David Byron

David Garrick (29 January 1947 – 28 February 1985), better known by his stage name David Byron, was a British singer who was best known in the early 1970s as the original lead vocalist of the rock band Uriah Heep and their hit singles "Easy Livin'" and "Stealin'" (1973). Byron possessed a powerful operatic voice and exuded a flamboyant stage presence.

Early life (1947–1969) David Garrick was born in Essex to David James Garrick and Rosetta Caroline Florence Purkis, who wed in the late 1930s. His father worked as a compositor, type-setting for a London based printing firm called Odhams Press. From the mid-1960s to early 1970s, he did 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 Top 20 hits and were released on EPs and LPs.

In a 1973 interview, Byron said: "I started singing at the age of five. My mother was singing in a jazz band. My whole family was into music. Everybody played an instrument."

Deciding that Spice's sound needed keyboards, they recruited keyboardist/guitarist/singer/songwriter Ken Hensley, who was Newton's bandmate in The Gods. During this time, Byron renamed the band Uriah Heep from the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield.

With Uriah Heep (1969–1976)

L–R: Ken Hensley, Mick Box, Gary Thain, David Byron and Lee Kerslake Byron sang on 10 Uriah Heep albums: Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble, Salisbury, Look at Yourself, Demons and Wizards, The Magician's Birthday, Live, Sweet Freedom, Wonderworld, Return To Fantasy, and High and Mighty. In 1975, Byron released his first solo album, Take No Prisoners,

Later career (1976–1984)

Byron recorded three solo albums: Take No Prisoners in 1975, Baby Faced Killer in 1978, and That Was Only Yesterday, which was recorded in 1984, one year before his death. in March 1977. The album sold poorly and Byron quit. and debuted with the single "Every Inch of the Way"/"Routine" (CR 8). This was followed by the single "Never Say Die"/"Tired Eyes", before the release of the 1981 album On the Rocks (CRX 2). However, as with his previous band Rough Diamond, neither critical nor commercial acclaim was forthcoming.

Lost and Found is a double album that included demos and live recordings by the Byron Band, which spanned from 1980 to 1982.

Death and legacy Byron died of alcohol-related complications, including liver disease and seizures, at his home in Berkshire on 28 February 1985. On BBC Radio's The Friday Rock Show, Tommy Vance played "July Morning" in tribute.

On the Equator tour, around the time of Byron's death, Uriah Heep dedicated "The Wizard" to him. There were also tributes to him and deceased bassist Gary Thain on the 1998 album Sonic Origami. The opening track, "Between Two Worlds", is dedicated to David Byron and Gary Thain, both members of Uriah Heep who died at a young age.

Discography Solo albums Take No Prisoners – 1975 Baby Faced Killer – 1978 That Was Only Yesterday – The Last EP – 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 – 1970 Salisbury – 1971 Look at Yourself – 1971 Demons and Wizards – 1972 The Magician's Birthday – 1972 Uriah Heep Live – 1973 Sweet Freedom – 1973 Wonderworld – 1974 Return to Fantasy – 1975 High and Mighty – 1976 Live at Shepperton '74 – recorded 1974, released 1986 The Lansdowne Tapes – recorded 1969–71, released 1993

with Rough Diamond Rough Diamond – 1977

Footnotes