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Formed originally in 1967 by guitarist Mick Box with David Garrick, as Spice. Having answer a music paper ad, Garrick and Box were joined by drummer Alex Napier and bassist Paul Newton. The band gigged, eventually making their way to the marquee level and gained the attention of Hit Record Productions Ltd.'s boss Gerry Bron who helped them get signed to Vertigo Records. The band changed their name to Uriah Heep and started to record their debut album, and three quarters into the recording of the album Alex Napier was replaced by Nigel Olsson (who in turn was replaced by Keith Baker). Despite the minor change, they released their debut album “…Very ‘Eavy…Very ‘Umble” in 1970.
Two albums later the band went through another lineup change resulting in a newfound chemistry. Using this, they released “Demons and Wizards” which was released in 1972 and peaking at number 20 in the United Kingdom and 23 in the United States. A year later Uriah Heep recorded and released a live double album during their performance at the Birmingham Town Hall. Meanwhile, Ken Hensley had gradually recording his own, mellower material; releasing his solo debut Proud Words on a Dusty Shelf the same year.
Unfortunately due to heavy alcohol use, the band became inconsistent with their performances for the rest of the 70s; in fact, it wasn’t until the release of “Fallen Angel” in 1978 that the band recorded an album with a consistent lineup. However, this was short lived when yet another member quit the band. They finally hit their stride with a constant lineup from 1987 until 2007, resulting in successful touring with some of their shows becoming recorded and released as live albums. Additionally, their release of their 1995 album, “Sea Of Light” was well received and was followed three years later by the release of “Sonic Origami” which allowed them to successfully tour Europe. The band released their 23rd album, “Into The Wild” on 15 April 2011 and again went back into the studio in early 2014, releasing “Outsider” later that same year.
What can one say about Uriah Heap, live or otherwise? They are one of the seminal defining rock bands from the 60's and 70's. Do they rock just as much in person as they do on the radio and albums? Absolutely they do.
You do not go as far as Uriah Heap has on a lack of talent. Their shows are classic rock shows. Smoke rises from the stage, the drummer is on a pedestal, and the singer is up front and center belting out tunes expertly with a distinctly seventies and eighties voice.
Their shows in the eighties were full of power, driving performances, and lively crowds. It was hard to be in a Uriah Heap audience and not get excited. They showed their audience both their talent and their love, both for music and for their fans. People shouted and whistled whenever a lull in a song came out. People swayed back and forth with their hands in the air during slow, swaying sections of anthems.
This was rock then and they still put on a spectacular show even to dwindling fans. The fans that still remain in their shows are passionate, loud, and love them like no other fans in the world.
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