[Heeplist] URIAH HEEP in Portland 4/25/18

[Scott Cokeley]

 It had been 24 years since I saw the Heep, and that was in Seattle with Blue Oyster Cult at the now defunct Under The Rail, in 1994. I missed a last second Seattle show in 2001. 
 I brought my girlfriend with me. They performed at the Alladin Theater in Portland on Weds. April 25th. We opted, for various reasons, to attend the Portland show, rather than Seattle. 
 We got in line outside the theater and talked with two brothers, who were excited to see the band, and hadn’t realized that they were still around! Upon getting inside the theater, there were various shirts etc for sale, and I opted to buy an autographed tour poster and a copy of Phil’s new CD. 
 I got to go up front to the stage before the show and talked to several fans, and others I noticed who looked like fans, some wearing a Heep shirt, like myself, but I wasn’t able to confirm if anyone there was on the Heeplist. Were you there? I wished I could have talked to more of them, although I’ve seen some posts on FB and recognized some of them from being upfront with me. 
 My girlfriend stayed in her up front seat, with another female fan, (isn’t used to the volume) but she enjoyed the show. Of course, I had to stay up front. The band was fantastic, and opened with Gypsy. Each member did a fantastic job! They did a couple of new songs, The Law and One Minute. Some of the older songs they did were Shadows Of Grief, Sunrise, Magician’s Birthday, Lady In Black, July Morning, and of course, Stealin and The Wizard. As an encore, they came back with Easy Livin. Mick, Bernie and Phil gave me the thumbs up with my Heep “Wizard” shirt from 1994. I was rockin right along with them like many others and I could see the band loved that we were loving it just as much as they were!!
 The Aladdin Theater was originally an old vaudeville theater, and it was nearly filled to capacity, but not quite. The crowd was very much into the music and it was great to see younger fans there also! 
 I have heard that Heep may be returning to the USA later in for another tour, after the new album is out. I really hope so, because I’d like to take my son to the next show, if I get that chance. It just wasn’t in the cards this time for him. Has anyone heard if they are indeed returning here? 
 In any case, it was an excellent performance, and a night we will always remember! 
 Thanks so much URIAH HEEP!! We enjoyed it so much!!

Sent from my iPhone