Uriah Heep returned to Athens almost a year after their last appearance, this time though for a different type of concert. Firstly because this appearance was an acoustic one and secondly this was a gig you couldn’t buy tickets for. Instead you had to call the advertising company that had undertaken the promotion of Old Holborn tobacco, who sponsored the show.

So on a Thursday evening Club 22 filled up with fans of the legendary British rockers that been impatiently waiting to an evenings with one of the Greeks rock fans favourite bands. 

It was at 22:00 when Bernie Shaw and Phil Lanzon appeared on stage and began the show with “Easy Road”. The rest of the band then followed, kicking in with “Question” and from there on Uriah Heep began a magic trip back in time through their extensive repertoire, entertaining us with gems such as “Why Did You Go”, “Tales”, “A Year And A Day”, “Blind Eye”, and others. The majority of the setlist was based on the '70s and this was for two reasons. The more obvious one is that this was the decade when the band was at its most successful and for many fans it most creative. The less obvious one however reason is that their discography from that decade has many more songs that lend themselves to an acoustic set.

Apart from the choice of material though, the fans got a huge kick out of Uriah Heep’s performance and especially the attitude with which the band approached the whole event. It should be mentioned that Heep played with an energy that would shame bands that could be their grandchildren and despite the small technical issues it remained high at all times. Mick Box, who has emerged at the band’s second frontman, had a permanent smile on his face and constantly teased Bernie Shaw, while the adoration for the Greek fans was constant from both these men. Sure the worth of a frontman is judged better in front of a passive or aggressive crowd but tonight this wasn’t a concert but a party and you could tell as much from the band on stage as from the audience.

Bernie’s comment that the Greek fans are the loudest he’s ever heard is vindicated the moment that Heep tear into “Free Me” which is followed by “Sunrise” and “Wizard” and last but not least, the staple of their live shows, “Lady In Black”. The band leaves the stage under waves of applause leaving with the promise that they will return to Greece soon for an electric show. Let’s hope...

Promoter:

Old Holborn & DiDi Music.



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