And the Bands Played On

"And the Bands Played On" is a single by heavy metal band Saxon from their 1981 album Denim and Leather. It peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart^[2] and is Saxon's most successful single to date.^[3] The album version has a cold ending at 2:48, but the single version continues slightly longer to 2:53 and has a fade ending. The 7" single version has yet to appear on CD.

"And the Bands Played On"
Single by Saxon
from the album Denim and Leather
Released	1981
Recorded	1981
Genre	Heavy metal^[1]
Length	2:48 (album version) 2:53 (7" single version)
Label	Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Saxon
Producer(s)	Nigel Thomas
Saxon singles chronology
"Strong Arm of the Law" (1980) "And the Bands Played On" (1981) "Never Surrender" (1981)

The lyrics, written by singer Biff Byford, are about Saxon's performance at the Monsters of Rock festival in 1980.^[3]

Personnel

• Biff Byford – vocals
• Graham Oliver – guitar
• Paul Quinn – guitar
• Steve Dawson – bass guitar
• Pete Gill – drums

References

1. Stanley, Bob (13 September 2013). "Some Kind of Monster: Metal". Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop. Faber & Faber. p. 575. ISBN 978-0-571-28198-5.
2. Official Charts: Saxon — And the Bands Played On
3. "Saxon And The Story Of Denim And Leather". Metal Hammer. 8 September 2014.