In May 2007, the Fabrik in Hamburg became the setting for a deeply emotional celebration of one of hard rock’s most influential songwriters. Ken Hensley & Friends – Uriah Heep Special Set: Live in Germany 2007 is more than a concert recording; it’s a reverent salute to the music that helped define the classic era of Uriah Heep, delivered by the man who wrote and shaped much of its soul.
Hensley, best known as the architect behind Heep’s unmistakable Hammond-driven sound and epic songwriting, takes center stage with warmth, authority, and a sense of reflection. Rather than attempting to recreate the past note for note, this performance embraces maturity, depth, and musicianship, allowing the songs to breathe while retaining their original power.
A Setlist Steeped In Legacy
The eight-song set reads like a greatest-hits journey through Uriah Heep’s golden years:
- Circle Of Hands
- The Wizard
- Free Me
- July Morning
- Stealin’
- Easy Living
- Lady In Black
- Gypsy
From the mystical opening tones of Circle Of Hands to the thunderous closing drive of Gypsy, the performance captures the full emotional range of Hensley’s songwriting. The Wizard remains haunting and intimate, while July Morning stands as the emotional centerpiece, epic, expansive, and deeply resonant. Crowd favorites like Stealin’ and Easy Living inject raw energy, reminding everyone why these songs still ignite live audiences decades later.
Special Guests Elevate The Experience
The night is further enriched by the presence of two legendary Uriah Heep vocalists: Jørn Lande and John Lawton. Their appearances add historical weight and vocal contrast, bridging different eras of the band’s storied history. Lande’s powerful, modern delivery blends seamlessly with the classic material, while Lawton brings unmistakable authenticity and emotional gravitas to the stage.
A Band Built For Power And Nuance
Ken Hensley leads the ensemble with commanding versatility, handling lead and backing vocals, Hammond B3 organ, Roland D-70 synthesizer, acoustic guitar, and dobro. His playing remains expressive and unmistakable, proving that his musical voice has lost none of its character.
He’s joined by a formidable lineup:
- Ken Ingwersen – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Eirikur Hauksson – guitar, vocals, lead vocals
- Sid Ringsby – bass, backing vocals
- Willy Bendiksen – drums
Together, they strike a balance between classic hard rock muscle and refined musicianship.
Orchestral Texture And Depth
What truly sets this performance apart is its expanded instrumental palette. A string and horn section adds cinematic depth without overpowering the core rock sound:
- John Smithson – violin
- Ralf Böcker – sax
- Jana Mischenina, Ruxandra Klein – violins
- Daniela Muntean – viola
- Nora Kowalski – cello
These elements enrich songs like Lady In Black and July Morning, giving them an almost timeless, symphonic quality.
A Night Of Respect, Not Nostalgia
Ken Hensley & Friends – Live in Germany 2007 stands as a heartfelt tribute rather than a nostalgic retread. It’s a performance rooted in respect for the songs, the audience, and the legacy of Uriah Heep. Recorded in an intimate venue with an appreciative crowd, the concert captures a rare moment where history, musicianship, and emotion converge.
For fans of classic rock, progressive hard rock, and Uriah Heep’s enduring catalog, this special set remains a powerful reminder of Ken Hensley’s monumental contribution to rock music, and why his songs continue to resonate long after the final chord fades.
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