1 Topic by BansheeUK (edited by BansheeUK 2011-12-14 04:21:58)

  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
  • Registered: 2011-08-12
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Topic: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

Hope folks don't mind a mention of a bit "classic rock", but since I brought them up in the VATA thread, seems only fair. If folk can talk about Adele, I'm sure Uriah Heep will be welcome.


Last time I saw Heep, I don't think any of VATA were even a twinkle in their father's eye. It's not that they don't tour - they've been on the road this year since February and finished for 2011 yesterday; it's just we haven't been able to coordinate. This time though, the timing was right, and VATA supporting was an added bonus. Already said, Virgil and the lads gave a really solid, polished performance; because the reduced set meant Virgil was limited in what he could do, Working Man had a little extra bite while Bad Girl and Backstabber really punched. He kept the Stevie Ray Vaughan tight and soared through Silver Giver. Fans of Classic Rock bands can be as partisan as they are passionate, but VATA got a very good reception from the corwd and a generous endorsment from Mr Mick Box.


Now then, what can you say about Uriah Heep? I suppose they're a bit of a "marmite" band - you either like, or you don't. Thing about them though, just when you think they're on the ropes, they come back and sucker punch you. At the moment, they're riding high on the Into The Wild album which is a distillate of all the best you'd expect from Heep.


Most of the set, as you'd expect was culled from the 70s back catalogue and once you list tracks like Gypsy, July Morning, Look At Yourself, Stealin', Bird Of Prey (is it me or did The Darkness build their early career off this song?). My God though, they sounded good and the new tracks mixed in seemlessly. Bernie Shaw is a model of charismatic frontman and a criminally overlooked "rock" vocalist. Mick Box was certainly enjoying himself, taking the mid-section from Magician's Birthday for his solo piece and plenty of hand-waving on the sustains. Rainbow Demon and The Wizard were thrown in as crowd pleasers and the finale sing-a-long that is Lady In Black. Encore time was the double-barrel blast of Free & Easy and Easy Livin' - members of the audience invited up on stage to join in some old-fashioned headbangin' and a masterclass in riffing.


40 years plus down the line, Uriah Heep can still rock the house and make it look so easy; who cares if the songs are older than the support group, a classic is still a classic and when it's played as tight as this you wouldn't want to miss it.

Rock On!!!

Mike

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Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
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2 Reply by Kenny (edited by Kenny 2011-12-14 06:09:24)

  • Kenny
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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

Mike - the Heep are still going strong as you say and you just need to look at their faces to see that they are enjoying themselves. They would have to with a tour that has taken in 22 countries this year. I particulatly liked the triple whammy of Return to Fantasy, Stealin', Rainbow Demon in Glasgow. And July Morning is just one of the best songs ever. First saw them in 1972 with Dave Byron, RIP on vocals.



Kenny

  • From: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

My cousin saw them around 1972 - I had to wait until Donnington Monsters of Rock 1982 when they played there on the back of Abominog, still one of my all time favourite albums. saw them a couple of times since, but think the last was on the "Cambe Mockba" (Live In Russia) album when Bernie and Phil had just joined from Grand Prix (another very underrated band in the 80s)

Let's hope its not as long till I catch them again, but odds are, Mick Box will still be playing and having fun.

Mike

When life gives you lemons; don't make lemonade.
Give back the lemons.  Why were the lemons free?  What's wrong with the lemons?
Do Not trust the lemons...
  • mbcl
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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

Back home from an incredible 3 nights. Last night was the icing on the cake. My boys played a blinder and consequently sold out of Cds and tshirts (I took way more than we expected to sell).
I have to say that the members of Uriah Heep and their crew have been a dream to tour with. We nver felt like we were support, rather just part a a great night out. They had plnety of time for the lads, extremely complimentary. They all watched our set and complimented about it. To be honest we did not want it to end.
Their were some big names in the audience and again they made a beeline for the boys with compliments and genuine interest. Paul Marshall even tweeted about us on the Marshall Twitter.
Uriah Heeps show, you just got see it, if they do not get rockin, you must be in a coffin. Pretty sure youll get to see them in 2012................
The only thing that cones close to the last 3 dates was when Virgil and Gabriel did the rhythm section for Joanne at the BCC gigs.

Martin
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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

I had no idea they were still going strong. None of my friends wanted to buy their first release way back when, so I bought it and flat wore it out. But never was able to see them in concert, a little too unknown for this area I guess. I would love to see some video if anybody can get posted.

Tres

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

Hands down, one of my favorite bands of all time.

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

Stu Craig wrote:

Hands down, one of my favorite bands of all time.

Include me in that group of loyal fans.  The Heep were huge back in the day.

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

Curby wrote:
Stu Craig wrote:

Hands down, one of my favorite bands of all time.

Include me in that group of loyal fans.  The Heep were huge back in the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGKlaW_IFZs

smile smile smile smile

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

One of the highlights of the day at High Voltage 2010

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

I love Uriah Heep - never seen them live, but I would like to if they ever make it to Orlando.

I still say Joe should cover "Traveler In Time" - he'd rock that song.

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

mbcl wrote:

Back home from an incredible 3 nights. Last night was the icing on the cake. My boys played a blinder and consequently sold out of Cds and tshirts (I took way more than we expected to sell).
I have to say that the members of Uriah Heep and their crew have been a dream to tour with. We nver felt like we were support, rather just part a a great night out. They had plnety of time for the lads, extremely complimentary. They all watched our set and complimented about it. To be honest we did not want it to end.
Their were some big names in the audience and again they made a beeline for the boys with compliments and genuine interest. Paul Marshall even tweeted about us on the Marshall Twitter.
Uriah Heeps show, you just got see it, if they do not get rockin, you must be in a coffin. Pretty sure youll get to see them in 2012................
The only thing that cones close to the last 3 dates was when Virgil and Gabriel did the rhythm section for Joanne at the BCC gigs.

The magic continues.  Congratulations!  I remember you confided to me way back when, the not to yet be disclosed Uriah Heep dates.   Sounds like an utterly flawless dream state night. 


I also remember those magic opening for BCC opening in Wolverhampton and London........still not quite a year ago!


Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

If anyone's interested, here are a few of my pics from their show in Bristol at the beginning of December...

http://www.martymoffatt.co.uk/images/ur … 011bristol

It was a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Marty

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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

martymoffatt wrote:

If anyone's interested, here are a few of my pics from their show in Bristol at the beginning of December...

http://www.martymoffatt.co.uk/images/ur … 011bristol

It was a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Marty

Thoroughly am interested...except it's the inability to play Flash on iPad stopping me...for now...sooooo, later, hopefully.


Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”
  • Registered: 2011-09-29
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Re: Uriah Heep - Newcastle Academy 12/12/11

martymoffatt wrote:

If anyone's interested, here are a few of my pics from their show in Bristol at the beginning of December...

http://www.martymoffatt.co.uk/images/ur … 011bristol

It was a thoroughly enjoyable show.

Marty

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.