URIAH HEEP ‎- THE MAGICIAN'S BIRTHDAY 12" Vinyl LP Album
- Italian Release in Gatefold Album Cover

‘The Magician’s Birthday,’ a hallmark album by Uriah Heep, stands as a quintessential piece of 1970s rock history, presented in its original vinyl glory. This release is wrapped in a striking gatefold sleeve, showcasing the visionary artwork of Roger Dean on the cover—a surreal, dreamlike design that mirrors the album’s mystical themes. Open the gatefold, and you’re greeted by a gallery of band photos, capturing the essence of Uriah Heep’s charismatic lineup during their peak. Nestled inside is a lyric-printed liner, holding the LP—a touch that makes this edition not just an album, but a complete sensory experience, perfect for those who revel in the tactile and visual artistry of vinyl records.

The Magician's Birthday Album Description
Liner Notes
Album Production Information
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians
Track Listing
Album Photo Gallery
Uriah Heep Discography Index

"The Magician's Birthday" Album Description:

In the world of progressive rock music, Uriah Heep's "The Magician's Birthday" stands as a captivating testament to the band's musical prowess and artistic vision. Released in 1972, this Italian version of the album, complete with a gatefold sleeve adorned with Roger Dean's distinctive design, remains a cherished relic for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The front cover, a visual masterpiece crafted by Roger Dean, sets the tone for the mystical journey that unfolds within the grooves of the vinyl. Known for his iconic artwork, Dean's contribution to the album's aesthetic is significant, creating a visual counterpart to the sonic tapestry woven by Uriah Heep.

Delving into the gatefold reveals a treasure trove of band photographs, offering a glimpse into the personalities behind the music. It is within this immersive packaging that the listener is invited to explore the thematic depth of "The Magician's Birthday." The liner, housing the LP and adorned with printed lyrics, becomes a portal into the lyrical landscape penned by the band.

The sonic enchantment of the album is heightened by the production prowess of Gerry Bron and the engineering finesse of Peter Gallen. Their collaboration brings forth a sound that encapsulates the essence of Uriah Heep's musical identity during this period. Each track resonates with a distinct energy, from the titular "The Magician's Birthday" to the anthemic "Sunrise" and the epic "July Morning."

The captivating cover photography by Fin Costello adds a tangible dimension to the album's visual narrative. Through his lens, Costello captures the essence of the band's stage presence, providing a glimpse into the dynamic live performances that contributed to Uriah Heep's growing reputation as a formidable live act.

Cataloged under BRONZE BROL 34213, this 1972 Italian release remains a coveted gem for vinyl enthusiasts and collectors. Its presence in the global music scene during its release period speaks to the band's ability to transcend borders and connect with audiences on an international scale.

URIAH HEEP - THE MAGICIAN’S BIRTHDAY

- Transcript of the Liner Notes

Based loosely on a short story which I wrote during June/July this year “The Magician’s Birthday” brings us to our fifth album. Again we find ourselves saying this is our most important album but they have all been the most important and we’ll probably say that about the next one and so on……

Since “Demons And Wizards” we have been touring really hard and recording this new album has helped us to see how the band has progressed, this being reflected by the new songs and the different, sometimes intense, like, of the finished product.

The Uriah Heep which appeared first on our last album is we feel now in full flight and we are looking forward to having new audiences that are planned for us. With every record and band winning we have been able to spread out and make more of us and up to 1973, a new hall as good as if you were in 1972, it looks like it could be a very good year.

Ken Hensley

September 1972

Music Genre:

Prog Rock / Hard Rock

Album Production information:

The album: "The Magician's Birthday" was produced by: Gerry Bro

Gerry Bron – Record producer, band manager, label owner

The guy who could run a label, steer a band, and still keep one hand on the faders. Read more...

Gerry Bron is the kind of behind-the-desk mover who could make a band feel like it had a map, not just a van. After joining Bron's Orchestral Service in 1950, he shifted from publishing to shaping careers: producing Manfred Mann hit singles in 1967–68 and guiding early acts like the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band. He then became inseparable from Uriah Heep, producing and managing them from their 1970 debut "...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble" through 1980's "Conquest". In 1971 he founded Bronze Records and, in 1975, Roundhouse Recording Studios, building a base for heavy rock and beyond; his label later housed Motörhead, The Damned, Girlschool, Hawkwind and more, and he treated production as practical management: songs, takes, and momentum.

Gerry Bron Wiki

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Peter Gallen

Recorded at Lansdowne Studios, London. September/October 1972

Album cover design: Roger Dean

Roger Dean, a visionary English artist and designer, revolutionized album cover art with his surreal landscapes and vivid imagery. Known for iconic works with bands like Yes, Uriah Heep, and Asia, his fantastical designs became synonymous with 1970s progressive rock. Explore his career and legendary creations in more detail on Roger Dean Biography.

Album cover photography: Fin Costello

Fin Costello – Art Direction, Photography

Fin Costello is the guy behind the lens who made loud bands look even louder—caught mid-stride, mid-sweat, mid-myth. I always pay extra attention when his photos are printed on album covers and inner sleeves. Read more...

Fin Costello hit my radar the way the best photographers do: not with a signature, but with a feeling. You’re staring at a sleeve and suddenly you can hear the room. Hot lights. Hair stuck to foreheads. That thin layer of sweat that says the set is only halfway done.

He comes out of late-1960s London photojournalism—learn the craft fast, get close, don’t ask the moment to repeat itself. And when the rock caravan starts dragging its cables across Europe, he’s already in the right place. Deep Purple (1972–1975) looks like volume you could measure with a broken window. Rainbow (1975–1977) looks sharper, richer, a little more dangerous in the fantasy costume. Then Ozzy Osbourne (1980–1983) arrives like a headline that won’t calm down.

The thing I like is that Costello doesn’t “capture legends.” He catches people working. There’s a difference. Legends pose. Working musicians forget you’re there—until the flash reminds them, and even then he’s already moved on.

Label & Catalognr Information:

BRONZE BROL 34213

Album Packaging:Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1972 Italy

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: The Magician's Birthday

Mick Box – guitars
David Byron – vocals
Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitars, Moog synthesizer
Lee Kerslake – drums, percussion, kazoo
Gary Thain – bass
Brian Cole – Pedal Steel Guitar on "Tales"

Complete Track-listing of the album "The Magician's Birthday"

The detailed tracklist of this record "The Magician's Birthday" is:

"Sunrise" – 4:04
"Spider Woman" (Mick Box, David Byron, Lee Kerslake, Gary Thain) – 2:25
"Blind Eye" – 3:33
"Echoes in the Dark" – 4:48
"Rain" – 3:59

"Sweet Lorraine" (Box, Byron, Thain) – 4:13
"Tales" – 4:09
"The Magician's Birthday" (Box, Hensley, Kerslake) – 10:19CK

High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday"

Album cover of Uriah Heep's 'The Magician’s Birthday' featuring Roger Dean's surreal artwork. The cover showcases a vivid red and blue landscape with a dynamic figure on a rock pointing towards a mystical, fiery entity on a jagged peak. Strange humanoid-plant hybrids emerge from the ground, and a twisted tree branch stretches across the foreground, enhancing the fantastical atmosphere. — The album cover of The Magician’s Birthday by Uriah Heep, illustrated by Roger Dean, is a striking, surreal masterpiece that bursts with vibrant colors and dreamlike imagery.

The artwork is dominated by a bold contrast of deep blue sky and intense red landscape, creating an otherworldly effect. At the center, a dynamic human-like figure stands atop a textured rock formation, pointing toward a mystical, fiery figure on a jagged red peak. This character, possibly representing the magician, radiates an eerie presence with wild hair and a ghostly glow.

To the left, exotic plant-like creatures with humanoid features grow from bulbous, organic forms, enhancing the fantasy-driven aesthetic. A twisted, blackened tree branch stretches across the bottom, adding depth and texture to the composition.

The intricate detailing and vibrant color palette make this cover one of Roger Dean’s most unique and eye-catching works, perfectly complementing the album’s mystical and progressive rock themes.

Album Back Cover Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday"

High Resolution Photos of uriah heep magicians birthday italy

Inner Sleeve of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" Album

Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" Album's Inner Sleeve

High Resolution Photos of uriah heep magicians birthday italy

Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" 12" LP Label - Side One:

The record label of The Magician’s Birthday by Uriah Heep, released on Bronze Records, features the label’s distinctive “evolution sequence” artwork. The design showcases a series of progressively evolving humanoid figures, arranged in a circular pattern around the spindle hole, illustrating the evolution from ape to modern man—a signature motif used by Bronze Records.

The background is a pale yellow, providing contrast to the brown evolutionary figures and the bold blue “BRONZE” logo at the top. The label layout follows a classic structure, with album title and band name printed in bold black text at the center, followed by the tracklist for Side One, listing song titles, composers, and durations.

Additional details include:

Playback Speed: "STEREO 33 ⅓ GIRI" on the left side.
Catalog Number: "BROL 34213" positioned on the right.
Production Credits: Gerry Bron listed at the bottom.
Country of Manufacture: "Made in Italy" printed along the outer rim.
Outer Rim Text: "Riservati tutti i diritti del produttore e del proprietario dell'opera registrata - Vietata duplicazione, noleggio e utilizzo pubblico" (All rights reserved, duplication, rental, and public use prohibited).

The combination of the Bronze Records branding, evolutionary artwork, and clear typography creates a visually distinctive label that reflects the progressive rock identity of Uriah Heep and the aesthetic style of early 1970s vinyl releases.

Photo of "URIAH HEEP ?– The Magician's Birthday" 12" LP Label - Side Two:

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 ‎- THE MAGICIAN'S BIRTHDAY 12" Vinyl LP Album - Italian Release in Gatefold Album Cover

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