Just a quick reminder that today is the first of our 3 night run with Motorkill: Our double header ‘Bombers and Eagles’ mini-tour. Tonight in Birmingham, tomorrow in Cannock, and Sunday in Stoke on Trent. Check out our Gig List page for full details. Get ready to rock!
Latest
Rockin’ Merry Christmas
Happy holidays everybody! Every member of the band wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy, prosperous, and rockin’ new year. And as we approach year’s end, let us take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued loyalty and support throughout what has been a difficult year at times for us. The year got off to a tricky start, but with the arrival of Luka and George, the addition of new venues across the country, and your familiar, appreciative faces to cheer us on wherever we are playing, we are now back to full strength! We will have some new vids and pics on the site very soon, and keep an eye on our gig list as we add new dates, new venues, and even new countries for 2013! 
Yet More Updates
Phew! A proper big set of updates are now complete. New photos and videos in the media section, and yet more dates added to the gig list. Just one pic in particular to point out, and one that has Sy very chuffed. Earlier in the month Sy hooked up with the legend that is Doug Scarratt. As well as chatting all things Saxon and Saxonized, including Saxon’s upcoming new album (more info on their website HERE – and Saxonized wish them lots of luck with it and cannot wait for it’s release), Doug was good enough to autograph the lid of Sy’s ‘Eagles Over Wacken’ boxset. But apparently the boxset is not for sale, darn it.
Past, Present, & Future
Hello, hello. It has been some time since we had a proper update with news so here we go.
As you all know, Luka and George have been with us a few months now, and after lots of rehersals and a good handful of gigs now under our belts, we all feel the band has settled into a great rhythm and are ready for the awesome gigs we have coming soon (more on those shortly). Thanks to all of you for bearing with us while we got ourselves back on track. Talking of recent gigs, we have a couple of vids on our MEDIA page shot at our outing at Geberal Henrys in Southampton. You can jump straight to them by clicking HERE. We must also thank Rob Weller for stepping in and covering George’s spot at both that gig, and the one at the Wedgewood Rooms where we supported Limehouse Lizzy (a true bunch of pros they are, and a great bunch of guys to boot). We would also like to thank everyone that came to support us at Brightona festival. We easily had the best crowd of the day and seem to have won a whole new bunch of fans. We have said it before, but will say it again: The bigger the crowd, and the more fun you are all having, the more fun it is for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This was our second outing at this festival and look forward to making it again next year. For now though, we have a two week break in our schedule so Sy can heel himself after suffering from a trapped nerve in his neck and shoulder.
And so to the future. With plenty of fresh bookings coming in we recommend you keep a regular eye on our Gig List page. Glad to say we will be playing some new venues around the country too, which will be very cool. A few gigs we really want to draw your attention to, in date order:
24th November 2012 – Metal Mayhem V, The Playhouse, Grantham. Saxonized, Overdrive, and Wrecklass Necklass. For full details and to buy your ticket(s) click HERE.
7th December 2012 – The Gasworks, Bradford. This show will now be a double header with the brilliant Motorheadache.
January 19th 2013 – Limehouse Lizzy and Very Special guests Saxonized – City Hall, Salisbury. Tickets for this gig are selling fast so get yours sooner rather than later. Tel: 01722 434434, email: tickets@wiltshire.gov.uk. Doors 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start. Concessions available from venue. Tickets also available online via: www.ticketweb.co.uk, and www.seetickets.com.
And speaking of Motorhead tribute acts, check out our gigs on February 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, next year. A 3 night run with the UK’s top Motorhead tribute, Motorkill. ‘Bombers and Eagles’ will be another double header, door fees will apply.
Well, that’s it for now. We hope to see you all at a gig real soon.
Gig List Updated
Hello Saxonized fans! Firstly, a quick reminder that tonight we are back supporting the best Thin Lizzy cover band out there, Limehouse Lizzy. Kicking off at 9.00pm (doors open at 8.00pm), come and enjoy a great show at the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth (just be aware that this is a ticketed event and tickets have sold extremely well so it may be a good idea to call ahead - 023 9286 3911 – if you don’t already have one). Secondly, talking of gigging, our Gig List has been updated and is looking a lot healthier again. Check it out to see when and where you can get your next Saxonized fix.
Live On The Radio
Join us this Saturday 28th July at 11am on Meridian 107 fm, where we will be chatting to Krys O’Brien live on air about Saxonized and all things Saxon. We will also be playing a couple of tunes from our EP, live in the studio. www.meridianfm.com
The New Line-Up
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that we would like to welcome the arrival of our new Saxonized lead vocalist Luka Ravase. After months of searching for the right guy since Noel’s sad departure we really feel that Luka is our man. We are looking forward to working with him and we can now concentrate on bringing the Saxonized show to the masses. We would like to thank all our fans for sticking with us during our difficult time. Pictured left to right, Sy Verrall – Al Vallance – Luka Ravase – Nige Godden – George Stergiou. Catch us live at the Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn Thursday 17th May as special guests to Limehouse Lizzy. For more details visit www.limehouselizzy.co.uk
Newest Band Member
It is with great pleasure that we would like to welcome new lead/rhythm guitarist George Gt Stergiou to Saxonized. George is a massive Saxon fan and a great player who will be a great addition to our lineup. We very much look forward to working with George, and Saxonized fans will get the first opportunity to see him in action on May 17th when we play The Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, as Very Special guests to Limehouse Lizzy (‘Tattooed Lies‘ will also be performing). If you want to know more about George (or see what he looks like), head over to our ‘The Musicians’ profiles page HERE (more info soon).
That just leaves me to remind you all of tomorrow’s gig at ‘The Elms’, in Worthing. Hope to see you all there!
Band Statement
Sadly I have to publish an official statement from the band: Sad news.
With immediate effect we are sorry to announce that Charlie Rock is no longer a member of Saxonized. We must state that this is a mutual agreement from all parties involved and there is no bad feeling whatsoever. Charlie has been with us for over a year and a half and we would like to thank him for his contribution to the band. It goes without saying that we would like to wish Charlie all the best in his future endeavours whichever direction he wishes to take. Saxonized are in the process of auditioning guitarists for his replacement so watch this space for any announcements regarding this. Any guitarists interested in applying please message Sy on facebook. In the meantime Saxonized will operate as a 4 piece outfit until a replacement is found so please bear with us.
We Found Him
First off we would like to thank all that attended our gigs in Mansfield, Bolton, Horsham and Ipswich. We had an awesome time and we hope you all did too.
Now for the drum roll…………..
It is with great pleasure that we would like to welcome Tom Rackman as the new lead vocalist for Saxonized. After a few months of busy auditioning, we are relived to of found our man. Tom is an experienced singer based in Brighton, West Sussex and is studying musical composition at Brighton University. He has a great range and we feel he will do Biff justice. We would like to extend our heart felt gratitude to James ‘Duke Fang’ Begley for helping us out on vocals during this difficult time, and for stepping in at such short notice too. Fans of ‘Stuka Squadron’ can catch James in action again as they are about to embark on a UK tour. Check out www.stukasquadron.com for details. It is anticipated that Tom will be road ready for the March 23rd date with Limehouse Lizzy at The Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead.
In other news, we have 4 new dates which will be added to the gig guide later this evening, so why not have a peek and see what’s going on there. We are also happy to announce that we’ve been added to the Premier Tribute Agency (www.premiertributes.co.uk) roster, so we hope there will be many more gigs to follow, up and down the country. Thanks for your patience and support while we sorted out the line up. See ya on the road soon!!
Just Drive North
Hi folks. Thanks to you all that were able to get to General Henry’s last weekend, we hope you enjoyed the set as much as we did. After a month’s worth of practice with James, we hope you will agree it was a much ‘tighter’ show than last time, when James stepped in to front the band with just a couple of days notice, and no rehearsals at all. James, you are a true diamond: You have put in a lot of work to fit in with our ways, and it is very much appreciated by us all.
And so to this coming weekend. And a busy one it will be too. First off, tomorrow evening at The Diamond, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Mansfield with ‘Nighon Maiden‘, then on Saturday evening, even further north, Moses Gate, Farnworth, Bolton, Lancs. We are ready to rock! That’s just how we roll. 
Boo!
It has been a full month since our last post, so time for some updates.
Firstly, our search for a vocalist continues. Applications & recommendations have been made, and auditions played, but the search is still on. Where are you hiding? Don’t be shy, contact Sy (contacts). In the meantime, as announced previously, James ‘Duke Fang’ Begley (front-man of ‘Stuka Quadron‘) will be keeping us on the road. With the exception that is, of two booked gigs in March: Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. Both gigs are in support of Limehouse Lizzy, and for these two gigs only we will have a very special guest artist. Before I say who it is, a little bit of Saxon trivia for you: Saxon have had three bass players. The original bassist was Steve Dawson, and their current man, of course, is Nibbs Carter. But for two years between these two (1986-88), Saxon’s bass player was Paul Johnson (not to be confused with the ex Ghoad drummer Paul Johnson). Paul joined Saxon very soon after the band had recorded and released there 1986 studio album ‘Rock The Nations’ (at the time of recording, Saxon had no bassist and so Byff played bass! Paul was with the band for the promotional tour but is not on the recording). He was still with Saxon for the release of their ’88 studio album ‘Destiny’, but had long been replaced by Nibbs before their next release, ‘Solid Ball Of Rock’ (1991). Leaving Saxon was not the end of Paul’s musical career though. He has been a part of many projects over the years, and is still playing. And also singing. And also, for two nights only, fronting Saxonized! How Cool is that?
Our 2012 gig list continues to grow/morph: Do keep a regular eye on it (full gig list here). A couple of new dates have been added, a couple of venues have changed, and also a couple of band changes have occurred (from Ghoad to Saxonized). If Ghoad is more your cup of tea (over Saxonized), we are still there for you, but as Saxonized continues to grow we expect that Ghoad outings will become less and less frequent. Certainly for the foreseeable future though, Ghoad will continue to perform as time and energies allow.
So that’s where we are. It just leaves me to remind you of our first outing of the year this coming Friday 3rd Feb: Saxonized playing General Henry’s, Littlehampton, 8pm start. Hope to see you all there.
Vocalist
Hello! Our first post of 2012…….. Happy new year to you all.
And so with the departure of Noel, the band(s) are busy looking for a new vocalist. Sadly Biff has other duties and is unable to help out: Do you perhaps have what it takes? Fancy yourself to have a Biff-esque voice? Get it touch with Sy (details on our ‘Contact Us’ page HERE).
And with the first of this year’s gigs just a couple of weeks away now, what, you may ask, can the guys do without a front-man? A message from Sy:
It is with great pleasure that we can announce the return of ‘James ”Duke Fang” Begely’ who will be covering our february gigs on vocals while we are busy auditioning for a permanent replacement for Noel. Once again James has stepped into the breach and this time he will be covering a full 2hr set with us. So many thanks to James and Stuka Squadron you guys are true masters of metal.
Important Announcement.
Hi folks. An important message from the band:
It is with sad regret that we have to inform you of the sudden departure of Noel Morgan from vocal duties with Saxonized and Ghoad. As you may know, Noel has been very unwell lately and after much deliberation he has informed us that he will no longer be able to perform for us to the standard he feels we deserve. We are currently in talks with a few replacement options but until we have decided we would like to thank Noel for the service and dedication he has given us over the past few years, and we wish him a speedy recovery. Thank you Noel, you are our brother and friend, best wishes mate and take good care of yourself. Sy, Al, Nige and Charlie.
Thanks, Thanks, & Merry Christmas!
Once again we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to James ‘Duke Fang’ Begley from Stuka Squadron, and to Gary Poole, for helping us out on vocals last Saturday at The Horse and Barge: You guy’s rock!! Special thanks to George from Stuka Squadron for coming on stage to jam out Hallowed Be Thy Name with us and also to Andy, Graham, Dom and the guys and gals from Meansteed. It was a truly memorable night.
And with the festive season upon us, and a gig list now empty until February, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the support you have given us this year: In particular for our new project, Saxonized. Only started in July, support and interest in Saxonized has grown and grown as the months have passed, and we are looking forward to a busy, but very exciting, 2012. Just today 3 new dates have been added to our gig-list, all 3 in March and in support of the awesome Limehouse Lizzy. Things are shaping up to be a very busy year indeed: And that is a good thing!
That just leaves me, on behalf of Sy, Nige, Noel, Al, & Charlie, to wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a rockin’ new year!
Charity Gig
Hello, hello! Thanks to everyone who braved the chill Wednesday evening and made it to Chequer Mead Community centre. It was an evening not without it’s problems, but as the old adage says “The show must go on”, and “go on” it did. In other circumstances, the evening could of been a total disaster, but with the aim of raising some cash for Phoebe at stake, everyone involved rolled up their sleeves and set-to to make it happen. And none more so than Stuka Quadron front-man James ‘Duke Fang’ Begley. With 2 days notice and no rehearsals or practice of any kind, James stepped into the breach and covered for Noel. Madness you may say? Incredibly brave and generous say I! And the fact that the guys pulled it off is testament to their professionalism and dedication to their craft. Thanks again James: You are a star! We do not yet know how much was raised for Phoebe, but will let you know when we do. I should also mention that we will soon have some pics and/or vid clips of the event to share with you soon: Watch this space!
Finally, a quick reminder about this coming Saturday’s gig at The Horse and Barge, Harefield, Uxbridge. With support from both ’Stuka Squadron‘ and ’Mean Steed‘, and a metal disco ’til 3am, it promises to be a rockin’ good night. See you there!
Sad News
I received a message from Sy last night, and will quote it directly:
“It is with sad regret that we have to inform all that due to ongoing various health and personnel problems Noel will be unable to perform the next two shows for us at East Grinstead and Harefield, but fear not! at short notice I’m sure you’ll agree, the mighty James ‘Duke Fang’ Begley from the excellent metal band ‘Stuka Squadron’ has stepped in to help us out and will perform at both shows for us and we are eternally grateful to him for that. Check out www.stukasquadron.com for more info on this excellent band who we think are going places!! Due to the time constraints presented to us, the shows will also feature a few non Saxon tunes from the Ghoad set as well. See ya at the front!!”
Sad news indeed, and I am sure you will all join me in wishing Noel all the very best. For now though, bring on ‘Duke Fang’!! The show must go on!!
Charity Gig Reminder
Hi folks. Just a quick reminder for the charity gig next week in East Grinstead. Please make it if you can: Help us give a big Christmas boost to Phoebe’s fund.
General Henry’s Review
Hello friends. Thanks to all who made it to last night’s gig at General Henry’s. Just wanted to share their review of the evening with you (see HERE for the original text):
“Posted Nov 27th
SATURDAY REVIEW – heavy metal and rock n’ roll filled the air at the General’s last night. Guests TOKYO TOYS starting proceedings with a set that certainly had feet tapping. Great rocked up version of SEAL’S CRAZY. SAXONIZED who just once again lifted the bar to show all just exactly how metal should be delivered, Noel and the crew provided nothing less that sheer talent ALL night. Great / awesome / fantastic, words that don’t even get close to describing true professionals at work. Thanks for everything guys, and see you soon. Last but not least, a massive thank you to all the headbangers who attended last night. You all made the General’s come to life.”
