Uriah Heep Box Celebrates Rock Band’s 50 Years

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The extensive reissue campaign of British hard rock legends Uriah Heep will continue this autumn with the release of Uriah Heep – Fifty Years in Rock. The ambitious super deluxe box set, coming October 30 via BMG, contains an astounding 23 CDs.

The group has been described as one of the “big four” rock bands to emerge from Great Britain in the late ’60s, along with Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath.

The extensive new collection celebrates Uriah Heep’s career and was curated by founding members Mick Box, Ken Hensley, Paul Newton and Lee Kerslake. Four of the set’s 23 CDs were compiled by the original members. This set includes every studio album and their live 1973 album. The set also includes The Magician’s Birthday vinyl LP, remastered by engineer Andy Pearce (Lou Reed, Black Sabbath), with re-imagined artwork by Roger Dean. Pre-order it here.

Watch the official unboxing video

From the August 31 announcement: Evoking an era when prog, hard rock and heavy metal co-existed in an era of glorious, boundary-breaking music, the box set traces the evolution of Uriah Heep from inexperienced studio musicians with everything to prove to bona fide limo inhabiting rock stars.

Mick Box said, “This 50th Anniversary box set fills me with immense pride and takes me on a musical journey I could never have imagined. It has been a roller coaster ride that as we stand today has no ending. We proudly celebrate our anniversary, while remembering all of the wonderful musicians including those that are in rock ‘n’ roll heaven, that have been a part of this fantastic milestone.”

Hensley added, “Sitting here, just a few days from my 75th birthday, it’s easy for me to flash back 50 years to when me, Mick, David, Gary and Lee really knew we were on to something big and amazing! The box is a perfect tribute to a band that achieved what so few have done, to Mickie and the boys who keep the legend rolling and of course, to all of you who made it possible.”

The band made their recording debut in 1970 with the album, …Very ‘Eavy … Very ‘Umble. After selling a reported 40+ million albums worldwide, Uriah Heep have influenced many different metal bands around the globe, among the most popular being Dio.

Uriah Heep continue to tour with founding member Mick Box, while Hensley tours extensively as a solo artist.

Uriah Heep – 50 Years In Rock Deluxe Box Set

23 CDs (Every studio album and 1973’s Uriah Heep Live)
Each of the following have curated a disc of their favorite choices:
Ken Hensley’s Choices: 14 tracks
Lee Kerslake’s Choices: 14 tracks
Mick Box’s Choices: 15 tracks
Paul Newton’s Choices: 14 tracks
The Magician’s Birthday LP featuring re-imagined artwork by Roger Dean
64 page book featuring rarities from the band’s personal archives
New notation by the original members and fully updated band member timeline
2 Roger Dean art cards