ASTORIA 23rd.March 2001 From Stephen Benham (d.o.b.23rd March....) When I found out that heep were playing on my birthday and naz were supporting I thought yeah why not. After checking on the net and receiving all the info of the days events, it sounded a great idea to get involved for old times sake. The first event was the screening rooms in Wells street,and a nice venue it was. All the band were present I was a bit surprised to see young Mr. Kerslake looking his age, and the ever youthful Mick Box as approachable as ever, hes always been a sport has Mickey boy. We reminisced about Wembley `76 and the after show birthday bash of John Wettons(dajavou). Not that Mick could remember much of cause, in fact nothing! 

The screening was very professionally introduced, as we all sat comfortably the band were in the next row in front and they seemed pretty eager to see it so I assumed it their first time which was nice. Now you may want to call me an old sceptic at this point as I have been a total heep nut for the past 25 years or so and lost touch with the band around the innocent victim album (I never liked that arrogant Lawton fella) Having been a devoted Byron fan I never took to this impostor, and as the years went on,we sadly parted. 

So it was important to me that the new line up (or so I thought,new) Could deliver the classics as they we meant to be delivered. Well from the first few opening seconds of the film I Was stunned not only could this singer sing he sang as the late Mr.Byron would have done , I was hooked , the band were spot on and when I heard the new (or later material I decided that a purchase was inevitable. This is Uriah Heep, not a watered down lets make a few bob before we retire but an all hands to the pump, lets give these fans what they want. "I couldn't wait for the show to start." Next stop the art gallery WOW to see Roger Deans work close hand was stunning and to get pissed on complimentary wine was a bonus .

The band turned up for this as well which was damn decent I liked Lee`s quip to Mr. Dean "the last time I saw you you had long dark hair" . Areal gent that Mr Dean and his paintings are truly awsome in the flesh. Stray were just finnishing their set when we arrived sounded good . Nazereth took the stage Dan has lost nothing over the years this was a good set, loved "Hair of the dog" "this flight tonight" superb. When the first notes of "Return to fantasy" filled the Astoria it could have been 1975 again what a wonderfull feeling to hear that song done live again.This is a top rock act as I have said before not just a band going through the motions. "bird of prey" what a choice never heard that live before. 

The classics flowed "sunrise", sweet freedom",July morning"gypsy"stealin"circus"(never expected that one). "come away melinda" and the eforvesent "easy livin" Their was a new song which as of then I had`nt heard,  Any way that was my birthday!! I will be back again make no doubt on that, I really expected the hard sell with the new material but Uriah Heep done what they always use to and that is give the fans what they want you can`t tell me their are any other bands around who would have done that! Yet I am sure that ,any old fans who have seen them on this tour will surelly be on the net ordering c-d`s. Well done Mick,Lee,Trevor,Bernie and Phill.  

Steve Benham.......