Denim and Leather

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Denim and Leather" by Saxon, a song from their 1981 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely banging their heads to this anthem of heavy metal culture. This song is a tribute to the band’s fans and the early 1980s metalhead subculture, defined by denim jeans, leather jackets, and a rebellious spirit. In a June 1981 interview with Kerrang!, lead vocalist Biff Byford shared that he envisioned "Denim and Leather" as a medium-paced track, drawing inspiration from the band Free, aiming to capture the raw energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The lyrics, penned by Byford and the band, celebrate the fans who "set the spirit free," referencing their dedication—like queuing for tickets in ice and snow or hanging out at record stores. The song’s iconic chorus, with its chant-like quality, was designed to resonate with the denim-clad crowds, and Byford noted its optimistic tone, encouraging fans to chase dreams of rocking out on stage.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s recording process. Saxon recorded most of "Denim and Leather" at Aquarius Studios in Geneva, with some work done at Polar Studios in Stockholm, famously owned by ABBA. This was a shift for the band, as it was their first album recorded outside the UK. Former guitarist Graham Oliver, in a memory shared via Saxon’s official X account in 2021, recalled the camaraderie and creative buzz during the album’s creation, reflecting on how the song encapsulated the band’s connection with their audience. The track closes the album with a fade-in of chanting fans, a nod to the live energy of the NWOBHM scene, which Byford described as a “melting pot” of denim and leather that defined heavy metal’s essence. Fans on Saxon’s Facebook often cite it as a timeless anthem, with posts celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2021 sparking discussions about its nostalgic power.

Saxon formed in Barnsley, England, in 1975, emerging from the ashes of two local bands, S.O.B. and Coast. Originally called Son of a Bitch, the band was founded by vocalist Peter “Biff” Byford, guitarists Paul Quinn and Graham Oliver, bassist Steve "Dobby" Dawson, and drummer Pete Gill. Their early sound leaned into blues rock and hard rock, but by the late 1970s, they tapped into the raw, aggressive energy of the NWOBHM movement. Their self-titled debut in 1979 was a stepping stone, but it was 1980’s "Wheels of Steel" and "Strong Arm of the Law" that catapulted them to fame, with hits like "747 (Strangers in the Night)" and "Motorcycle Man" charting in the UK. By the time "Denim and Leather" dropped in 1981, Saxon had solidified their place alongside Iron Maiden and Judas Priest as leaders of the NWOBHM, with eight UK Top 40 albums in the 1980s and over 23 million records sold worldwide.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Just before the "Denim and Leather" tour, drummer Pete Gill left due to a hand injury and was replaced by Nigel Glockler, who remains with the band today. Saxon faced lineup changes and industry pressures, particularly in the late 1980s when they struggled for US chart success and parted ways with EMI. However, their 1990 "10 Years of Denim and Leather" tour reinvigorated their career, proving their enduring fanbase. Today, Saxon continues to tour and release music, with their latest lineup featuring Byford, Quinn, Doug Scarratt, Nibbs Carter, and Glockler. Their official website, saxon747.com, offers tour dates and merch, while their Facebook and Instagram pages keep fans updated with live photos and throwback posts. On X, the band engages directly, often asking fans about favorite tracks like "Denim and Leather."

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Saxon Fans Facebook group is a vibrant hub where enthusiasts share concert stories, vinyl collections, and love for classics like "Denim and Leather." Another fan site, saxonmerch.co.uk, offers exclusive gear and news, reflecting the band’s cult following. These platforms echo the spirit of the song’s lyrics, uniting fans in their shared love for Saxon’s heavy metal legacy, just as the Zoo Crew keeps the airwaves rocking for their denim-and-leather-clad listeners.