List of Uriah Heep members explained

Uriah Heep are an English rock band from London. Formed in late 1969, the group originally featured vocalist David Byron, guitarist Mick Box, keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist Ken Hensley, bassist Paul Newton, and drummer Alex Napier.[1] The current line-up consists of Box, alongside keyboardist Phil Lanzon and vocalist Bernie Shaw (both since 1986), Russell Gilbrook (since 2007) and bassist Dave Rimmer (since 2013).

History

Nigel Olsson replaced Napier in early 1970, with both drummers contributing to the band's debut album ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble.[2] Olsson was replaced by Keith Baker and then Iain Clark, before Lee Kerslake joined as the group's first long-term drummer in late 1971, when Mark Clarke also replaced Newton. Clarke was later replaced by Gary Thain, who first appeared on 1972's Demons and Wizards.[3] Thain was fired from the band in early 1975 due to an "increasing drug problem", which eventually led to his death from a heroin overdose on 8 December that year; he was replaced by John Wetton.[4]

Byron was fired from Uriah Heep in 1976 due to his growing alcohol abuse, which led to his death from liver failure in 1985.[5] He was replaced by John Lawton, as bassist Trevor Bolder also joined during the same period, following Wetton's departure.[6] After tensions arose between Lawton and Hensley, the vocalist left and was replaced by John Sloman, while Kerslake was replaced by Chris Slade shortly after his arrival.[7] Due to disagreements with the addition of Sloman and the band's musical direction, Hensley left the band in 1980 and was briefly replaced by Gregg Dechert.[7] [8] By April 1981, only Box remained in Uriah Heep, rebuilding the band with the addition of bassist Bob Daisley, returning drummer Kerslake (both recently departed from Ozzy Osbourne's band), keyboardist John Sinclair (later of Ozzy Osbourne's band with Daisley,) and new vocalist Peter Goalby (recently of Trapeze).[9]

After the release of Abominog and Head First, Bolder returned to Uriah Heep in 1983.[10] Goalby and Sinclair left in 1986, with Andy Scott's Sweet keyboardist Phil Lanzon and, briefly, Steff Fontaine taking over on vocals before Bernie Shaw was brought in a few months later.[11] [12] Uriah Heep's lineup remained stable until January 2007, when Kerslake was forced to leave the band due to "ongoing health problems".[13] He was replaced by Russell Gilbrook in March.[14] On 21 May 2013, Bolder died of cancer,[15] having taken a touring hiatus due to an operation earlier that year with John Jowitt covering. He was later replaced by Dave Rimmer.[16]

Members

Current members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Mick Box1969–presentall Uriah Heep releases
Phil Lanzon1986–presentall Uriah Heep releases from Live in Moscow (1988) onwards, except Live on the King Biscuit Flower Hour (1997)
Bernie Shawlead vocals
Russell Gilbrook2007–present[17] all Uriah Heep releases from Wake the Sleeper (2008) onwards
Dave Rimmer2013–present[18] [19] all Uriah Heep releases from Outsider (2014) onwards

Former members

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Ken Hensley1969–1980 [20]
David Byron1969–1976 lead and backing vocals
Paul Newton1969–1971 [21]
Alex Napier1969–1970 drums...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970)
Nigel Olsson1970...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970)
Keith Bakerdrums
Iain Clark1970–1971Look at Yourself (1971)
Lee Kerslake[22] [23] all Uriah Heep releases from Demons and Wizards (1972) to Fallen Angel (1978), and from Abominog (1982) to Magic Night (2004)
Mark Clarke1971–1972
Gary Thain1972–1975 [24]
John Wetton1975–1976 [25]
Trevor Bolder
John Lawton1976–1979 [26] [27] [28]
Chris Slade1979–1981Conquest (1980)
John Sloman
Gregg Dechert1980–1981
John Sinclair1981–1985
Peter Goalby[29]
Bob Daisley1981–1983[30]
Steff Fontaine1986lead vocalsA Time of Revelation: 25 Years On (1996)

Substitute musicians

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
John Jowitt2013bassJowitt toured with the band in early 2013, while Bolder underwent an undisclosed operation.[31]
Stefan Berggren2016vocalsBerggren substituted for Shaw on two occasions in 2016, due to family commitments.[32]
Don Airey2020keyboardsDeep Purple keyboardist Don Airey stood in for Lanzon at two shows in January 2020 after the keyboardist's son died.[33]

Session musicians

ImageNameYears activeInstrumentsRelease contributions
Colin Wood1969keyboards...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970)[34]
John Fiddy1970brass and woodwind arrangementSalisbury (1971)[35]
Manfred Mann1971moog synthesizerLook at Yourself (1971)[36]
Ted Oseipercussion
Mac Tontoh1971
Loughty Amao1971
Brian Cole1972pedal steel guitarThe Magician's Birthday (1972)[37]
Jose Gabriel1974synthesizersWonderworld (1974)[38]
Michael Gibbsorchestral arrangements
Chris Mercer1978saxophone Fallen Angel (1978)[39]
Gerry Bron1979 timpani Conquest (1980)[40]
Frank Ricottipercussion[41] [42]
Maria Zackojiva1988–1989Russian spoken wordsRaging Silence (1989)
Brett Morgandrums[43]
Danny Wood1990accordionDifferent World (1991)
Benny Marshall harmonica
Steve Piggottkeyboard programming
Children of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Alford (as "All God's Children choir") choir
Andrew Willoughbychoir conductor
Piet Sielck1994–1995additional keyboardsSea of Light (1995)[44]
Pete Beckett
1994–1995 additional backing vocals

Lineups

Dates are taken from the band's official website.[45]

PeriodMembersStudio albums
Autumn 1969 – January 1970
January – February 1970
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Paul Newton – bass, backing vocals
  • Nigel Olsson – drums
  • ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970)
February – October 1970
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Paul Newton – bass, backing vocals
  • Keith Baker – drums
October 1970 – November 1971
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Paul Newton – bass, backing vocals
  • Iain Clarke – drums
November 1971 – February 1972
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Mark Clarke – bass, backing and lead vocals
February 1972 – February 1975
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Gary Thain – bass, occasional backing vocals
March 1975 – August 1976
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • John Wetton – bass, backing and lead vocals, keyboards
September 1976 – October 1979
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
  • John Lawton – lead vocals
November 1979 – May 1980
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Slade – drums
  • John Sloman – lead vocals, piano, keyboards
July 1980 – April 1981
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
  • Chris Slade – drums
  • John Sloman – lead vocals, piano, keyboards
  • Gregg Dechert – keyboards, backing vocals
  • "Love Stealer" (1980)
  • "Think It Over" (1981)
April 1981 – April 1983
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Peter Goalby – lead vocals
  • John Sinclair – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Bob Daisley – bass, backing vocals
May 1983 – November 1985
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Peter Goalby – lead vocals, occasional acoustic guitar
  • John Sinclair – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
July – September 1986
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
  • Phil Lanzon – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steff Fontaine – lead vocals
none
September 1986 – January 2007
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
  • Phil Lanzon – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Bernie Shaw – lead vocals
March 2007 – May 2013
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, vocals
  • Phil Lanzon – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Bernie Shaw – lead vocals
  • Russell Gilbrook – drums, backing vocals
May 2013 – present
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Phil Lanzon – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Bernie Shaw – lead vocals
  • Russell Gilbrook – drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Dave Rimmer – bass, backing vocals

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Uriah Heep: Biography & History . Erlewine . Stephen Thomas . Stephen Thomas Erlewine . . . 5 November 2017 .
  2. Web site: Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble - Uriah Heep: Credits . . . 5 November 2017 .
  3. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story (February 1972 - February 1975) . . 5 November 2017 .
  4. Web site: Gary Thain of Uriah Heep – Rockers Who Died at Age 27 . Lifton . Dave . Ultimate Classic Rock . . 22 August 2013 . 5 November 2017 .
  5. Web site: David Byron: Biography & History . Ankeny . Jason . . . 5 November 2017 .
  6. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story (September 1976 - October 1979) . . 5 November 2017 .
  7. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story (November 1979 - May 1980) . . 5 November 2017 .
  8. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story (July 1980 - September 1980) . . 5 November 2017 .
  9. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story (April 1981 - January 1982) . . 5 November 2017 .
  10. News: Spiders From Mars Bassist Trevor Bolder Dies . Schneider . Marc . . 21 May 2013 . 5 November 2017 .
  11. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story (July 1986 - September 1986) . . 5 November 2017 .
  12. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story (1986 - 2007) . . 5 November 2017 .
  13. News: Uriah Heep Parts Ways With Drummer Lee Kerslake . . 31 January 2007 . 5 November 2017 .
  14. News: Uriah Heep Announces New Drummer . . 15 March 2007 . 5 November 2017 .
  15. News: Uriah Heep/David Bowie Bassist Trevor Bolder Dies At 62 . Hartmann . Graham . . 21 May 2013 . 5 November 2017 .
  16. News: Uriah Heep Announce One-Off Reunion Show with Former Members . Giles . Jeff . Ultimate Classic Rock . . 17 August 2015 . 5 November 2017 .
  17. 1767594 . . . . liner notes . 2008.
  18. FR CD 650 . . . . liner notes . 2014.
  19. FR CDVD 885 . . . 2018 . liner notes . Uriah Heep.
  20. Web site: URIAH HEEP - The Magician's Birthday Party (2002) . 2023-03-16 . Progarchives.com . en.
  21. Web site: Uriah Heep . 2023-03-16 . www.facebook.com . en.
  22. 86 185 IT . . . . liner notes . 1972.
  23. 27 438 XOT . . . . 1976 . liner notes.
  24. KBD 88027 . . . King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Uriah Heep . 1997 . liner notes.
  25. BS 2869 . . . 1975 . . liner notes.
  26. Web site: John Lawton . 2023-03-16 . www.lt-uriah-heep.ro.
  27. Web site: Blabbermouth . 2013-04-15 . URIAH HEEP Guitarist Talks About Return Of Singer JOHN LAWTON . 2023-03-16 . BLABBERMOUTH.NET . en.
  28. Uriah Heep - Lady In Black . Television . en . YouTube.
  29. Gypsy: Live at London's Camden Palace 1985 . bootleg . english . 1985 . 31:48.
  30. BRON 538 . . . 1982 . liner notes . Bronze Records.
  31. News: 14 January 2013 . Uriah Heep Bassist To Undergo Surgery, Temporary Replacement Announced . . 5 November 2017.
  32. Web site: KJ . 2021-03-16 . Stefan Berggren – These Are The Times : Interview . 2023-03-16 . Outsider Rock . en.
  33. News: Uriah Heep – Phil Lanzon To Miss Shows After Son's Death; Deep Purple's Don Airey To Fill In . . January 11, 2020 . July 27, 2020 .
  34. SR-61294 . . . . 1970 . liner notes.
  35. ILPS 9152 . . . 1971 . liner notes . Bronze Records.
  36. SRM-1-614 . . . . 1971 . liner notes.
  37. SRM-1-652 . . . 1972 . liner notes . Mercury Records.
  38. 87.931-I . . . 1974 . . liner notes.
  39. 26 449 XOT . . . . 1978 . liner notes.
  40. 201 655 . . . 1980 . liner notes . Uriah Heep.
  41. 205 474 . . . . 1983 . liner notes.
  42. INT 148.812 . . . . 1989 . liner notes.
  43. INT 848.814 . . . 1991 . . liner notes.
  44. SPV 085-76952 . . . 1995 . liner notes . Uriah Heep.
  45. Web site: Uriah Heep: The Story . . 5 November 2017 .