Unknown Soldier

Without doubt one of the most proficient heavy acts in the world at the time, with a slew of studio albums and a hectic touring schedule. It was therefore no surprise then, that Uriah Heep followed in the footsteps of erstwhile counterparts such as Humble Pie, Free and Deep Purple in releasing a live album, and in this case they took Humble Pie’s cue and released a live double set! Live '73 is the best live release from the band and features what’s always regarded as the definitive band line-up from their golden era. The album essentially highlights all the key moments from albums such as Look at Yourself, Demons and Wizards, and The Magician’s Birthday. The first side of this album contains galloping Uriah Heep classics such as “Sweet Lorraine” and “Easy Livin” with the middle sections of the album, containing some of the band’s lengthier classics such as “July Morning” and “Gypsy” and these are all interlinked with some more galloping tracks such as the superb “Tears in My Eyes”. The band on this album show just what a fantastic live act that they actually were around this time. As these live recordings sound as crisp and accomplished as any of their studio albums to date. The energy on the faster tracks, is superbly contrasted with the emotional power of the band on the slower tracks, giving us a cohesive live effort all around. The album though does have some faults and the most obvious are surely the self-indulgent soloing that can be found at times on the album. The worst culprit here surely being keyboardist Ken Hensley, who especially on tracks like “Gypsy” really stretches out longer than he should do. The album finishes up with some of the bands punchier and light-hearted material such as “Look at Yourself” and “Love Machine” with the actual album finale being an eight minute rock ‘n’ roll medley! Live '73 was recorded before the studio album Sweet Freedom, that the band put out that year and without doubt it’s a far more satisfying release than the somewhat disappointing Sweet Freedom release later on in the year. Live '73 is very much an essential release for the 1970s live album enthusiast.

David Byron- Vocals
Mick Box- Guitar
Gary Thain- Bass
Ken Hensley- Keyboards/Organ
Lee Kerslake- Drums

Production- Gerry Bron
Birmingham 1973

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