For those of us who remember the 70s (still remember in some cases ) hard rock bands were almost god like creatures with over the top sound and shows. Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, YES, and Uriah Heep. That still held true in the 80s when they came on my musical radar casually with some classic songs, such as “Lady in Black” in Uriah Heep’s case always a favorite at high school dance parties.
Fast forward 35+ years and Uriah Heep – and much to my surprise yours truly – are still around. And with my more uh, enlightened outlook on music, I jumped at the chance to see them live. Guitarist Mick Box is the only founding member left, so is this still Uriah Heep? Well, Phil Lanzon (keyboards) and Bernie Shaw (vocals) have been with the band since 1986, so I would say, we cut them some slack.
This also marked my return to my favorite Twin Cities music venue – The Varsity Theater. The changes that have been made under the new ownership retained its charm and uniqueness and addressed issues the old Varsity had, One of the raised platforms on the side of the main floor is gone, replaced by comfortable couches along the wall. The other platform has been upgraded with real stairs and rails. Staff was friendly and there was drink service for the front row (before the show)- what a great idea. I have always loved the old style can lights at the Varsity, and whoever worked them last night was a magician.
There was no opener, but Uriah Heep took the stage with all the power of HMS Victory presenting her broadside and firing. HOLY CRAP! The combination of guitars, an epic sounding drum kit, and the organ hit me and the audience like the sun had risen inside the Varsity. Then Shaw stormed on stage and upped the intensity even further. The vocal harmonies pushed it over the top. Granted with the Varsity low’s stage I was only a couple of feet away but from the cheers behind me, the fellas in the front row didn’t feel much different.
“Gypsy” the opening number, took us right back into 1970 and we stayed there for the first few songs before “The Law” brought us back to 2014. The Varsity was not sold out, Shaw called the crowd “Small, but mighty” and as to be expected from a band whose body of work spanned 5 decades (Heck, I was 3 when they were founded), fans were on the mature side. That did not keep fans or the band from rocking hard.
We dove back into the 70s where Shaw mentioned that suddenly British bands would go from writing 3 minute songs to 10 minute mini operas. True to form “The Magician’s Birthday” went on and on for 10+ minutes (including Birthday wishes to some in the audience). What struck me as much as the sound was Uriah Heep’s stage presence. The rock gods of the 70s had descended from their halls (or English country estates). It felt natural and gigantic at the same time. None of us are spring chickens anymore (the red cup, Shaw hoisted had Ginger Ale and Honey). This is who we are, and we had fun.
Uriah Heep has finished recording a new album – Living The Dream – to be release in September and Shaw mentioned that they would be back on tour in the US. I think, I can speak for the audience that we all will be at their show when they return – and we will drag some doubting friends with us.
Set List: Gypsy / Look at Yourself / Shadows of Grief / Stealin’ / The Law / Sunrise / The Magician’s Birthday / The Wizard / One Minute / Between Two Worlds / July Morning / Lady in Black Encore: Easy Livin’
