CLASSIC HEEP - LIVE FROM THE BYRON ERA

Since the invention of the DVD I was eagerly waiting for live footage from the early Uriah Heep line-up. Last year this 2-DVD/book set was released as "Classic Heep - Live from the Byron era", what a treat! Mainly due to the efforts from fellow Dutchman Louis Rentrop (named by the band as the #1 UH fan on this globe!) here is an excellent 2-DVD (including a wonderful book) featuring live footage from Uriah Heep, recorded between 1972 and 1976 (and some footage from David Byron solo, five songs from "Rough diamond - 1977) Their frontman was David Byron, an archetypical rock and roll singer: dynamic, dramatic, ego-centric, theatrical and extravert on stage and capricious, narcistic, emotional instabile and self-destructive (like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and Brian Jones) in his own life, no wonder he died as an alcohol-addict in 1985. On this DVD you can perfectly witness his ego-centric and theatrical, a bit queery 'stage antics', like a 'Freddy Mercury-avant-la-lettre'!

DVD1 features concerts from Japan, the UK and the USA in the era 1973-76. Eventually we can enjoy Ken Hensley on his Hammond organ and with slide guitar play (like on "Tears in my eyes"), Mick Box with his fiery and enthousiastic guitarwork and from the propulsive and solid rhythm-section Gary Thain/Lee Kerslake. But the focus is on David Byron, he gives most of the songs an extra dimension like "Sunrise", "Love machine", "The easy road" and "Shady lady" and especially in the R&R-medley, EXCELLENT! My highlight on DVD1 is the version of "July morning" (a compilation of live material 1973-76 like the Dutch rock festival Pinkpop 1976, my father didn't allow me to go because of the 'drugs abuse' he explained later!).

DVD2 (named "Collectors Rarities") features songs from Pinkpop 1976 with an extended guitar solo from Mick Box. Other strong tracks are "Look at yourself", "The wizard" (acoustic guitars) and "July morning" (studio 1972, USA) delivering a great shot from above on his Hammond B3 organ and Minimoog synthesizer! And we can watch John Wetton (he had just left Roxy Music) during the USA tour and on Pinkpop 1976. The final part belongs to David Byron solo featuring five songs from his solo album "Rough Diamond", nice for the UH die-hards! The included book offers lots of interesting information and fine pictures.

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT HEAVY PROGRESSIVE ROCK, REMASTERED VERY WELL!!