Uriah Heep’s “Equator” – The Lost 1985 Firestorm That Tried to Save British Hard Rock #vinylrecords

"Equator Album Description:

In the pantheon of English rock, few bands have experienced as many twists and turns as Uriah Heep. By 1985, the band was navigating uncharted waters with their album "Equator." A product of transition and exploration, "Equator" captures Uriah Heep at a moment when they were both reflecting on their storied past and seeking new sonic territories.

Historical Context

The mid-1980s were a turbulent time for rock music. The rise of MTV and the subsequent emphasis on visually appealing music videos were reshaping the industry. Established rock acts were compelled to adapt to a rapidly changing musical landscape dominated by synths, flashy visuals, and an increasingly commercial sound. Uriah Heep, veterans of the hard rock and progressive rock scenes of the 1970s, found themselves at a crossroads. "Equator" was their attempt to stay relevant while maintaining their core identity.

Musical Exploration and Genre

"Equator" is a rich tapestry of musical styles, weaving together threads of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock. The album opens with "Rockarama," a high-energy track that embodies the era's arena rock vibe. With its catchy chorus and driving rhythm, "Rockarama" was a nod to the band's ability to craft anthems designed for large venues and mass appeal.

Tracks like "Lonely Nights" and "The Other Side of Midnight" showcase the band's continued penchant for progressive rock, featuring complex arrangements and introspective lyrics. However, there is a noticeable shift towards a more polished, radio-friendly sound throughout the album. This blend of the old and the new illustrates Uriah Heep's attempt to bridge their foundational rock elements with the burgeoning trends of the mid-80s music scene.

Production Team and Recording Studio

The production of "Equator" was helmed by Tony Platt, a name synonymous with high-quality rock production. Platt, known for his work with AC/DC and Bob Marley, brought his expertise to TeePee Productions Ltd. His influence is evident in the album's slick production values and meticulous attention to detail.

Recording took place at Battery Studios in London, a venue that had hosted a plethora of notable artists. The state-of-the-art facilities at Battery Studios allowed Uriah Heep to experiment with new sounds and recording techniques, contributing to the album's polished finish.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Prog Rock / Hard Rock

A fusion of complex arrangements and melodic structures from progressive rock with the driving power and riffs of hard rock, characteristic of Uriah Heep’s mid-1980s sound.

Label & Catalognr:

EPIC / Portrait – Cat#: PRT 26414

The “Equator” album label combines vivid design elements: the “Portrait” logo in red and yellow cursive dominates the top, while the Epic logo appears on the left. Details include “STEREO”, “33⅓ RPM”, catalog numbers “PRT 26414” and “01-026414-20”, and the label code “LC 4734”. BIEM/STEMRA rights text is also shown.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Weight: 230g

Year & Country:

1985 – Made in EEC

Producers:

Tony Platt – Producer & Engineer
Produced for TeePee Productions Ltd. Original sound recording made by CBS Records.

Tony Platt is a renowned British producer and engineer known for his work with AC/DC on "Highway to Hell" and "Back in Black," as well as with artists like Bob Marley, Iron Maiden, and Motörhead. His crisp, powerful production style defined much of the late 1970s and 1980s hard rock sound.

Sound & Recording Engineers:

John Hallett – Assistant Engineer (Battery Studio)
John Hallett worked extensively at London’s Battery Studios, assisting on numerous 1980s rock and pop recordings known for their polished sound.
Paul Corkette – Assistant Engineer (Jacobs Studio)
Paul Corkette later gained recognition as a producer/engineer for The Cure and Nick Cave, known for his textured and atmospheric studio work.
Phil Tennant – Assistant Engineer (Genetic Studio)
Phil Tennant contributed engineering expertise at Genetic Studios, a hub for artists like The Human League and Heaven 17, famed for its innovative analog/digital setup.
Stephen McLaughlin – Assistant Engineer (Battery Studio)
Stephen McLaughlin went on to become a producer and engineer for bands such as Saxon and Judas Priest, shaping the sound of British heavy metal in the late 1980s.

Recording Studios & Dates:

Battery Studio – 27 August to 9 September 1984
Jacobs Studio – 12 September to 26 October 1984
Genetic Studio – 12–13 / 19–20 to 26 January 1985
Mixed at Battery Studio – 27 January to 4 February 1985

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up (Part 1):

Peter Goalby – Vocals
Peter Goalby fronted Uriah Heep from 1982 to 1985, contributing powerful vocals to albums such as "Abominog" and "Equator". Before joining Heep, he sang for Trapeze and led Fable, known for his dynamic voice and melodic phrasing that helped modernize Heep’s 1980s sound.
Mick Box – Guitar
Founding member and lead guitarist of Uriah Heep since its inception in 1969, Mick Box has been the band’s constant creative force. His fluid wah-driven playing and songwriting helped define classic albums like "Demons and Wizards" and "Look at Yourself".
Trevor Bolder – Bass
Trevor Bolder, formerly of David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars, joined Uriah Heep in the mid-1970s. His melodic, steady bass lines anchored Heep’s sound for nearly three decades, appearing on notable albums such as "Return to Fantasy" and "Abominog".

Band Line-up (Part 2):

John Sinclair – Keyboards
John Sinclair joined Uriah Heep in 1981, bringing modern synthesizer textures and keyboard arrangements to their evolving 1980s sound. Before and after Heep, he worked with Ozzy Osbourne and The Babys, respected for his technical precision and versatility.
Chris Slade – Drums
Chris Slade, a seasoned session drummer, played with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band before joining Uriah Heep. Known for his tight and powerful drumming, he later performed with AC/DC, Asia, and The Firm, becoming one of rock’s most reliable and energetic percussionists.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:

Rockarama Single
Released as the lead single from the "Equator" album, showcasing Uriah Heep’s polished 1980s sound with a melodic hard rock edge.
Bad Blood
A driving hard rock track with sharp riffs and strong vocals from Peter Goalby, highlighting Tony Platt’s crisp production style.
Lost One Love
A melodic mid-tempo track blending emotional vocals and keyboard textures typical of Heep’s early 1980s evolution.
Angel
A softer, atmospheric piece showing the band’s melodic side with layered harmonies and spacious guitar arrangements.
Holding On
A dynamic closer to Side One, featuring energetic drums and driving bass from Trevor Bolder.

Video: Uriah Heep - 'Rockarama'

Tracklisting Side Two:

Party Time
A bright, upbeat track reflecting the 1980s arena rock vibe, built around catchy hooks and harmonized vocals.
Poor Little Rich Girl Single
A satirical look at wealth and fame with strong rhythmic guitar and melodic keyboard work by John Sinclair.
Skools Burning
A high-energy rocker with rebellious lyrics, continuing Heep’s tradition of combining humor and hard-edged rock attitude.
Heartache City
Mid-paced hard rock with dramatic vocals and tight rhythm, typical of the band’s mid-1980s compositions.
Night of the Wolf
The closing track of the album — dark and atmospheric, featuring powerful drums and haunting guitar melodies.

Video: Poor Little Rich Girl

URIAH HEEP - Equator incl Rockarama Album Photo Gallery:

Album Front Cover Photo

The front cover of Uriah Heep’s 1985 studio album “Equator” is dominated by an immense geometric structure in vivid red against a jet-black background. The pattern resembles a three-dimensional spirograph or mandala, composed of countless interwoven lines radiating from a central circular core, creating an illusion of depth, symmetry, and movement.

Above this visual centerpiece sits the band’s classic angular red-and-white URIAH HEEP logo, bold and metallic in appearance, accompanied by a rectangular red sticker on the right that reads: “New Uriah Heep album includes Rockarama.” This placement reinforces the album’s marketing focus on its lead single.

The title EQUATOR runs across the bottom edge of the sleeve in minimalist white letters, spaced apart to match the clean, modernist aesthetic. The overall composition conveys precision, energy, and technical artistry—perfectly reflecting the band’s blend of progressive and hard rock during their mid-1980s era.

Album Back Cover Photo

Back cover of Uriah Heep’s 1985 album Equator shows the same intricate red spirograph mandala design from the front, set on a deep black background. The track listing for both sides appears at the top in red text, while at the bottom the band lineup, recording credits, production details, and Epic/Portrait logos are printed in small white and red type. A yellow retail sticker with 'CD 63' and a handwritten mark add a vintage touch to this European pressing. — The back cover of *Uriah Heep’s* 1985 album *“Equator”* mirrors the front design, featuring the same red geometric mandala structure on a black field. The visual symmetry reinforces the album’s sense of precision and energy, creating a cohesive front-to-back aesthetic.

Across the top, red lettering lists the track titles for *Side One* and *Side Two*. Beneath the mandala, the band lineup and complete production credits appear in fine print, including the names of producer Tony Platt and assistant engineers John Hallett, Paul Corkette, Phil Tennant, and Stephen McLaughlin.

At the lower edge, logos for *Epic* and *Portrait Records* are shown beside the label code *LC 4734*. A small yellow retail sticker marked *“CD 63”* and a handwritten signature add authentic period detail, evoking the tangible, collectible charm of mid-1980s European vinyl issues.

Close-up Photo of Record Label

Close up of Side One record’s label

This close-up of the Side One label from Uriah Heep’s 1985 album “Equator” displays the Portrait label design used by CBS Records during the mid-1980s. The label has a deep charcoal-grey background with white text and contrasting gold and red company logos.

The Portrait logo appears at the top in a flowing red handwritten script outlined in yellow, while the Epic logo, also in yellow, sits to the left. These twin logos symbolize the CBS family branding under which this release was distributed.

The track listing for Side One is printed in white sans-serif text, showing five songs beginning with the single “Rockarama.” Additional credits include producer Tony Platt for TeePee Productions Ltd. and the rights society BIEM/STEMRA. The catalogue number PRT 26414 and label code LC 4734 are clearly marked.

Around the rim, fine text states “All rights of the producer and of the owner of the recorded work reserved,” a standard CBS Europe legal disclaimer. The label design combines modern precision with strong branding typical of CBS’s European issues from 1985.

EEC Label

Colours: Dark charcoal grey background with red, yellow, and white print
Design & Layout: Centered serif and sans-serif white text; company logos at top and left; fine rim text around outer edge
Record company logo: Red handwritten Portrait script outlined in yellow, representing CBS’s Portrait sub-label
Band/Performer logo: None present on label
Unique features: Dual company branding with both Portrait and Epic logos; label code LC 4734
Side designation: Star symbol with numeral “1” in a box
Rights society: BIEM/STEMRA
Catalogue number: PRT 26414 (01-026414-20)
Rim text language: English
Track list layout: Five tracks listed numerically with durations, all in uppercase white type
Rights info placement: Printed around outer rim and at bottom center
Pressing info: Manufactured in the EEC by CBS Records
Background image: Flat matte grey surface with no graphic imagery

The Spirograph Obsession

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Spirograph became more than just a children’s toy—it was a pop-culture phenomenon. Every kid with a ruler and curiosity for symmetry spent hours spinning gears, tracing hypnotic loops and nested circles that somehow looked both scientific and psychedelic. Designers, too, fell under its spell. The resulting patterns symbolized precision, motion, and infinite repetition—the very aesthetics that bridged science and art in that era.

Uriah Heep’s “Equator” album cover takes that fascination and amplifies it into something monumental. Its fiery red web of interconnected lines feels like a spirograph turned cosmic—perfectly encapsulating the mid-80s fusion of analog craft and technological ambition. In true rock-collector irony, what began as a toy on a coffee table ended up etched into vinyl history as one of Heep’s most geometrically mesmerizing sleeves.

Index of URIAH HEEP - 1970-1980s Vinyl Record Discography and Album Covers

URIAH HEEP - Abominog

Bronze S 204 532 , 1982 , Germany

Abominog is the 14th album for British rock group URIAH HEEP. It was the first album without keyboardist Ken Hensley. The album was critically acclaimed and fairly commercially successful album due, in part, to the band retooling and updating their sound to a contemporary heavy metal style.

Abominog 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - Best of URIAH HEEP

Bronze 28 784 XOT / LC 2313 , 1979 , Germany

The 1979 release "Best of Uriah Heep" on Bronze Records, catalog number 28 784 XOT, is a compilation spanning 1970-1976. Produced by Gerry Bron, it features the band's pinnacle tracks, showcasing their evolution. Sound engineer Peter Gallen ensures sonic fidelity. Distributed in Germany, the LP captures Uriah Heep's global appeal. LC 2313 highlights Bronze Records' role.

Best of URIAH HEEP 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - Conquest

Bronze 201 655 , 1980 , Germany

"Conquest" is an album by the English rock band Uriah Heep, released in 1980. It and marked a departure from their earlier, heavier sound towards a more polished and commercial style. The album features a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock elements and includes songs such as "Heartless Land," "Imagination," and "Feelings."

Conquest 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - Demons and Wizards (Austria & France Releases)

URIAH HEEP - Demons and Wizards (Austria) album front cover vinyl record

Uriah Heep's 1974 album "Demons and Wizards," released on a 12" LP in Austria with a Roger Dean-designed gatefold cover (Island 86 185 IT), holds significance within the evolving rock music landscape. The collaboration between the iconic band and Dean resulted in a visually striking cover that complemented the album's fantasy themes. This Austrian release contributed to the global accessibility of Uriah Heep's music, marking a notable chapter in 1970s rock history.

- Demons and Wizards (Austria) - Demons and Wizards (France)

URIAH HEEP - Equator

"Equator" is the 1985 album by the English rock band Uriah Heep. . It was recorded during a time of change and transition for the band, as they were exploring new sounds and directions. The album features a mix of hard rock, progressive rock, and arena rock elements, and includes songs such as "Rockarama," "Lonely Nights," and "The Other Side of Midnight."

URIAH HEEP - Fallen Angel

The album cover for Uriah Heep's 1978 album "Fallen Angel" was designed by artist Chris Achilleos. Chris Achilleos is a Cypriot-British painter and illustrator who has created cover art for many books, albums, and magazines. He is well known for his fantasy and science fiction artwork and his attention to detail, and has created many memorable and iconic images throughout his career.

URIAH HEEP - Firefly (European Releases)

URIAH HEEP - Firefly (Germany, Bronze 28 791) album front cover vinyl record

Firefly is the tenth album released by British rock band URIAH HEEP. It was first album without David Byron, lead vocalist and a founder-member of the band, and the first of three albums with John Lawton.

- Firefly (Germany, Bronze 28 791) - Firefly (Germany) - Firefly (Gt Britain) 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - Head First

Bronze 205 474 , 1983 , EEC

Uriah Heep's 1983 release, "Head First," marked their 15th studio album under Bronze Records. Produced by Ashley Howe, the album showcased the band's adaptability in the evolving music scene. Recorded at Manor Studios, it blended hard and progressive rock elements. In the context of 1983 Europe, the album reflected the era's musical trends and served as a sonic backdrop to the cultural shifts of the time.

Head First 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - High and Mighty

Bronze 28 715 XOT , 1976 , Germany

Released in 1976 on Bronze Records, Uriah Heep's "High and Mighty" 12" LP marked a significant chapter in mid-'70s rock. Produced by the band and recorded at London's Roundhouse Studios, it showcased their distinctive blend of hard and progressive rock.

High and Mighty 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - Innocent Victim (European Releases)

URIAH HEEP - Innocent Victim (East-Germany, Amiga Records) album front cover vinyl record

The 1979 release of Uriah Heep's "Innocent Victim" on Amiga Records, featuring a distinctive band portrait on the cover, adds a captivating layer to the album's narrative. With liner notes by Ulrich Gnoth and the DDR catalog number AWA 8 55 671, it stands as a unique collector's item, providing a glimpse into the cultural and musical dynamics within the German Democratic Republic during that period.

- Innocent Victim (East-Germany, Amiga Records) - Innocent Victim (Germany) - Innocent Victim (Switzerland)

URIAH HEEP - Live in Moscow / Cam B Mockbe

INT 148.811 DMM , 1987 , Germany

Uriah Heep's "Live in Moscow," recorded during their historic 1987 concerts in the Soviet Union, marks a pivotal moment in rock diplomacy. Spearheaded by Laszlo Hegedus, the album showcases the band's musical prowess and captures the energy of the era. The gatefold cover and meticulous engineering by Janos Mihaly and Gabor Hegedus contribute to a sonic masterpiece.

Live in Moscow / Cam B Mockbe 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - Live 1973 (German & USA Versions)

URIAH HEEP - Live 1973 (Germany) album front cover vinyl record

"Uriah Heep's 'Live 1973' 2LP Album, subtitled 'Bronze Records and Peter Bowyer Present,' captures the essence of the band's musical prowess during its release period. Released on vinyl, the record reflects a moment in music history, showcasing Uriah Heep's live performances. Bronze Records and Peter Bowyer's collaboration contributes to preserving and presenting this iconic era of rock music for enthusiasts and collectors alike."

- Live 1973 (Germany) - Live 1973 (USA)

URIAH HEEP - Look at Yourself (European Releases)

URIAH HEEP - Look at Yourself (Germany) album front cover vinyl record

Uriah Heep's "Look At Yourself," released on Bronze Records in Germany, adds a distinctive chapter to the band's musical narrative. Produced by Gerry Bron and recorded at Lansdown Studios in 1971, this release encapsulates the essence of British hard rock. With a unique imprint on the German music scene, it stands as a testament to Uriah Heep's international resonance and diverse influence.

- Look at Yourself (Germany) - Look at Yourself incl Large Poster (Germany) - Look at Yourself (Gt Britain) - Look at Yourself (Netherlands)

URIAH HEEP - Magician's Birthday

Uriah Heep's "The Magician's Birthday," a 1972 12" LP vinyl release, stands as a quintessential piece in the British rock scene. Featuring a gatefold sleeve designed by Roger Dean, the album combines Ken Hensley's storytelling with the band's musical prowess. Recorded at Landsdowne Studios, London, it presents a cohesive narrative with detailed liner notes. Produced by Gerry Bron, this timeless artifact encapsulates the essence of progressive rock during its release period.

- Magician's Birthday (Gt Britain) - Magician's Birthday (Italy) - Magician's Birthday (Netherlands & Germany)

URIAH HEEP - Return to Fantasy

Uriah Heep's 1975 release, "Return to Fantasy," showcased a harmonious blend of production mastery by Gerry Bron and recording finesse at London's Lansdowne and Morgan Studios. The visual allure, courtesy of Dave Field's design and Joe Gaffney's photography, complemented the musical journey. Released on Bronze Records as a 12" vinyl LP, the album's inner sleeve with complete lyrics added a personal touch, contributing to its significance in the diverse musical landscape of 1975.

- Return to Fantasy (Germany, Bronze 28 783) Return to Fantasy (Germany, Bronze 89 065 XOT)

URIAH HEEP - Salisbury (France & Germany Release)

URIAH HEEP - Salisbury (France) album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1970, URIAH HEEP's "Salisbury" 12" LP Vinyl Album, stands as a musical gem. With its distinctive gatefold album cover, this French edition adds a touch of elegance to the band's iconic sound. A testament to the era, the release encapsulates the spirit of the '70s music scene, making it a prized collector's item for enthusiasts of the period.

- Salisbury (France) - Salisbury (Germany)

URIAH HEEP - Sweet Freedom (European Releases)

URIAH HEEP - Sweet Freedom (Bronze Records) album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1973 by Bronze Records, Uriah Heep's "Sweet Freedom" marked the band's sixth studio album. The 12" LP, cataloged as Bronze 28 777 XOT, showcased the British rock band's musical prowess during a dynamic period in the music industry. With its blend of rock and progressive elements, the album contributed significantly to the band's artistic evolution, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene of 1970s Germany.

- Sweet Freedom (Bronze Records) - Sweet Freedom (Island Records)

URIAH HEEP - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (European Versions)

URIAH HEEP - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Austria) album front cover vinyl record

The Austrian release of Uriah Heep's debut album, "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble," on Island C 85 690/Bronze/Austro Mechana, offers a regional perspective on the band's impact. With a distinct catalog number, this version maintains the album's original charm, featuring a gatefold-sleeve and insert with band photos. The Austrian release contributes to the broader European dissemination of Uriah Heep's influential hard rock sound during the early 1970s.

- Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Austria) - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Germany, Bronze Records) - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (Germany, Vertigo Records)

URIAH HEEP - Wonderworld 12" Vinyl LP

URIAH HEEP - Wonderworld album front cover vinyl record

Bronze 87 931 IT , 1974 , Germany

"Wonderworld," the 1974 studio album by English rock band Uriah Heep, showcases a blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and blues-inspired elements. Featuring tracks like "The Wizard," "Suicidal Man," and "So Tired," the album marked a shift towards a more straightforward and commercial style, departing from the band's experimental sound. Despite mixed reviews, it proved commercially successful, solidifying Uriah Heep as a prominent hard rock band in the 1970s, with its tight production and memorable performances earning it a lasting place in the band's live repertoire.

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URIAH HEEP – Equator 12" Vinyl LP Album - incl. Rockarama

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