Formed in London in 1969, progressive heavy rock institution Uriah Heep have survived death threats, a shooting, an attack with a stiletto, and a reviewer stating: “If Uriah Heep are successful, I’ll commit suicide.” They’ve even being spoofed in Spın̈al Tap – the calamitous air force scene was inspired by a real Heep incident. Still, here they are, playing in front of backdrops reading “UH” on what is being called a farewell tour, although they make it clear from the stage that they’re not done making albums.
Guitarist Mick Box is the sole survivor from the lineup that released 1970’s … Very ’Eavy … Very ’Umble, but aged 77, sporting long, grey hair, he still rocks so heroically he should have a preservation order on him. Canadian vocalist Bernie Shaw, who joined in 1986, brings a similar operatic style to the late original vocalist David Byron, and at a relatively youthful 68 hits notes so high you suspect some can only be heard by animals. The whole band are grinning, and when Shaw yells “Let’s have some fun, Birmingham!”, the seated audience rise to their feet and stay there, even if standing all night might be a challenge for a few.
