HELL, FIRE, & CHAOS RULES THIS NIGHT OF LIVE MUSIC
On a balmy Tuesday evening, the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale reverberated with the electrifying sounds of heavy metal and progressive rock. Legendary bands Saxon and Uriah Heep took the stage for their first show of the tour, igniting the venue with a fiery performance that left fans spellbound.
Emerging in 1977, Saxon was at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Alongside iconic bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard, they carved their path to stardom. But Saxon didn’t just keep pace; they outdistanced their peers. Their seminal sophomore album, “Wheels of Steel” (1980), achieved platinum status in the United Kingdom. As the crowd roared, Saxon unleashed their classic hits, reminding us why they remain a force to be reckoned with.
Taking their name from Charles Dickens’ scheming lawyer in David Copperfield, Uriah Heep is a progressive rock institution. Alongside luminaries like Deep Purple, Queen, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin, they laid the foundation for the United Kingdom’s vibrant hard rock and heavy metal scene. As the lights dimmed, Uriah Heep graced the stage, weaving intricate melodies and transporting the audience through time. Their timeless tracks resonated, proving that their legacy endures.
The Parker Playhouse buzzed with anticipation. Fans, old and new, gathered to witness these titans of rock. The air crackled with excitement as the first chords echoed through the hall.
Uriah Heep opened the night, setting the tone with their signature blend of progressive rock. Hits like “Easy Livin’”, “Gypsy”, and “Stealin’” transported us back to an era when rock was raw and unapologetic. Vocalist Bernie Shaw’s powerful voice soared, and the band’s tight musicianship held us captive.
Then came Saxon, guitars wailing and drums thundering. “Wheels of Steel” kicked off their set, and the crowd erupted. Bangers like “Princess of the Night”, “Denim and Leather”, and “747 (Strangers in the Night)” had everyone headbanging in unison. Biff Byford’s commanding presence and Paul Quinn’s searing guitar solos left an indelible mark.
As the night drew to a close, both bands returned for an epic encore. Together, they belted out “Free ‘n’ Easy”, a fitting tribute to the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. The crowd sang along, hands raised, hearts pounding.
The Parker Playhouse witnessed a collision of rock gods. Saxon and Uriah Heep proved that age is no barrier to rocking out. Their music transcends time, uniting generations under the banner of unadulterated rock. As the last chord faded, the audience knew they had witnessed something magical—a night of hellfire, chaos, and pure rock ‘n’ roll.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL
ROCKBANDREVIEWS.COM / 2024