S.O.D. "Bird of Prey" by Uriah Heep

10/12/2015

    This song was never released as a single but remains one of their most popular tunes.  The 1970 progressive/hard rock song features an outstanding vocal display by David Byron and is from their debut album, "Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble".  That is the album name of the UK release, in the U.S. however, simply "Uriah Heep".  It is actually a B side to the song "Gypsy" and is written by four members of the band. 

     Uriah Heep began in London in 1969 and are still active, performing mainly in Russia, the Balkans, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan with a loyal following.  They were one of the best rock bands of the 70s along with Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.  Releasing 25 albums in all, "Demons and Wizards" was their best work reaching #23 in the U.S. and #20 in the UK.

     Guitarist Mick Box, lead vocalist David Byron, keyboardist and guitarist Ken Hensley, drummer Lee Kerslake and the newest member in 1972, bassist Gary Thain made up the "Demons and Wizards" lineup.  Hensley comments of that era: "The band was really focused at that time and we all wanted the same thing.  We were all willing to make sacrifices and very committed and there was magic in that combination of people that created so much energy and enthusiasm.