Uriah Heep Live is a 1973 double live album by the British rock group Uriah Heep. In addition to a live 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".
In the world of classic rock history, few bands have left as lasting an impact as Uriah Heep. With their distinctive blend of hard rock, progressive elements, and melodic sensibilities, the British rockers gained a dedicated following worldwide. Their performances on stage were nothing short of electrifying, and in 1973, they captured that raw energy on the double live album, "Uriah Heep Live".
Released in the United States in 1973, the album showcased the band at the height of their prowess, featuring an exhilarating selection of their greatest hits performed live. At the time, Uriah Heep was comprised of vocalist David Byron, guitarist Mick Box, keyboardist Ken Hensley, bassist Gary Thain, and drummer Lee Kerslake – a lineup that had achieved great success with their studio albums and captivating live shows.
The album kicks off with a high-octane rendition of "Easy Livin'", a track that had become one of Uriah Heep's most recognizable songs. The live version takes the already energetic hit to new heights, setting the tone for what lies ahead. From there, the band delves into a series of classic live cuts, each showcasing their virtuosity and dynamic stage presence.
Among the standout tracks is "Sweet Lorraine", a progressive rock gem that highlights the band's ability to seamlessly blend complex arrangements with catchy hooks. The audience's response on the album reflects the captivating atmosphere that the band could conjure during their performances.
Another highlight of "Uriah Heep Live" is the live rendition of "Sunrise". Ken Hensley's signature Hammond organ intro sets the mood for this powerful and emotive ballad, which takes the listener on a sonic journey through its peaks and valleys. The audience's reaction to this track reveals the deep connection the band had with their fans during live shows.
Perhaps the most remarkable and defining moment on the album is the extended live version of "July Morning". Clocking in at over ten minutes, this progressive epic showcases the band's instrumental prowess and their ability to craft a captivating narrative through music. The gradual build-up and climactic moments perfectly capture the essence of Uriah Heep's live performances.
Notably, the original album sleeve of "Uriah Heep Live" is a treasure trove of information for fans and collectors. The gatefold (FOC) cover design opens up to reveal pages dedicated to each band member, providing insights into their contributions and personalities. Additionally, the album lists the original studio albums on which the songs featured were released, allowing fans to trace the evolution of these tracks from studio recordings to captivating live renditions.
"Uriah Heep Live" was produced by Gerry Bron for Hit Record Productions, a renowned producer known for his work with several influential rock bands of that era. Bron's production expertise captured the essence of Uriah Heep's live performances and allowed fans to relive the magic of their concerts in the comfort of their own homes.
| Music Genre: Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal |
Album Production Information:Produced by Gerry Bron for Hit Record Productions
Gerry Bron was a prominent British music producer and manager, best known for his contributions to the music industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Born on 1 September 1933, in Hendon, Middlesex, England, Bron played a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous successful artists and bands.
Bron began his journey in the music industry in the early 1960s when he co-founded the music management and publishing company, RAK Music. The company represented several notable songwriters, including Jonathan King, who achieved success with hits like "Everyone's Gone to the Moon". RAK Music quickly gained a reputation for its ability to spot and nurture talent. In the late 1960s, Bron expanded his endeavors into record production, establishing himself as a highly respected producer. He worked with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including progressive rock, folk, and hard rock. Some of his earliest notable production credits included albums by Manfred Mann, including their breakthrough hit, "Mighty Quinn", and The Move's album "Shazam". One of Bron's most significant collaborations was with the influential progressive rock band, Uriah Heep. He signed them to his management company and produced many of their albums, including "Demons and Wizards", "The Magician's Birthday", and "Sweet Freedom". These albums helped solidify Uriah Heep's place in the progressive rock genre and contributed to their global success. As a producer, Bron was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring out the best in artists. He had a knack for capturing the essence of a band's sound and translating it into successful records. His production style often emphasized strong melodies, powerful instrumentation, and lush vocal harmonies. In addition to his work with Uriah Heep, Bron produced albums for other notable acts, such as Colosseum, Osibisa, and Hawkwind. He also played a pivotal role in the career of British folk-rock legend, Al Stewart, producing some of his most successful albums, including "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages". Throughout his career, Bron maintained a keen entrepreneurial spirit. In 1972, he founded his own record label, Bronze Records, which became renowned for its roster of talented artists. The label achieved significant success with bands like Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and The Damned. Tragically, Gerry Bron passed away on June 19, 2012, at the age of 78. His contributions to the music industry left an indelible mark, and his work as a producer and manager continues to inspire aspiring musicians and industry professionals to this day. His dedication to nurturing talent and his ability to create timeless music remain a testament to his lasting influence on the music industry. Gerry Bron did have his own record company. In 1972, he founded Bronze Records, which became an influential label in the music industry. Bronze Records was known for its diverse roster of artists and its commitment to promoting unique and innovative music. The label signed a wide range of acts spanning various genres, including rock, folk, and punk. Some of the notable artists signed to Bronze Records included Uriah Heep, Motörhead, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, The Damned, Girlschool, and Juicy Lucy. Under Bron's leadership, Bronze Records achieved significant commercial success. The label released a string of hit records and albums that resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Motörhead's albums, such as "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill," became iconic within the heavy metal genre, while Manfred Mann's Earth Band achieved chart success with their covers of songs like "Blinded by the Light" and "Davy's on the Road Again." Bronze Records' commitment to fostering talent and embracing new sounds was instrumental in its success. The label's reputation for quality music and its ability to identify promising artists made it a sought-after destination for both established and emerging acts. Gerry Bron's ownership of Bronze Records allowed him to exert greater creative control over the production and distribution of his artists' music. This autonomy enabled him to further shape and influence the careers of the musicians under his wing. Although Gerry Bron passed away in 2012, Bronze Records' legacy endures as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to championing exceptional talent. The label played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape of its time and continues to be remembered as an influential force in the industry. |
Label Information:Mercury SRM-2-7593 |
Packaging:This original album gatefold sleeve includes pages of all the band members. It also listed the albums that the songs on this album were originally on. There was also a page about the band members. |
Media Format:Double 12" Full-Length Vinyl LPAlbum weight: 470 gram |
Year & Country:1973 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: Uriah Heep Live |
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Track Listing of: Uriah Heep Live |
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The Song/tracks on "Uriah Heep Live" are
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| Album cover photos of : Uriah Heep Live |
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Close-up Photo of Record Label
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| Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
David Byron (Real-name: David Garrick; 29 January 1947 - 28 February 1985) was an English rock singer best known as the lead vocalist for the progressive rock band Uriah Heep.
Byron was born in Epping, Essex, England, and started his music career in the mid-1960s as the lead singer for several local bands. In 1969, he joined Uriah Heep, which was then known as Spice, and became the band's lead vocalist. With Byron on board, Uriah Heep quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading progressive rock bands of the early 1970s, and released a string of successful albums, including "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" (1970), "Salisbury" (1971), and "Demons and Wizards" (1972).
Byron's distinctive voice and powerful stage presence helped make Uriah Heep one of the most popular and influential hard rock bands of the 1970s. He was known for his soulful, blues-influenced delivery and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. He also wrote some of the band's most memorable lyrics, including those for the songs "Lady in Black" and "The Wizard".
Despite his success with Uriah Heep, Byron struggled with personal issues and alcohol abuse, and eventually left the band in 1976. He continued to perform and record music with several other bands, but he never achieved the same level of success he had with Uriah Heep. He died in 1985 at the age of 38 due to a liver failure caused by his alcohol abuse.
David Byron is remembered as one of the greatest hard rock vocalists of his time and a key figure in the development of the progressive rock genre. His contributions to Uriah Heep and his powerful, soulful voice continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Ken Hensley (Real-name: Kenneth William David Hensley , 1945-2020) was an English musician, singer, songwriter, and producer best known as a former member of the progressive rock band Uriah Heep.
Hensley was born in London, England, and started his music career in the early 1960s as a member of several local bands. In 1969, he joined Uriah Heep and became the band's keyboardist, guitarist, and songwriter. With Hensley on board, Uriah Heep released a string of successful albums, including "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" (1970), "Salisbury" (1971), and "Demons and Wizards" (1972).
Hensley was an important creative force in Uriah Heep, writing many of the band's most popular and enduring songs, such as "Lady in Black", "The Wizard", and "Easy Livin'". He also played keyboards, guitar, and sang backup vocals, and his contributions helped make Uriah Heep one of the most popular and influential hard rock bands of the 1970s.
After leaving Uriah Heep in 1980, Hensley continued to perform and record music as a solo artist and with various other bands. He also worked as a producer and collaborated with several other musicians and bands. Throughout his career, Hensley has been known for his versatility as a musician and his ability to write and perform music in a variety of styles, including rock, blues, soul, and pop.
Ken Hensley is remembered as one of the most talented and influential musicians of the progressive rock era, and his contributions to Uriah Heep and his solo work continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Mick Box (born Michael Frederick Box; 17 December 1947) is an English musician and guitarist best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of the progressive rock band Uriah Heep.
Box was born in London, England, and started his music career in the late 1960s as a member of several local bands. In 1969, he co-founded Uriah Heep and became the band's lead guitarist and one of its main songwriters. With Box on board, Uriah Heep released a string of successful albums, including "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" (1970), "Salisbury" (1971), and "Demons and Wizards" (1972).
Box's distinctive guitar playing, characterized by his fluid, blues-influenced style and his ability to create powerful, memorable riffs and solos, was a major factor in the band's success. He also wrote many of Uriah Heep's most popular and enduring songs, such as "Lady in Black", "The Wizard", and "Easy Livin'".
Despite lineup changes and shifting musical trends, Box has remained with Uriah Heep for over five decades, making him one of the longest-serving members of the band. He continues to perform and record music with Uriah Heep, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hard rock guitarists of all time.
Mick Box is remembered as a pioneering figure in the progressive rock genre, and his contributions to Uriah Heep and his influential guitar playing continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Paul Newton is a former bassist for the English rock band Uriah Heep. Newton was a member of Uriah Heep during their early years, playing on the first three albums, "Very 'eavy... Very 'umble" (1970), "Salisbury" (1971), and "Look at Yourself" (1971). After leaving the band, he went on to play with other musicians and bands in the rock and blues genres. Little else is known about him.
Keith Baker a drummer who has played with several notable bands and musicians. He is best known for his time as the drummer for the English rock band Uriah Heep.
Baker joined Uriah Heep in 1976 and was a member of the band for several years, appearing on several of their albums including "Innocent Victim" (1977) and "Fallen Angel" (1978). During his time with the band, he helped to solidify their sound and was an important part of their live performances.