Saxon frontman, Biff Byford, has released a video for "School Of Hard Knocks", the title track of his first ever solo album, which is set for release on February 21 via Silver Lining Music.

“The title track to the album is basically biographical about my early years…,” says Biff. “Have a listen to the lyrics - hope you all like it!”

School Of Hard Knocks is available for pre-order on CD, vinyl, digital formats and special D2C bundles at this location.

With his roots firmly in The North of England, Biff has earned the right to be considered The Heavy Metal Bard Of The North and his debut album reflects the man and his personality, his loves and his musical versatility.

School Of Hard Knocks fulfils Biff Byford’s long-standing wish to explore rock ‘n’ roll a little more. The album is a personal journey highlighting his life and his passionate interests, from the history of the Middle Ages to growing up in the industrial North. A classic, masterfully constructed old-school British hard rock album, School Of Hard Knocks embraces a variety of musical genres and includes the Yorkshire folk classic Scarborough Fair, famously covered by Simon and Garfunkel. Byford and Fredrik Åkesson’s arrangement breathes new life into the legendary song.

Biff says: “With this album I’m singing about my past, of course, and about things I like, but mostly I wanted it to reflect me, my personality and my life.”

School Of Hard Knocks features Biff Byford on vocals (and a spot of four string thunder) along with Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth) on guitars, drummer Christian Lundqvist and bass player Gus Macricostas.  The album also features guest appearances by Phil Campbell (Motörhead/Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire and Turilli / Lione Rhapsody), Nick Barker (Voices), Dave Kemp (Wayward Sons) and Nibbs Carter (Saxon). The album was produced by Biff Byford, recorded by Jacky Lehmann at Brighton Electric Studios in Brighton (UK) and mixed at Queen Street Studios in Stockholm (Sweden) by Mats Valentin.

Tracklisting:

"Welcome To The Show"
"School Of Hard Knocks"
"Inquisitor"
"The Pit And The Pendulum"
"Worlds Collide"
"Scarborough Fair" *
"Pedal To The Metal"
"Hearts Of Steel"
"Throw Down The Sword"
"Me And You"
"Black And White"

* not available on 12” Vinyl

"Welcome To The Show" lyric video:

Byford recently announced a UK Tour to coincide with the release of School Of Hard Knocks.

Biff is pleased to announce his first ever solo tour dates in April 2020. Starting in the UK, the tour will continue into various European territories (dates to be announced) later on.

The show will take an “evening with” format and will be split into two halves. The first half will feature a spoken word show compared by American comedian and star of VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show, Don Jamieson, where Don will quiz Biff on all aspects of his life and career. The second half will consist of a live show with Biff and his band.

Biff states: “The show will consist of some old songs, some new songs, some cover versions and some songs off the solo album. It’s going to be great and I am really looking forward to it. It’s going to something a little bit different, but it will be very cool, so I’ll see you all there!”

Tickets are available at myticket.co.uk and all usual outlets.

UK dates:

April
17 - Gateshead, UK - Sage 2
18 - Birmingham, UK - Town Hall
20 - Glasgow, UK - St. Lukes
21 - Leeds, UK - City Varieties
22 - Bath, UK - Komedia
24 - Liverpool, UK - Arts Club
25 - Aberdare, UK - Coliseum Theatre
27 - Milton Keynes, UK - Stables
28 - London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
29 - Brighton, UK - Old Market

Below is video of Biff discussing his upcoming solo dates: