Former Saxon drummer Nigel Durham passed away at 61 years old

Nigel Durham, the former Saxon drummer who recorded with the British heavy metal band during the late 1980s, has died at the age of 61. Saxon confirmed the news in a social-media statement issued on October 24.

The band remembered Durham as part of its extended musical family and offered condolences to his wife Lauretta, daughter Gemma, grandchildren and other relatives. Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler also paid tribute to his former bandmate. No cause of death has been publicly announced.

Durham played with Saxon from 1987 to 1988, replacing Glockler during that period. His drumming appears on the group’s 1988 album “Destiny”, which includes material recorded during a transitional phase in the band’s career.

After leaving Saxon, Durham continued working in British hard rock and heavy metal. His later projects included Oliver/Dawson Saxon, formed by former Saxon musicians Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson, as well as Morpheus Rising, which he joined in 2013.

Durham had previously denied an incorrect online death report earlier in 2026. The latest announcement, however, was issued by Saxon itself.

We are very sad to hear of the passing of a member of the Saxon family, former drummer Nigel Durham.

We send our love and thoughts to his wife Lauretta, daughter Gemma, his grandchildren, and family.

Saxon

Saxon and Armored Saint — February 2027 tour dates:

• Saturday, February 13, 2027 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
• Sunday, February 14, 2027 – O2 Academy, Glasgow, United Kingdom
• Tuesday, February 16, 2027 – Telegraph Building, Belfast, United Kingdom
• Wednesday, February 17, 2027 – 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
• Friday, February 19, 2027 – O2 Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom
• Saturday, February 20, 2027 – O2 City Hall, Newcastle, United Kingdom
• Sunday, February 21, 2027 – City Hall, Sheffield, United Kingdom
• Tuesday, February 23, 2027 – The Great Hall, Cardiff, United Kingdom
• Wednesday, February 24, 2027 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol, United Kingdom
• Thursday, February 25, 2027 – O2 Guildhall, Southampton, United Kingdom
• Saturday, February 27, 2027 – Eventim Apollo, London, United Kingdom