Heep time in Holmfirth again for their mini-tour. No new album to promote – though one is being recorded and I believe we had one from it last night which sounded more than good enough. Anyhoo – top band, top venue, top night as always.
Got there nice and early. A strategic choice to bag a nice spot in the car park. Quick beer in the pub then the excellent Masala Lounge for pre-gig curry. The place is awesome. In to the Picturedome for opening time and did something not done there before – went up to the balcony and settled in to one of the limited seats. Nice view from up there.
Now, the support. Virgil and the Accelerators. Hmmmmm. This is just my opinion of course and may not be yours……not my bag at all. Sure, the boy can play guitar very fast though to this ear it sounded like a half hour guitar solo with the occasional arbitrary word thrown in. Snore.
Next – the “proper” band. Who? Uriah Heep of course. Messers Box (effortlessly cool), Shaw (gets those high notes still, great voice), Lanzon (he is very tall isn’t he), Gillbrook (does anyone hit drums harder) and new bloke Davey Rimmer (anyone else reminded a little of Derek Smalls?).
Boom! Storming opener of Against the Odds from Sea of Light. A muscular way to start the set with lots of opportunity for Bernie to warm up with all the “Ah Ah Ah” in there. For the next hour and three quarters they are in full control and on mesmerising form. No matter how many time one sees them, Heep always turn it on and always so enthusiastic after 45 years or so. Amazing.
We are treated to a varied set taking in first album, most recent album and various points along the way. Not the full set list (may have missed a couple out) or in running order but we had: Overlord, Traveller in Time, Stealin’ Gypsy, Sunrise, Nail on the Head, In To The Wild and to close it out a fine trilogy of classics. An extended Look at Yourself, July Morning (a little strange with no Trevor Bolder bass above head stuff, (RIP Trev) though Davey’s good enough then Lady in Black as the finale before which Mick thanks us all for coming as usual.
Encore is Free and Easy plus easy Living before home time. Now really, does anyone do it better?
With a new album being recorded and a DVD due to be filmed at the Koko on 4 March it’s a great time to be a Heep fan. Performances like last night in Holmfirth go to show that they have so much more to offer and very much still a force. Thanks boys – come back with that new album please