List of Uriah Heep members

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Four lineups of Uriah Heep in 1972, 1976, 2008 and 2018.

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[edit]

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.[1] 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.[16] He was later replaced by Dave Rimmer.[17]

Members[edit]

Current members[edit]

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Uriah Heep - 2018173210657 2018-06-22 Rock the Ring - 1D X MK II - 2090 - B70I0224.jpg
Mick Box 1969–present[1]
  • guitar
  • backing vocals
[18]
all Uriah Heep releases
Uriah Heep - 2018173210923 2018-06-22 Rock the Ring - 1D X MK II - 2116 - B70I0250.jpg
Phil Lanzon 1986–present[11][12]
  • keyboards
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
[19]
all Uriah Heep releases from Live in Moscow (1988) onwards, except Live on the King Biscuit Flower Hour (1997)
Uriah Heep - 2018173211943 2018-06-22 Rock the Ring - 1D X MK II - 2380 - B70I0514.jpg
Bernie Shaw lead vocals
Uriah Heep - 2018173210944 2018-06-22 Rock the Ring - 1D X MK II - 2178 - B70I0312.jpg
Russell Gilbrook 2007–present[14]
  • drums
  • percussion
  • backing vocals
[20]
all Uriah Heep releases from Wake the Sleeper (2008) onwards
Uriah Heep - 2018173210919 2018-06-22 Rock the Ring - 1D X MK II - 2105 - B70I0239.jpg
Dave Rimmer 2013–present[17]
  • bass
  • backing vocals
[21][22]
all Uriah Heep releases from Outsider (2014) onwards

Former members[edit]

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
David Byron - Stormtrooper.jpg
David Byron 1969–1976 (died 1985)[1][5] lead and backing vocals
Uriah heep 2012 (cropped).jpg
Paul Newton 1969–1971 (plus live guest in 2019)[1][23]
  • bass
  • backing vocals
[18]
Ken Hensley 2009.JPG
Ken Hensley 1969–1980 (plus live guest in 2001 and 2015[24]) (died 2020)[1][7][8][25]
  • keyboards
  • guitar
  • backing and lead vocals

[18]

  • all Uriah Heep releases from ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970) to Conquest (1980)
  • Live in Europe 1979 (1986)
  • Live at Shepperton '74 (1986)
  • Live on the King Biscuit Flower Hour (1997)
  • The Magician's Birthday Party (2002)
Alex Napier 1969–1970 (died 2023)[1][2] drums ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970)
Nigel Olsson 2007.jpg
Nigel Olsson[2] 1970
  • drums
  • percussion
...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970) (two tracks only)
Keith Baker[1] drums
  • ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970) (one track only)
  • Salisbury (1971)
Iain Clark 1970–1971[1] Look at Yourself (1971)
Lee-Kerslake.jpg
Lee Kerslake
  • 1971–1979
  • 1981–2007 (plus live guest in 2015[26] and 2018) (died 2020)
[1][7][9][13][25]
  • drums
  • percussion
  • backing vocals
[27][28]
all Uriah Heep releases from Demons and Wizards (1972) to Fallen Angel (1978), and from Abominog (1982) to Magic Night (2004)
Mark Clarke.jpg
Mark Clarke 1971–1972[1][3]
  • bass
  • backing and lead vocals
[27]
Demons and Wizards (1972) – one track only
Gary_Thain_for_Mercury_full.jpg
Gary Thain 1972–1975 (died 1975)[3][4]
  • bass
  • occasional backing vocals
[29]
  • all Uriah Heep releases from Demons and Wizards (1972) to Wonderworld (1974)
  • Live at Shepperton '74 (1986)
  • Live on the King Biscuit Flower Hour (1997)
John Wetton playing bass live (cropped).jpg
John Wetton 1975–1976 (died 2017)[4]
  • bass
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
  • piano
  • mellotron
[30][28]
Trevor-Bolder Milan.jpg
Trevor Bolder
  • 1976–1981
  • 1983–2013 (died 2013)

[6][10][15]

  • bass
  • backing and occasional lead vocals
[31]
  • Firefly (1977)
  • Innocent Victim (1977)
  • Fallen Angel (1978)
  • Conquest (1980)
  • Equator (1985)
  • Live in Europe 1979 (1986)
  • all Uriah Heep releases from Live in Moscow (1988) to Spellbinder (1996), and from Sonic Origami (1998) to Official Bootleg Volume Six: Live at the Rock of Ages Festival Germany 2008 (2013)
John_Lawton_2003.jpg
John Lawton 1976–1979 (plus live substitute in 1995 and 2013; live guest in 2001 and 2019) (died 2021)[6][7][32][25][33][23]
  • lead and backing vocals
  • occasional acoustic guitar
[34]
  • Firefly (1977)
  • Innocent Victim (1977)
  • Fallen Angel (1978)
  • Live in Europe 1979 (1986)
  • The Magician's Birthday Party (2002)
John Sloman 1979–1981[7]
  • lead vocals
  • piano
  • percussion
  • keyboards
[35]
Conquest (1980)
Chris Slade (cropped).JPG
Chris Slade
  • drums
  • percussion
[35]
Gregg Dechert 1980–1981[7][8] keyboards "Think It Over" and "My Joanna Needs Tuning (Inside Out)" (1980)
Bob Daisley 1981–1983[9]
  • bass
  • backing vocals
[36]
John Sinclair 1981–1985[9]
  • keyboards
  • backing vocals
[36]
  • Abominog (1982)
  • Head First (1983)
  • Equator (1985)
Peter Goalby
  • lead vocals
  • occasional acoustic guitar
[37]
Steff Fontaine 2019.jpg
Steff Fontaine 1986[11][12] lead vocals A Time of Revelation: 25 Years On (1996)

Substitute musicians[edit]

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
John Jowitt 2013 bass Jowitt toured with the band in early 2013, while Bolder underwent an undisclosed operation.[16]
Stefan Berggren 2016 vocals Berggren substituted for Shaw on two occasions in 2016, due to family commitments.[38]
Deep Purple - inFinite - The Long Goodbye Tour - Barclaycard Arena Hamburg 2017 05.jpg
Don Airey 2020 keyboards Deep Purple keyboardist Don Airey stood in for Lanzon at two shows in January 2020 after the keyboardist's son died.[39]

Session musicians[edit]

Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Colin Wood 1969 keyboards ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970)[40]
John Fiddy 1970 brass and woodwind arrangement Salisbury (1971)[18]
2016 Lieder am See - Manfred Manns Earth Band - Manfred Mann - by 2eight - DSC4609.jpg
Manfred Mann 1971 moog synthesizer Look at Yourself (1971)[41]
Osibisa_(cropped).jpg
Ted Osei percussion
Mac Tontoh 1971 (died 2010)
Loughty Amao 1971 (died 1988)
B.J. Cole.jpg
Brian Cole 1972 pedal steel guitar The Magician's Birthday (1972)[42]
Jose Gabriel 1974 synthesizers Wonderworld (1974)[43]
Michael Gibbs orchestral arrangements
Chris Mercer 1978 saxophone Fallen Angel (1978)[44]
Gerry Bron 1979 (died 2012) timpani Conquest (1980)[35]
Frank Ricotti
  • 1983
  • 1988–1989
percussion [45][19]
Maria Zackojiva 1988–1989 Russian spoken words Raging Silence (1989)[19]
Brett Morgan
  • 1988–1989
  • 1990
drums
  • Raging Silence (1989)
  • Different World (1991)
[19][46]
Danny Wood 1990 accordion Different World (1991)[46]
Benny Marshall harmonica
Steve Piggott keyboard programming
Children of Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Alford (as "All God's Children choir") choir
Andrew Willoughby choir conductor
20140608 Gelsenkirchen RockHard 0093.jpg
Piet Sielck 1994–1995 additional keyboards Sea of Light (1995)[31]
Pete Beckett
  • additional backing vocals
  • string arrangements
Rolf Köhler 1994–1995 (died 2007) additional backing vocals

Timeline[edit]

Lineups[edit]

Dates are taken from the band's official website.[47]

Period Members Studio albums
Autumn 1969 – January 1970
January – February 1970
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Paul Newton – bass, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • Nigel Olsson – drums
  • ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (1970) ("Lucy Blues" and "Dreammare" only)
February – October 1970
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Paul Newton – bass, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • Keith Baker – drums
October 1970 – November 1971
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Paul Newton – bass, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • Iain Clarke – drums
November 1971 – February 1972
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Mark Clarke – bass, backing and lead vocals
February 1972 – February 1975
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and lead vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Gary Thain – bass, occasional backing vocals
March 1975 – August 1976
  • David Byron – lead vocals
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitar, backing and 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
  • John Sloman – lead vocals, piano, keyboards
  • Chris Slade – drums
July 1980 – April 1981
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
  • John Sloman – lead vocals, piano, keyboards
  • Chris Slade – drums
  • Gregg Dechert – keyboards
  • Conquest (1980) ("Love Stealer," "Think It Over," and "My Joanna Needs Tuning (Inside Out)" only)
April 1981 – April 1983
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Bob Daisley – bass, backing vocals
  • John Sinclair – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Peter Goalby – lead vocals
May 1983 – November 1985
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • John Sinclair – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Peter Goalby – lead vocals, occasional acoustic guitar
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
November 1985 – July 1986
  • Mick Box – guitar, backing vocals
  • Lee Kerslake – drums, backing vocals
  • Trevor Bolder – bass, backing vocals
none
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
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

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Uriah Heep: Biography & History". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble - Uriah Heep: Credits". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Uriah Heep: The Story (February 1972 - February 1975)". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  4. ^ a b c Lifton, Dave (22 August 2013). "Gary Thain of Uriah Heep – Rockers Who Died at Age 27". Ultimate Classic Rock. Loudwire Network. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  5. ^ a b Ankeny, Jason. "David Byron: Biography & History". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  6. ^ a b c "Uriah Heep: The Story (September 1976 - October 1979)". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g "Uriah Heep: The Story (November 1979 - May 1980)". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  8. ^ a b c "Uriah Heep: The Story (July 1980 - September 1980)". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  9. ^ a b c d "Uriah Heep: The Story (April 1981 - January 1982)". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  10. ^ a b Schneider, Marc (21 May 2013). "Spiders From Mars Bassist Trevor Bolder Dies". Billboard. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  11. ^ a b c "Uriah Heep: The Story (July 1986 - September 1986)". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  12. ^ a b c "Uriah Heep: The Story (1986 - 2007)". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  13. ^ a b "Uriah Heep Parts Ways With Drummer Lee Kerslake". Blabbermouth.net. 31 January 2007. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  14. ^ a b "Uriah Heep Announces New Drummer". Blabbermouth.net. 15 March 2007. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  15. ^ a b Hartmann, Graham (21 May 2013). "Uriah Heep/David Bowie Bassist Trevor Bolder Dies At 62". Loudwire. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  16. ^ a b "Uriah Heep Bassist To Undergo Surgery, Temporary Replacement Announced". Blabbermouth.net. 14 January 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  17. ^ a b Giles, Jeff (17 August 2015). "Uriah Heep Announce One-Off Reunion Show with Former Members". Ultimate Classic Rock. Loudwire. Retrieved 5 November 2017.
  18. ^ a b c d Salisbury (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1971. ILPS 9152.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ a b c d Raging Silence (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Legacy Records. 1989. INT 148.812.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ Wake the Sleeper (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Sanctuary Records. 2008. 1767594.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ Outsider (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Frontiers Records. 2014. FR CD 650.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ^ Living the Dream (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Frontiers Music. 2018. FR CDVD 885.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ^ a b "Uriah Heep". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  24. ^ MetalTalk (2020-10-16). "Uriah Heep Conquer Moscow With Ken Hensley And Lee Kerslake Reunion Show | MetalTalk - Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews". MetalTalk - Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews | We are MetalTalk and we publish Rock 'n Roll. Retrieved 2022-11-24.
  25. ^ a b c "URIAH HEEP - The Magician's Birthday Party (2002)". Progarchives.com. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  26. ^ MetalTalk (2020-10-16). "Uriah Heep Conquer Moscow With Ken Hensley And Lee Kerslake Reunion Show | MetalTalk - Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews". MetalTalk - Heavy Metal News, Reviews and Interviews | We are MetalTalk and we publish Rock 'n Roll. Retrieved 2022-11-24.
  27. ^ a b Demons and Wizards (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Island Records. 1972. 86 185 IT.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  28. ^ a b High and Mighty (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1976. 27 438 XOT.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  29. ^ King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents Uriah Heep (liner notes). Uriah Heep. King Biscuit Flower Hour Records. 1997. KBD 88027.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  30. ^ Return to Fantasy (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1975. BS 2869.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  31. ^ a b Sea of Light (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Steamhammer Records. 1995. SPV 085-76952.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  32. ^ "John Lawton". www.lt-uriah-heep.ro. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  33. ^ Blabbermouth (2013-04-15). "URIAH HEEP Guitarist Talks About Return Of Singer JOHN LAWTON". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  34. ^ Uriah Heep - Lady In Black (Television) – via YouTube.
  35. ^ a b c Conquest (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1980. 201 655.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  36. ^ a b Abominog (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1982. BRON 538.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  37. ^ Gypsy: Live at London's Camden Palace 1985 (bootleg). 1985. Event occurs at 31:48.
  38. ^ KJ (2021-03-16). "Stefan Berggren – These Are The Times : Interview". Outsider Rock. Retrieved 2023-03-16.
  39. ^ "Uriah Heep – Phil Lanzon To Miss Shows After Son's Death; Deep Purple's Don Airey To Fill In". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. January 11, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  40. ^ ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Mercury Records. 1970. SR-61294.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  41. ^ Look at Yourself (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Mercury Records. 1971. SRM-1-614.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  42. ^ The Magician's Birthday (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Mercury Records. 1972. SRM-1-652.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  43. ^ Wonderworld (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1974. 87.931-I.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  44. ^ Fallen Angel (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1978. 26 449 XOT.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  45. ^ Head First (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Bronze Records. 1983. 205 474.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  46. ^ a b Different World (liner notes). Uriah Heep. Legacy Records. 1991. INT 848.814.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  47. ^ "Uriah Heep: The Story". Uriah Heep. Retrieved 5 November 2017.

External links[edit]