Uriah Heep: (Easy) Livin’ The Dream… Live At The Gov – Review

Governor Hindmarsh, Wed Mar 25 It’s standing room only at The Gov; the faithful masses have assembled, hoping to see and hear some heavy prog-rock greatness. There is a prevailing air of expectancy. Trademark keyboards and big drums introduce the rock royalty that is Uriah Heep, as the band emerges and launches into Speed Of Sound, a track from 2014’s Outsider album. It’s brilliant. It’s hard to believe that it’s a new song because it bears all the hallmarks of classic Uriah Heep. Another newer song, The Law, is relentless and every bit as good. If there was any lingering uncertainty about the band’s enduring quality, those doubts are laid to rest right from the get-go. These guys are for real. Phil Lanzon’s keyboards drift in and out of the amazingly rhythmic and powerful drums and bass of Russell Gilbrook and Davey Rimmer. It’s a fantastic full sound, and it’s good ‘n’ loud, without being too loud. Songs from the early ‘70s like Sunrise, Stealin’ and The Magician’s Birthday mesh perfectly with the more recent compositions, and are met with an almost romantic enthusiasm from the crowd. Bernie Shaw is a near-perfect Uriah Heep front man; he’s having a great time and is putting loads of energy into his performance. It pays off; his rapport with the crowd is solid. His vocal performance is excellent, and is well supported by the other band members’ backing vocals and harmonies. Mick Box is incredible. He doesn’t do much moving around; he’s happy to stand there, in his shades, playing away. When he does step into the spotlight, for an extended lead guitar and drumming duet, it’s tremendous. Slower and quieter songs like One Minute and What Kind Of God (from 2008’s Wake The Sleeper album) provide a little contrast, but it’s a bit of a ruse. Things are quickly ramped up again, beginning with Can’t Take That Away, another song from the latest album. The momentum increases both on stage and in the audience and the concert reaches a remarkable climax with epic versions of July Morning and Lady In Black, the latter providing an opportunity for a sing-along. After the usual mock-farewell the band returns to the stage for a two-song encore. Going all the way back to the first album, the classic Gypsy is the penultimate selection and this is followed by Easy Livin’, a signature song and a fitting closer. This has been a most uplifting evening; great rock and roll, executed with passion and professionalism. Uriah Heep have come, they’ve seen, and they have conquered. David Robinson Image courtesy of Sue Hedley.