Of course the spark jumps over to the audience, who can’t keep sitting in their seats any longer. Uriah Heep perform at their best and it feels like this evening opens a valve that was closed for a long time due to the pandemic. What becomes apparent during this evening is that rock and metal is not primarily a question of age. With an incredible enjoyment of performing, the band presents a superb selection of their musical creations. What follows is an almost two-hour rock and metal spectacle that on the one hand seems like a journey through time and at the same time shows why the band belongs to the pioneers of heavy metal and progressive rock. Rob Halford, Alice Cooper, Paul Stanley, Joey Tempest, Steve Lukather, Steve Harris, Francis Rossi and many more they all send their congratulations to Uriah Heep for the impressive band anniversary. But before the band enters the stage, video congratulations are delivered. Of course there is no longer any holding back and the temperature in the Laeiszhalle rises noticeably.Īfter an hour the lights in the hall are turned on again and both band and fans have deserved a little refreshment.Īfter the bell reminds everyone to head back to the hall, the plugged-in part of the evening begins. ‘Lady in Black’ is played after Box telling a few more anecdotes. Mick Box and band end the first part with a classic, which is tailor-made to round off an acoustic set. Musically as well as thematically the anti-war song, written by Fred Hellerman and Fran Minkoff, fits perfectly into today’s time and is an extra treat this evening. It is worth mentioning that the quintet has with ‘Come Away Melinda’ a song on the list, which comes from the debut album and does not appear too often on the setlist. The band honors the rising vibe and Bernie Shaw additionally motivates to rock along instead of just sitting, latest in the second part of the show.
With ‘Free Me’ the mood really comes to life for the first time, and encourages the fans to stand up and clap along. However, ‘Circus’ from the ‘Sweet Freedom’ album kicks things off, followed by ‘Tales’, another song from the early 70s. In total, there are eight tracks to listen to, two of which are medleys aptly reflecting the depth of Uriah Heep’s discography.
It is an acoustic show which the band presents to their fans during the first hour. One immediately feels taken back to the different eras and as the last photo on the screen fades away the moment arrived – Uriah Heep enters the stage under great applause of the fans, many of whom have accompanied the band in the last five decades.Īs expected, there are two sets. The lights in the hall go out and a three-hour journey through decades of rock begins with a projection that includes the various phases of the band with numerous photos and snapshots accompanied by ‘Dreams of Yesteryear’, although from the tape. A big white cloth covers the view to the main stage and in front of it a minimalistic setup is installed, which foreshadows an acoustic start. When the doors open shortly before 8pm, a glance at the stage reveals that the show will probably take place in two parts. A good pastime, however, are the photos, books, trophies,… exhibited in the foyer all pieces that vividly document the history of the band. The doors to the large hall are still closed and it is noticeable how curiosity grows steadily. It starts right from the fact that the staff is neatly dressed and welcomes the fans. The neo-baroque building from the early 20th century offers an impressive scenery for such an anniversary party. The tour starts with a show in Hamburg’s legendary Laeiszhalle. Announced are special shows with many songs and additional delights. Mick Box and bandmates start these days to an extensive ‘Uriah 50 Heep – Celebrating 50 years of Uriah Heep’ tour, under the premise of ‘From Lockdown to Rockdown! 2022 just got a whole lot heavier’. With no real space for a big party due to pandemic restrictions, the celebration was moved to 2022. This all took place more than five decades ago and it was in 2020 when Uriah Heep celebrated their 50th band anniversary. Even if the press at the time harshly commented on the album, Uriah Heep remained true to their mission and passion, and it is the very first song on the record, ‘Gypsy’, which is still a mandatory song on any setlist. One year later the legendary debut album ‘…Very ‘Eavy … Very ‘Umble’ was released which marked the beginning of a more than impressive career for the band. When Uriah Heep was founded in 1969, the writer of these lines was just one year old.
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