundingly - this is timeless stuff. These 4LP (180g vinyl) and 2CD deluxe editions are in a gatefold sleeve that features a special metallic embossed coin on the cover and rarely seen and classic photos from the era.
2016 gave us the unexpected blow of losing our longtime Stage Manager, and very good friend Dodge Hallatt, aged just 42.
Dodge was liked by anyone who ever met him, easy to get along with and nothing was ever too much trouble for him. His passing has left a big hole in many peoples lives.
We were privileged to be able to headline a fundraising concert in his memory at The Imperial Club and Brewery in his hometown of Mexborough.
Packed with Dodge’s many friends and family, the concert was a great success, and also featured a special set from his good mates in Bullrush.
Rock on, and solidarity brother ~ you will be missed!
