Saxon frontman Biff Byford has revealed his cancer diagnosis and announced additional show cancellations. He shared details about his health situation in a statement posted on Saxon Official.
The statement provided an update on his recent health challenges. It explained the reasoning behind the band’s recent show cancellations.
“Hi, it’s Biff here from Saxon. I wanna keep you up to date on what’s happening with my health and why we’ve had to cancel some shows,” Byford said. “So, yeah, I got sick and, obviously, as you know, I had a heart problem. So this time it wasn’t my heart. I went for an MRI scan on my prostate gland before I went to America a few months ago, which was okay, but they found a shadow, a tumor, a small tumor, which they didn’t know was there. So, that’s why I had to have an operation done really quickly on the 8th of July.”
Byford explained the successful outcome of his surgery and upcoming treatment plans.
“We never like canceling shows or postponing shows — it’s absolutely rubbish — so I’m over the operation now,” he continued. “It’s been five weeks since I had the operation. It was a small tumor. Unfortunately, I have to have a short period of chemotherapy, what they call a mop-up, just in case there was something there that they didn’t miss. The operation was successful, they got all the cancer out, but they just need to make sure there’s none floating around in my bloodstream.”
The singer detailed which shows would be affected. He provided a timeline for future performances.
“We’re gonna have to cancel the show on the 22nd of August and the 29th and also we’re gonna postpone the Spanish shows and the French shows. They’re gonna go into May and April of next year. The shows in November in the U.K. and Ireland are gonna be going ahead. That’s gonna be great. I should be over it by then. So everything will be going well for then,” he said.
Byford concluded with an optimistic outlook on his recovery and current projects.
“So, yeah, sorry, because we hate canceling shows, but I wanna let you know what’s happening, ’cause a lot of people speculated it was my heart and things. So they just found this small tumor and they took it out straight away. So, yeah, the prognosis — I think that’s the right word — is good. My cure is progressing. I’m feeling okay at the moment. I’m writing the [next Saxon] album, finishing the album, arranging, writing lyrics and doing melodies. That’s the upside of having some free time. Obviously I’ve lost quite a bit of weight, which is also a plus,” he continued. “So we’re gonna see you all in November. And keep the faith. Have a fantastic summer, and I’ll keep you in the loop on what’s happening.”
This health challenge marks another significant hurdle for the veteran metal vocalist. He has faced medical issues in recent years while continuing to lead one of Britain’s most enduring heavy metal bands.
Louder Sound reported that the cancellations include festival appearances at Trutnoff Open Air in the Czech Republic and Neuborn Open Air in Germany. These have been postponed until 2026. The band’s management confirmed that these postponements were necessary to allow Byford adequate time for his chemotherapy treatment and recovery.
Blabbermouth confirmed that despite the health setback, Saxon’s special Hell, Fire and Steel UK & Ireland Tour scheduled for November will proceed as planned. This tour holds particular significance as it will feature the band performing their classic 1980 album Wheels of Steel in its entirety. Byford has indicated this will be the final time they perform the album in full.
The 74-year-old vocalist’s openness about his diagnosis has resonated throughout the metal community. Fans and fellow musicians have offered support. Vinyl Me Please noted that medical professionals have provided a hopeful prognosis for Byford’s recovery. They emphasized that the early detection and successful removal of the tumor significantly improve his outlook.
Saxon formed in 1977. The band has remained one of the most consistent forces in British heavy metal for nearly five decades. Byford’s determination to continue working on new material during his treatment period demonstrates the dedication that has kept the band active and relevant throughout their lengthy career. The band’s November shows in the U.K. and Ireland are expected to proceed as planned. This offers fans the opportunity to witness what may be a historic final performance of their seminal album.
