David Byron
Encyclopedia
David Byron

Early Life 1967-1969

From mid-60's to early 70's David Byron did a lot of session work for a company called Avenue Recordings singing lead and backing vocals (occasionally along with Mick Box on guitar and Paul Newton on bass). These were cover versions of Top20 hits and were released on numerous EP's & LP's at the time. There are literarily hundreds of tracks recorded during these sessions featuring David Byron on lead vocals but these records are extremely rare to find these days. There have been rumours lately that some of these would be released on CD.
Those tracks that have surfaced so far with Byron on vocals are (original performer in parenthesis):
All Right Now (Free)
American Woman (The Guess Who)
Baby I Know
Baby Come Back (The Equals)
Bad Moon Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
Behind A Painted Smile (The Isley Brothers)
Bet Yer Life I Do (Herman's Hermits)
Bring It On Home To Me (Sam Cooke/The Animals)
Cold Turkey (John Lennon)
Curly (The Move)
Give Peace A Chance (John Lennon)
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (The Hollies)
Hello Susie (Amen Corner)
Hush, Not A Word To Mary (John Rowles)
I Hear You Knocking (Smiley Lewis/Dave Edmunds)
I'm Gonna' Make You Mine (Lou Christie)
It Don't Come Easy (Ringo Starr)
It Mek (Desmond Dekker And The Aces)
It's All In The Game (The Four Tops)
Just Like A Baby (Sly & the Family Stone)
Keep On (Bruce Channel)
Lady D'Arbanville (Cat Stevens)
Let It Be (The Beatles)
Let's Work Together (Canned Heat)
Montego Bay (Bobby Bloom)
Mony Mony (Tommy James)
Natural Born Boogie (Humble Pie)
Need Your Love So Bad (Fleetwood Mac)
Question (The Moody Blues)
Race With The Devil (Gun)
Rainbow (Marmalade)
Rollin' And Tumblin' (trad.)
Sittin' Here Wonderin' (Louisiana Red)
Son Of Hickory Holler’s Tramp (O. C. Smith)
Stop Her On Sight (Edwin Starr)
Sugar, Sugar (The Archies)
The Last Walz (Engelbert Humperdinck)
Tell Me What I Say (Ray Charles)
Too Busy Thinking About My Baby (Marvin Gaye)
United We Stand (Brotherhood Of Man)
Viva Bobby Joe (The Equals)
What Does It Take (To Win Your Love) (Junior Walker & The All Stars)
Yellow River (Christie)
Yesterday Has Gone (P. J. Proby)
You Can Get It If You Really Want (Desmond Dekker And The Aces)
Yummy Yummy Yummy (Ohio Express).Byron's voice can be heard on the following tracks:
25 Or 6 To 4, Spinning Wheel, You've Made Me So Very Happy (You've Made Me So Very Happy), Back In The USSR (original performer The Beatles), The Bird Has Flown, Wanna Thank You Girl & Witchi Tai To (Witchi Tai To)

Note! A double cd compilation called Soal Coaxing - The Many Moods Of John Schroeder was released in 2005 and it includes all tracks with David Byron from these two lp's except 'Wanna Thank You Girl'.These were all just for money making while Uriah Heep was starting their career. After Look At Yourself became the first successful album he quit the session work and concentrated only on Uriah Heep.
His first venture into professional music was with a Epping based semi-pro band called The Stalkers who also featured guitarist Mick Box. Byron and Box worked well together and teamed up to form the band Spice which also featured Paul Newton on bass and Alex Napier on drums. The band gigged extensively locally under the management of Paul Newtons father and they secured a recording deal with United Artists who issued the bands one and only single "What About The Music/In Love" (UP 2246) copies of which now fetch around $50 to $100 on the collectors market.
He was the lead vocalist for Spice
Spice (band)
Spice was the immediate precursor to English rock band Uriah Heep, featuring David Byron , Mick Box , Paul Newton , and Alex Napier...

 (1967 – 1969).
Although Spice regularly played venues like the Marquee it wasn't until they met up with manager Gerry Bron that things began to happen. Deciding that the Spice sound would require keyboards they recruited keyboardist/guitarist/singer/songwriter Ken Hensley who was Paul Newtons bandmate in The Gods. The band rehearsed and played diligently and during this time Bron redubbed the band Uriah Heep from the Charles Dickens classic David Copperfield. Shortly afterward the band's career really took off, first in Germany, Britain and finally the States.In 1971 David also appeared on two LP's by John Schroeder.

With Uriah Heep 1969-1976


He became most famous as the original singer of the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...

 rock band
Rock Band
Rock Band is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and Electronic Arts. It is the first title in the Rock Band series. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions were released in the United States on November 20, 2007, while the PlayStation 2 version was...

 Uriah Heep
Uriah Heep (band)
Uriah Heep are an English rock band formed in London in 1969 and regarded as a seminal classic hard rock act of the 1970s. Uriah Heep's progressive/art rock/heavy metal fusion's distinctive features have always been massive keyboards sound, strong vocal harmonies and David Byron's operatic vocals...

 between 1969 and 1976.David Byron sang on ten Uriah Heep albums. Their first (which had originally been slated as a Spice release which becomes apparent after listening to "The Lansdowne Tapes", "Very 'eavy Very 'Umble", "Salisbury", "Look At Yourself", "Demons And Wizards", "The Magician's Birthday", "Live" (also known amongst fans as "Friday Night In Birmingham", "Sweet Freedom", "Wonderworld", "Return To Fantasy", "High And Mighty". During these six years David Byron gained a reputation with his operatic vocals and harmonies as one of the best rock vocalists and frontmen in the world.In 1975 Byron released his first solo album, "Take No Prisoners" (Bronze Records ILPS 9824) which also featured fellow heep members Mick Box, Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake. But unfortunately for Byron (and sadly for his fans), he'd also gained a reputation for hard drinking which eventually led to him being sacked from Uriah Heep at the end of a Spanish tour in July 1976. Ken Hensley said at that time, David was one of those classic people who couldn't face up to the fact that things were wrong and he looked for solace in a bottle.Uriah Heep's manager Gerry Bron announced this week that the band have decided to dismiss vocalist David Byron in what are described as "the best interest of the group". Byron has been informed of the decision, and Heep have already secured a replacement singer, although his name is not being announced for the time being in view of his present contractual commitments.

Bron explained that Byron and the other Heep members has been in disagreement for some time over fundemental issues of group policy, and that the differences were finally brought to a head following the band recent tour of Britain and Europe. "It was felt by the rest of the group that they could no longer reconcile David's attitude with teir own", commented Bron.

Heep started rehearsals almost immediately with their new vocalist, with a view to fulfilling excisting commitments in America in the late summer, and in Yugoslavia and Australia in the autumn. They will also be recording a new album for release early next year.

Founder member and keyboards player Ken Hensley said; "Frankly, I welcome this opportunity to clear the air and make a fresh start with members who are united in their aims. In no way do I see this as a setback, i'ts more of new beginning

Byron will have complete freedom to pursue his own career, and it seems likely that he will now branch out as a solo attraction, possibly with his own band. The exact nature of the difference between Byron and the other Heep members has not been revealed, but sources close to the band suggest that the introduction of John Wetton into the line up helped to spark the dissent.Also of note, the song "Man Full Of Yesterdays" from David's solo album, was supposed to be about Uriah Heep's bass player Gary Thain, who was to die shortly afterwards, but ironically came to describe Byron himself in later years. Anyway, it's safe to say that after this neither David Byron nor Uriah Heep were ever the same. The magic of Box, Byron and Hensley was broken.After leaving Uriah Heep David sang backing vocals on several albums in the late 70's such as Ian Lloy'ds 'Goosebumps' and Peter Bliss' self titled album. He also produced Denny And The Jets single Shoo-Be-Doo.

July Morning 1971

" This is one the best known Uriah Heep song.The song is still being the best ballad of the band, and one of the best songs which have been recorded with David Byron.

Solo Career 1975-1984

Byron has recorded three solo albums: The first was "Take No Prisoners" in 1975, the second was "Baby Faced Killer" in 1978 and the last was "That Was Only Yesterday", recorded in 1984, one year before his death.

With Rough Diamond 1977

Determined to get his career going again Byron teamed up with former Humble Pie guitarist Clem Clempson and former Wings drummer Geoff Britton to form Rough Diamond. They recorded one self titled LP for Island Records (ILPS 9490) in March 1977. Unfortunately the album sold poorly and Byron split.

The Byron Band 1980-1982

Next Byron got together with wonderkid guitarist Robin George and formed The Byron Band. They were signed to Creole Records and debuted with the single "Every Inch Of The Way/Routine" (CR 8). This was followed by the single "Never Say Die/Tired Eyes" (CR 12) before the release of the 1981 LP "On The Rocks" (CRX 2). But like his previous band Rough Diamond, neither critical nor commercial acclaim was forthcoming.On the Rocks is an album by the Byron Band, taking its name from their singer, British rock vocalist David Byron.David used to work with a guy called Pete Green, he was also known as Daniel Boon - he had written several hits that went to number one in the Sixties. I was working with Pete Green, too, he was co-writing with David at the time, and he recommended me as a producer and a guitar player. So I met up with David, we talked and we liked each other, so we eventually formed the band. The first time we met we wrote “Bad Girl” which is on the "Lost And Found" album. The first session with Pino Paladino playing bass and Pete Thompson on drums was a live session, which was great! We did "Bad Girl" which later was on the album "On The Rocks". It was around then that we formed THE BYRON BAND, and the rest is history. While I was re-mastering the tapes I realized, I will never know why on earth the band didn't get signed for the second album, because the songs are really good, there's a real quality to it.
Despite featuring Byron and lauded guitarist Robin George the album didn't achieve commercial success.
The original UK vinyl release, on Creole Records, came with a poster of the sleeve's artwork.
Currently, it has become available on CD on the German specialist label Repertoire (Repertoire REP 431), with bonus tracks as detailed below. For completists, this release has had a cream inlay tray.Lost And Found is a 2-Disc album that includes demos and live recordings by the Byron Band which spans two years from 1980-1982. It also includes a Robin George solo track.

Interviews

David interviewed by Dutch Magazine Muziek Express Okt.1973

I started singing 22 years ago at the age of 5. My mother was singing in a Jazzband, my whole family was into music. Everybody played a instrument or was tap dancing. Around that time I tried to get famous by a childrens TV show. My first band had no name, did no gig's and lasted exactly 2 weeks. When I was 16 a local band offered me a job. I did one gig with them and joined the band of Mick Box which then was called The Stalkers. They had fired their vocalist and at the audition I had to sing Johnny B. Goode. I was hired right away.
Interviewed by Dutch Magazine Muziek Parade Oktober 1976.

"The fact that we would produce our selves was because of bad sales of Return to Fantasy in the USA.With High & Mighty we wanted to go in a new direction. The problem was we used just one source. And we had just little time to be in the studio because of the extensive touring. We decided to put all Ken's songs on the album, and hoped it worked out the right way. I think though we should have used everyone's songwriting. Thats why High & Mighty is a bummer to me. for example Mick Box played just a few parts on the album.

Letters

A excerpt of a private letter Dave wrote to a Mr. Trosley around the time he started up the Byron Band ( 1981):
"I don't really know much about Lawton and Sloman, cause when I got out of Heep I wanted to remember the good parts and f***k the rest. Everybody over the years has got fired or whatever only Mick is left and even I don't know wether he is going to try again. I'm very good friends with all of them now but it took a while".......

Background

Despite his vocal
Human voice
The human voice consists of sound made by a human being using the vocal folds for talking, singing, laughing, crying, screaming, etc. Its frequency ranges from about 60 to 7000 Hz. The human voice is specifically that part of human sound production in which the vocal folds are the primary...

 range (paired with a sense of dynamics), and a charismatic stage presence, Byron was dismissed from Uriah Heep in 1976, at the demand of keyboardist Ken Hensley
Ken Hensley
Kenneth William David Hensley is a keyboard player , guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer best known for his work with Uriah Heep during the 1970s....

 (the band's primary songwriter), who gave the ultimatum "it's him or me" to band manager Gerry Bron
Gerry Bron
Gerald L. Bron is an English record producer and band manager. In his early days, he managed the Bonzo Dog Band.Bron is the brother of actress Eleanor Bron. His family is Jewish. He is also of Eastern European origin...

, citing Byron's increasingly erratic behavior due to alcohol abuse.

The Last Years And Death 1981-1985


Mick Box
Mick Box
Michael Frederick Box , better known by his stage name Mick Box, is the lead guitarist of British rock group Uriah Heep, having previously been a member of The Stalkers and Spice, both with original Uriah Heep vocalist David Byron. He is the only member from the band's founding in 1969 who is...

 and Trevor Bolder
Trevor Bolder
Trevor Bolder is an English rock bassist, musician, songwriter and record producer. He is best known for his long association with Uriah Heep and his tenure with The Spiders From Mars, the one-time backing band for David Bowie, although he has played alongside a variety of musicians since the...

, of Uriah Heep, invited Byron to re-join the band in 1981, after Ken Hensley left, but Byron refused. He died of alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...

 related complications, including liver disease and seizures, at his home in Reading
Reading, Berkshire
Reading is a large town and unitary authority area in England. It is located in the Thames Valley at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, and on both the Great Western Main Line railway and the M4 motorway, some west of London....

, on February the 28th 1985. He was 38 years and 30 days old.. His death was barely reported in the music press.

Solo albums

  • Take No Prisoners
    Take No Prisoners (David Byron album)
    Take No Prisoners is the debut solo album of British rock singer David Byron. It was released whilst he was still vocalist for Uriah Heep and features Heep bandmates Mick Box and Lee Kerslake.-Track listing:...

    - 1975
  • Baby Faced Killer
    Baby Faced Killer
    Baby Faced Killer is the 2nd solo album of British rock singer David Byron. It was his first since being sacked by Uriah Heep.-Track listing:# Baby Faced Killer – 3:10# Rich Man's Lady – 3:51...

    - 1978
  • That Was Only Yesterday - The Last EP
    That Was Only Yesterday - The Last EP
    That Was Only Yesterday - The Last EP was the last recording of David Byron less than a year before his death. In late 1983 Richard Manners asked Richard "Digby" Smith to put together a band and cut some tracks with David...

    - Recorded 1984, released 2008

with the Byron Band

  • On the Rocks - 1981
  • Lost and Found - Recorded 1980-82, released 2003

with Uriah Heep

  • Very 'eavy... Very 'umble
    Very 'eavy... Very 'umble
    Very 'eavy... Very 'umble is the debut album of British hard rock band Uriah Heep.It was released in the United States as Uriah Heep with alternate sleeve artwork, and with "Bird of Prey" in place of "Lucy Blues." The album is notable for being rooted more in raunchy blues rock than the band's...

    - 1970
  • Salisbury
    Salisbury (album)
    Salisbury is the second album released by British rock band Uriah Heep.Although the majority of tracks are clean hard rock, more so than on the previous Very 'Eavy Very 'Umble, the album features forays into both jazz-fusion on "The Park", and square progressive rock on the band's first foray into...

    - 1971
  • Look at Yourself
    Look at Yourself
    Look at Yourself is the third album released by British rock band Uriah Heep.It is Uriah Heep's most straight ahead "hard rock" album, with one notable foray into progressive territory on "July Morning"...

    - 1971
  • Demons and Wizards
    Demons and Wizards (album)
    Demons and Wizards is the self-titled debut album of power metal / heavy metal band Demons and Wizards released in February 2000. A limited edition version of the album contains a remake of the classic Cream song "White Room." The Japanese release also features "White Room," but includes an...

    - 1972
  • The Magician's Birthday
    The Magician's Birthday
    The Magician's Birthday is the fifth album released by British rock band Uriah Heep. The story line is "based loosely on a short story" written by Ken Hensley in June and July 1972....

    - 1972
  • Uriah Heep Live
    Uriah Heep Live
    Uriah Heep Live is a 1973 double live album by British rock group Uriah Heep. In addition to a live version of the band's hit "Easy Livin'", the record includes classic live cuts such as "Sweet Lorraine", "Sunrise" and an extended live version of "July Morning"...

    - 1973
  • Sweet Freedom
    Sweet Freedom
    Sweet Freedom is the sixth studio album released by British rock band Uriah Heep.The original vinyl release was as a gatefold-sleeve, reproducing the lyrics within. There was also a central page with a photograph of each band member...

    - 1973
  • Wonderworld
    Wonderworld (album)
    Released in 1974, Wonderworld is the seventh album released by British rock band Uriah Heep.The original vinyl release was a single sleeve, with the lyrics reproduced on the inner-liner.The album was the last to feature bass player Gary Thain...

    - 1974
  • Return to Fantasy
    Return to Fantasy
    Return to Fantasy is the eighth studio album released by British rock band Uriah Heep.The experienced John Wetton was the band's new bassist.The original vinyl release was as a gatefold-sleeve, with the lyrics reproduced on the inner-liner....

    - 1975
  • High and Mighty
    High and Mighty (album)
    High and Mighty is the ninth studio album released by British progressive rock band Uriah Heep."High and Mighty" was the last Uriah Heep album to feature vocalist and founding member David Byron, who was subsequently fired due to his troubles with alcohol.The album was not terribly well-received,...

    - 1976
  • Live at Shepperton '74
    Live at Shepperton '74
    Live at Shepperton '74 was the second live album by British rock band Uriah Heep. It was originally released in 1986.- Original version :Side A# "Easy Livin'" – 2:57# "So Tired" - 3:58...

    - Recorded 1974, released 1986
  • The Lansdowne Tapes
    The Lansdowne Tapes
    The recordings featured on the album date from the time before the formation of Uriah Heep. The early history begins with a band called Spice. Featuring Mick Box, David Garrick--who later changed his name to David Byron--Paul Newton and Alex Napier, they were signed to Gerry Bron's company 'Hit...

    - Recorded 1969-71, released 1993

External links

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