Byron Band,Uraiah Heep/Demos & Live Recordings 1980-1982

David Byron was a famous singer who was the face of URIAH HEEP during the golden era and passed away in 1985. Introducing the superlative soundboard album of THE BYRON BAND, which he formed in England where NWOBHM is popular. Byron created the template for hard rock singers with his heroic voice and extended high notes. It was in July 1976 that he left URIAH HEEP after “HIGH AND MIGHTY”. After that, ROUGH DIAMOND, formed with Clem Clemson, released their debut album “ROUGH DIAMOND (1977)” and solo album “BABY FACED KILLER (1978)”, but without much success, they formed a new group THE BYRON BAND. To do. Because of its name, it is easy to confuse it with Byron’s solo work, but the brain behind this project is Robin George. Known for his collaborations with Phil Lynott and Glenn Hughes, he is a genius multi-player who also made “Heartline” a smash hit as a solo artist. And it wasn’t just Robin and Byron. Mel Collins, formerly of KING CRIMSON, and Bob Jackson, formerly of BADFINGER, also participated. Despite being a connoisseur, he released his debut work “ON THE ROCKS (1981)” with a gorgeous lineup. We also did live activities. In the end, the project ended with only one official album, but this work is a two-disc set that collects extremely rare sound sources such as demos and live performances of the second album that was in progress after that. This work is divided into six major sections. Let’s introduce each one individually. [DISC 1: 1982 2nd album demos (6 songs)] DISC 1 is a collection of demos for the unreleased 2nd album. There are roughly three types, and the one included at the beginning is a highly complete demo. The quality is “super” superb. Although the rawness is vivid without any finishing touches such as effects, the sound itself is completely official quality. Well, as an image, you can imagine the highest quality Cozy Tape. Some mystery remains as “Bad Girl” from the 1st album is re-recorded, but the rest are new songs. Although it is simple, the arrangement is almost complete, especially “Safety in Numbers”, a Fast masterpiece that reminds us of “Easy Livin'”. The acoustic ballad “One Minute More” also revives URIAH HEEP’s lyricism. It’s enough to get you started on the NWOBHM scene. [DISC 1: 1982 Byron’s home demo (7 tracks)] What follows is a composition session for the phantom 2nd album. It was recorded by Robin and I at Byron’s home. This is just a memo recording to summarize ideas, so performances of about 30 seconds to 2 minutes appear one after another. What’s interesting is the lively mood. Robin and Byron seem to be in perfect sync with each other, and their ideas never stop coming out. Although it is a phantom band that disappeared into the darkness of history, this take clearly shows that the creativity was ignited at the scene. [DISC 1: 1982 Demo (1 song)] The last track of DISC 1 is a different track from “Learn the Dance” that appeared at the beginning. In fact, they are quite similar and I can’t really tell the difference, but the original demo tape also mentioned that they were from different members. Regardless of the authenticity, we have put it on CD as is in order to preserve the truth of the Omoto demo. [DISC 2: 1981 Rehearsal (6 songs)] The replacement DISC 2 is a collection of treasures from before and after the release of their debut work “ON THE ROCKS”. First, six songs appear that seem to be rehearsals for a live performance. The set includes the debut songs “How Do You Sleep?” and “Piece of My Love,” “Safety in Numbers” and “I Need Love,” which can also be heard in the DISC 1 demo, as well as “Goodnight Blues” and “Last Chance Jam.” . With almost the same members as the debut (drummer only, replaced by Steve Brave), they are performing passionately just like a real performance. “Safety in Numbers” is strangely cool here as well. Accompanied by Mel Collins’ saxophone, the song runs metallically, and Byron’s high notes sing dramatically and heroically. This catharsis also applies to GILLAN. Whether it was due to a difference in management or just a coincidence, I think Byron was unlucky not to be able to achieve success again. [DISC 2: 1980 Liverpool Live (8 songs)] And finally, the biggest highlight of this work. This is a live performance before debut. In addition to his debut songs “Bad Girl,” “Start Believing,” “How Do You Sleep?,” and “Piece of My Love,” he also plays live blues and rock’n’roll, but the highlight is the URIAH HEEP number. ! They will perform the eternal masterpieces “July Morning” and “Sweet Lorraine”. Why is this so cool? Above all, Byron’s singing voice is amazing, with plenty of tension and power, and the highlight of “July Morning” explodes with Ian Gillan-like shouts!! On the other hand, “Sweet Lorraine” is as fresh as it can be. Arranged in a sharp groove typical of NWOBHM, Robin George’s guitar, which has no intention of copying, goes wild in the 80’s. Furthermore, Mel Collins’ saxophone is also involved to liven it up. amazing. It’s hard to believe that such an amazing band has disappeared without anyone knowing. [DISC 2: Robin’s solo demo (1 song)] After such a scorching live performance, Robin’s solo “Angelsong” is recorded at the end. The members are very different, and I can’t help but think, “Why?”, but this was recorded exactly as it was on the original demo tape. This is a treasure collection of 29 tracks and 1 hour and 50 minutes. Looking back at history, Ken Hensley also left URIAH HEEP in 1981, and Mick and Trevor Bolder requested Byron to return. Byron chose his own band, THE BYRON BAND, and declined the idea of ​​returning. It is an episode reminiscent of the story in which Ritchie Blackmore asked Ian Gillan to join RAINBOW, but what was decisively different from Gillan was that he became a person who did not return after a few years. Hensley also said, “I would have liked to reunite if Byron was alive,” but the path to regaining glory like DEEP PURPLE was forever closed. In any case, THE BYRON BAND was chosen by the hero singer Byron. A treasure 2-disc set that reveals the truth with the finest soundboard. Demos & Live Recordings 1980-1982 STEREO SBD Disc 1(34:38) Writing Demos Live in London 1982 1. Learn the Dance 2. I Need Love 3. Fool for a Pretty Face 4. Safety in Numbers 5. Bad Girl 6. One Minute More David Byron – lead vocals Robin George – guitars Roger Flavelle – bass Steve Braye – drums Writing at David’s House 1982 7. She Was Good 8. Fool for a Pretty Face 9. She Was a Dream 10. Same Time Same Place 11 . She Got Pride 12. Untitled Melody 13. Learn the Dance David Byron – lead vocals Robin George – guitars Demo Live Worchester 1982 14. Learn the Dance David Byron – lead vocals Robin George – guitars, background vocals Pino Palladino – bass ★ Pete Thompson – drums Disc 2(75:41) Rehearsals London 1981 1. How Do You Sleep? 2. Safety in Numbers 3. I Need Love 4. Piece of My Love 5. Goodnight Blues 6. Last Chance Jam David Byron – lead vocals Robin George – guitars Roger Flavelle – bass Steve Braye – drums Bob Jackson – keyboards Mel Collins – saxophone★ Live in Liverpool 1980 7. Bad Girl 8. Start Believing 9. July Morning 10． How Do You Sleep 11. Sweet Lorraine 12. Piece of My Love 13. Liverpool Blues 14. Roll Over Beethoven David Byron – lead vocals Robin George – guitars, vocal Roger Flavelle – bass Steve Braye – drums Bob Jackson – keyboards Mel Collins – saxophone ★ Robin George 15, Angelsong Robin George – guitars, vocals Pino Palladino – bass Charlie Morgan – drums Pete Green – keyboards Chris Thompson – backing vocals Charlotte, Francesca, Harrietta & Debra – girls backing vocals STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING