The USA release of Uriah Heep's 'Live 1973' 2LP Album, subtitled 'Bronze Records and Peter Bowyer Present,' introduced American audiences to the band's dynamic live performances. Distributed across the United States, the album resonated with rock enthusiasts, contributing to Uriah Heep's presence in the American music scene. The release marked a significant chapter in the band's international recognition during the early 1970s.
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 (Fold Open Cover) Album 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, a visionary British music producer and manager, played a vital role in the success of Uriah Heep during the 1970s. As their producer and manager, he oversaw iconic albums like Demons and Wizards and The Magician’s Birthday, shaping their progressive rock legacy. Learn more about his remarkable career on the Uriah Heep Discography.
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 LP
Album weight: 470 gram
Year & Country:
1973 Made in USA
Band Members and Musicians on: Uriah Heep Live
Band-members, Musicians and Performers
David Byron vocals
Mick Box guitar
Ken Hensley keyboards
Gary Thain bass guitar
Lee Kerslake drums
Complete Track Listing of: Uriah Heep Live
The Song/tracks on "Uriah Heep Live" are
Sunrise
Sweet Lorraine
Traveller in Time
Easy Livin'
July Morning
Tears in My Eyes
Gypsy
Circle of Hands
Look at Yourself
The Magicians Birthday
Love Machine
Roll Over Beethoven Medley
Album cover photos of : Uriah Heep Live
Photo of Album's Back Cover
Photo of Album's Inner Cover
The custom inner sleeve of Uriah Heep Live features a visually dynamic collage of concert photographs. Each image captures the raw energy and charisma of the band’s live performances during the early 1970s.
1. Top Left: A shot of the bassist performing under warm stage lighting, showcasing their focus and stage presence.
2. Top Right: The lead vocalist in a powerful pose, radiating the intensity of the performance.
3. Center: A wide-angle view of the stage, emphasizing the band’s interaction with the audience and the vibrant atmosphere of the live concert.
4. Bottom Left: A guitarist mid-action, likely during a solo, exuding passion and energy with vivid lighting effects framing the moment.
5. Bottom Right: The keyboardist in action, surrounded by a wall of keys, highlighting their integral role in the band’s rich sound.
The design uses a black background to enhance the vibrant colors and focus on the individual photographs. The overall layout creates a sense of movement, immersing viewers in the intensity of the live rock performance. The typography, with the band name and “Live” in a flowing script, reinforces the album’s theme of capturing the band’s stage presence.
Photo of Album's Inner Cover
This custom inner sleeve is a collage of articles and reviews related to Uriah Heep, taken from various music publications, including Rolling Stone dated 1 October 1970. The design features a mix of headlines, images, and excerpts about the band’s early career. The content highlights both praise and critical remarks about their music, capturing the reception of their initial albums. A prominent headline reads, ‘URIAH SHOCK: THEY’RE GOOD,’ juxtaposed with critical remarks from another review stating, ‘If this group makes it I’ll have to commit suicide,’ referencing the polarizing opinions on their music.
A featured image shows the band posing with an award, highlighting their success despite early criticisms. Another notable element is the reproduction of the album art for Demons and Wizards. The layout reflects the cultural and critical environment of the era, illustrating how Uriah Heep was perceived during their rise to fame.
Close-up Photo of Record Label
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.
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.
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.
"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."
URIAH HEEP - Demons and Wizards (Austria & France Releases)
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.
"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."
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
URIAH HEEP - Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble (European Versions)
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.
"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.
