Saxon’s Biff Byford reveals cancer diagnosis and updates fans on his progress

Some Saxon shows are cancelled but the UK tour goes ahead

Author: Paul TraversPublished 15th Aug 2025

Saxon frontman Biff Byford has revealed that a cancer diagnosis was behind his emergency surgery and a run of cancelled shows last month.

The band’s management company said at the time: "Saxon were so looking forward to performing at all the Summer festivals and events, but the health and well-being of the band obviously has to come first.”

Now Byford has shared an update on his health and what it means for Saxon in the short term.

In a social media post the singer said: “I got sick and as you know I had a heart problem. 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.

“They found a shadow, a small tumour which they didn’t know was there. That’s why I had to have an operation done really quickly on the 8th July.”

He added: “We never like cancelling shows or postponing shows, it’s absolute rubbish. I’m over the operation now, it’s been five weeks since I had the operation…unfortunately I need to have a short period of chemotherapy, what they call a mop-up.

“The operation was successful, they got all the cancer out but they need to make sure there’s none floating around in my bloodstream.”

Byford continued: “Sorry because we hate cancelling shows but I want to let you know what’s happening, ‘cause a lot of people were speculating that it was my heart and things.

“The prognosis is good so my cure is progressing, I’m feeling okay at the moment…I’m writing the album, finishing the album, arranging and writing lyrics. That’s the upside of having some free time.”

The singer added: “We’re gonna see you all in September so keep the faith, have a fantastic summer and I’ll keep you in the loop on what’s happening.”

In an accompanying statement Saxon said that rescheduled dates for the cancelled European dates would be announced shortly, with tickets remaining valid.

They also confirmed the band’s forthcoming festival performances at both Trutnoff Open Air and Neuborn Open Air would be affected. Their appearance at Trutnoff is cancelled while their appearance at Neuborn will be delayed until next year’s festival.

They added: “Biff would like to reassure fans that both the band’s special Hell, Fire and Steel UK & Ireland Tour this November will be going ahead as planned along with SAXON’s headline performance at Metal Hammer Paradise in Lübeck, Germany.

“The band’s Hell Fire and Steel UK Tour is currently close to being SOLD OUT, so fans are advised to grab the last few tickets quickly to avoid disappointment, as this will be the last opportunity to see SAXON this year in UK and Ireland and to hear the band’s classic Wheels of Steel album played in full for the last time from start to finish.”

Stonedead Festival 2024 including headliners Saxon:

Stonedead Festival 2024

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