Timeless Magic with Uriah Heep in Helsinki

Live photos by PP Marila

First, let's get one thing out of the way: Mick Box was not present when Uriah Heep's Magician's Farewell tour started, kicking off in Finland and then heading to Scandinavia in late January. This came as a shocking surprise to many ticket holders, as fans were especially looking forward to seeing the band's cheerful guitarist and the only remaining original member from Uriah Heep's earliest days. When the news broke, some skeptics questioned whether the tour should go ahead under the circumstances. Well, they were ABSOLUTELY wrong.

From the very first shows, it became clear that the guitarist chosen to step in for Mick Box, Sam Wood (known for Black Star Riders and Wayward Sons), was a remarkably well-matched addition to the band until Mick's return. Wood brought not only excellent talent but also a captivating and sincere stage presence. Here's wishing Mick Box the speediest possible recovery!

Word had already spread that the band's previous three shows in Finland had been a success, so expectations were understandably high as people filled Helsinki's House of Culture. The venue change had caused some hassle with tickets, but everything seemed to run smoothly. The sold-out show was about to begin.

The opening songs, "Grazed by Heaven" and "Save Me Tonight," came from the band's two most recent albums, the latter being the opening track of 2023's Chaos and Colour. The evening truly took off when energetic frontman Bernie Shaw invited the seated audience to move closer to the stage after the first song. From that point on, with just one exception, the night was a celebration of Uriah Heep's early albums.

As a late-'70s kid myself, I can't claim that I grew up with Uriah Heep spinning on my parents' turntable. My introduction to their music came much later, but once I dove into the early albums, it hit like a two-ton hammer. Byron's vocals and the Hammond-driven prog rock sound pulled me into "heepdom" steadily. But back to Helsinki.

Even though none of the musicians on stage were members of the band in the early '70s, they clearly owned the material. Vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboardist Phil Lanzon have been part of Uriah Heep for over 40 years, and it shows. The band radiated genuine joy and love for performing. Their smiles and effortless passion were easily picked up by the audience.

The upbeat "Stealin'" warmed up the crowd even further, followed by "Hurricane," a newer track that was warmly received as well. Sam Wood then took the spotlight, apparently wielding Mick Box's guitar, as he launched into "The Wizard." Its hypnotic rhythm guided the audience into a trance-like state, enhanced by swirling lights across the hall. And now we finally know who "Sweet Lorraine" really is, but nope, I'm not telling! You'll have to see the show yourself (or google it).

Soon after, the audience joined in celebrating "The Magician's Birthday," the title track from the 1972 album. The interplay between Wood and hard-hitting drummer Russell Gilbrook was a joy to watch during this massive giant of song, with bassist Davey Rimmer laying down grooving bass lines. When "Gypsy" kicked in, even the seated audience was on its feet.

A highlight for many in the crowd was the gorgeous masterpiece "July Morning," a ten-minute-plus journey of subtle notes, soaring vocals, Hammond organ and guitar sounds all entwining beautifully. The song did not disappoint, with Bernie Shaw delivering a strong vocal performance. Longtime member and keyboardist Phil Lanzon was a very visible part of the show and delivered co-vocals for many songs.

Perhaps the band's most recognizable hit, "Easy Livin'," brought the main set to a close, but the energy was far from fading. "Sunrise" quickly reignited the crowd, and the night concluded, quite fittingly, with the evergreen "Lady in Black." Even without hearing "Bird of Prey" or a few other classics, the evening was a thoroughly enjoyable and timeless celebration, a night filled with joy and love for hard and prog rock.

As this show was part of Uriah Heep's massive and extensive farewell tour, one can only hope that the band will still return for shorter visits in the future. They will certainly be welcomed with open arms!