Uriah Heep

Formed in 1969, the band has put out a string of acclaimed records in varying line-ups. Their first LP ‘Very ‘Easy Very ‘Umble’ was blasted by leading music magazine Rolling Stone but a handful of years later they ranked among the biggest crowd draws on the international rock scene. Unfortunately, halfway through the seventies, booze, drugs and megalomania halted the band’s momentum. By 1976 the success was on the wane although the new line-up with singer John Lawton and bassist Trevor Bolder (ex-David Bowie) put out several brilliant records. By 1980 Mick Box was the sole remaining original member but in 1982 the critically acclaimed ‘Abominog’ (1982) rebooted their career; the subsequent albums and memorable appearances at Castle Donington and Reading Music Festival consolidated their success. When Trevor Bolder succumbed to cancer in 2013 Mick Box refused to throw the towel and a new rhythm section infused the line-up with new energy. Box’s enduring enthusiasm is truly astounding and the new ‘Chaos & Colour’ album (2023) confirms Uriah Heep’s narrative is far from over. Look out for classics like ‘Gypsy’, ‘Lady in Black’, ‘Easy Livin’’ and ‘July Morning’, served up by Mick & Co with that eternal smile of his. (#GMM24)