On a crisp February evening in Manchester, the venerable venue Bridgewater Hall welcomed a formidable triple-bill of rock’s seasoned practitioners: headliners Uriah Heep alongside supporting acts April Wine and Tyketto. What unfolded was more than a concert, it was a celebration, a farewell, and an affirmation of rock’s enduring spirit.
Setting The Stage
The doors opened at 18:45, with Tyketto scheduled to hit the stage at 19:15. An interval followed at 19:45, then April Wine took over at 20:15. A second interval at 20:45 led into Uriah Heep’s set at around 21:15. The night was tagged as “The Magician’s Farewell” tour for Uriah Heep, marking the band’s swansong stadium‐style campaign as they celebrate 55 years of making music.
Bridgewater Hall’s acoustics and refined space lent an elegant backdrop to an evening of true rock pedigree, no mosh pits, no chaos, but plenty of energy, passion and legacy.
Opening Act: Tyketto
Kicking things off was the American AOR outfit Tyketto, who took the stage as the room gradually filled. According to reviews, they delivered a tight, well‐rehearsed set and had the audience moving even while seated. Lead vocalist Danny Vaughn showed off his mercurial voice, and the band’s chemistry was evident.
It was a strong start, an act that knows how to rock without relying purely on nostalgia. They set the tone for the night: quality musicianship and genuine performance rather than mere spectacle.
Middle Slot: April Wine
Next up, Canadian rock veterans April Wine made a notably rare UK appearance (their first in 44 years in the UK according to reports) and did not disappoint. Although none of the original members remain (following the passing of founding frontman Myles Goodwyn in December 2023), the lineup brought melodic hard rock with precision and enthusiasm.
Their set reportedly leaned heavily on material from around 1979-81, tracks like “I Like to Rock”, “Just Between You and Me”, and their cover of “Sign of the Gypsy Queen”. The band successfully bridged between Tyketto’s AOR leanings and the hard rock legacy of the main act.
For much of the audience, this was an introduction to April Wine live. But their performance left the impression of a band still hungry and capable: melodic, groove‐driven, and sharp.
The Headliner: Uriah Heep – The Magician’s Farewell
Then came the moment many had come for. Uriah Heep entered the stage with a black cover dropping and the roar of the crowd as the first riffs of the night rang out. According to reviews, their opening trio of songs were surprising: rather than leaning heavily on their 1970s classics to start, they launched with post-millennium tracks such as “Grazed by Heaven”, “Save Me Tonight”, and “Overload”.
Guitarist Mick Box (then aged 77) illuminated the night with effortless flair, proving that age is less about limitation and more about mastery. Lead vocalist Bernie Shaw (with the band for 39 years) hit some remarkable high notes and shared a visibly strong rapport with Box.
The setlist spanned deep cuts (such as “Shadows of Grief”) and beloved anthems (“Stealin’”, “Gypsy”, “July Morning”, “Easy Livin’”), 14 songs in all, yet running a full 90 minutes because of the progressive nature of many tracks.
Sound wise, the hall’s acoustics were praised (though early sound issues with drums were noted).The audience was fully engaged, standing, singing, reliving the rock legacy.
What made that evening especially poignant was the aura of farewell. The tour was billed as Uriah Heep’s final major tour, and fans sensed the significance: a final opportunity to see a band that has stood for decades in rock’s landscape.
Atmosphere & Reflections
Bringing three veterans of rock together in one evening created a layered experience. Tyketto opened the musical tapestry with their melodic flair, April Wine built on it with classic hard rock punch, and Uriah Heep delivered the definitive statement: not merely a greatest-hits retrospective but a live demonstration of vitality and endurance.
The venue amplified the experience. Bridgewater Hall’s design gave clarity and power to performances, and for a “farewell” tour of this magnitude, the setting felt fitting, grand yet still intimate enough for the audience to feel connected.
A few thoughts and takeaways:
- It’s rare to see such seasoned acts still delivering with such energy and precision.
- The decision by Uriah Heep to include new material alongside classics reinforced that they were not resting on past glories.
- The audience demographic spanned decades: long-time fans and perhaps younger listeners discovering the legacy live.
- Moments of imperfection (sound hiccups) only enhanced the human dimension, not everything was polished to the nth degree, but the passion was undeniable.
Conclusion
Tuesday 25 February 2025 at Bridgewater Hall was more than just a concert, it was a milestone. For Uriah Heep, the “Magician’s Farewell” tour marked the closing of a major chapter. For April Wine and Tyketto, it was affirmation that their music continues to resonate and thrive even after decades.
As the final chords rang out and the lights came up, the audience left with memories: riffs that feel timeless, voices that still soar, and the knowledge that rock’s roots run deep and enduring.
Whether you were live streaming, standing in the hall, or simply reflecting afterwards, this was a night that honoured the past while still sounding alive in the present.
Leave a Reply