Saxon Family Tree
This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.
We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.
Saxon are one of the first NWOBHM bands. Like many of their peers they played a mix of mostly Traditional Heavy Metal, and some Hard Rock. For a band being around as long as they have, they have had relatively few lineup changes. Singer Biff Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn have been in the band since the beginning. Guitarist Graham Oliver was with the band till 1996 and replaced with Doug Scarratt who has been in the band since. Bassist Steve Dawson was with the band till 1986. Biff played bass for a short time after before Paul Johnson stepped in for a short time and finally Nibbs Carter who has been in the band since 1988. Pete Gill was the original drummer before the long time drummer Nigel Glockler joined in 1981. There were a few short periods where other drummers filled the role: Nigel Durham, Fritz Randow, and Jörg Michael. Nigel Durham is the only member to not contribute to writing. (Nigel noted below refers to Glockler) Obviously the influences of the long standing members would have more of an impact of Saxon’s sound.
B.B. King
B.B. King was an very influential blues player. Paul said he got into him after starting with later blues players.
Freddie King
Freddie King was an influential blues player. Paul said he got into him after starting with later blues players.
Joe Morello
Joe Morello is a jazz drummer known for his time with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Nigel named him as an influence.
Ike & Tina Turner
Ike & Tina Turner were a popular R&B duo. Biff named them as one of the early bands that shaped him.
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is a Soul and Funk icon. Paul named him as an influence.
Albert King
Albert King is an influential blues player. Paul said he got into him after starting with later blues players.
The Beatles are one of the first and most important rock bands. Biff named them as an early band that shaped him and said they were probably the best song writers of the era and probably any other. Paul also named them as an influence, and Graham named them as an early influence. Pete named them as a band hew grew up with. Nigel also said they were a band he listened to when he was a kid. “Paperback Writer” appears on their album Inspirations.
The Kinks was a 60’s rock band. Their song “You Really Got Me” is often noted as move into a harder direction for rock. Biff said the singer of that song was the first one that he bought. Paul named them as an influence and they covered “See My Friends” on Inspirations.
The Yardbirds were one of the most influetial of the 60’s rock bands with some of the best guitarists at the time rotating through the band. Biff named them as an early band that shaped him. Nigel also said they were a band he listened to as a kid.
The Animals were a rock / R&B band best known for their version of “House of the Rising Son”. Biff named them as an early band that shaped him and named Eric Burdon as one of his favorite singers.
The Rolling Stones are one of the most important rock bands out of the 60’s. Paul named them as an influence. Biff said “Paint it Black” was the first song he ever performed live and it is on their album Inspirations. Pete said they were a band he grew up listening to. Nigel also said he was listening to them as a kid.
The Who are one of the most influential rock bands of their time. Paul named them as an influence. Nigel also was listening to them as a kid. Jörg named Keith Moon as an influence.
The Troggs were a rock / pop rock band best known for “Wild Thing”. Biff named them as an early band that shaped him.
Small Faces was another rock band of the 60’s. Nigel named them as a band he was listening to as a kid.
Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary guitar player and huge influence to many. Biff named him as one of the early bands that shaped him. Paul named him as a huge influence. Graham also named him as a big influence when he started out. “Stone Free” is covered on Inspirations.
Cream were an important and influential psychedelic / blues rock band. Biff named Jack Bruce as one of his favorite signers.
John Mayall was an influential blues rock player. Paul named him as an influence.
The Monkees were a band pieced together for TV. Graham said they was an early band that got him into music.
The Velvet Underground were a rock band known for their experimental nature and from which Lou Reed would come from. Biff named their Live At Max’s Kansas City as being a big influence on him and it being a dark album.
Ollie Halsall
Ollie Halsall was a rock / pop / progressive guitarist who played in several bands. Paul named him as an influence.
Vanilla Fudge was the psychedelic band where drummer Carmine Appice first rose to fame. Nigel named him as a big influence.
Pink Floyd are one of the best known progressive rock bands. Paul named them as an influence.
Procol Harum were a progressive rock band. Nigel named drummer Barrie Wilson as an influence.
Deep Purple is one of the most influential hard rock / early heavy metal bands. Biff named them as an influence and Ian Gillan as one of his favorite singers. Paul and Doug named them as an influence. Graham mentions them being an inspiration. “Speed King” is covered on Inspirations. Nigel said he was a big fan since the first album. Jörg named Ian Paice as an influence.
Aphrodite’s Child was a Greek progressive rock band. Nigel named them as an influence.
Grand Funk Railroad were an American hard rock band. Biff says they used to spend “shitload of money” playing their album Phoenix from a jukebox in a pub. Nigel said they were the first band he really went crazy for.
Mountain was an influential hard rock / blues rock band. Biff named them as an influence.
Led Zeppelin are one of the baggiest hard rock bands and a huge influence on many. Biff named them as an influence and is a fan of their bluesy side. He named their first album as his favorite album. Paul named them as an influence. Nigel and Jörg named Bonham as an influence. “Immigrant Song” is one covered on their album Inspirations.
Alice is one of the original shock rockers. Biff is a fan.
Yes were an influential progressive rock band. Biff named them as an influence also saying they were an influence on his bass playing. Paul also named them and Steve Howe as an influence. Doug named them as is first main influence. Nigel named them as an influence.
Allan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth was an influential jazz guitarist. Paul and Nibbs named him as an influence.
Chicago was a pop / rock band. Paul said he was into Terry Kath for a time.
Genesis are a well known progressive rock band. Nigel is a huge fan.
Uriah Heep were an influential progressive rock / early heavy metal band. Biff named them as a big influence and David Byron as one of his favorite singers.
Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Biff named Sabbath as an influence and particularly the song “Paranoid” because it was less Doomy. Graham named Tony as a big influence on him starting out. Doug named them as an influence. Nigel named Bill Ward as big influence. They covered “Evil Woman” on Inspirations, which is actually a Crow cover, but Saxon covered the Sabbath version.
Cactus was formed by drummer Carmine Appice after his time in Vanilla Fudge. Nigel named him as a big influence.
Wishbone Ash were an important progressive rock band. Biff names them as an influence and notes their importance for pioneering the twin guitar sound.
Abba were a huge pop band. Paul is a fan.
Lenny White
Lenny White is a jazz drummer who’s played with many but probably most notably jazz-fusion band Return to Forever. Nigel named him as an influence.
Barclay James Harvest were a prog rock band. Nigel named Mel Pritchard as an influence.
Gentle Giant were a British Prog rock band. Nigel named them as an influence.
Black Oak Arkansas were a Southern Rock band. Biff said they were another band they used to play from the jukebox in the pub.
Thin Lizzy were an influential rock / hard rock band known for their guitar harmonies. “The Rocker” is covered on Inspirations. Nibbs named Phil Lynott as an influence.
Billy Cobham is an influential jazz / jazz-fusion drummer. Nigel named him as an influence.
ZZ Top are blues rock legends. Biff is a fan.
Steely Dan were a soft rock / jazz rock band. Paul is a fan.
Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) were an Italian progressive rock band. Nigel said he use to play along to their albums.
10cc were a pop / rock band. Paul is a fan.
Aerosmith were one of the biggest American hard rock bands. Paul named them as an influence.
Judas Priest are known as the metal gods for good reason. Paul named them as an influence and a favorite. Graham named them as heroes.
Rainbow paired the legendary Ritchie Blackmor2 and Ronnie James Dio. Paul named them as an influence. Graham named them as heroes. Jörg named Cozy Powell as an influence.
Rush are progressive hard rock legends. Nibbs named Geddy as an influence. Nigel named Neil Peart as an influence.
Eleventh House were a jazz-fusion band. Nigel named drummer Alphonse Mouzon as an influence.
Kansas were a big American progressive rock band. Nigel said he’s been a fan since their first album and said he played along to them.
Terry Bozzio
Terry Bozzio is a well known and highly respected drummer. He has played with a lot of bands but probably most notably with Frank Zappa. Nigel named him as an influence.
Sex Pistols were punk pioneers. Biff named them as an influence and said he use to listen to their album non stop and loved the guitar tone. Steve named them as an influence. Graham said there was some inspiration from them.
Motorhead are hard rock / heavy metal legends. Saxon covered “Bomber” on Inspirations.
AC/DC are perhaps the most quintessential hard rock band. Paul named them as an influence. Saxon covered “Problem Child on Inspirations.
The Clash were an early British punk band. Steve named them as an influence.
Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips is a jazz fusion drummer who’s played with a ton of bands. Nigel named him as an influence.
Kate Bush
Kate Bush was a pop singer on the experimental side of music. Biff said they were all fans of her.
Toto are a rock / pop band that had a lot of diverse elements in their music. Saxon covered “Hold The Line” on Inspirations.
Van Halen revolutionized guitar rock music. Biff is a fan and said they considered covering them on Inspirations.
Prince is an influential guitarist/singer. Paul is a fan.
Vinnie Colaiuta
Vinnie Colaiuta is a session drummer most notably known for playing with Frank Zappa. Nigel named him as an influence.
Mark King
Mark King is best known as the vocalist/bassist of Level 42, a synth rock/pop / jazz-funk band. Nibb’s named him as an influence.
The legendary Ronnie James Dio started his own band after leaving Black Sabbath. Paul basically names everything Dio as an influence.
Joe Satriani is an influential guitarist. Paul named him as an inspiration.
Muse are a rock band with a lot of electronic and artsy/progressive elements. Paul named Matthew Bellamy as a more modern inspiration.
Heaven & Hell was the name Black Sabbath went under after the last reunion with Dio. Paul named them as an influence.
In 2021 Saxon released the album Inspirations. Biff said all the songs on it were influences on them.
In an interview with Steve there is a weird section where it seems like he is answering a different question then what he is asked. He talks about looking up to bands like Cream, Hendrix, Motorhead, and UFO. I’m not sure if these are influences of his. Other him naming the influence from Sex Pistols and The Clash I’m not sure of his influences.
Doug said before getting into music seriously he was into bands like The Sweet, T. Rex, Slade, and other pop rock bands.
Paul Johnson only played bass on Destiny and only collaborated on a few song on it. I’m unsure of his influences.
Nibbs is the youngest member of the band and grew up with a different generation of music. For that reason he doesn’t share a lot the same influences as the rest of the band.
In an interview after his time with Saxon, Pete Gil said he got a kick out of playing military and Latin style drums. I haven’t been able to find much on any influence for him.
Nigel said there was a ton of great music in the 60’s and 70’s that influenced him including from the jazz-fusion scene. For newer bands he is a fan of Clutch and loves Evergrey. In school he said he played in a band that covered Jethro Tull, Free, Procol Harum, Jimi Hendrix, and other stuff.
Nigel also plays bass or at least did as a kid. He said he would play along with bands like Cream and Moody Blues.
Fritz Randow was the drummer for Metalhead and Killing Ground and collaborated with the band on the second of those. I’m unsure of his influences.
Jörg Michael was only on Lionheart. Although he has played for many bands, He is often not noted as a writer, however he is in Saxon. Besides influences noted above, he also named Herman Rarebell (Scorpions), and Roger Taylor (Queen).
Bands influenced by Saxon!
As this project advances, bands will be added here… there are many!
Fathers of Thrash
German Thrash Masters
Danish Thrashers
German Power
Thrash Legends
Grindcore and Melodic Death pioneers
Polish Death Metal Masters
German Power/Speed
Heavy/Power from Gus G.
Sources:
https://www.loudersound.com/features/saxons-biff-byford-the-11-records-that-changed-my-life
https://www.loudersound.com/features/biff-byford-the-soundtrack-of-my-life
https://www.themetalvoice.com/post/saxon-s-biff-byford-all-the-songs-on-the-inspirations-covers-album-have-a-connection-to-the-band
https://metalnation.com/saxon-paul-quinn-2018-interview/
https://wordsandmusicbook.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/paul-quinn-saxon/
https://www.vintageguitar.com/15926/paul-quinn/
https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/5-minutes-alone-paul-quinn-636156
https://www.rhino.com/article/an-interview-with-steve-dawson-from-saxon
http://www.getreadytorock.com/rock_stars/graham_oliver.htm
http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/musicians/graham-oliver-ex-saxon.htm
https://garyalikivi.com/2017/05/28/men-at-work/
https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/saxon-guitarist-says-the-groups-power-punk-material-has-grown-on-him-over-time/
https://www.headbangerslifestyle.com/interviews/2138/up-close-and-personal-with-saxon-bassist-tim-nibbs-carter
http://www.perun.hr/pete-gill-motorhead-it-was-guitarist-phil-campbell-who-got-me-into-motorhead
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfClM8Qzu7s
https://www.moderndrummer.com/2018/04/on-the-beat-with-nigel-glockler-of-saxon-talks-gear-and-influences/
https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-nigel-glockler/
https://www.classicrockrevisited.com/show_interview.php?id=1099
http://kkdowning.net/steelmill/Interviews/nigel-glockler-saxon-steel-mill-interview/
http://www.getreadytorock.com/10questions/nigel_glockler.htm
https://metalshockfinland.com/2014/04/18/interview-with-nigel-glockler-saxon-my-party-piece-was-singing-child-in-time-i-could-get-all-the-high-notes/
http://dbgeekshow.blogspot.com/2013/01/meisters-views-of-cruise-volume-5-nigel.html
http://www.jorgmichael.com/interview7.php3
https://melbournesound.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/interview-with-stratovarius-drummer-jorg-michael/
