The metal community got some tough news this week – Saxon frontman Biff Byford has revealed he’s been diagnosed with cancer.
The iconic voice behind Wheels of Steel, Denim and Leather, and Princess of the Night explained that the diagnosis was the reason behind his recent emergency surgery and the run of cancelled Saxon shows last month.
“I’m over the operation now,” Biff confirmed in a statement. “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.”
Thankfully, the prognosis is good – a relief for fans who have been worrying since the cancellations were announced. For now, Saxon’s upcoming shows will remain on hold while Biff focuses on kicking cancer’s arse.
This isn’t the first time the Yorkshire metal hero has stared down life’s challenges. From four decades of touring madness to heart surgery a few years back, Biff has proven time and again that he’s built like a tank. And if anyone can power through chemo like it’s a two-hour festival set in the rain, it’s him.
So, from all of us at The Riff Report Blog – get well soon, Biff! The stage won’t be the same without your voice roaring across the crowd, and we can’t wait to see you back in your rightful place, mic in hand, hair blowing in the wind machine.
Stay strong, warrior. Saxon forever. 🤘🔥
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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