INTERVIEW WITH MICK BOX (URIAH HEEP)

MICK BOX IS A LEGEND IN ROCK AND ROLL WORLD. 40 YEARS AFTER THEIR START HE AND HIS BAND, URIAH HEEP, CONTINUE ROCKING AROUND THE WORLD. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIM TO TALK ABOUT PASS, PRESENT AND FUTURO OF HIS GROUP.


Hi, Mick, where are you now?

I am feeling fantastic thank you!

Uriah Heep is celebrating its 40 aniversary, are you thinking anything special to commemorate?

Well we have released the CD "Celebration" with re-records of some of the classic songs and added two new tracks. There is a box set called "On The Rebound" and we have been constantly touring so I think that is pretty special. In the next few weeks we will have played in Russia, Japan, USA,Spain and Norway!

How do you remember your first days in the band?

They were exciting and very creative. The early 70's was a great time for music.


I think that Easy leavin is one of the best songs in history, a hymn that love all the fans, what do you feel to have compose it?

Well Ken Hensley wrote that one,and it did give us major success around the world, and is still a favourite live today. We were very proud of the song when we recorded it, and it was a reflection of how we were feeling at the time.

What was your motivation to start 40 years ago Uriah Heep?

The love and passion for music. As simple as that really.


You have toured with many great groups, which is the tours you have felt better with other groups?

The tour with Def Leppard in the USA was a special one, but we have toured with many bands from ZZ Top, Rush, Kiss, Alice Cooper and many more!

I am a fan of your Abominog and Head First period. What influence had Peter Goalby and John Sinclair in them?

Peter had a very 80's type radio voice, which was good for us at the time,and John was an excellent keyboard player. The line up was a good one for a part of the 80's, and both Pete and John played their part well. They were very professional and fun to be with.

Which is your favourite album of Uriah Heep?

Impossible to say but D & W took us to the world stage, which was brilliant.

I had an interview with John Sloman and he spoke really well about you and your instrumental tecnique, what is your opinion about him?

John is a super talented guy. He can sing, write, play guitar, piano, bass and drums. He can do it all really.


With Def Leppard, I consider the U. Heep chorus like the best in 90's, are you agree?

I am not sure of the question here, but I think we did have some strong chorus's in the 80's, along with the likes of DL.


Which are your principal influences?

As a guitarist Jazz. Barney Kessal, Tal Farlowe, Django Reinhardt, Les Paul & Mary Ford. My fav guitarist of all time is Jeff Beck. The band that most influenced Uriah Heep was Vanilla Fudge. I like Neil young a lot too!

In your opinion, which have been your best shows?

There are too many to mention, but to be the first band to play in Russia in December 1987 was special.

How do you found the incredible Abominog cover?

It was presented to us by the record company as an idea. We had little or no input, but it was quite controversial and had impact.

Do you like any new group?

Tea Party, Slipknot, Black Country Communion, Opeth, Joe Bonamassa, Black Stone Cherry, Muse and many more!

Thanks for your time Mick.

My pleasure! 'appy days! Mick