Ken Hensley R.I.P.

Photo by: Helge Øverås. Ken Hensley Uriah Heep, Chateau Neuf, Oslo, Norway 1977.

more information... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54829412

Stuart Moir… Sad eh, I’m know thier former drummer Alex who used to live in Hastings old town running a pub called the Crown

John Williams… We played lots of gigs for Alex

Mike Mitchell… Heep were the first band I ever saw in concert… Only 75 is a shame

Angela Frances Gardner… me too I saw them at Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, I was 16 and we went backstage after the concert and they all signed my No 6 packet!

supplied by Angela Frances Gardner

Mike Mitchell… Brighton Dome for me

supplied by Mike Mitchell

Paul Buxton… Saw them De mont leicester RIP Sir

Uriah Heep and Diamond Head – De La Warr Pavilion Bexhill Friday 6th December 2019

The British classic rock icons hit the road to celebrate the release of their new album, Living The Dream out in September.

Uriah Heep debuted in 1970 with the release of one of hard rock’s milestones, “Very ‘eavy… Very ‘umble” and have since sold in excess of 40 million albums worldwide. They constantly tour the world, playing up to 125 shows a year to 500,000+ fans. The band’s live set features the classic tracks from the ’70s and is a musical journey from the band’s beginnings to the present day.

more information… https://www.dlwp.com/event/uriah-heep/

Sandy Max… Absolutely! One of my favourite bands in my youth

Mike Waghorne…On a July morning

Peter Houghton… I would like to go if I can

Kathy Wood… Thanks for the heads up on that one Alan.

SMART SOUNDS by Colin Bell reviewing Words In The Distance 1994-1998(3cd Set) Uriah Heep

uriahheep_3cd

WORDS IN THE DISTANCE 1994-1998 (3CD SET) Uriah Heep
This remastered beautifully presented clam box release with informative booklet brings together 3 albums from a band that have become a rock institution. The albums in question being ‘Sea Of Light’ ‘Spellbinder’ (live concert) and ‘Sonic Origami’. I’m going to work backwards, bear with me. 1998’s ‘Sonic Origami’ is classic Heep, symphonic with a moving opening track ‘Between Two Worlds’ written by Mick Box as a tribute to original vocalist David Byron and Gary Thain who both sadly passed away in 1985 and 1975 respectively. And unusually for a band that writes their own material there is a cover of Survivors ‘Across the Miles’ which is great, although see the sleeve notes for Micks comments! ‘Golden Palace’ is another standout track, as I say all ‘classic’ Heep. Released in 1996 ‘Spellbinder’ see’s the band playing live in Germany (where they are huge) to an obviously rapt audience. I’m not big on ‘live’ albums in general but this certainly catches a band on blistering form and was recorded for a German radio broadcast primarily. ‘Devils Daughter’ ‘Wizard’ and ‘Gypsy’ are just three highlights and its the next best thing to being there in person it certainly pulls you in to the night. However its 1995’s ‘Sea of Light’ that is the jewel in the crown. When it was released back in ’95’ I was sent a copy that co-incided with me doing a rock radio show and it was love at first listen! I played it to death! From the opening wailing guitar chords of ‘Against The Odds’ thru the insanely catchy ‘Sweet Sugar’ the hauntingly beautiful ‘Mistress Of All Time’ EVERY track is a tour-de-force. Its not just a great Heep album its a GREAT rock album up there with anything Purple, Rainbow, you name it have ever produced. This is first division rock at its finest, the whole album is so cohesive, the running order of the tracks is perfect, the energy and togetherness of the band is awesome. Die hard UH fans on its release said it was ‘a return to form’ that is damning with faint praise in my opinion. S.O.L is the apogee of a band with all the stars aligned. If you are a serious rock fan this album should be in your collection and played regularly and LOUDLY weekly you’ll feel all the better for it! And just to cap it off you can enjoy the evocative unmistakable Roger Dean artwork (remember those Osibisa covers). Well that’s my ‘umble’ opinion…….

For more information go to http://www.cherryred.co.ukcolin-head-111x150-111x150

Til next time, stay warm…….Colin

John Williams… I am sure when we used to gig at The Crown the bloke that owned it was Alex, he was with Uriah Heep

Alan Esdaile… Your right John, he was the drummer.