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Graham Oliver
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Graham Oliver
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Key Information

Graham Oliver (born 6 July 1952) is an English guitarist who was born in Mexborough, South Yorkshire.[1] He was a founding member in the heavy metal band Saxon from 1976 to 1996.[2]

Career

[edit]

Oliver was a budding guitarist while working in a factory in the mid-1970s, but gave up after losing the tip of his index finger in an accident with a door, and sold his prized 1962/63 Fender Stratocaster (he would attempt to track down the guitar 40 years later).[3] He was, however, encouraged by future bandmate Paul Quinn to learn to play again.[3]

Oliver was originally a member of the band SOB, which formed in 1970. SOB played its first shows in 1970 under the name Blue Condition and toured extensively from 1970 to 1975, also in Germany and the Netherlands.[4] The other members were future Saxon bassist Steve Dawson, Steve Firth on vocals and drummers David Bradley, John Hart, Cowley and John Walker.[5][6]

The band merged in November 1975 with another local band (Coast) to become first Son of a Bitch and from 1978 Saxon, with whom Oliver played from the start and until 1995, as guitarist during a period in which the band had five top 20 albums in the UK.[7][8][9][10]

After being fired from Saxon in 1996, he initially reformed his old band Son of a Bitch with former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson and drummer Pete Gill.[10][11][12] Son of a Bitch released the album Victim You with Thunderhead singer Ted Bullet.[12][10][13] Bullet and Gill left the band after the release of the album. They were replaced by the vocalist John Ward, and another former member of Saxon, Nigel Durham on drums.

In 1999, Oliver and Dawson trademarked the name 'Saxon', claiming they had exclusive rights to it, and attempted to stop Saxon singer Biff Byford from using the name.[14] The trademark claim was overturned after it was ruled to be in bad faith, setting a legal precedent for ownership of a band name.[14] Oliver and Dawson changed the name of the band to Oliver/Dawson Saxon, and undertook a British tour with Ronnie James Dio. Graham also duetted with Doug Aldrich on "Rainbow in the Dark" on the last gig at Plymouth.

Oliver has also released the solo album End of an Era in 2001.[15] Five of the tracks were written and performed by the rock indie band Bullrush, with whom Graham Oliver's son Paul played drums, along Steve Tudberry and Scott Howitt. Also appearing on the album were Pete Gill, Steve Dawson, Kev Moore, Paul Johnson, Phil Hendriks, Richard Spencer and Chris Archer.[15]

Since 2002, Oliver has played with former Marc Bolan session musician Paul Fenton, touring under the banner "Mickey Finn's T-Rex" and formerly "T. Rex (A Celebration of Marc and Mickey)".[7][6] This opportunity materialised after Oliver played "Get It On" with Rolan Bolan at a show in Bradford.[16]

Oliver suffered a stroke in January 2010, leaving him without feeling in one arm for several weeks.[17]

In 2011, Oliver joined pupils at Mexborough School in their production of the Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You.[18]

In 2012 guitar manufacturer "Vintage" collaborated with Graham to produce two signature guitars based on his famous Gibson SG and Flying-V guitars. The 'SG' model Vintage VS6GO and the 'V' model Vintage V60GO.[19]

Oliver and Steve Dawson wrote the book Saxon Drugs and Rock and Roll - The Real Spinal Tap, published by Tomahawk Press in 2012, with a foreword by Harry Shearer (who drew inspiration for Spinal Tap from his time on tour with the band in 1982).[3][8][20][21]

As of 2017, Oliver was still playing in Oliver/Dawson Saxon.[22][23] Following Steve Dawson's decision to retire from performing in October 2021, Graham Oliver, Gav Coulson and Bri Shaughnessy recruited new bandmembers and chose to continue working together under the new name of 'Graham Oliver's Army'.

Oliver is also an authority on Yorkshire ceramics.[24][25]

Discography

[edit]

Saxon

[edit]

Studio albums

Live albums

Son of a Bitch

[edit]
  • (1996) Victim You

Oliver/Dawson Saxon

[edit]

Solo

[edit]
  • (2001) End of an Era

Collaborations and guest appearances

[edit]

Oliver has made a handful of guest appearances with Barnsley comedy band The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Graham Oliver

View on Grokipedia
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Graham Oliver (born 6 July 1952) is an English renowned for his contributions to the heavy metal genre as a founding member of the band Saxon. Oliver co-founded Saxon in 1977 in , , alongside guitarists Paul Quinn and himself, bassist , vocalist , and drummer . The band initially performed under the name Son of a Bitch. As the band's rhythm , he played a key role from their formation through their debut album Saxon (1979) and into their breakthrough period, contributing to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement alongside acts like and . During his tenure until 1994, Saxon released landmark albums including (1980, peaking at No. 5 on the ), (1980, No. 11 ), and (1981, No. 9 ), which featured the genre-defining title track honoring the NWOBHM scene. The band achieved eight UK Top 40 albums in the 1980s, sold over 13 million records worldwide, and toured extensively, including support slots for and . Following his departure from Saxon in 1994—amid reported internal tensions—Oliver teamed up with Dawson to form Oliver/Dawson Saxon in 1995, a project that revived their original songwriting partnership and performed classic Saxon material alongside new compositions. The band, often stylized as ODS, released several albums, such as Re-Gene-Rated (2006) and Motorbiker (2012). After Dawson's retirement around 2021, Oliver formed Graham Oliver's Army, which continues to tour and perform, including collaborations with Paul Quinn. Despite a Parkinson's disease diagnosis in recent years, Oliver remains active in music as of 2025. Oliver's dual-guitar style, characterized by harmonized riffs and energetic stage presence, has been influential in the NWOBHM sound.

Early life

Childhood and upbringing

Graham Oliver was born on 6 July 1952 in , , . Growing up in the working-class, industrial landscape of during the post-war era, Oliver showed an early aptitude for music. At age 10, he gained his first taste of performing by miming to ' instrumental hit "" during a school event, an experience that captivated him with the guitar's sound and the thrill of the stage. Oliver's formative influences spanned rock and folk genres, reflecting the evolving British music scene of the . He was drawn to the clean, melodic guitar tones of , which sparked his initial interest in the instrument. This expanded with Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited (1965), particularly the revolutionary "Like a Rolling Stone," inspiring him toward songwriting and lyrical depth. By his mid-teens, became a pivotal figure; Oliver first encountered Hendrix's raw energy via a television performance of "Hey Joe," followed by attending a live show and immersing himself in Are You Experienced (1967), with tracks like "Foxy Lady" profoundly shaping his approach to playing.

Early musical career and accident

Graham Oliver's musical journey began in the early in the working-class mining communities of , where he honed his guitar skills amid the local rock scene. As a teenager, he was influenced by performances such as the 1965 Butlins holiday camp show featuring guitarist Ollie Halsall, which sparked his interest in the instrument. By the mid-, Oliver had become a founding member of the heavy Son of a Bitch, alongside bassist Steve "Dobby" Dawson. The group, initially known simply as SOB, gigged extensively in the area, performing at venues like the Changes pub—nine times in 1974 alone—and building a following with their raw, energetic sound inspired by acts like and . In late 1975, Son of a Bitch merged with the Barnsley-based band , incorporating vocalist Peter Byford (later known as ) and second Paul Quinn, which expanded the lineup and shifted their focus toward a more polished heavy metal style. This collaboration marked the embryonic stage of what would evolve into Saxon, though the band continued under the Son of a Bitch moniker for local performances and early demos. Oliver's contributions as rhythm were central, providing the dual-guitar harmonies that became a hallmark of the group's sound during these formative club dates across . Oliver's burgeoning career faced a major setback in October 1976, when he suffered a severe industrial accident at his factory job in , severing the tip of his left index finger. Doctors warned him that the injury would prevent him from ever playing guitar again, leading to a period of doubt where he nearly abandoned music altogether. Undeterred, Oliver adapted his technique, rebuilding strength and incorporating the partial loss into a unique picking style that influenced his aggressive, riff-driven playing. This resilience allowed him to continue with , which soon rebranded as Saxon in 1979 to secure a record deal, propelling them into the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.

Musical career

Founding and tenure with Saxon

Graham Oliver co-founded the precursor to Saxon in 1970 as the band Blue Condition, alongside bassist Steve "Dobby" Dawson and drummer John Walker, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The group evolved through several name changes and lineup shifts, becoming SOB around 1972 and then Son of a Bitch by 1975, with Oliver remaining as guitarist. In 1976, Son of a Bitch merged with local band Coast, incorporating vocalist Peter "Biff" Byford, guitarist Paul Quinn, and drummer Pete Gill, which solidified the core lineup that would define Saxon's sound. The band officially renamed itself Saxon in 1979 after signing with Carrere Records, as the original name was deemed too provocative for commercial release. As a founding guitarist, Oliver played a pivotal role in shaping Saxon's twin-guitar attack, drawing from influences like Free and blending riffs with emerging heavy metal elements during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era. He co-wrote key tracks on the self-titled debut album (1979), including "Militia Guard" and "Judgement Day," which helped establish the band's aggressive, working-class anthems. Over the next decade, Oliver contributed to landmark releases like (1980), which peaked at No. 5 on the and featured his dynamic solos on songs such as "Motorcycle Man," and (1980), solidifying Saxon's international breakthrough with tours alongside acts like . His tenure saw the band achieve commercial peaks, including the gold-certified Crusader (1984) and headlining festivals, though internal tensions arose amid the 1980s shift. Oliver remained with Saxon through their transition to major label EMI in 1983 and into the early 1990s, performing on nine studio albums and contributing to the heavier sound on efforts like Destiny (1988) and Solid Ball of Rock (1990). His departure came in 1995, following the recording of Dogs of War (1994), amid reported disputes over bootleg recordings and creative differences, marking the end of an era for the band's original lineup. During his nearly two-decade stint, Oliver's high-energy stage presence and songwriting helped Saxon sell millions of records worldwide, cementing their status as NWOBHM pioneers.

Departure from Saxon and immediate aftermath

Graham Oliver was dismissed from Saxon at the end of 1994, shortly after the band completed recording their album Dogs of War.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 63 </grok:render> In interviews, Oliver attributed his departure to irreconcilable differences with the band's management, particularly criticizing a German manager for lacking accountability and making decisions not in the band's best interest, which he said made continued collaboration impossible.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 62 </grok:render> Saxon frontman Biff Byford later described the firing as necessary due to a complete breakdown in band chemistry, stating that the internal tensions had become "unbearable" and were hindering the group's survival during a difficult period in the mid-1990s.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 40 </grok:render> The band replaced Oliver with guitarist Doug Scarratt, a longtime friend of drummer Nigel Glockler, allowing Saxon to continue touring and recording in support of Dogs of War, which was released in 1995.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 10 </grok:render> Oliver's exit marked the end of his nearly two-decade tenure as a founding guitarist, during which he had contributed to Saxon's rise in the new wave of British heavy metal scene. Immediately following his dismissal, Oliver reformed his pre-Saxon band Son of a Bitch in 1995, recruiting former Saxon bassist Steve Dawson—who had himself left the band in 1986—and ex-Saxon drummer Pete Gill to perform early heavy metal material.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 63 </grok:render> The group began gigging soon after, including appearances at bike festivals and an open-air concert in the Isle of Man, initially with temporary members such as Oliver's son on drums and a vocalist from Gary Bushell's band The Gonads.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 39 </grok:render> However, Oliver's use of variations on the Saxon name, such as "Saxon: The Early Years," for these performances quickly led to legal conflicts, culminating in an injunction against him by CBH Records in 1996 to prevent further association with the Saxon trademark.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 63 </grok:render> This prompted the band to rebrand as Oliver/Dawson Saxon, focusing on recreating the sound of Saxon's classic era while navigating ongoing disputes over the original band's name rights.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 41 </grok:render>

Post-Saxon's band projects

Following his departure from Saxon in 1995, Graham Oliver reformed the band Son of a Bitch, which had been the original name of Saxon prior to their 1979 rebranding. This reunion included former Saxon members bassist and drummer , marking a return to the group's early heavy metal roots with a focus on high-energy performances of classic material. The reformed Son of a Bitch toured extensively in the mid-1990s, emphasizing Oliver's signature dual-guitar style and drawing fans nostalgic for Saxon's New Wave of British Heavy Metal era. In 1997, Oliver and Dawson registered the "Saxon" trademark, leading to a brief period of parallel touring bands and subsequent legal disputes with the remaining Saxon lineup. To resolve these issues, the project was renamed Oliver/Dawson Saxon, retaining its core membership and commitment to performing Saxon classics alongside original compositions. The band maintained an active schedule through the 2000s and 2010s, releasing studio albums and live recordings that showcased Oliver's enduring guitar work, often characterized by aggressive riffs and harmonious leads. Oliver/Dawson Saxon became a staple on the European metal festival circuit, appealing to audiences seeking authentic recreations of Saxon's golden period sound. Beyond these core projects, Oliver contributed to select collaborative efforts, including guest appearances on albums by other NWOBHM acts, but his primary focus remained on Oliver/Dawson Saxon as a vehicle for his post-Saxon creative output. This lineup allowed Oliver to sustain a professional touring career, blending reverence for his Saxon legacy with independent musical exploration.

Recent performances and collaborations

In recent years, Graham Oliver has continued to perform actively through his band Graham Oliver's Army, a project dedicated to classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) material, primarily drawing from his Saxon catalog. Despite his 2023 diagnosis, Oliver has maintained a rigorous touring schedule, emphasizing resilience in live settings. The band, featuring vocalist Brian Shaughnessy, guitarist Gav Coulson, bassist Jamie Mallender, and drummer Rod Fearnley, has focused on high-energy performances of Saxon staples like "" and "." A notable highlight has been Oliver's collaborations with former Saxon bandmate Paul Quinn, reuniting the duo for the first time since 1995. In June 2023, they performed two shows at Zirco Tokyo in , delivering sets including "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy," "Stand Up and Be Counted," and "," marking their initial post-Saxon joint appearances. This partnership extended to August 2024, when Quinn joined Graham for a special gig at Space Odd in Daikanyama, , on August 17, featuring Saxon classics such as "Heavy Metal Thunder," "The Eagle Has Landed," and "Stand Up and Be Counted." The performance, lasting nearly two hours, underscored their enduring chemistry from two decades together in Saxon (1975–1995). Throughout 2024, Oliver's Army toured extensively in Europe and the UK, with key appearances at Firefest 2024 in Manchester on October 11, where they played a 65-minute set of NWOBHM anthems including "Crusader," and WinterStorm 2024 in Troon, Scotland, on November 29, closing with "And the Bands Played On." In December 2023, they headlined at Birdwell Venue in England, incorporating tracks like "Never Surrender." Extending into 2025, the band performed at Muskelrock festival in Alvesta, Sweden, on May 29, delivering a setlist heavy on Saxon hits such as "Frozen Rainbow" and "Backs to the Wall," and at Rock Petrol in Wingene, Belgium, on July 27. These outings demonstrate Oliver's commitment to live music, blending nostalgia with contemporary festival circuits.

Discography

Albums with Saxon

Graham Oliver co-founded Saxon in 1977 as a , providing and co-writing contributions across the band's first twelve studio albums released between 1979 and 1995. His playing, often in harmony with rhythm guitarist Paul Quinn, helped establish Saxon's signature twin-guitar heavy metal sound during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. The debut album Saxon (1979, Carrere Records) showcased Oliver's raw, aggressive riffs on tracks like "Heavy Metal Thunder" and "Suicide Warrior," setting the foundation for the band's high-energy style. The follow-up (1980, Carrere) marked a commercial breakthrough, peaking at No. 5 on the and featuring Oliver's prominent solos on the title track and "747 ()." (1980, Carrere), released later that year, continued the momentum with No. 11 chart placement; Oliver co-wrote and performed on anthems like the title track and "20,000 Ft.," emphasizing the band's working-class themes. Saxon's golden era peaked with Denim and Leather (1981, Carrere), which reached No. 9 in the UK and is regarded as a NWOBHM cornerstone. Oliver's guitar work drives songs such as "Princess of the Night" and "Midnight Caller," blending melody and power. As the band gained international success, Power & the Glory (1983, Parlophone) peaked at No. 15 in the UK, with Oliver contributing to epic tracks like "Power and the Glory" and "Warrior." Crusader (1984, Parlophone), peaking at No. 18, featured Oliver's neoclassical influences on the title track and "Saxons and Vikings," reflecting the band's growing thematic ambition. The mid-1980s saw a shift toward a more polished sound. (1985, ), which charted at No. 36 in the UK, included Oliver's parts on radio-friendly cuts like "Rockin' Again" and "Northern Lady," though it received mixed reviews for softening the band's edge. (1986, ), reaching No. 34, returned to harder riffs with Oliver co-writing "Waiting for the Night" and "Rock 'n' Roll Gypsy." By the late 1980s and early 1990s, amid declining sales in the era, Oliver remained a core member. Destiny (1988, ), charting at No. 49, explored AOR elements on tracks like the title song, with Oliver's solos adding bite. (1990, ) and Forever Free (1992, ) maintained the heavy metal core, featuring Oliver on energetic numbers such as "Solid Ball of Rock" and "What Do You Do." His final contribution came on Dogs of War (1995, Atlantic), a thematic album about conflict with Oliver's guitar on "Dogs of War" and "All or Nothing," before his departure later that year.
AlbumRelease YearUK Chart PeakKey Tracks Featuring Oliver's Guitar
Saxon1979-"Heavy Metal Thunder", "Frozen Rainbow"
Wheels of Steel19805"Wheels of Steel", "Motorcycle Man"
Strong Arm of the Law198011"Strong Arm of the Law", "Dallas 1 PM"
Denim and Leather19819"Princess of the Night", "Denim and Leather"
Power & the Glory198315"Power and the Glory", "Battle Cry"
Crusader198418"Crusader", "A Little Bit of What You Fancy"
Innocence Is No Excuse198536"Rockin' Again", "Back on the Streets Again"
Rock the Nations198634"Rock the Nations", "Northern Lady"
Destiny198849"Destiny", "Redline"
Solid Ball of Rock1990-"Solid Ball of Rock", "One More for the Road"
Forever Free1992-"Forever Free", "Ironmode"
Dogs of War1995-"Dogs of War", "Take Me Home"

Son of a Bitch releases

Son of a Bitch, reformed in the mid-1990s by former Saxon members Graham Oliver (guitar), (bass), and (drums), released its debut and only studio album, Victim You, in 1996. The band enlisted Thunderhead vocalist Ted Bullet for lead vocals and Haydn Conway as second guitarist, marking a continuation of the heavy metal style Oliver had pioneered with Saxon but with a raw, post-departure edge. Recorded in , the album was issued on multiple labels including HiQ Records (), Hengest Records (), and Saraya Recordings (), with subsequent reissues on Angel Air Records in 2001 and 2012. Victim You features 12 tracks blending aggressive riffs, themes of betrayal and resilience, and Oliver's signature twin-guitar leads. The album received modest attention in the metal underground, praised for recapturing the gritty energy of Saxon's early days while showcasing the lineup's chemistry. Key tracks include the title song "Victim You," which critiques personal deceit, and "Treacherous Times," noted for its driving rhythm and social commentary. Production was handled by the band alongside engineered support, emphasizing a straightforward heavy metal sound without extensive overdubs.
Track No.TitleDuration
1Bitch of a Place to Be4:15
2Drivin' Sideways5:31
3Past the Point3:47
4No One's Gettin' Over5:44
5Treacherous Times4:44
6Love Your Misery3:43
7I Still Care5:10
8Old School4:28
9More for Me4:35
10Evil Sweet Evil4:52
11Victim You4:48
12Running Away (From You)5:02
In addition to the album, Son of a Bitch issued a promotional CD single for "Treacherous Times" in 1996 on Hengest Records (UK), limited to industry previews and not widely commercially available. This release highlighted the track's potential as a single, featuring the album version backed by minimal additional content. No further official releases followed under the Son of a Bitch name, as the core members transitioned to Oliver/Dawson Saxon shortly thereafter. Following his departure from Saxon in 1995, Graham Oliver co-founded a band initially named Son of a Bitch (reviving Saxon's original moniker) with fellow ex-Saxon member Steve Dawson on bass. For their 1996 debut album Victim You, the lineup included Pete Gill on drums, Ted Bullet on vocals, and Haydn Conway on guitar, delivering original heavy metal tracks that echoed the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) sound of their Saxon era, including songs like "Victim You" and "The Legman". This release marked Oliver's return to recording after leaving Saxon, emphasizing twin-guitar riffs and high-energy anthems, though it received limited commercial attention amid the band's transitional phase. In the late 1990s, Oliver and Dawson briefly used the name Saxon for touring and performances, leading to a legal dispute with Saxon's remaining members, particularly vocalist Biff Byford. The conflict, initiated in 1997 when Oliver and Dawson registered the Saxon trademark, resulted in two competing versions of the band on the road until a 2003 court ruling favored Byford's group, forcing Oliver and Dawson to rebrand as Oliver/Dawson Saxon. The newly named band retained a core lineup including Oliver on guitar, Dawson on bass, and later incorporated drummer Nigel Durham, vocalist John Ward, and second guitarist Haydn Conway for stability. Oliver/Dawson Saxon positioned itself as a continuation of Saxon's original spirit, focusing on live performances of NWOBHM classics like "Motorcycle Man" and "Princess of the Night" alongside new material, and toured Europe and the UK, including slots at festivals with bands such as Girlschool and Tygers of Pan Tang to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the NWOBHM movement in 2002. The band's output shifted toward live recordings to capture their energetic stage presence, beginning with It's Alive in 2003, a DVD and documenting a performance that highlighted Oliver's signature guitar solos. This was followed by Re/Landed...Plus in 2008, an expanded live set from a 2002 show with additional tracks, and Blood and Thunder in 2014, recorded during a high-octane tour emphasizing raw heavy metal delivery. Their sole studio album under the Oliver/Dawson Saxon name, Motorbiker, arrived in 2012 via Sound Foundation, featuring eight tracks such as the title song and "Chemical Romance," which blended classic riff-driven metal with modern production while showcasing Oliver's co-writing contributions. In 2023, Cherry Red Records issued Screaming Eagles: The Complete Works, a six-CD box set compiling the band's catalog, including Victim You, all live albums, Motorbiker, and bonus selections from solo projects by Oliver and Dawson, such as Oliver's 2003 EP End of an Era, which contained hard rock tracks like the title song and covers reflecting his influences. This retrospective underscored Oliver/Dawson Saxon's role in preserving NWOBHM legacy through persistent touring—over 100 shows annually in the 2010s—and occasional collaborations, such as a 2002 onstage jam with Ronnie James Dio on "Rainbow in the Dark." The band disbanded in 2021 after more than two decades, with Oliver continuing occasional performances under his own name.

Solo work and guest appearances

Following his departure from Saxon in 1995, Graham Oliver released his sole solo album, End of an Era, in 2001 via Angel Air Records. The 13-track record, produced by Oliver alongside Chris Archer, incorporates hard rock, blues, and alternative rock influences, highlighting his signature guitar style through originals like "Born to Rock'n'Roll," "Can You See Me," and "Wamita." Five songs feature writing and performances by the indie rock band Bullrush, reflecting Oliver's collaborative approach even in a solo context. The album received mixed reviews for its eclectic mix but was praised for Oliver's versatile playing and personal songwriting. Beyond this release, Oliver has engaged in select guest appearances, often tying back to his heavy metal roots. In October 2002, during a Dio concert at Pyramids, he joined the band onstage for an encore performance of "," duetting on guitar with at the personal invitation of . He has also contributed guitar to -based comedy rock outfit The Bar-Steward Sons of on multiple occasions, including their cover of Saxon's "" from the 2010 live Cpl. Kipper's Barnsley Trades Club Sessions and "" from the 2017 release 'Ave It: Bold As Brass. In 2023, Oliver appeared in the musical film , a tribute to glam rock icon and T. Rex, performing live as part of the Mickey Finn's T. Rex tribute band; his footage, including a rendition of "" filmed near Liverpool's , features in a 2-3 minute segment. These endeavors underscore Oliver's ongoing connections within the rock community, blending performance, collaboration, and homage to influential artists.

Personal life and legacy

Non-musical interests

In addition to his musical pursuits, Graham Oliver has expressed a love for , especially growing . Oliver is also an avid lover, maintaining a close bond with his pets as a significant part of his daily life and source of companionship. While he maintains a relatively private personal sphere, he has highlighted his affection for his family, emphasizing the importance of familial relationships in providing balance outside his professional endeavors.

Health issues and resilience

Graham Oliver has faced several significant health challenges throughout his life, demonstrating remarkable resilience in continuing his musical career. In 1976, at the age of 23, he severed his finger in an accident, which initially led him to fear he would never play guitar again. However, he adapted and persisted, going on to co-found Saxon shortly thereafter. Around 2011, at age 59, Oliver suffered a mini-stroke that temporarily paralyzed his left side, again threatening his ability to perform. Despite this setback, he overcame the through rehabilitation and returned to playing, reaffirming his determination to stay active in music. In 2023, Oliver was diagnosed with after experiencing symptoms during the , which he initially attributed to or a trapped . As of 2023, in his early 70s, he managed the condition with , which helped control its progression. He has described the diagnosis as shocking but views it as his third major health battle, stating, "It’s not going to beat me as yet. I’m just going to keep going till I can’t." Oliver's resilience is evident in his ongoing performances; following the diagnosis, he played a successful gig with his band Oliver’s Army in Lancaster, , where he reported performing well despite the condition. He has continued touring with Graham Oliver's Army, including a 2024 reunion performance in with former Saxon guitarist Paul Quinn and multiple gigs scheduled for 2025, such as in and the . He credits his past recoveries for bolstering his resolve, noting, "I’ve overcome them, so I’ve got another battle on my hands." This unyielding commitment has allowed him to maintain a presence in the heavy metal scene, inspiring fans and peers alike.

References

  1. https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Graham_Oliver/15986
  2. https://www.saxon747.com/biography
  3. https://www.discogs.com/artist/2205868-OliverDawson-Saxon
  4. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Oliver-Dawson_Saxon/6341
  5. https://pocketmags.com/us/classic-rock-magazine/october-2025/articles/graham-oliver-s-army-with-paul-quinn
  6. https://www.getreadytorock.com/rock_stars/graham_oliver.htm
  7. https://www.discogs.com/artist/487691-Graham-Oliver
  8. https://www.roppongirocks.com/archives/6791
  9. https://www.olliehalsall.co.uk/grahamoliver.htm
  10. https://broadcastbarnsley.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/from-son-of-a-bitch-to-wheels-of-steel-the-origins-of-saxon/
  11. https://metal-temple.com/interview/graham-oliver/
  12. https://www.shetnews.co.uk/2015/07/02/rock-legend-seeks-shetland-bill/
  13. https://www.guitarworld.com/news/graham-oliver-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-disease
  14. https://www.rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/whats-on/things-to-do/former-saxon-guitarist-graham-oliver-stars-in-new-musical-film-celebrating-glam-rock-icon-marc-bolan-4298007
  15. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Saxon/626
  16. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Son_of_a_Bitch/1760
  17. https://www.loudersound.com/features/biff-byford-saxon-my-life-story
  18. https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/band-played
  19. https://www.loudersound.com/features/saxon-story-behind-wheels-of-steel-album
  20. https://www.loudersound.com/features/saxon-crusader-story-behind-album
  21. https://www.roppongirocks.com/archives/17150
  22. https://www.therocktologist.com/graham-oliver-interview.html
  23. https://www.bnrmetal.com/v5/band/band/ODSx
  24. https://www.coffeehouseguitars.co.uk/pages/guitarist/graham-oliver
  25. https://blabbermouth.net/news/founding-saxon-guitarist-graham-oliver-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-disease
  26. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/graham-oliver-6bd52eaa.html
  27. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/graham-oliver/2023/zirco-tokyo-tokyo-japan-6bacdef2.html
  28. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/graham-oliver/2023/zirco-tokyo-tokyo-japan-73acde2d.html
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  31. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/graham-oliver/2024/manchester-academy-1-university-of-manchester-manchester-england-6ba876be.html
  32. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/graham-oliver/2024/troon-concert-hall-troon-scotland-135f91b1.html
  33. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/graham-oliver/2023/birdwell-venue-birdwell-england-7baf8adc.html
  34. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/graham-oliver/2025/tyrolen-alvesta-sweden-7344fa29.html
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz0wetFh3R0
  36. https://musicvf.com/Saxon.alb
  37. https://www.allmusic.com/album/innocence-is-no-excuse-mw0000453793
  38. https://www.allmusic.com/album/destiny-mw0000196029
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/668213-Son-Of-A-Bitch-Victim-You
  40. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Son_of_a_Bitch/Victim_You/5095
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/7697615-Son-Of-A-Bitch-Victim-You
  42. https://www.ebay.com/itm/226111024530
  43. https://www.cherryred.co.uk/oliver-dawson-saxon-screaming-eagles-the-complete-works-6cd-box-set/
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/6372076-Graham-Oliver-End-Of-An-Era
  45. https://www.allmusic.com/album/end-of-an-era-mw0000013075
  46. https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=487
  47. http://s159645853.websitehome.co.uk/rockreviews/2002/R02oct09.html
  48. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRolzfWcVmo
  49. https://thebarstewardsons.bandcamp.com/track/wheels-of-steel-feat-graham-oliver
  50. https://guitar.com/news/music-news/saxon-graham-oliver-diagnosed-parkinsons-disease/
  51. https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/people/doncaster-rock-star-graham-oliver-reveals-parkinsons-disease-diagnosis-4285745
  52. https://www.roppongirocks.com/archives/16934
  53. https://www.facebook.com/p/Graham-Olivers-Army-100083371951238/
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