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Home , Abominog, Bernie Shaw, David Byron, Gary Thain, Gerry Bron, John Sinclair (musician)

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm subsequently became Vertigo. During the following months after beginning to work with Bron, the band changed the name to Uriah Heep (the ‘orrible little character from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens who was very much in fa- shion then because of the hundredth year since his death) on suggestion from Bron; they also started using the keyboards in their music. - We’d actually recorded half the first when we decided that keyboards would be good for our sound, says Box who got this inspi- ration somewhat from being a fan of Vanilla Fudge with their hammond organs with guitars soaring on top. They decided to shape it like that along with David’s vibrato vocals. First they had session keyboardist Colin Woods who was brought in by Bron and it was when they started looking for a permanent keyboardist they found who had been playing with Newton in The Gods and was now playing the gui- tar for . Hensley explains that he saw the potential to do something different with Uriah Heep which The history of Uriah Heep can Having higher ambitions that their though at first that made it difficult is why he joined the band. And it be dated all the way back to fellow band members and getting gigs, eventually we built a was not only Hensley’s talents as a 1967, the year after the English quit their day jobs to little cult following because of that. keyboard player that would benefit World Cup of Football victory. focus on the music and started a In 1969 the band found a major the band, he could also write music It was then a young man called new band which was named Spice. break after slowly building more even though his contribution to the Mick Box started a band called Drummer Alex Napier was found and more support and reaching first album Very ‘eavy, Very ‘umble Stalker and played local clubs through an ad in a music paper, he higher levels. The man behind that was to re-record some of Woods’ and so on. This was in , got around the rule of no wife or girl- break was management/production keyboard lines and finishing the , Great Britain. When the friend ties by saying that his wife was magnate of Hit Records last couple of tracks. Box and By- singer of Stalker left, drummer Ro- his sister. The line up was completed Productions, he saw the band at the ron was the creative force behind ger Penlington suggested his cousing with bassist who came Blues Loft in High Wycombe and the first album, an album where David (Byron) to sing. David had from The Gods, maybe not literally was impressed with what he saw. He the band replaced drummer Na- been coming to see the band earlier from the gods but a band with that thought he could make something pier with Nigel “Ollie” Olsson th- and after a few pints also been sing- name. out of the band and signed them at ree quarters into the recordings. ing on stage with them according to - We were always striving to do that basis, his production company The album was released 19th of Mick Box. something original, Box recalls, and had a deal with Phillips record who June 1970.

5 Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm Despite the fact that the de- but album was diverse and this album. It was also still innovative while still in line an experimental time for minute long title track that with the times, it was pick- the band with the writing is a mix of orchestral things, ed on because of the hea- relationship between By- woodwinds, keyboards, viness. The critics reviews ron, Box and Hensley just in brass and what have you, it ranged from “interesting”, their early stages. is probably one of the most “skillful but not particular- Salisbury was the next al- ambitious things ever un- ly original”, “a veritable bum by Uriah Heep and for dertaken by the band. The pain to listen to”, to the now that drummer Ollie Olsson press however did not re- infamous Rolling Stone pro- had left the band to go back ally see this side of the coin, mise that “If this band ma- to because of his they were still preoccupied kes it I’ll commit suicide. success in the states. New with the heaviness of the They sound like a third rate drummer was . band and as Ken Hensley ‘July Morning’ they made Jethro Tull.” To the latter, Gerry Bron was once said: “all we knew in those The Early Years their first album that made Box just replied that none in again the producer but this days was that we wanted it into the charts at number Uriah Heep had ever played time in the songwriting the- to play loud rock and roll - I never quite knew what 39. the flute and that none of re was a lot of Ken Hensley music” it might not be that happened to him, Box members. The chemistry between them was capable of stan- who wrote half of the songs difficult to see why even replies to the question of And with that experience Box, Hensley and Byron ding on one leg. (I have not and co-wrote the other half though it is a very complex whether drummer Keith behind them the band re- was evolving so fast at this been able to find any info on of the songs on the album. and diverse album, maybe Baker spontaneously com- turned home to Britain to time and even if the music whether the reviewer com- Salisbury is an album in part due to the band still busted, a question that still start working on their third was becoming more consis- mitted suicide or not, but I known for more diversity looking to find their own remains unanswered. album, this was to be re- tent and finding the voice guess not.) and a musical identity. leased on Bron’s own label of the band, the same could You could say that this al- development Crossing the oceans Bronze since his deal with not be said for the ones out- bum baffled the reviewers from the debut It was now that the band Vertigo was now over. side the nucleus of these but it had impact, rather but also for it’s large impact musically with over sixteen

was going for their first three mentioned. trip to the states, with new The recording of Look at Both Iain Clarke and Paul drummer Ian Clark in the Yourself was done during Newton was not very hap- band they were well recei- the summer of 1971, for the py in the band at this time ved when they got to the third time in Landsdowne and Newton was the first to states playing in front of which was becoming like a go in favour of Mark Clark 20’000 people supporting second home for the band. who should not be staying Three Dog Night and Step- This was also the album for long. Iain Clarke left the penwolf. where the band according band and allowed for Lee - Playing with Three Dog to Bron found their own Kerslake to join the band. 7 Night was all wrong musi- musical direction and with Also of The Gods, he was cally but it was invaluable songs like ‘Look At Your- approached earlier when experience for us, Box re- self’, ‘Tears In My Eyes’ and Keith Baker left, he had de-

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm why the next album was a had been the cornerstone band’s character and perso- live album, or maybe it was of their show for some time nality at the time. It was a clined that time but now he followed by , a tour. just a natural thing at the now, but it was also known double album lavi- was not going to miss the New Zealander who repla- With Kerslake and Thain for the inner sleeves with shly packaged opportunity. Kerslake was ced Clark halfway through in the band everything just loads of press clippings in a gatefold the american seemed to click into place, both good and bad. with an eight Following the release of page booklet this live album the band to accompa- went for another tour to ny it. Japan before it was time The album to work on the next stu- held the dio album which is called classic med- Sweet Freedom, an album ley of rock that deviated from esta- songs that blished routine. This time

or as Hensley stated in the band and helped liner note for the album De- them establish a mons & Wizards: that the niche for them- band was now completed selves. time. With the imaginary and how excited they were title this with the reorganisations The Magicians live album was recorded that had taken place. Birthday in January of 1973 and is For the uninitiated it The following said to be a testimony to the would seem that Demons album, The Ma- & Wizards was a step into gicians Birthday the magical and the fantasy cannot be said to ladies rubbed of on themed but it was not that have Established a niche for their stage personali- simple, sure there are some the band however, it was ties. At this time the songs like ‘The Wizard’ for rather a natural extension individual persona- instance that are in that of it’s predecessor. It was re- lities in the band had theme but there are also leased just six months after summed up to make a classic rock songs like ‘Easy Demons & Wizards in No- band with lots of cha- Livin’’ on this album so it vember 1972 and by some racter, much thanks to is as Hensley stated: “just a it was regarded as slightly flamboyant singer David collection of our songs that superior to Demons & Wi- Byron. we had a good time recor- zards as it was more or less - David was the communi- ding”. similar to it’s predecessor cation point, the focal point Demons & Wizards were but maybe slightly more of the whole group’s stage the band’s first internatio- mature. presentation, said Hensley nal success and ‘Easy Li- “Uriah Heep used to have many years later. vin’’ was a hit single all over an image, now they have All of this personality that 9 the place, except for in Bri- personality.” wrote Melody evolved at this time might tain. They were in the charts Maker in 1973 in accordan- have been the reason as to in Britain for eleven weeks ce with how the band’s li- with a peak position of 20. festyle of luxury, limos and It was a great success for the

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm and tour manager, pened but David, The band produced number seven in the Byron meanwhile was thinking they’re the band recorded at Chateau this time. that happened was months later as he the album themselves charts. An album that drinking heavily and having a go at d’Heronville in France mainly - That was the most I blacked out, Thain was in no condition - I used to spend a thanks to Bron being was also recorded at Mick recalls a mo- him, turns round due to tax reasons. Sweet Free- dramatic album I’ve explain what hap- to continue with the lot of time trying to busy with other pro- Landsdowne back in ment in Philadelphia and says, ‘You can dom was an album that con- ever worked on, Da- pened when he was band as his physique persuade Gary to find ject and Hensley feel Britain. This album during this tour. go and fuck off solidated the band’s position vid was drunk for electrocuted on stage was so poor and another reason to live that this album was also saw the band - We were playing if you don’t like while they were still striving most of the time, in September in Dal- all parties involved apart from music, says neglected by Bronze to take a year long tour this 20’000 seater and it.’ I’m standing to move on, it was also an al- Kenny was having an las. This led to Thain agreed that it would Bron, but for Gary prove a point and the with a guesstimated David, having been there at the side of bum that divided the critics in emotional time of it being hospitalised for be best for him to Thain it would seem sales might suggest 30’000 air miles and drinking heavily, rus- the stage thinking two factions, a bit of a love ‘em and I was constantly a while and that in leave the band. On that the music was that he has a point. attendance around a hes out onto the sta- ‘Oh, no, he’s just or hate ‘em. The al- trying to help them so turn led to cancelled december 8th 1975 everything he had - It was Heep’s wor- million people. ge, steps onto one of told 20’000 of our bum did really well it was difficult for me dates both in the USA Thain was found and without it there se album, is what Bron 1975 also saw the legs of the mike- fans to fuck off!’ in sales, it charted at too. There was also and a few in Britain, dead in his home, was nothing. Uriah says about the album. Heep releasing a best stand and of course, We couldn’t catch 18 in britain and the a little bit of friction something that did having overdosed on In typical Uriah Demise of Byron of album, Hensley re- it smacks him in the a cold there after song ‘Stealin’’ was a because Kenny didn’t not sit too well with Heroin. Gary Thain Heep mid-seventies leased his second solo mouth. The whole that. hit song all over the like all the attention Bron and the whole lived to the age of 27. Thain was replaced by manor the launch of known album Eager to Please crowd place. that David was get- thing led to a war of - I always loved this album was spec- roa- It was also this year ting, is Box’s recollec- words that reached Gary as a person he tacular with a bunch red, that Hensley relea- tion of the same time. the papers. Thain said had a quality of ir- of journalists and in- obli- sed Proud Words on Another concern of that the music had responsibility that I dustry people taken vious a Dusty Shelf, a solo the band was that the been forgotten and always liked. I think to the top of a Swiss t o album in a more drug use (something that it all was a finan- he died because he mountain for an ex- what mellow mood than he carried from before cial thing, something misjudged what he perience they would had Uriah Heep. joining Uriah Heep) Bron tried to diffuse was doing and it got not forget. At this hap- of bassist Gary Thain by calling it a misun- the better of him, time excess was really Demise of Thain was to finally take its derstanding, but from Hensley said later in something this band It had been a new toll on him. this moment Thain’s remembrance of his experience to record - All I remember is days in the band was fallen comrade, Box abroad for the band going to the amplifier numbered. agree with him and and it was not wit- to adjust the equali- He was out of the says “you couldn’t hout its problems, a sers, the next thing band only three help loving Gary.” lesson Uriah Heep learnt when they in 1974 found them- selves in Musicland studios in Munich. The album Won- derworld is by many seen as a bit of a disappointment in the Uriah Heep cata- logue, it was said to be underproduced, hurried, lacklustre and directionless even from and Byron released his debut Take No Pri- though the critics at the time and also for his guest was all soners. gave the band credit for at- role with about, - It was getting a bit tempting something different. and he was rushed Hensley liqhtweiqht. It was - Recording abroad disrupted into things immedia- with the less of the ‘eavy and the band’s normal method of tely and had an im- super big more of the ‘umble, operation, and that had a big pact as well. Return ego in- says Box about the fol- negative effect on the group. to Fantasy was the al- sisted on lowing album which Our communication was falling bum released in May having his was called High and apart, we were arguing over 11 1975 and became the own dres- Mighty and released stuff like royalties and we were band’s best selling sing room getting involved in matters bey- 10 album and reached in 1976. ond music, Hensley said about

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm Sometimes things do repeat themselves

This also led to Hensley Byron was fired from the replacements at both posi- being so disgusted that he band in July 1976 after the tion, as the returned to and it final show of the Spanish the bassplayer, a man who was only thanks to Bron’s tour. He did some attempts has been in the band almost persuasion that he stayed in to reach the same levels of ever since. Before joining the band. success for himself but did Uriah Heep he was playing - That was where the pro- not reach the big time again with and Mick blem started with David, and in 1985 he died from Ronson to mention some. says Hensley. He’d always a heart attack aged 38 and - I knew Heep were the get drunk after the show but still abusing alcohol at that right band for me - we hit it had never got to the point time. it off immediately, Bolder where it would jeopardize Second half of 1976 was said when joining the ranks ver, the snake whose eyes the show itself. The per- a turbulent time for Uriah of Uriah Heep. Moving on are the one of drummer Lee formance had always been Heep, not only was the The singer was another Kerslake. It was not that first and foremost with Da- singer of long fired, John matter, people like David Lawton who was known said Hensley about their successful in England but vid. It was when the show Wetton also decided to lea- Coverdale () au- for his part in German band following tour in the states sold over a million copies in started to come second that ve the band for pursuing a ditioned for the band, Ian Lucifer’s Friend. supporting Kiss. Germany alone and became the problems began. David solo career, he subsequently Hunter () - Image-wise he wasn’t - We chose them to support the best selling album ever was pissing away his career enjoyed great success with or Gary Holton (Heavy Me- quite what we were loo- us, and it was great having for them. and ours with it. Asia. tal Kids) were also specula- king for, but his pipes them with us. They were Fallen Angel completed - It’s a tragedy to say it ted upon, the choice howe- were perfect and so we went incredibly professional, the trio of with but David was one of those The Lawton years ver was none of those. John for the music end of it, Box and so consistent that their Lawton as a vocalist, it was classic people who could The loss of explains the decision. worst nights were excellent also a more commercially not face up to the fact that both singer Firefly was the new album and their best were tremen- sounding album than usual things were wrong and he and bassist looked for solace in a bottle, did not discou-

released in 1977, an album dous, said Kiss’s Paul Stan- for Uriah Heep, Box said for that got decent reviews ley about their companions example that the album was from the press and signified on the US tour. a bit too poppy sounding a bit of a new beginning for Even back home in Eng- for his liking. The reviews them as they had a lot wor- land things went well and were quite good though, king against them with elec- the band topped their Bri- ironically. The relative out- ward calm of the band with 14 trocutions on stage, drug tish appearances off by abuse, death in the band headlining the first day of no changes was just a front and so on. the Reading Festival. for the frictions going on - We knew we were faced Later the same year it was behind the scenes, the fact with an uphill task and time for another album, In- that Hensley had most of that’s the main reason we’re nocent Victim, the album his songs on the albums and doing this tour with Kiss, with the snake on the co- therefore made much more Bron said of David Byron. rage the band who found

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm the song writing issue that quidation just a month after caused him to leave was out the release of Head First. of the way. fil- This was an album where led the role of keyboardist all musicians were credi- singer Sloman who felt his and the singer was ex Tra- ted for the song writing to musical ambition laid in an- peze vocalist Peter Goalby avoid earlier problems that other direction than the one who was rejected in favour had plagued the band and with Uriah Heep. of Sloman though being the for the entire band to make preferred choice of Hensley. equal money. The Release The problem now however of Head First also brought The Wilderness Years was whether or not it would with it the departure of It was here that for a while still be Uriah Heep. Bob Daisly who returned to it all seemed to end, Box - We obviously couldn’t Ozzy again. and Bolder tried convincing continue in our previous Replacing Daisly was Tre- Byron to return to the band direction, ie. Conquest, and vor Bolder who got back to but he would have none of we couldn’t do any more the band after his time with it and tired of Bron and the Return to Fantasies, that era Whishbone Ash, he got back management Bolder ins- had gone. But with us all to a band that was winning tead accepted an offer from contributing to the writing momentum again but they . Shortly after we forged our new direc- were loosing ground in the Dechert also left, leaving tion, recalls states. They still spent some Box all by himself. and Box adds that the spirit time there supporting Rush - I locked myself in my was there. who owed them a few fa- flat for two days, and drank - I realised that it was co- vours, Judas Priest who ap- myself senseless in comple- ming together when we parently treated them like te self-pity. But I somehow were interspersing our new shit and Def Leppard. managed to pull myself songs from with - They were the best band together and consider my our old ones and they all that we’ve ever toured with that he was tired of options. Neil Warnock, my money and also showed it to sounded as if they belong- either as a headline or sup- Bron’s favouritism agent, was suggesting I go everyone led to resentment ed, Box explains. port, because there was no towards Hensley. out and do the guitar hero from the rest of the band Abominog was released ego, no pretentious kind of Most of the album thing, because the time was who felt that they got no to critical acclaim and also stuff. They were good in Conquest had al- right, but I wanted to look real chance of getting their fairly successful with high as much that we learnt a ready been recor- at the possibilities of songs on. Hensley blamed Heep charting singles among oth- lot from them, they always ded but now the still. I was getting a lot of short deadlines from the er in the US. Ashley Howe gave good advice without band had to re- mail from fans all over the label, all things still run by was the producer of this al- saying, ‘Listen, son’, with record it with new world, saying how we had Gerry Bron who was mana- bum meaning that all about that smarmy, father-like at- singer Sloman been a part of their lives, ger, producer and record la- Heep would have been titude. And Mick Box has and new drum- and also lots of kids just bel boss for Uriah Heep. The changed from before. The got to be one of the fun- mer of Manfred discovering us too, so I was friction was worst between cover artwork was also an niest, most genuine men Mann’s Earth Band. There- encouraged by that quite a singer Lawton and Hensley attention grabber for those I’ve ever met, is the singer fore the album emerged in lot, says Box of the time. which led to Lawton’s de- who missed the hits recei- of Def Leppard, Joe Elliot, 1980 and reached a chart been doing some guest And from there a new and parture from the band. ving airtime on MTV and quoted saying. position of 37 in Britain appearances on albums, reformed was Uriah Heep so on. It was now that the band which is better than any nothing major. born. First off Box contacted Sloman Following Abominog was also started expanding their of the three albums with Summer of 1980 saw Ca- Kerslake who had been re- Lawton was quickly repla- Head First which was the horizons in terms of travel- Lawton on vocals. But the- nadian Gregg Dechert fill cording with ced by who Ozzy Osbour- band’s fifteenth studio al- ling, they started longer re were still problems and the role of keyboarder for who incidentally to no was the antithesis of Law- ne bum and even though de- runs and visiting odd pla- Hensley who had opposed the band and 23 date tour knowledge of Box had left ton in that he was younger emed a worthy successor ces for hardrock or heavy the appointment of Slo- of the UK playing smal- (was fired from) along and also able to play many Ozzy to Abominog it did not do metal like India, Indonesia man left the band. Hensley ler venues and obscure with bassist Bob Daisly. instruments, “an all roun- as well. Some critics blame or Malaysia. They even ven- did record one more Solo towns was his introduc- These two were both inte- der” as Box described him. bad promotion from Bronze tured into the eastern block after he left the band, Free tion. There seemed to be rested, Kerslake happy that With the singer position records who went into li- before going back into the filled the drummer’s was Spirit which was not that a general lack of inspira- vacated by Kerslake who successful, he also briefly tion within the group fol- still complained about the was part of American band lowing Conquest and this songwriting issue and said Blackfoot and he has lately led to the departure of 16

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm heeps of appeal”. It was was begun on in 1990 but into new Horizons, Russia, Andy Bradshaw of Me- studio in 1984 to record the a walk during rehearsals with touring a lot in North- a nation where only the li- claim for their performance, tal Hammer who said album Equator. and then get lost. He even band of the day said RAW’s and South America and kes of Cliff Richards, Elton These concerts were also re- that. Equator was released missed a gig in San Francis- Dave Ling. That festival doing festivals in Europe John and Billy Joel had corded and released in form The release of Diffe- on CBS-label Portrait and co once, Mick Box is quoted the band found themselves played and was considered of the Live in Moscow al- was then followed by a UK rent World coincided it was produced by Tony saying about Fontaine. going in and out of the stu- strictly out of bounds for bum to commemorate this tour before the band finally with their biggest UK Platt. New vocalist now was ex- dio and producer Richard heavy . momentous occasion. was to record a new album. tour since the seventies. - We were going out and Grand Prix, Praying Mantis Dodd was unavailable so However, their song ‘July The Moscow thing also was released But the album was also playing, doing really good and Stratus singer Bernie the producing duties fell on Morning’ had done really rippled back to their home in 1989 and was produced plagued by poor promo- business but you couldn’t Shaw who still is the voice Bassist Trevor Bolder. well in Russia and they had country where it served a by Richard Dodd with Ash- tion and led to the band buy the bloody record!, Box of the band, selecting Shaw When the album finally established their name their little as a wake up call to ley Howe helping with the leaving Legacy Records. says about how the album seemed to put the final piece saw light of day, delayed, in the later seventies. And people that they were not pre-productions but being was promoted by the label. there since a new and stable otherwise engaged it was it received some mixed with Hungarian promotor yet dead and buried. It also Into the 2000s They had a hard touring line-up was finally formed reaction, Kerrang was seen Laszlo Hegedus (close con- led to three sellout concerts Dodd who did the produc- In 1995 the band relea- schedule and it started to for Uriah Heep. insulting the members, an- tact of Miracle) securing in Czechoslovakia, where tion. sed Sea of Light which take its toll on singer Goal- - It was like everything Following this album other review wrote that them, Uriah Heep was the they also were the first ever by who had problems with falling into place, Mick Box Bolder should first ever western rock band there was more extensive his voice for a while before remembers. always produ- to be invited to Soviet Uni- touring, finally loosing his voice al- - I felt honoured at being ce their album on to play. amongst together in the middle of the invited to join such a legen- since “Different They got a reception upon other to Australian tour. This heavy dary band, Shaw stated also World is a very arrival to the Soviet Union Leningrad, touring and the lack of sup- recollecting himself playing strong album in- that describes East Berlin, port from the label led to covers of Uriah Heep songs deed, containing as something like the Beat- Poland and Goalby deciding that it was earlier in his career. quality songs, lemania, and they played so on, they enough and left the band. There was an air of new- immaculate ar- for ten consecutive nights in played for - I loved and believed in found optimism within the rangements and Moscow’s Olympic Stadi- 100’000 in Uriah Heep but it kicked the band during this time 1987, um in front of a total of over shit out of me in the end, a time when they had also 180’000 people. Their his- Goalby is quoted saying. changed management to Miracle Group, along with tory making concerts also opened the door for other The solid line-up whom they found a new western bands like Goalby was not the only challenge in their expansion Status or one to depart, Quo, Scorpions Bon Jovi. shortly after his departure, Sinclair also left the band. Sinclair was re- placed by Phil Lanzon who by Mick Box had been seen playing with The Sweet, his past also included Grand Prix and Sad Café. Steff Fontaine briefly western rock band to play. Russia, 80’000 on a free con- took the singer’s They also became the first cert in East Berlin, they had position but got ever western rock band to time to visit Estonia as well the boot after the tour Bulgaria and was the- and with that the total num- american tour. re seen by something like ber of nation having been - He was des- 80’000 people. visited by Uriah Heep that perately bad, I After making history they time was 38. couldn’t believe returned to England for They did release some live anyone could be the 1988 Reading Festival material in 1990 before mo- 17 so unprofessional. where they won much ac- ving on to the next album He had a great Different World which work voice but his discipline was something else. He’d go for

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm Hallowed had the opportunity to have a chat with Trevor Bolder, long time bassist of Uriah Heep a few weeks before the release of the new Into the Wild album. An album which ac- cording to Bolder is a classical Heep album, it has all the trademarks with the , the melodies and harmonies that the band has gotten known for during their many years around. is by the fans regarded as one an eventful history, with both to them, Mix box said: “All of the best ever Uriah Heep successes and set backs, there the band are fully behind Lee albums. It was released by can be no doubt however on in his efforts to become fully Castle records and also signi- the impact and influence they match fit again. For me, it is fied a time when the current have had in the development particularly devastating to line-up of the band has been of Rock Music. They are a lose not only someone who It was also an album that was a He says all that without me be an Australian tour which is not the longest lasting of them band that are very ‘eavy, very I have worked with for some all, even though it might not ‘umble and very very good.” thirty , but also bit different in the way they re- asking anything but to say a little really part of the tour for Into the have done as many albums Three years after Sea of one of my closest and oldest corded it. about the album, and he goes on Wild, then the Into the Wild tour they have been constantly Light they released a new friends who I love like a brot- - It was a quick recording, we for several minutes talking about starts in Holland and goes on in out touring in all kinds of album called , her.” just went into the studio rehear- the music and everything being Europe before the band goes off countries. As it is said in the it was produced by Pip Wil- As the band had just recent- sed and in the afternoon recorded very enthu- to America, then back to Europe book of Uriah Heep “Two De- liams and was followed by a ly signed a record deal with the songs, Trevor Bolder si- again, Bolder explains that they cades In Rock” A History of successful European tour and they had explains. try to visit as many countries and Uriah Heep, Still ‘Eavy, Still during touring for this album to start working on the next Proud. By Kirk Blows: “The they visited 45 countries. album and also have con- - It was a new places as possible during their present line up of Mick Box, A tour of the United States sistency over the 18 month way for us to re- tours. Trevor Bolder, Bernie Shaw, was planned but cancelled tour that was to follow this cord, we did it - We will definitely go to Phil Lanzon and Lee Kersla- in 1999 but that did not stop album. all in the stu- Sweden, we would like to ke spans over a third of their Uriah Heep from continuing Russel Gilbrook replaced dio and the visit Sweden Rock Festi- history and is the longest las- their work and taking it into Lee Kerslake and was part recording of val again and maybe do a ting of all. Mick Box may be their fifth decade. They were of the recording of the album the only ever present mem- more active than ever in 2002 that was re- the tracks ran tour of Scandinavia it was a ber but Lee Kerslake has been releasing DVDs and a double leased in 2008, it was produ- very quickly while since last time. I think around for all but a couple live album. In 2001 they had a ced by Mike Paxman. In 2009 just two or three it was two years ago but we of years, Trevor Bolder has reunion gig with Hensley and the band released the album takes. We tried and like Scandinavia the audience is played bass in Uriah Heep for Lawton, The Magicians Birth- Celebration which comme- had to think quickly great and we always get a great almost three quarters of the day Party which was the first morated forty years of rock and it turned out great, it was astic response from the fans we used band’s career, Shaw has been celebration of Heepmusic for the band and is an album almost like we played live, as a about it, kind of like those to play a lot there earlier but not the longest serving of all the which has now turned into of re-recorded classic Uriah vocalists and Lanzon’s time a tradition, in 2004 the party Heep songs and two new rock band should play. younger artists that have just re- as much anymore, I don’t know on keyboards will by 1996 was held at the Astoria. songs. Of this album there According to Bolder the album leased their first album. On the why but we definitely want to get be equal to Ken Hensley’s was also released a deluxe set was said by one journalist to be following question about how the back and play to find a younger time in the band. They work Latest member change which contained a live DVD similar to the one prior to it, Wake reception for the album has been audience and new fans, Bolder better together today than I January 2007 drummer Lee recorded at the Sweden Rock the Sleeper, almost like a second so far the reply is maybe not as says and replies to a question that any of the previous line ups Kerslake had to leave the Festival in 2009. part of it. He also stated that for lengthy but he has much to say. I was going to ask before I had and their latest album, Sea of band due to ill Health. In 2006 The Uriah Heep history Light has been hailed as their the band was touring heavily then moves on towards fifty him it was quite hard to judge the - Great, the company (Fronti- the chance to ask it. best since the days of De- in places like Indonesia, Thai- years with the release of Into album with the production and ers) loves it, that is the most im- It seems that there is no pro- mons and Wizards and The land, Russia, Brazil and so the Wild 2011. everything being so close, he ex- portant thing as they are the ones blem whatsoever for Bolder and Magicians Birthday. This box forth, in some twenty territo- It is Uriah Heep’s 23rd stu- plained that he usually take some who are supposed to push for the the others of Uriah Heep to mo- set contains 2 demos from the ries and that took its toll on dio album... six months away from the album album. It is not only that, it has tivate themselves during their sessions prior to the latest Lee and had to take his time and then returns to it with a fresh gathered great response from work, tours and whatever they album along with the track to recover from his health ‘Time Of Revelation’ - a song problem. This was of course a perspective. the press, I haven’t heard or seen are about to undertake. This sus- not unlike some of the great hard blow on the band with So far he says that everyone has anything negative yet. With this picion is confirmed by Bolder as rockers from days gone by. Lee having been in the band been positive towards the album record it seems that nothing can he explains that he doesn’t feel a Uriah Heep have indeed had for so long and like a brother and that there has been no nega- go wrong, is the interesting part day older than sixteen and belie- tive comments that he have heard of his reply. ves that none of the others in the so far. band does that either. - Mike Paxman did a really World Tour - I don’t think you can ever real- 19 good job producing the album, As usual with Uriah Heep they ly retire from music I am not sure I am really satisfied with how it will go for a big world tour, visi- any musician have retired. And turned out, he explains. ting lots of places. First there will everytime you step up on the 20

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm stage to play is a shame as now everyone has of the feel for live it is the to try to sell a lot of merchandise music also goes biggest thrill, there to earn an income, says Bolder away. is nothing better. Music sure that Into the Wild will not - You can look is like a drug but it keeps you rack up sales in the millions. at all the al- going and it keeps you young Like most other successful rock bums, feel them and I don’t ever want to stop, bands, Uriah Heep made their and flip through he explains and add that he name in the seventies and eigh- them, you can’t will keep going for as long as ties when the industry was dif- do that online he is healthy enough. ferent, when illegal copying was and this helps Speaking of health, playing not as widespread as now, at least as you can be on stage and extensive touring one person in a group of friends reminded when often requires one to be rather needed to buy an album to have you are flipping fit and for that exercise is usu- the chance to hear it back then through the al- ally needed, therefore I asked and it was probably because of bums about a Trevor if he exercises to stay fit that sales were higher then, and good band or four the tours. also that the times were different something. On- - Used to, but I damaged my of course. line knee recently and had to have - We were i t an operation so I had not been lucky to that able to exercise as I want to and we were big because of that I have put on in the se- some weight as you do. Before venties the injury stopped me I used to and exercise for about an hour a day eigh- and then of course you tend to ties sweat a lot on the stage as well, and he explains. made a lot of mo- Times Change... ney then, Uriah Heep has been around for Bolder explains over forty years now and Trevor and goes on to say Bolder has been in the band since that they are now just coasting feels like you before the release of Firefly in and enjoying themselves and need to know quite the lengthy conversation quality are already down but that Brazil, I visit it from 1977 bar an eighteen month peri- not worrying about it, they don’t what you are buying while you about this matter and I think we is a little sidetrack we got into for time to time, he explains od when he was with Wishbone need to. He also adds that young- can just browse the store and both agreed upon the sad in what a while. and adds that he have a Ash. During these years the mu- er bands seems to respect them shop more spontaneously I think, is happening, but there is really While on the subject of online hard time finding the sic industry has changed quite a more now since they have been says Bolder and I do think he hits no quick fix for it either, the mu- and internet, there are also fan- time for it as there is so bit, for starters the illegal down- around for such a long time. the nail on the head with that last sic industry must come up with tastic ways to make yourself much else to do in life loading of copyrighted music for Even though it does not really remark. As a buyer of music my- new ways if they want to keep heard no matter who you are, with the home and the free has made it much harder for effect Uriah Heep in any major self I find that I buy nowhere near making money. But it is not only I asked Trevor Bolder if he did music and the family. bands to sell their music and if way since they are quite set, Bol- as much music now as when we for the labels to make money be- anything like that, after all he He points out that his they are to make any money from der still see many problems with had a local record store, seeing an cause if no one makes money out belongs to a generation that was son sits in front of the their music they have to do it in the decline in record sales and the album and just being in the stores of selling music then there will be before computers, still young in computers all the time, other ways now. attitude of people towards mu- makes it much more appealing no concerts, there will no longer mind though it seems. not as when he (or I for - The only thing we really see sicians today. One thing that he then looking at covers and song be albums and only a few enthu- - No, not really, I have a bit of that matter) was young is that we don’t sell as many re- feels is very disturbing is the fact titles in an online store and not siasts will release a track or two computer fear and have not real- when they used to be cords as before now that it is pos- that the physical record stores are to mention the terribly confusing online, that is where we are going ly gotten into it. I have a myspa- outside playing, hoo- sible to download it for free. That going away and with them some iTunes store. Me and Bolder had now with both music and films, ce which is ran by a friend in king up with friends

22 Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm and doing more active stuff ins- and in a way describes our times about how he feels the band has while the people change which as always but with different mu- points towards the fact that he tead he is just sitting in front of quite well in that sentence. Of the changed/progressed over the conjures up a funny thought in sicians all great at what they did. is right in what he says: Uriah his computer and does whatever guys in Uriah Heep, it is the man many years he have been part of my mind, can this band maybe I think we are more united than Heep stood the test of time he does. Still, Bolder does not who was there from the begin- the band. even go on forever with only the the earlier, Bolder explains. and they still deliver more feel that computers and internet ning, Mick Box who is the most - It is still the same atmosphere, people changing while still being 26 years is a long time, but than forty years and over thir- are all bad and destructive even active and according to Bolder he we are a friendly band and we all the same band? I did not ask this the band is over forty years old ty bandmembers later. though causing decline in sa- is connected all the time. get on really well. Me and Mick question because it came to me which is quite amazing when Their latest album Into the les of records and lazier (fatter) are really good friends and have now. you think of it and as Bolder Wild is out now and according children. but everything remains the same been that since before I joined the - We always seem to pick the says towards the end of our chat to the Hallowed review it is - I think the computers are a gre- Connecting to the very lengthy band, and Lee who left the band right members, there has never when speaking of the band, “we well worth checking out. at thing since you can do so much story about Uriah Heep that we due to his health we have a good been any problems, I have been stood the test of time” and I think with it but it can also be very bad have found in a nice leather book, balance which is the same as be- in the band for 26 years now and that the catalogue, all the travels, if you spend all your life just sit- it felt a bit like neglecting things fore, Bolder explains that it is a it is hard to say what’s changed. the shows, all of those who have ting in front of the screen, he says if I did not ask at least something case of the band remains the same I would say it is the same band seen the band, everything of this 24 Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm Thank you all for reading

The sources facts for the “ancient book” is, wikipedia, the book “Two Decades of Rock” by Kirk Blows, uriah-heep.com and vari- ous forums around the internet. Some facts also from the interview with bassist Trevor Bolder.

Be sure to check out our review of Into the Wild at the website, hallowed.se

Design and design idea by Daniel Källmalm. Photos of the band: Press & Promotional shots. Other Photos: Daniel Källmalm

Hallowed PDF-article Hallowed PDF-article Design by Daniel Källmalm Design by Daniel Källmalm