The Eagle Has Landed

The Zoo Crew is spinning Saxon’s “The Eagle Has Landed” from the album Power & The Glory, a track that’s a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks. This epic song, closing the 1983 album, is inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing, with lyrics like “Take a giant step for mankind / On a distant lunar sea” evoking the historic event. In a 2015 interview on Progressive Ears, drummer Nigel Glockler shared that the band aimed for a cinematic feel, drawing from their love of grand, storytelling compositions. The song’s live performances are legendary, with Saxon’s official X account posting on March 21, 2020, a 1983 live clip of the track, calling it a “classic” that still resonates with fans. Reviewers on Written in Music noted its Judas Priest-like energy, highlighting its heavy riffs and soaring vocals, though some critiqued it for leaning heavily on Priest’s style.

Another piece of trivia comes from the song’s inclusion in live albums like The Eagle Has Landed 40, released in 2019 to celebrate Saxon’s 40th anniversary. According to a Metal-Rules.com review, the track was performed at Wacken Open Air 2014, showcasing its enduring appeal. Fans on Saxon’s official Facebook often share stories of hearing it live, with one commenter on a 2018 post recalling Biff Byford’s commanding stage presence during the song, urging the crowd to chant along. The song’s recording in Atlanta’s Axis Sound Studio, as mentioned on bgnworkshop.fr, marked a shift for Saxon, being their first album with Glockler, whose progressive influences added depth to the track’s rhythm.

Saxon, hailing from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, formed in 1975 and became a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The band emerged from the ashes of two local acts, S.O.B. and Coast, with singer Biff Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn as key founders. According to their Wikipedia page, they started as Blue Condition, playing blues and hard rock, before adopting a heavier sound inspired by bands like Black Sabbath. By 1979, they released their self-titled debut, but it was 1980’s Wheels of Steel that broke them through, with hits like “Motorcycle Man” charting in Japan for over five months. Their raw energy and relentless touring, as noted in a Record Shop X bio, cemented their status alongside Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

The band’s early days were marked by gritty determination, playing pubs and clubs across Yorkshire before landing a deal with Carrere Records. A Get Ready to Rock article recounts how their 1982 live album The Eagle Has Landed captured their electrifying live shows, hitting #5 in the UK charts. Despite lineup changes, including a legal battle over the band name with former members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson, Saxon persevered. Byford’s leadership and their commitment to heavy metal kept them relevant, with over 23 million records sold worldwide, as per Lyrics.com. Fans can connect with Saxon on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Saxon Fans Facebook group is a hub for enthusiasts sharing concert photos, rare vinyl finds, and memories of shows dating back to the ’80s. Another fan site, Saxon’s official fan club, offers exclusive merch and updates. These spaces buzz with love for tracks like “The Eagle Has Landed,” keeping Saxon’s legacy alive for new and old fans alike.