Firefly

Firefly
Studio album by Uriah Heep
Released	February 1977
Recorded	October–November 1976
Genre	Hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock
Length	35:20 (Original Release) 52:11 (CD Reissue w/Bonus Tracks)
Label	Warner Bros. Records US, Bronze Records UK
Producer	Gerry Bron
Professional reviews
Allmusic link
Uriah Heep chronology
High and Mighty (1976) Firefly (1977) Innocent Victim (1977)

Firefly is the tenth album released by British rock band Uriah Heep. It was first album without David Byron, lead vocalist and a founder-member of the band, and the first of three albums with John Lawton.

Bassist Trevor Bolder made his Heep-debut on this album and has been (almost) ever-present since, bar a break of about 18 months in 1981-82.

The single from the album was "Wise Man". Also, "Sympathy" became a hit which was crucial for fans to accept the new lineup.

"Who Needs Me" was written by drummer Lee Kerslake and is about his unhappiness at the rejection, by manager and label boss Gerry Bron, of pretty-much any material by any one other than Ken Hensley. This is ultimately somewhat ironic, given the song's acceptance for recording.

Kerslake was credited as Lee "The Bear" Kerslake on this album only, due to his strong physical build and then newly-acquired beard growth.

The original vinyl album was a gatefold sleeve, with a cardboard lyric-liner.

Track listing

All songs written by Ken Hensley, except where noted

1. "The Hanging Tree" (Hensley, Jack Williams) – 3:40
2. "Been Away Too Long" – 5:03
3. "Who Needs Me" (Kerslake) – 3:39
4. "Wise Man" – 4:40
5. "Do You Know" – 3:12
6. "Rollin' On" – 6:21
7. "Sympathy" – 3:44
8. "Firefly" – 6:21

Firefly was remastered and reissued in 1997 with several bonus tracks:

9. "Crime Of Passion (B-side)" – 3:37
   • Originally the B-side to single "Wise Man".
10. "Do You Know" (Hensley, Box, Kerslake) – 3:16
    • Previously unreleased demo version recorded in 1976.
11. "A Far Better Way" (Hensley, Box, Kerslake, Bolder, Lawton) – 5:50
    • Previously unreleased version different from the rough mix version released on the Time of Revelation box set in 1996.
12. "Wise Man (TV Backing Track)" – 4:48
    • Previously unreleased mix originally used during an advertising campaign.

Bonus tracks on expanded de-luxe edition from 2004

9. "Crime Of Passion" (B-side)
10. "A Far Better Way" (out-take)
11. "I Always Knew" (out-take)
12. "Dance Dance Dance" (out-take)
13. "Been Away Too Long" (demo)
14. "Do You Know" (demo)
15. "Who Needs Me" (live version)
16. "Wise Man" (TV Backing Track)

    Personnel

    • John Lawton – lead vocals
    • Ken Hensley – keyboards, guitars, vocals
    • Mick Box – guitars
    • Trevor Bolder – bass guitar
    • Lee Kerslake – drums, vocals
    • Engineer - Peter Gallen
    • Assisted by John Gallen
    • Cover concept and co-ordination - Gail Clarke
    • Cover painting - Martin White

    References

    • The Official Uriah Heep Discography

    v • d • e Uriah Heep Bernie Shaw • Mick Box • Trevor Bolder • Phil Lanzon • Russell Gilbrook Ken Hensley • David Byron • Gary Thain • Lee Kerslake • John Lawton • John Wetton • Paul Newton • Ian Clarke • Keith Baker • Peter Goalby • John Sloman • Bob Daisley • John Sinclair • Gregg Dechert • Chris Slade • Mark Clarke • Nigel Olsson • Alex Napier • Steff Fontaine Studio albums Very 'eavy... Very 'umble • Salisbury • Look at Yourself • Demons and Wizards • The Magician's Birthday • Sweet Freedom • Wonderworld • Return to Fantasy • High and Mighty • Firefly • Innocent Victim • Fallen Angel • Conquest • Abominog • Head First • Equator • Raging Silence • Different World • Sea of Light • Sonic Origami • Wake the Sleeper Live albums Uriah Heep Live • Live at Shepperton '74 • Live in Europe 1979 • Live in Moscow • Spellbinder Live • King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents In Concert • Future Echoes Of The Past • Acoustically Driven • Electrically Driven • The Magician's Birthday Party • Live in the USA • Magic Night • Between Two Worlds Compilations Anthology • Lady in Black • The Lansdowne Tapes • A Time of Revelation • Uriah Heep: The Collection • Remasters: The Official Anthology • 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Uriah Heep • Rainbow Demon: Live & in the Studio 1994-1998 • Chapter & Verse • Very Best of Uriah Heep • Easy Livin': Singles A's & B's • Loud, Proud & Heavy: The Best of Uriah Heep Songs "The Wizard" • "Sweet Lorraine" • "Stealin'" • "Lady in Black" • "July Morning" Related articles Discography • The Gods • Spice • Toe Fat • Colin Wood • Hensley Lawton Band

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