It may seem hard to believe now, but Uriah Heep along with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath were one of the biggest hard rock acts around in the 70’s, selling out everywhere they went. To put things into perspective somewhat, just before COVID they played a local bar near where I live. I was a huge fan of 70’s Heep and it’s safe to say that after the passing of Dave Byron things were never the same. Don’t get me wrong, they have made some great albums since (Abominog), but that spark was missing.
Recorded throughout the UK in ’73 in support of the Magician’s Birthday album, the band sound amazing. Dave Byron’s vocals were so good, he had a great range. On Traveller In Time, which was one of the heavier songs, Byron actually reminds me of Bruce Dickinson. There are so many huge songs on this album: July Morning, Gypsy, and the showpiece Magician’s Birthday where Mick Box and Ken Hensley show their talents. Easy Livin’ was actually released as a single, it has a very catchy hook and chorus – I guess someone at the record company was paying attention. A great live album from a band in their prime.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
