July 2010

STEVE DAWSON CHOOSES VINTAGE®

Steve Dawson, one of the founder members of the 80's heavy metal outfit SAXON, has become the latest endorsee of the highly regarded Vintage ReIssued electric bass guitar range.

Formed in Barnsley, Yorkshire, in 1976 Saxon became one of the biggest names in the so-called New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (which also spawned Iron Maiden and Def Leppard) and went on to have a string of successful albums in the 1980's and became one of Europe's biggest metal acts, as well as heavily influencing later bands like Metallica and Megadeth.

Internal disputes caused the band to fragment, with Dawson and other long time founder member Graham Oliver leaving and eventually reforming (after some legal wrangling) as OLIVER/DAWSON SAXON, the name under which they continue to tour and have recorded three albums, plus one under their former name Son Of A Bitch.

Steve decided to try out the Vintage V4 bass in vintage white after being introduced to the range by Graham (who endorses the Vintage Metal Axxe® VR2001MD  and Advance Series™ AV6PLB) and was blown away by what he found. "The V4 bass is superb!", he enthuses "I can honestly say that if I didn't like it, I wouldn't play it, and this is fantastic!"

Often cited as the inspiration for the Spinal Tap character Derek Smalls (the actor Harry Shearer spent some time on tour with Saxon prior to filming the cult movie), Steve still lives in his native Barnsley, writing and recording new material for ODS, as well as spending a considerable amount of time on the road. ODS are heavily in demand for lots of biker shows and rock festivals both in the UK and in Europe.

The Vintage V4 bass series, which is also available in sunburst, black, and Icon™ distressed versions, has proved to be a popular choice amongst pro players, with other names such as John McCoy (V4MRSB) and Murray Head's Jennifer Maidman being more than happy to use them live and in the studio. 

Any final words from Mr Dawson?

"Buy one. Borrow one. Steal one. Just get one. The V4 Bass is AWESOME!!"


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