Uriah Heep played the marvellous Holmfirth Picturedome last night. And what an absolute pleasure it was to see them put in such a storming performance. Four off Into The Wild intermingled with a fine collection of classics which never, ever disappoint or get tired.
They were on such tremendous form and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves (not that you ever get anything less than 100% from Heep) feeding off a very enthusiastic crowd.
The permanent smile sported by Mick Box was so wide it probably inspired the Cheshire cat. Such an effortless and underrated guitarist. Fluid. I’ve been a Bernie Shaw fan since the Grand Prix/Stratus days. What a set of pipes and a fine front man. Phil Lanzon is tall enough to be seen over the keys and his swirls and fills are so essential. Russell Gilbrook proves that you don’t need a drum kit the size of a small bungalow to do the job. And Trevor Bolder – man, what a bass player.
So we’ve established (not as if we didn’t already know) that Uriah Heep are top notch and despite a collective age not far off the dawn of time itself remain completely consummate professionals with as much enthusiasm and eagerness to please as they’ve ever had. Mick thanks the crowd for buying tickets and you know he means it.
And how many bands do you know who invite members of the audience on stage to get involved with the encore – Free ‘N’ Easy being “assisted” by the Holmfirth answer to Pans People (so who remembers them then).
With a forty year history and so much to chose from putting a set together must get harder and harder. Last night they had no trouble pleasing everyone. After opening with I’m ready from Into The Wild the next 100 minutes or so whizzed by as both new and (mostly) old was delivered with passion and enthusiasm.
I think the set list was as below though not guaranteed to be in that order. I’m pretty sure Bird of Prey was in the encore.
I’m Ready
Return to Fantasy
Stealin’
Rainbow Demon
Money Talks
Nail On The Head
The Wizard
Into The Wild
Gypsy
Look At Yourself
July Morning
Encore:
Free ‘N’ Easy
Bird of Prey
Easy Livin’
The main set closing out trio of Gypsy, Look at Yourself and July Morning was, I thought, particularly impressive.
Many times I’ve seen Heep live – the first being the Conquest tour with John Sloman (and yes – I think it’s a fine album, just a bit different) – and although they do never disappoint I don’t think I’ve seen them so on top of it as they were last night in Holmfirth.
Truly outstanding stuff from a unique band – and one of course you can’t keep down because we’re dealing with an institution……Would have been nice to have heard that one, next time perhaps eh boys?