Demons of Sound - Uriah Heep (Classic Line-Up), Long Beach Auditorium, March 30, 1973

The palm trees rocked in the early evening wind as the waves rhythmically rolled onto the beach. My mind was caught up in the serene movements, until the calmness of the twilight’s tranquility was interrupted by loud shouts of “Rock-n-Roll!”

We jostled our way closer to the entrance of the Long Beach Auditorium. Mark and I were here to see our first Uriah Heep performance, and the growing enthusiasm of the waiting crowd added to our excitement.

We chatted with another couple who had been at this incredible venue a few weeks earlier, and like us, had seen Ziggy. “ Wasn't he fantastic!” the girl exclaimed. Mark and I agreed in unison.

“Especially those encores!” I added, to which the others nodded in affirmation. The
Spiders show had been utterly incredible, and like many of the other concert-goers, Mark and I had capped the event by taking in some additional spills and thrills at The Pike afterward.

Our conversation sped up as the line moved closer to the auditorium entrance. Soon we were paying our admission and stepping into this striking venue. Mark and I made our way to the main balcony seating area, stage right, but the angle of our view was not ideal, so instead we headed downstairs to the main floor. After situating ourselves a few rows from center stage, we sat down and relaxed with a joint. As the smoke filled the air by way of a friendly passing of the joints, we awaited the first act.

Eventually, a band that few had ever heard of came on stage. They were smartly dressed in the height of fashion, with outfits ranging from bell-bottomed, acid-freak hippie to class-act gangster, complete with three-piece suit and wide-brimmed hat. We overheard that they were from England, with the odd name of Tranquility, and this was their first American tour.

Looking as if they could rock, Tranquility certainly gave it their all. However, much of their sound was unfamiliar to the audience, which did not seem to be in the mood for folksy, progressive rock no matter how well performed. Several shouts of “Rock out,” along with many boos, were bellowed voraciously from the crowd. This audience was here to rock and had little patience for experimentation on the fringes of musical concepts. But this antagonism only seemed to work in Traquility’s favour. They were deriving their dynamic energy from the throng’s angst, which impelled the band onward to a powerfully charged, aggressive sound and a magical performance that ultimately enchanted the crowd. By the time they had finished their final number, the entire audience was applauding wildly.

Tranquility returned for an encore, jamming with the forcefulness of Jethro Tull bleeding into Led Zepplin. The drummer, guitarist, and gangster-styled flutist rocked vehemently. People were now up on their feet and cheering passionately, converts to the rocking energy of Tranquility. Smiles on their faces, the band took their bows and then departed stage left, the gangster holding high his silver flute in triumph.

During intermission, Mark and I decided to take in the sights of the venue. We ambled up the stairs to an outdoor balcony that faced Ocean Boulevard. As my eyes scanned the charming Long Beach skyline, Mark sparked up another joint in anticipation of Uriah Heep.

“Tranquility turned out to be quite the surprise.”

Mark agreed. “Yeah, Mischa, they really rocked!”

Our conversation turned to the outstanding acoustics and stunning architecture of the auditorium, catching the ear of a nearby usher. He, in turn, enthusiastically related some intriguing history about the venue. Apparently, the balcony that Mark and I were currently standing on was the very spot that in the 1930’s would be roped off in red velvet for actor Errol Flynn and his private entourage. In later years, many a girl was taken to this balcony for fresh air after fainting during an Elvis performance, as he had packed this venue with screaming fans many times over.

Mark and I noticed that the crowd inside was getting louder, and knew that Uriah Heep would be taking the stage at any moment. Hurriedly, we returned to the main floor and managed to get a great spot close to center stage. Our high was good, and we were ready to rock!

Suddenly, the lights grew dim, the curtains parted, and Uriah Heep was taking the stage amidst a wild crescendo of cheers. The sound crashed through the hall, blending into the beginning notes of “Easy Living.” We stood up en mass and roared in approval.

Midway into the set, the band launched into “Sweet Lorraine,” filling the air with swirling psychedelic sound. It did not take long before the crowd was magnetized by the ultra-progressive vibes, rocking in unison to the powerful beat. Next, the group showcased their musical talents by teasing the audience with the intro to one of my favs, “Stealin,” from the album Demons and Wizards. As the song progressed, and the musical momentum amplified, I was in awe at the dramatic moves and controlling voice of the mesmerizing lead singer. His deep-set eyes could pierce a soul; he moved his arms and hands in such manner that I could feel his touch in a cosmically magical sense. His shoulder-length wavy tresses flowed dramatically with every nuance of the beat, and his silks were as groovy as groovy could get! He presented a handsome visual of pure musical pleasure for this hard-rocking lass.

The momentum of musical force and tantalizing visuals carried throughout Uriah Heep’s set. It was loud, it was dynamic, a fantastic performance. The band was driving lavish energy into rock and roll, and in high gear. The crowd, hot and sweaty, passionately overwhelmed by the excitement, brought the band back for two encores.

As the final notes were still vibrating in my body, I exclaimed to Mark, “A freakin’ hot show, for sure!”

We euphorically exited the venue, beads of sweat glistening upon our bodies. As we made our way to the boulevard, my eyes glanced back one final time at the palm trees gently rocking and the waves rhythmically rolling towards the beach.

Excerpt from The Incredible Adventures of Mischa