- German Release, Gatefold Album Cover, label: BRONZE 28 791
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.
In the smoldering embers of the mid-70s rock scene, Uriah Heep, once a titan of bombast and excess, found themselves at a crossroads. The departure of their iconic frontman, David Byron, left a void that seemed impossible to fill. Yet, in 1977, amidst the uncertainty, they released 'Firefly', a record that, while not a return to their former glory, offered a glimpse of resilience and artistic exploration.
This German pressing of 'Firefly', with its gatefold sleeve and BRONZE label, is a snapshot of a band in transition. The cover, featuring a lone firefly against a dark backdrop, speaks volumes about Heep's state at the time - a flicker of light amidst the encroaching darkness.
The 70s had not been kind to Uriah Heep. The excesses of the early years had taken their toll, and the music scene was rapidly changing. Punk and New Wave were on the rise, and Heep's brand of grandiose, keyboard-driven hard rock seemed increasingly out of step. Byron's departure only exacerbated the sense of decline.
'Firefly', then, was a gamble. New vocalist John Lawton, formerly of Lucifer's Friend, brought a smoother, more soulful edge to the band's sound. The production, helmed by Gerry Bron, was cleaner and less bombastic than previous efforts. The songwriting, while still rooted in Heep's signature style, showed a willingness to experiment.
The album opens with 'The Hanging Tree', a driving rocker that showcases Lawton's powerful vocals and remains a fan favorite to this day. 'Sympathy', a ballad with lush harmonies and a soaring chorus, is often cited as a highlight of the album, showcasing the band's ability to create emotionally resonant music. 'Firefly' itself is a mid-tempo number with a catchy melody and introspective lyrics that capture the band's spirit during this transitional period. 'Who Needs Me' is a bluesy rocker with a gritty edge that harkens back to the band's earlier, heavier sound.
One topic that often arises in discussions of 'Firefly' is the contrast between Lawton's vocal style and Byron's. While some fans missed Byron's operatic delivery, others appreciated Lawton's more grounded and soulful approach. Another point of interest is the album's production. Bron's cleaner, less bombastic approach divided fans, with some praising its clarity and others missing the wall-of-sound approach of earlier albums.
While 'Firefly' is not without its flaws, it's a testament to Heep's resilience and refusal to fade away quietly. The album may not have set the charts on fire, but it garnered critical acclaim and proved that Heep still had something to offer.
The German pressing of 'Firefly' is a reminder of a band that, despite facing adversity, continued to create music on their terms. It's a symbol of their enduring legacy and their refusal to be extinguished.
In the grand narrative of rock and roll, 'Firefly' may be a minor footnote, but it's a footnote worth exploring. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's always a chance for a flicker of brilliance. And Uriah Heep, even in their twilight years, proved that they were still capable of creating music that mattered.
Music Genre:Prog Rock |
Album Production Information:The album: "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" was produced by: Gerry Bron Gerry Bron's impact on the British rock scene is undeniable. From Uriah Heep's soaring vocals to Motörhead's thunderous riffs. Dive into his biography
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Peter Gallen This album was recorded at: The Roundhouse Recording Studios, London, Englandm October - November 1976 Album cover design: Gail Clark Album cover painting: Martin White Album inside drawings: Rici di Tomasso / Cream Album cover photography: |
Label & Catalognr Information:Bronze 28 791 XOT |
Album Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages This album "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format:12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country:1976 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: URIAH HEEP - Firefly FOC Bronze 28 791 |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "URIAH HEEP - Firefly FOC Bronze 28 791" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" |
Album Back Cover Photo of "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" |
Inner Sleeve of "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" Album |
Photo of "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Close-up Photo of Bronze record label "URIAH HEEP - Firefly" 12" LP |
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
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 LPBronze 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 LPBronze 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'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.
EPIC / Portrait PRT 26414 , 1985 , EEC
"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."
Equator incl Rockarama 12" Vinyl LPBronze 26 449 XOT , 1978 , Germany
"Fallen Angel" is the 12th album released by British rock band URIAH HEEP in 1978. The album cover for Uriah Heep's 1978 album "Fallen Angel" was indeed 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.
Fallen Angel 12" Vinyl LP
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 LPBronze 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 LPBronze 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
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)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'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'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'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'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)
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)
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)
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)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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