URIAH HEEP UNVEILS 2025 “MAGICIAN’S FAREWELL” TOUR — DATES & CITIES REVEALED
Legendary British hard rockers Uriah Heep have officially announced their 2025 world tour, titled “The Magician’s Farewell” — a celebration of more than half a century of groundbreaking music. Guitarist Mick Box shared the tour details in September, during the band’s milestone 55th anniversary year (therockpit.net).
“Who can believe next year is 55 years since the band started? … Well, none of us are getting younger, so unfortunately we have made the decision to wind down touring the world starting next year,” reflected Box in a video message (blabbermouth.net).
️ UK Leg Revealed
Launching in February 2025, the first round of confirmed shows takes place across the UK. The seven-date run will feature headline sets with “very special guests” April Wine — the iconic Canadian rock outfit — alongside U.S. melodic hard rockers Tyketto (nme.com). The confirmed itinerary includes:
- Feb 19 – Birmingham, Symphony Hall
- Feb 20 – Bristol, Beacon
- Feb 22 – Gateshead, Glasshouse
- Feb 23 – Glasgow, King’s Theatre
- Feb 25 – Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
- Feb 26 – London, Palladium
- Feb 27 – Bexhill, De La Warr Pavilion (nme.com)
Fan demand has been strong — several shows show low ticket availability already (reddit.com) — and the live shows are poised to be emotional highlights as the band honors their storied career.
A Thoughtful Farewell… Or Just the Beginning?
While nicknamed the “farewell” tour, Box emphasized it’s not a quick good‑bye. Over the next two to three years, Uriah Heep intends to hit as many venues as they can (justinupdate.com.ng, blabbermouth.net). But once the full-scale touring ends, the band won’t fully retire. Instead, they plan to continue with select festival appearances and one-off “weekend” events, as logistics and passion permit (blabbermouth.net).
Box elaborated:
“Once we’ve done that, we’ll still be doing festivals and weekend work … but the long arduous tours we’re not gonna do anymore.” (blabbermouth.net)
Why Now?
Turning 55 years into the game invites reflection. Tour announcements echo gratitude as much as celebration — a tribute to the global fanbase that has supported the band since their debut (therockpit.net).
Formed in 1969, Uriah Heep carved their niche early with a unique fusion of progressive and hard rock, led by Mick Box’s guitar, Ken Hensley’s keyboards, and David Byron’s operatic vocals (reddit.com). They delivered a string of landmark albums — …Very ’Eavy…Very ’Umble, Salisbury, Demons and Wizards — laying down a sonic blueprint for decades to come (reddit.com).
Though the lineup has evolved, Mick Box remains the guiding force, keeping the classic Uriah Heep sound alive into the modern age . Their most recent studio release, Chaos & Colour (2023), continues this legacy (blabbermouth.net).
What Lies Ahead Beyond the UK?
While the full world tour schedule is yet to be released, Europe’s autumn 2025 dates are already taking shape. Germany alone is set to host nine shows between October and November, marking their most extensive mainland tour since their 50th-anniversary run .
Further global announcements — spanning Europe, North America and beyond — are expected in the coming months as “The Magician’s Farewell” rolls out (blabbermouth.net).
Ticketing & VIP Info
General ticket sales for the UK dates kicked off on Friday, Sept 27, 2024 at 10 AM BST, following a fan presale (nme.com). Tickets continue to be available online, with VIP options and packages reported through official band and ticketing platforms (bravewords.com).
Final Curtain or Encore?
So, is this really the end? Mick Box’s message is optimistic but realistic: it’s farewell to large-scale touring, but not to the music. Expect Uriah Heep to surface at festivals, possibly with surprise line‑ups or guest albums. After all, they’ve been defying expectations since the early ’70s .
The Legacy
Few bands can boast 55 years of relentless touring, lineup shifts, and a discography spanning 25 studio albums — all while maintaining underground reverence and influencing giants like Iron Maiden, Dio, and Queen .
As one Reddit fan reflected of their classic records:
“Their style … progressive rock and heavy metal… along with King Crimson and Rush, Uriah Heep are the forefathers of prog metal” (reddit.com).
