David Byron

David Byron earned his chief renown as lead vocalist for the 1970s arena-rock group Uriah Heep, yet he also maintained an independent recording career. Born David Garrick on January 29, 1947, in Essex, England, he first surfaced in the fleeting band Stalkers. Joining forces with that outfit’s guitarist Mick Box, he helped launch Spice, whose lineup further included bassist Paul Newton and drummer Alex Napier. The ensemble adopted the name Uriah Heep in 1970, borrowing the moniker from a character in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield. Their opening album, Very 'eavy, Very 'umble, presented a fusion of art-rock and heavy metal that reviewers largely derided; nevertheless, the band attained widespread success on both sides of the Atlantic, with Byron’s operatic delivery drawing much of the notice. He delivered his debut solo album, Take No Prisoners, in 1975. The following year, after contributing to ten Uriah Heep releases, his chronic drinking prompted the band to dismiss him. He responded by forming Rough Diamond, recruiting former Humble Pie guitarist Clem Clempson and ex-Wings drummer Geoff Britton. The project produced only the self-titled 1977 LP before splitting apart, prompting Byron to resume solo work. His next effort, Baby Faced Killer, met with little commercial response. He then assembled the Byron Band alongside guitarist Robin George, and their lone album, On the Rocks, appeared in 1981. Byron’s alcoholism continued to intensify, ultimately stalling his professional activity, and he was discovered deceased at his home in Reading on February 28, 1985.