I am not a music critic, just a music lover. I come from a musical family that has had members that conducted orchestras, played various instruments, sang in places like La Scala, I had a father that played piano and sang opera professionally, and I have played various instruments like the piano, trumpet, trombone, and drums. Though I do not claim to be a musician I do believe I have developed a cultured ear for music. In addition I have been a concert photographer since 1994 and have seen many great bands of the 60's & 70's. Therefore, I take this liberty to talk about Uriah Heep and to give you my impressions of their music and their current line up of the band.
Uriah Heep on Tour with Mark Farner
Uriah Heep and Mark Farner Tickets
I just saw/photographed 2 concerts in Rimini and then Treviso, Italy on the 7th & 8th of May 2010. It has been over 13 years since I have been following the band on and off as their photographer and I have seen numerous concerts by the Heep. Even though some concerts were one day after the other at times, the Heep has never "bored" me once. Not once. Every concert gave me constant new emotions and excitement. That is an accomplishment in itself for any band and very few bands can do that. However, Uriah Heep has taken their music to a new level, or better yet they have turned another page in their book. This band has once again evolved and "improved." This was my first time seeing the band with Russell Gilbrook and I was hesitant in believing that anyone could replace Lee Kerslake. I also have a personal bias towards Lee since he is also a friend to me and my family. Well, Russell didn't replace Lee, I don't think that was the intention either. Russell has brought his own invigorating interpretation of drumming to Uriah Heep and it is spectacular and full of energy. He brings a "modern" sound that has allowed all band members to evolve one step further and bring Uriah Heep to a new competitive level in today's music industry.
The concerts I saw were "new," and everyone one in the band has added new interpretive sound to their repertoire. Bernie now "owns" the songs of Uriah Heep instead of the songs owning him. He has new dimension and depth in his interpretation of the usual songs that make him a true lead singer. He has made the big leagues! Trevor is Trevor and he never ceases to amaze me. However, I saw Trevor really "jammin' his ass off and "letting it all hang out" like I never witnessed before. Phil is always great but, he seems to have more fun and demonstrates this through his enthusiastic method of playing. He actually seemed rejuvenated and flew on those keys. Russell is a pure "animal" on the drums and is a great replacement for Lee and the band in general. What can I say about Mick. Mick always plays with his heart and shares it all the time with all his fans. However, I believe he has come more forward and is being heard more than usual. Something I've been waiting for for years because Mick IS A LEAD GUITARIST and belongs in the forefront.
I was totally blown away with the new interpretations and introductions that were added to legendary Heep songs. The crowds went wild also. The second day I saw them in Treviso, even though I just heard them less that 24 hours ago, I got goose bumps!
And get this. The band was doing all this after a 60 day tour with no rest! They were exhausted and yet gave their fans their everything! I can only imagine how they would sound after some well deserved rest.
My personal opinion, after photographing and listening to more than 110 different artist, is that Uriah Heep deserves the big backing that artist like Springsteen, Pink Floyd, The Stones, and others get from their record companies. They deserve top of the art sound systems, lighting systems, and grand stages. Their playing and singing deserves it. They deserve all the sponsorship and respect in the world for all these years they have been playing and HOW THEY HAVE EVOLVED AND PLAY NOW!!!
"APPY DAYS" is true because that is what Uriah Heep gives its fans after every concert they play.
Vinnie www.the-musicbox.com
