The soul of Uriah Heep : An exclusive interview with Mick Box
Interview by Fabrice
Introduction: We had the immense honor of speaking with Mick Box, the legendary founder of Uriah Heep and the true "Keeper of the Flame." A moment of exclusive sharing with one of the most iconic figures in Rock history.
1. Mick, you’ve played thousands of gigs over the years. But when we see you on stage today, you still have that beaming smile. What goes through your mind the exact second you hit that first chord? Is it still the same buzz/rush as in 1970?
Mick Box: Yes it is and I have never lost that. I have the same passion for playing guitar that I have always had.
2. Fans absolutely love your stage presence, especially the way you 'sculpt' the sound in the air with your hand when you aren't strumming. It’s become your visual signature. Is that something that helps you visualize the music, or is it just pure instinct taking over?
Mick Box: Pure instinct would probably be the best way to describe it. It has become part of my show which connects with the audience which I see as very important.
3. People often say the current Uriah Heep line-up is one of the strongest and most durable in your history. What is the secret to this stability? Is humour the glue that holds the band together?
Mick Box: I guess when anyone joins the band they are aware of the heritage of the band and stay true to that, but I always encourage them to do that but also bring their own style to it as well. Humour is a very important part of touring and I always say the first thing you pack in your suitcase before going on tour is your sense of humour, because with that you can overcome everything.
4. You are the sole original founding member; you are the 'Keeper of the Flame'. When you are writing new songs today, at what point do you say to yourself: 'Now, THAT is definitely Uriah Heep'? What is the secret ingredient?
Mick Box: We established a musical Heep blueprint from our first album in 1970. As long as it has the hammond organ, wah wah guitar and the Heepy harmonies, a distinctive lead vocal, coupled with good melodic songs that have interesting lyrics then any song that is brought to the band once it is given that treatment it becomes Heep very quickly.
5. Many guitarists use the Wah-Wah pedal just as an effect. You seem to use it almost like a second human voice having a conversation with the singer. How did you develop such a lyrical and vocal approach to the guitar?
Mick Box: Yes and I use it in a unique way that I developed over the years. I use it almost as a tone bender as when I bend a string up I but the foot down on the wah wah to find the sweet spot and make it sing. It has become a big part of my sound.
6. Uriah Heep has always mastered blending the power of Heavy Metal with sweet vocal harmonies and acoustic guitars. Is it important for you to keep that melodic, almost 'folk' side, amidst all the power and the volume?
Mick Box: We have always managed to put our toe in every genre of music which started from the bleed over from the band ‘Spice’ as when we took those songs into record the first album ‘Very ‘Eavy Very ‘Umble,’ we covered a little Jazz, Blues, Folk, Rock and even Metal as it became. We were called ‘Spice’ because in the culinary world there are many spices and we wanted our music to have the same mix or freedom to explore all types of music and not stick to just one genre.
7. Uriah Heep was one of the very first Western bands to play behind the Iron Curtain. You built bridges where politicians built walls. Looking back, how do you feel about the power your music had to unite people back then?
Mick Box: When you think of the strictness of the communist regime back then and the restrictions they were living under, our music still made it through, so it just shows you the power of music. They would buy our album out of 2 months money which is just incredible and also risk being punished if they were caught listening to it. We were quoted by Tass Russian News Agency as being part of ending the cold war at the time and through our success it allowed many bands to follow in our wake, which made us rock music pioneers in a way. Still, what is happening in the world today I am not sure that will ever happen again.
8. Nowadays, in the front row of your shows, we see grandparents, parents, and grandkids all singing Lady in Black together. Very few artists have that privilege. How does it make you feel to see your music transcending generations like that?
Mick Box: It is a wonderful feeling and just shows you that good music that connects with people for whatever reason always stands the test of time.
9. Your catchphrase is 'Appy Days'. In a music industry that can often be cynical and tough, how did you manage to keep this unshakeable optimism? Is that your superpower?
Mick Box: I have always been a positive person as a lot of negativity is a waste of time and energy.
10. If the Mick Box of 1970 could see the Mick Box of today, what question or advice would the 'young Mick' ask the 'current Mick’?
Mick Box: Keep the passion and love of what you do and be happy that you are privileged to keep doing it.
11. After 'Chaos & Colour' released in 2023, do you still feel the urge to create a new Uriah Heep album? Is this being discussed among the band members?
Mick Box: I think that will be in the pipeline once we have finished touring the Magicians Birthday Farewell tour. It is important for us to keep moving forward musically but the music business has become a very hard place to exist within for so many reasons. You just have to embrace it and find you niche and rock on.
12. The group's last visit to France was on October 16, 2022 at the Olympia, what memory do you have of this concert and will we have the chance to see you in 2026?
Mick Box: Yes I do and it was a great show and we received a fantastic reception. On November the 16th 2026 we are booked to play at the Casino de Paris so we are looking forward to that very much, especially Davey our Bass Player who lives there with his wife and son.
Final Note: A huge thank you to Mick for his incredible availability, speed, and generosity. His insights and spirit mean a great deal to fans worldwide. 'Appy Days, Mick!