Biff Byford Faces Cancer Battle, Saxon Forced to Reschedule Tours but Keep the Faith Alive
Saxon frontman Biff Byford has revealed that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, a diagnosis that has forced the legendary British heavy metal band to cancel and postpone several shows scheduled for 2025. The announcement, delivered directly to fans, carried both difficult news and a message of resilience: “We never like cancelling shows or postponing shows, it’s absolutely rubbish. But we’ll see you all in November. Keep the faith.”
The health scare was discovered earlier this year following routine medical checks after the band’s tour in Japan. Byford underwent emergency surgery on July 8, where doctors successfully removed a tumor. While the operation was deemed a success, his medical team recommended a short course of chemotherapy as a preventative measure. The singer, who has always embodied strength and defiance on stage, assured fans that his recovery is progressing well and that the outlook remains positive.
As a result, Saxon’s summer festival appearances across Europe, including high-profile dates in Sweden, Germany, Poland and Finland, have been scrapped. Shows at Trutnoff Open Air in the Czech Republic and Neuborn Open Air in Germany are being rescheduled for 2026. Likewise, the September run in Spain and France will now take place in April and May of next year.
What remains intact is the highly anticipated “Hell, Fire and Steel” tour across the UK and Ireland in November 2025, which will see Saxon perform the classic album Wheels of Steel in its entirety, with Udo Dirkschneider joining as special guest. That run is nearly sold out, proof of the unshakable loyalty of Saxon’s fanbase, and Byford has emphasized his commitment to stepping back on stage by then. The band will also honor their slot at the Metal Hammer Paradise festival in Lübeck, Germany, keeping a promise to fans that despite the challenges, Saxon’s fire continues to burn.
This is not the first time Byford has faced health challenges, but the honesty and grit with which he delivers the news underline why Saxon remain a cornerstone of heavy metal more than four decades into their career. The band’s legacy is rooted not just in timeless anthems, but in their ability to stand tall through adversity. For the fans, the message is clear: the battle is tough, but the show will go on.
