Uriah Heep - Official Web Site

GLASGOW GIG REVIEW The Glasgow gig? - Mixed emotions really - Happy to see the lads again and then - What a major downer! Playing second fiddle to Nazareth, that was a bad move. Gig started far too early, apparently the support (Stray) were not there as previously advertised. Heep appeared on stage far too early, indeed as Heep finished their set I went out for a breath of fresh air - THERE WERE HEEPSTERS TURNING UP AT THE DOOR WITH ALL THE HEEP GEAR ON GETTING READY TO ROCK, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT HEEP WERE FINISHED AND NAZARETH WERE ABOUT TO COME ON. ANYWAY ENOUGH ABOUT THAT.

Heep were absolutely superb and the selection of songs were totally incredible. I had sent an email to Mick in 1999 after I saw them in London where I felt the selection of songs were a bit off - Most of the material was off Sea of Light and Sonic Origami, They only played about 6 old favourites that night and I felt the concert was fine (I am a bit of a die-hard fan) but I could see some of the audience that night puzzled and confused. Glasgow on the other hand was quite the opposite. What can I say! The moment I heard the keyboard on Return To Fantasy I sensed that Heep were going to be good. The guys looked so happy together and quite relaxed.

Bernie put everything into the show, Mick was just his usual self, Trev was just a pure professional enjoying his music totally submersed in it all. Lee as powerful as ever and Phil trying hard to create that unique Hensley sound on keyboards. I felt sorry for them a bit. They must get quite disillusioned when they are trying to get the crowd going and there are still people wandering in half way through their set. I have seen Uriah Heep as regular as possible, this was their first venture into Scotland since 1992 I think during Different World tour.

It was obvious to me that the Scottish Heepsters have been deprived for far too long hence the big crowd although I must confess that one or two were in to see Nazareth. It was so good to hear all the classics again - Happy to see July Morning back in the set again, How could they ever leave this out? Sunrise, Bird of Prey, Stealin, Gypsy, Traveller in Time to mention a few and what a surprise, the "new" single - Come Away Melinda - Boy, does Bernie do a good version of this or what? Absolutely superb!! Only one encore Easy Livin' This was the disappointing part.

I realised then that it was all over and in my opinion far to soon. I think Heep were only on stage for about 70 minutes. I honestly think that Heep have to do Glasgow again soon but hopefully this time headlining the gig without Naz. or playing support to any other mediocre rock act. Advertise the event properly and Hepp will fill the place. Keep on Ridin' Regards

Bit late with this review but had to go abroad shortlyafter the gig.

Having read the reports from the first nights of the
tour we arrived at the gig early hoping to catch
Stray. We were disappointed however as at 7.30 the
lights went down and... bl**** h***, suddenly we were
into Return To Fantasy.

At the risk of repeating all the others all I can say
is Heep were awesome especially when you consider the
time they came on. Sunrise, July Morning, Come away
Melinda, along with an excellent version of Universal
Wheels, and many others, left us with an extremely
well balanced set.

All too soon unfortunately it was all over and the Naz
boys came on, warmed up by what must be the best
support act in the world. As has been stated elsewhere
I understand the reasons why Naz headlined but it did
leave many latecomers extremely disappointed.
Hopefully next time it will be a full set and guys..
please don't leave it so long next time!!

Ken Moody

First the bad news. I brought along 6 people who had never seen the band before, 3 of whom were coming from Edinburgh, anticipating that they would be unable to catch Nazareths performance in its entirety, but looking forward to seeing the full Heep show. My party just made the 7.30 start, the lights went down, the intro started (sounding rather familiar) and then the lights hit the stage. What a surreal feeling, there on the stage were Uriah Heep, launching into Return To Fantasy. I have to say that we were all caught by surprise, those of us that is, that were in the hall. Many fans only caught the second half of the set which was a great pity as the band were superb. Ive had an explanation sent to me, saying that it was the bands decision to let Nazz headline as they were the "local band". The decision was ill advised, as the majority of people in
"The Garage" were there to see Heep.

The band were excellent and anyone who has gone to see them during the tour will be familiar with the set list. Its amazing how well the old and new songs blend together. I dont think I will ever tire of hearing July Morning and Sunrise or for that matter Between Two Worlds and Universal Wheels. The best compliment I can pay to this band, is that I feel that this is by far the best line up the band has ever had. I was a major fan of the Byron/Hensley/Thain/Box/Kerslake era and perhaps became a little cynical over the years, but I refound my enthusiasm after the "Sea of Light " CD. Bernie Shaw is a superb front man, replacing a guy I felt was irreplacable in David Byron, meaning no disrespect to other prvious incumbents.