British heavy metal legends SAXON have announced a string of U.S. tour dates, following the incredibly successful tour with JUDAS PRIEST earlier this year and prior to their appearance on the 2019 Monsters Of Rock cruise out of Florida.

SAXON frontman Biff Byford said in a statement: “We’re bringing the ‘Thunderbolt’ tour back to the USA in February, this time as headliners! Come and join the party. The ‘Thunderbolt’ cometh!”

The dates are as follows:

Feb. 13 – Tulsa, OK – ID Ballroom
Feb. 14 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
Feb. 15 – San Antonio, TX – The Vibes Event Center Showroom
Feb. 16 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
Feb. 17 – Dallas, TX – Canton Hall
Feb. 20 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In
Feb. 21 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage Theater
Feb. 23 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug
Feb. 24-28 – Monsters Of Rock Cruise

Byford recently told Moshpit Passion that SAXON is planning to celebrate a special milestone in 2019. “We are touring until December, I think, but we’ve got something planned next year for our 40th anniversary,” he said. “So I’m looking forward to that. There should be some… maybe some festivals and maybe two or three special shows.”

Byford added that he “can’t share” any details about the 40th-anniversary-celebration plans yet because it’s “top secret.”

Although SAXON was formed in 1977, the band’s debut album didn’t arrive until two years later.

Byford and guitarist Paul Quinn are the sole remaining original members in the group’s current lineup, which issued its 22nd LP, “Thunderbolt”, earlier this year.

Originally from South Yorkshire, England, SAXON has gone on to sell about 23 million albums and has produced such classic songs as “Denim And Leather”, “Princess Of The Night”, “Wheels Of Steel” and “Power And Glory”.

In addition to Byford and Quinn, SAXON‘s current lineup includes bassist Nibbs Carter, guitarist Doug Scarratt and drummer Nigel Glockler.

SAXON is represented by X-ray Touring‘s Steve Strange, APA‘s Keith Naisbitt and Siren Artist Management‘s Adam Parsons.

Fonte: Blabbermouth.net