Drumming News :
Former Saxon drummer Nigel Durham has died at the age of 61, months after publicly dismissing false online reports claiming he had passed away. The British heavy metal band confirmed his death in a social media statement on October 24, 2026, while expressing condolences to his family. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
Durham had addressed the earlier rumors in July, reassuring fans that he was still alive after reports of his death circulated online in April. The Metal Archives also documented the earlier claims as an internet prank.
Nigel Durham Addressed Death Rumors in July
Durham responded to the false reports in a Facebook post dated July 14, 2026, in which he directly addressed the speculation surrounding his death.
“Don’t know how this got started but I can assure everyone that I’m still alive & kickin. Lol,” he wrote.
His message followed the spread of inaccurate reports in April that falsely claimed he had died. At the time, Durham used social media to clarify the situation and reassure concerned fans.
Months later, Saxon announced his death in an official statement, confirming that the drummer had passed away at 61.
Saxon Pays Tribute to Former Drummer
Saxon shared the news of Durham’s death on October 24, remembering him as a member of the band’s extended family and sending condolences to those closest to him.
“We are very sad to hear of the passing of a member of the Saxon family, former drummer Nigel Durham,” the band wrote in its statement.
The group added that it was sending its “love and thoughts” to Durham’s wife, Lauretta, daughter Gemma, grandchildren and other family members.
The announcement did not provide further details about his death. Fellow Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler also paid tribute to his former bandmate.
Who Was Nigel Durham?
Nigel Durham was a British drummer best known for his time with Saxon, one of the prominent bands associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.
He played with Saxon from 1987 to 1988, replacing Nigel Glockler during that period. Durham performed on the band’s 1988 album Destiny, which marked an important chapter in the group’s late-1980s career.
Although his tenure with Saxon lasted only a short time, Durham continued to work in British heavy metal and hard rock after leaving the band.
His subsequent musical projects included Son of a Bitch and Oliver/Dawson Saxon, the group formed by former Saxon members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson.
In 2013, Durham joined the British hard rock band Morpheus Rising. When announcing his arrival, the band highlighted his experience with Saxon and Oliver/Dawson Saxon and expressed enthusiasm about working with him on rehearsals, live performances and new music.
Sources: Chaoszine, Economic Times , Hindustan Times
