SAXON is a name which will always have its place in the hearts of rockers with a taste for British metal.

Although the rise of grunge in the late 80s stole some of the thunder from the UK rock scene, Saxon was among a number of groups which made sure American invaders like Nirvana and Pearl Jam did not have things all their own way.

The original line-up is now fragmented into two camps who fought a legal battle to use the Saxon name which singer Biff Byford won.

Founder members, bassist Graham Oliver and guitarist Steve Dawson added their surnames to their version of Saxon in 2000 to satisfy the judge, but still play all the hits with the authority only original band members could.

The Base Sessions team caught up with Oliver/Dawson Saxon for a backstage chat at the recent Upton music festival.

The Base Sessions is recorded and produced by Base Studios in Stourbridge.