Biff Byford releases 'School of Hard Knocks' video ahead of first-ever solo album and sets UK tour dates
Legendary Saxon frontman Biff Byford has launched the video for 'School Of Hard Knocks,' the title track of his first-ever solo album of the same name which is set for release February 21, 2020. The video was released December 13.
“The title track to the album is basically biographical about my early years…” said Byford. “Have a listen to the lyrics - hope you all like it!” With his roots firmly in the North of England, Byford has earned the right to be considered "The Heavy Metal Bard Of The North" and his debut album reflects the man and his personality, his passion and his musical versatility.
'School Of Hard Knocks' fulfils Biff Byford’s long-standing wish to explore rock ‘n’ roll a little more. The album is a personal journey highlighting his life and his passionate interests, from the history of the Middle Ages to growing up in the industrial North.
Like a finely-tuned guitar, 'School Of Hard Knocks' delivers a classic old-school British hard rock album and embraces a variety of musical genres that include the Yorkshire folk classic 'Scarborough Fair,' famously covered by Simon and Garfunkel.
The music video for 'School Of Hard Knocks' is a thunderous, crunchy drive forward, juxtaposed with diary-entry-style lyrics that take us through a quick "hard knock" summary of what it is like being a struggling rock 'n' roll artist. Byford poetically lists out assorted experiences he has had in his early life, as well as speaking directly to the camera with a rundown on the difficulties one can face in such an industry.
“With this album, I’m singing about my past, of course, and about things I like, but mostly I wanted it to reflect me, my personality and my life”, says Byford. 'School Of Hard Knocks' features Byford on vocals (and a spot of four-string thunder) along with Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth) on guitars, drummer Christian Lundqvist and bass player Gus Macricostas.
The album also features guest appearances by Phil Campbell (Motörhead/Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire and Turilli/Lione Rhapsody), Nick Barker (Voices), Dave Kemp (Wayward Sons) and Nibbs Carter (Saxon).
You can watch the video here. Byford recently announced his first-ever solo tour dates. The tour begins in the U.K. in April 2020 with European dates to be announced later.
Tour dates below:
April
Friday 17 - Gateshead, Sage 2
Saturday 18 - Birmingham, Town Hall
Monday 20 - Glasgow, St. Lukes
Tuesday 21 - Leeds, City Varieties
Wednesday 22 - Bath, Komedia
Friday 24 - Liverpool, Arts Club
Saturday 25 - Aberdare, Coliseum Theatre
Monday 27 - Milton Keynes, Stables
Tuesday 28 - London, Islington Assembly Hall
Wednesday 29 - Brighton, Old Market