Uriah Heep - Live (1973)

 (U.K 1969 - Present)

Named after one of the most odious characters in literature (thanks to Charles Dickens), Britain’s Uriah Heep have been churning out records and touring relentlessly for over forty years. The Allmusic guide lists more than three dozen albums and informs us that there have been over 30 members of the band formed by the wonderfully monikered Mick Box and singer David Byron in the late sixties. Though Mr Byron died in sad circumstances in 1985, Mr Box still carries the flame, toting it around the world with unflagging energy.

By early 1973, Uriah Heep had released five studio albums and had already made a name for themselves, with a sound all of their own, fusing elements of progressive rock and hard rock. They were one of the most unique bands of their era, and remain revered by fans of the genre all these decades later.

By 1973, the next thing on the radar for the legendary band was a live record, which fans got in the form of Uriah Heep Live in the spring of 1973. Featuring the legendary lineup of vocalist David Byron (RIP), guitarist Mick Box, keyboardist Ken Hensley, bassist Gary Thain (RIP), and drummer Lee Kerslake, the double album was recorded in January of 1973 in Birmingham. Initial CD releases of the record omitted the closing track due to the constraints of the day, but it was reinstated for later CD issues. A more recent expanded edition of the album, released in 2004, includes bonus US radio show and film mix songs on a second disc.

Although you are not going to see Uriah Heep's Live album mentioned on the lists of great 70s live albums like KISS’ Alive! Or Deep Purple’s Made in Japan, this live album still holds great respect amongst 'Heep Fans'.

Uriah Heep Live might just be the best moment of the band’s classic 70s era, with their ultimate lineup in fine form. Why this record does not get more recognition from classic hard rock fans all these years later is a complete mystery; the record shows off just how great these guys were on a live stage back in their initial prime. Essentially, this is the greatest lineup the band ever had, showing off their musical prowess in a high energy setting, pulling out all the stops for the fans. This is the way the band was meant to be remembered, captured on album. To Heep fans the record is sacred, and rightfully so.

This is not simply a “greatest hits live” album, nor are the cuts here copycats of the studio versions either. The group plays a wide assortment of tracks covering most of their first five records, including the well-known cuts and deeper gems alike. Each member of the band gets more than a few chances to shine; Ken Hensley’s organ never sounded better than it does on this release, and the late, great David Byron gives a vocal performance for the ages.

In addition to a ripping version of the band's hit "Easy Livin'", the record includes classic live cuts such as "Sweet Lorraine", "Sunrise" and an extended live version of "July Morning".

The classic “Gypsy” also gets the “extended” treatment, turned into a 13 minute plus jam! The wide variety of tracks keeps things interesting throughout; even with the extended jam versions of many of the songs, there are no dull moments in sight. The “Rock and Roll Medley” shows off the band’s more humorous side while at the same time paying homage to their early rock and roll heroes, and it makes for a comical yet appropriate finish to it all. 

While on tour in the States, Live 73 reached #13 in the UK charts. The original album packaging was a lavish affair, typical of the early-1970s. Being a 2-LP set it was a gatefold sleeve, with center pages featuring photographs of the band members.

The album was recorded by the Pye Mobile Unit, engineer Alan Perkins. Uriah Heep Live was certified Gold by the RIAA on 12 October 1973. Mercury Records initially released the album on CD without the medley, due to time constraints. This was later restored on the 2004 Sanctuary release by releasing a double CD set.

The band released several commercially successful albums in the 1970s (ie. 'Demons and Wizards and The Magicians Birthday), but their audience finally declined by the 1980s, to the point where they became essentially a cult band in the United States and United Kingdom. Uriah Heep maintain a significant following in Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, the Balkans, Japan and Russia, where they still perform at stadium-sized venues [extracts from zrockr.com and wikipedia]

It's a shame that Gary Thain succumbed to drug use and misfortune, what a talent and force he was on the bass! Ken Hensley assumed the role of band leader, which resulted in bickering and fighting with lead singer David Byron, whose own voice defined the sound of the group along with Mick Box's worthy, compelling guitar work and Lee Kerslake's driving, forceful backbeat.

Footnote: Heep fans were recently saddened to hear of the death of Ken Hensley, organist and core member of Uriah Heep. He was previously in The Gods and brought his heavy organ riffing to the fledgling outfit, who had their most successful albums with Ken on the keys.

This post consists of FLACs ripped from my treasured vinyl (which I bought secondhand several years after its release for the pricey sum of $7.50) which is still in immaculate condition.  I have also included full cover scans for vinyl and CD along with label scans.

My only criticism of this live album was the inclusion of the somewhat 'daggy'  rock 'n' roll medley at the expense of not including classic tracks like "The Wizard", "Rainbow Demon" and "Bird of Prey".   

I have consequently included live versions of these 3 tracks for those of you who who might feel the same way and might consider substituting them if burning to CD.

I must confess that my interest in the band faded after "Firefly" and have always thought that they peaked with their twin masterpieces 'Demons & Wizards' and 'Magicians Birthday'. These two albums are still regular items on my play list, even 50 years later; and I still enjoy the mystical atmosphere they create.

A future post me thinks - a double treat. 

Treacklist

A1 Introduction  :48

A2 Sunrise 4:18

A3 Sweet Lorraine 4:27

A4 Traveller In Time 3:20

A5 Easy Livin' 2:43

B1 July Morning 11:23

B2 Tears In My Eyes 4:34

C1 Gypsy 13:32

C2 Circle Of Hands 8:47

D1 Look At Yourself 5:57

D2 Magician's Birthday 1:15

D3 Love Machine 3:07

D4 Rock 'n' Roll Medley:

-Roll Over Beethoven 1:51

-Blue Suede Shoes 1:13

-Mean Woman Blues 0:28

-Hound Dog 0:56

-At The Hop 1:32

-Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On 0:40

-Blue Suede Shoes 1:37

Bonus Tracks

E1  The Wizard [Live 1972]

E2  Bird Of Prey [Live 1972]

E3  Rainbow Demon [Live 1972]

Musicians:

David Byron - Lead vocals

Mick Box - Guitars and vocals

Ken Hensley - Keyboards, guitar and vocals

Lee Kerslake - Drums

Gary Thain - Bass and vocals

Uriah Heep Live Link (546Mb)  New Link 17/10/2023