British heavy metal giants Saxon have announced the first UK and Ireland leg of their Gods of Thunder World Tour, with further international dates set to be revealed in the coming months.

Adding to the excitement, the band will revive their legendary 30-foot mechanised Eagle for all UK and Ireland shows, with the exception of Cardiff due to venue restrictions. Fans can also expect the return of Saxon’s celebrated Castles & Eagles stage production, promising one of the most spectacular live presentations in the band’s history.

Originally constructed in the early 1980s as Saxon prepared to tour their seminal album Denim and Leather, the iconic Eagle was built by Midlands-based company LSD using airport runway landing lights. It made its first appearance during a pre-tour rehearsal in London before becoming an enduring symbol of the band.

Towering above audiences during Saxon’s massive arena tours, the emblematic Eagle quickly became Saxon’s mascot and inspired the title of their acclaimed 1982 UK Top 5 live album, The Eagle Has Landed, leading to fans requesting its presence ever since.

“We wanted to make the Gods of Thunder UK & Ireland tour extra special,” comments founding member and front man Biff Byford. “And what better way than to fly our beloved Saxon Eagle again... Get ready for take-off!”

With a new world tour on the horizon and their highly anticipated 25th studio album on Silver Lining Music waiting in the wings for an early 2027 release, Saxon show no signs of slowing down as they continue to fly the flag for British heavy metal around the globe