Dallas 1 PM

The Zoo Crew is spinning Dallas 1 PM by Saxon, a track from their 1980 album Strong Arm of the Law, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this heavy metal classic. This song dives into the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, capturing the shock and chaos of that fateful day in 1963. According to frontman Biff Byford, the band debated whether to include one or three gunshots in the track, ultimately choosing three to nod to conspiracy theories surrounding the event. The song samples both Kennedy’s voice and a contemporaneous news report, adding a haunting authenticity. Byford noted the technical challenge of syncing these elements on analog equipment, using marker pens on tape to align the sounds, a process he described as “industrious.” Unlike other songs about the assassination, Dallas 1 PM avoids sensationalism, offering a respectful yet powerful take from a British perspective, which fans on platforms like Last.fm praise for its storytelling.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the song’s context within Strong Arm of the Law, an album celebrated as a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Posts on X from @SaxonOfficial highlight the album’s 40th anniversary in 2020, with fans chiming in about their love for tracks like Dallas 1 PM. The song’s six-and-a-half-minute runtime allows for a cinematic build, with lyrics painting vivid scenes of a “crowded main street” and “screaming confusion.” On Discogs, fans call it a standout for its unique subject matter, noting how it reflects Saxon’s knack for blending historical themes with raw energy. The band’s choice to tackle such a pivotal American moment resonated globally, making it a fan favorite at live shows, as tracked on setlist.fm.

Saxon began in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, in 1975, emerging from the ashes of two local bands, S.O.B. and Coast. Originally named Son of a Bitch, the band was founded by vocalist Peter “Biff” Byford, guitarists Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver, bassist Steve Dawson, and drummer John Walker. Their early sound leaned toward blues rock and hard rock, but by the late 1970s, they embraced the heavier edge that would define NWOBHM. Renaming themselves Saxon in 1977, they released their self-titled debut in 1979, followed by Wheels of Steel and Strong Arm of the Law in 1980, which cemented their status as metal pioneers. Their raw, working-class energy and relentless touring—especially in Europe and Japan, where their single Motorcycle Man charted for months—built a loyal fanbase. By the 1980s, Saxon had eight UK Top 40 albums, influencing bands like Metallica and Megadeth, as noted on Wikipedia.

Today, Saxon remains active, with over 23 million records sold and regular tours. You can follow them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they engage fans with updates and throwbacks like the anniversary of Strong Arm of the Law. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other fans, check out the Saxon - The Official Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and discuss setlists. Another great spot is Metal Storm, a fan-driven community with 556 members celebrating Saxon’s legacy. Whether you’re headbanging to Dallas 1 PM or diving into their history, Saxon’s gritty spirit keeps the metal flame burning bright.