Uriah Heep - 1985 "Equator" World Tour Programme
The ten track, band, written album is a natural progression from 'Head First', released two years ago. During that time the band 1984 Heep toured some seventeen countries ranging from Eastern Block of Europe to U.S.A., India, the Far East and Australia. Says Mick Box 'Touring so much really made it easy for us during the recording of the album. We've travelled the world to such an extent that when we go into a studio we know each others playing style so well that all our individual ideas coincide exactly'. 'EQUATOR' is Heeps sixteenth album and the third of the current line-up of Box, Pete Goalby (vocals), Trevor Bolder (bass), Lee Kerslake (drums) and John Sinclair (keyboards). The Bands first album "Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble" was released way back in 1970 and in spite of almost universal critical derision Heep went on to see spectacular success with such albums as 'Demons and Wizards', The Magicians Birthday', 'Look at Yourself', 'Salisbury', 'Sweet Freedom' and 'Return to Fantasy'. Heep became known as one of the worlds hardest working bands; touring for at least nine months in every year and building a massive worldwide following. Things, however, started going adrift for the band in late 1976 following the sacking of lead vocalist David Byron. For the following four years the Band failed to achive a stable line-up which was reflected in the release of inconsistent albums - with the notable exception of 'Innocent Victim' in 1977 - until in 1981 Mick Box took a 'do or die' decision to sack everyone and start again. The 1982 release of 'Abominog' saw everything turn full circle. The album received five star reviews throughout the world, resulting in chart success in a dozen countries. On the gig front Heep was back in demand, undertaking a world tour and in the process became the darling of the Castle Donnington monsters of Rock festivals with Sounds quoting, 'The Derision Stops Here - The metal box company have bounced back; not so much revitalised as Reborn. Heep is back... Run for the hills'. Following the release of 'Equator' and a new single 'Rockarama', Heep heads for it's twentieth anniversary with and eight month, seventeen country world tour. Commencing in Britain in late February when the band undertakes its first full British tour for four years; the tour will cover Europe, The U.S.A., Canada, India, Japan, Indonesia, The Phillipines, Austraila and New Zealand. Its all a long way from 1970 when certain correspondent from Rolling Stone wrote, 'If this band ever makes it, I'll commit suicide'. I wonder whatever happened to him? Simon Porter February 1985. |
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Updated : 27/11/97
