On the night of April 11th, the Tokio Marine Hall in São Paulo was the stage for a historic performance by Uriah Heep . The Magician's Farewell arrived in the São Paulo capital with an air of farewell, but, contrary to what the title suggests, the band made it clear: this is not a definitive goodbye. The promise is only to slow down, not to disappear. And, if the performance is indicative of what is still to come, the group's legacy remains strong and relevant. The opening act was the São Paulo band Allen Key .
With the audience still arriving, Allen Key, led by vocalist Karine Menascé , presented the best of their contemporary hard rock. Songs like “Granted”, “Straw House”, “Sleepless”, “Easy Prey”, and “Get In Line” made up the setlist. The band's more modern style contrasted sharply with the 70s hard rock of Uriah Heep, resulting in a lukewarm reception from the audience—mostly over 45 and, for the most part, unfamiliar with the opening act. Even so, Allen Key demonstrated professionalism and delivered a consistent and solid performance.
The most anticipated moment: Uriah Heep
The most anticipated moment of the night arrived with the entrance of Uriah Heep. The current lineup demonstrated why the band remains relevant on international stages. Bernie Shaw (vocals) continues to be charismatic and confident; Mick Box , guitarist and only original member, exudes charisma and absolute mastery of the instrument. Phil Lanzon (keyboards), Dave Rimmer (bass), and Russell Gilbrook (drums) complete the group with precision and energy, forming a solid foundation for the band's sound.
Uriah Heep began the night with "Grazed by Heaven," a track that immediately captured the audience's attention. The combination of powerful riffs and Bernie Shaw's voice created an electrifying atmosphere. The fans, many of whom have followed the band for decades, sang along to every word, showing the deep connection they have with Uriah Heep's music. Following that, "Save Me Tonight," from their most recent album, Chaos & Colour (2023), proved that the British band has managed to maintain the essence that made them famous in a masterful hard rock style.
“Overload” maintained the pressure, with heavy riffs and a driving drum beat. The band delivered a powerful version, highlighting Bernie Shaw's sharp vocals and Mick Box's guitar solos, always charismatic with his ever-present smile and theatrical gestures. Classics also had their moment. “Shadows of Grief” immersed the audience in the group's more progressive side, with its tempo changes and dense atmosphere. The highlight was Phil Lanzon's keyboards, which created atmospheres and challenged Mick Box's guitars, providing a true journey back to the 1970s.
“Stealin’”, one of the band’s biggest hits, received a warm reception. And rightly so: one of the band’s anthems had the audience singing every verse with devotion, transforming the Tokio Marine Hall into a veritable choir. “Hurricane”, another track from their most recent album, brought a breath of renewed energy, with Mick Box delivering powerful riffs that ignited the crowd. One of the most memorable moments of the night was the transition to “The Wizard”, with Mick on acoustic guitar. Certainly, a moment of pure magic, in which fans revered the beauty of the song and the guitarist’s undeniable skill.
The sequence with “Sweet Lorraine” and “Free 'n' Easy” maintained the intense rhythm, with a short drum solo at the end of the latter that drew much applause. The energy and passion with which they played showed that they still have much to offer their fans. Before launching into the epic “The Magician's Birthday,” Bernie Shaw emphasized that, despite the tour's name, the band wouldn't be stopping, but rather slowing down. For longtime fans, this announcement was a great relief. The surprise was the long jam during the track, in which Mick and Gilbrook, like two sorcerers, embarked on a true instrumental journey, enchanting the audience with an electrifying improvisation.
In the final stretch, the band delivered a killer sequence: “Gypsy” and “July Morning” ignited the stage with visceral and captivating performances. It was clear that nobody wanted the night to end. The return for the encore , “Sunrise,” brought an almost mystical atmosphere, preparing the ground for the perfect ending: “Easy Livin',” which had everyone singing, jumping, and applauding. A farewell? Perhaps to the intense pace of touring. But the Uriah Heep flame still burns—and São Paulo witnessed it. Although the tour bears the name of a farewell, what was seen was a vigorous celebration of a legacy that still promises new chapters.
Check out the photos of Jéssica Marinho :
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