Uriah Heep have enjoyed a long, fascinating, and remarkably productive career, and they remain active today under the steady guidance of original guitarist Mick Box. So why does this release focus so narrowly on the years 1973–1974, when their story spans decades? The answer lies in what many regard as the band’s “classic” line-up. Following the landmark Demons and Wizards album in 1972, Box, vocalist Dave Byron, and keyboardist Ken Hensley were joined by the acclaimed drummer Lee Kerslake and the superb bassist Gary Thain. Together, they embarked on an extraordinary run that produced four studio albums and two live recordings in quick succession. What makes this prolific output even more astonishing is the relentless touring schedule the band maintained during the same period, a testament to both their creative energy and their sheer stamina.
This box set highlights Uriah Heep’s live albums with the addition of the two studio albums released in the same time frame, Sweet Freedom, and the underrated Wonderworld, both of which received mixed reactions, largely because of their departure from the earlier fantasy-driven themes. Yet revisiting them now reveals plenty to admire, proof that the band’s song-writing strength never faltered, even as their ideas shifted in new directions. Cherry Red have, as always, have done a wonderful job of compiling this set with the five CD’s enclosed in a clamshell box, each presented in replica sleeves and accompanied by a 28-page booklet. Inside, there is a newly written essay, detailed album notes, and a rich selection of photographs, many drawn from the original artwork of Live 1973.
Disc one contains the aforementioned Uriah Heep Live release, considered by many as one of the best live albums released, and for me personally, it would certainly score high in my top ten live albums. The sound quality here is excellent, thanks to mastering by Tony Dixon, who has done a superb job of preserving the raw, live energy of the original recordings. All the instruments come through with crisp definition and good separation, while the vocals remain clear and up front. Across the set, Uriah Heep tear into a wealth of their Seventies classics, with July Morning and Gypsy receiving extended treatment. The performance closes in fitting fashion with the then hugely popular Rock ’N’ Roll Medley, a rousing finale that captures the band at the height of their powers
The second disc contains a selection of tracks recorded in 1974, originally issued as bonus material on the re-release of Uriah Heep Live 1973. Now gathered on a disc of their own, these performances, captured for a US radio broadcast and supplemented by film mixes prepared for airplay, stand as a fascinating snapshot of the band in full flight. Once again, the sound quality is impressive, with a mix that helps to showcase Gary Thain’s contributions, although all of the band shine here again.
Disc three features the first of the studio albums included in this set, Sweet Freedom, originally released in 1973. As noted earlier, it marked a departure from the band’s earlier fantasy themed material, steering their sound in a new direction. Even so, the record produced several enduring live favourites, most notably the title track Sweet Freedom, along with Stealin’ and Pilgrim. This edition also adds six bonus tracks, ranging from demos to alternative live takes and extended versions, one of which appears here for the very first time.
Disc four brings us to the 1974 studio album Wonderworld. I remember buying it on vinyl when it was released, and I like it today as much as I did then. While critics at the time were less than enthusiastic, I’ve always considered it a solid album full of the hallmarks of classic Heep, albeit without the overt fantasy themes. Again this edition has six bonus tracks, including previously unreleased versions, an extended cut, and several live recordings that add further depth and interest.
The final disc, Live at Shepperton ’74, captures the band in a more intimate setting, and that atmosphere comes across well. At the outset, Byron states to the audience that the performance is being recorded for the American market/radio, even encouraging them to “clap like Americans.” The set list leans heavily on Wonderworld, while also weaving in familiar live favourites. What stands out is how together and tight, musically, the band were cruising effortlessly through this set.
Taken as a whole, this box set is a superb snapshot of Uriah Heep at the height of their Seventies prowess. The care and attention given to its presentation make it a worthy addition to any collection. With Uriah Heep Live 1973 long out of reach for many, this release offers an excellent alternative, with plenty of substance across the other discs.
TRACK LISTING
Disc One: Uriah Heep Live (January 1973)
01. Sunrise (5:09)
02. Sweet Lorraine (5:00)
03. Traveller in Time (3:42)
04. Easy Livin’ (2:49)
05. July Morning (11:49)
06. Tears In My Eyes (5:01)
07. Gypsy (14:00)
08. Circle of Hands (8:56)
09. Look At Yourself (7:26)
10. Magicians Birthday (1:45)
11. Love Machine (3:26)
12. Rock ‘N’ Roll Medley (8:40)
– Roll Over Beethoven
– Blue Suede Shoes
– Mean Woman
– Hound Dog
– At The Hop
– Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On
– Blue Suede Shoes
Total Time – 56:19
Disc Two:
– US Radio Show 1974
01. Something or Nothing (3:11)
02. I Won’t Mind (5:50)
03. Look At Yourself (6:19)
04. Gypsy (4:35)
– Film Mixes Used For Radio
05. Easy Livin’ (3:19)
06. So Tired (3:53)
07. I Won’t Mind (6:04)
08. Something or Nothing (3:22)
09. The Easy Road (3:06)
10. Stealin’ (5:28)
11. The Love Machine (2:15)
12. Rock ‘N’ Roll Melody ’74 (7:48)
– Roll Over Beethoven
– Blue Suede Shoes
– Mean Woman Blues
– Hound Dog
– At The Hop
– Whole Lotta Shakin” Going On
– Blue Suede Shoes
Total Time – 55:16
Disc Three: Sweet Freedom (1973)
01. Dreamer (3:42)
02. Stealin’ (4:50)
03. One Day (2:46)
04. Sweet Freedom (6:29)
05. If I Had the Time (5:37)
06. Seven Stars (3:49)
07. Circus (2:43)
08. Pilgrim (7:09)
~ Bonus tracks
09. Sunshine (4:48)
10. Seven Stars (Extended version, previously unreleased) (7:02)
11. Pilgrim (Extended version, previously unreleased) (8:28)
12. If I Had the Time (Demo) (6:02)
13. Sweet Freedom (Alternate Live version) (6:48)
14. Stealin” (Alternate Live version) (5:40)
Total Time – 75:58
Disc Four: Wonderworld (1974)
01. Wonderworld (4:30)
02. Suicidal Man (3:38)
03. The Shadows and the Wind (4:29)
04. So Tired (3:38)
05. The Easy Road (2:44)
06. Something or Nothing (2:56)
07. I Won’t Mind (5:59)
08. We Got We (3:34)
09. Dreams (6:14)
~ Bonus tracks
10. What Can I Do (3:10)
11. Love, Hate and Fear (Previously Unreleased Version) (4:30)
12. Stone’s Throw (Previously Unreleased Version) (5:37)
13. Dreams (Extended Version) (7:15)
14. I Won’t Mind (Live Version) (5:36)
15. So Tired (Live Version) (3:28)
Total Time: 67:28
Disc Five: Live at Shepperton ’74
01. Easy Living (4:01)
02. So Tired (3:42)
03. I Won’t Mind (5:54)
04. Sweet Freedom (6:58)
05. Something or Nothing (3:21)
06. The Easy Road (2:49)
07. Stealin’ (5:25)
08. Love Machine (2:23)
09. Rock ‘N’ Roll Melody (7:44)
– Roll Over Beethoven
– Blue Suede Shoes
– Hound Dog
– At The Hop
– Blue Suede Shoes
~ Bonus tracks
10. The Easy Road
11. Sleazy (Easy Livin’) (Outtakes) (5:28)
12. Easy Livin’ (6:01)
Total Time – 53:41
MUSICIANS
Mick Box – Guitar, Backing Vocals
David Byron – Vocals
Ken Hensley – Keyboards, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Lee Kerslake – Drum, Backing Vocals
Gary Thain – Bass, Backing Vocals
~ With:
Jose Gabriel – Synthesizers (CD 4)
Michael Gibbs – Orchestral Arrangements (CD 4)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Cherry Red Records | Esoteric Recordings
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 28th November 2025
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