Search - Uriah Heep: Moscow and Beyond... on DVD

Historical concerts revisited

Metaljim | Kansas USA | 01/04/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone looking for classic era (1970-1976) Heep will not find it here. This DVD features 1987 concert footage by the current line-up of Heep, which includes the only original member still with the band, guitarist Mick Box. Other long term members here include drummer Lee Kerslake (joined on their 4th LP, in 1972) and bassist Trevor Bolder (joined on their studio 10th LP, in 1977). The two "new" guys are vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboardist (Phil Lanzon) who at the time these concerts took place, had both been in the band a year or so. The 1987 concerts were the first by a Western band to take place in the Soviet Union and paved the way for subsequent concerts by the Scorpions, Bon Jovi, etc. The footage is ok, but not always in synch with the audio. The sound is ok, but not great. However, it is a historic event and Heep live are always entertaining. How much you enjoy it will completely depend on how big a Heep fan you are. If you like these guys and want some live video of the band playing all the classic hits, then this is a great show. If you're strictly a fan of the Byron era, you won't be satisfied by this at all. It's a well done DVD, with good bonus materials, including an interview with the band about the Russian shows, four songs from an anniversary concert, and a preview of the Acoustically Driven DVD. I'm not the biggest Heep fan in the world, but do have all the albums. This line-up does a great job with the older songs and the newer material is just fine. It's nice to know that 17 years later this line-up is still intact, a rarity in the music world."

Great!!!!

Glen Doucet | East Coast, Canada | 08/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I happen to be a huge Heep fan and have all of their DVD's.This concert is great because it is so historic, showing Heep in fine form. Heep were the 1st hard rock band to be invited to play in the Soviet Union when it was still a communist country. It gives you a good insight into how important it was for music like Heep's to be allowed to played in the Soviet Union. People in the former communist country were starved for western music and they loved Heep.That is why this concert footage is so important, Heep paved the way for the acts that followed, although they never receive the credit for it, which is a travesty.Also, it shows the current lineup in its infancy, although they have now been together for 19 straight years, which is almost unheard of in the music industry.The video and audio are not top notch but is still very good.To correct another reviewer, Mick Box is the only original member still left. However Lee Kerslake has been the drummer since 1972 except for a brief period from 1980-1982 when he was the drummer for Ozzy.Trevor Bolder has been the bassist since about 1977 except for a brief period in the early 1980's when he played for Wishbone Ash.This line-up is awesome live, very tight, so anyone interested in Heep should get this DVD for it's historic importance and to see a great band live."