Uriah Heep First time in Argentina
April 5, Groove Buenos Aires Argentina
Formed in London in 1969, the legendary British progressive heavy rock “Uriah Heep” visited Argentina for the first time after more than 50 years of career.
Opening the evening the Argentine power metal band Karkaman, formed in 1999, with very powerful sounds, and the incredible voice of Rubén Vittone, with some sound problems, they rowed very well, interacting with the audience, and resuming the performance with great professionalism.
The long-awaited moment of the night had arrived: Uriah Heep came on stage with a well-lit stage show. The early part of the set is devoted to some of the band’s more recent material: ‘Grazed by Heaven’ from 2018’s Living The Dream, ‘Save Me Tonight’ from 2023’s Chaos and Colour, and ‘Overload’ from 2008’s Wake The Sleeper.
Guitarist Mick Box is the sole survivor from the lineup that was released in the 1970s. Sporting long, grey hair, he still rocks, always showing that he’s the riff master!
Canadian vocalist Bernie Shaw, who joined in 1986, God!! What a powerful voice, that hits notes so high, leaving us all speechless.
Phil Lanzon wields the keyboards with innate professionalism, and Dave Rimmer on bass is the most recent joining in 2013, concentrating all the time on making that bass sound perfect.
Now we must talk about one of the most prominent characters of the night, Drummer Russell Gilbrook joined in 2007, what energy that man has, please, nothing to envy any young drummer, he gave it his all and more!
The set list often links back to the early career days in the seventies, Shaw promises they’ll “hit every decade” it duly stretches from 1970’s Gypsy to 2023’s, also does his best to reassure us that, despite the ‘Farewell’ bit in the tour’s title, this is not the end of Heep.
Then it’s back to the 1970s with the acoustic guitar wizardry from Box on The Wizard, with Mick Box playing making everyone excited.
The Magician’s Birthday, the subject of the anniversary tour, is heavy progressive rock at its finest, still feeling contemporary and relevant.
Then take a short break before returning to wrap up a brilliant night with the encore of fan favorites Sunrise and the hit Easy Livin’.
The current band has been together for well over a decade now. Not only do they treat Uriah Heep’s esteemed musical legacy with integrity and panache, but they’ve also served up some excellent new music in the process, too.
Just to say that it was a 90-minute show, covering 55 years of his career, with an unmatched attitude and energy. We hope they keep their word of returning soon.
Photos by Eliana Fernandez
Review by Maria Fernanda Capici
Produced by Icarus Music
Press Marcela Scorca