The Other Side of Midnight

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "The Other Side of Midnight" by Uriah Heep from their 1983 album Head First, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This track, the opener for the album, is a hard-hitting rock anthem with a slick AOR vibe, blending catchy hooks with the band’s signature energy. One juicy piece of trivia comes from The Magician’s Podcast, where host Scott Haskin dives into the song’s sultry lyrics, penned by Peter Goalby, Mick Box, Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, and John Sinclair. The lyrics paint a nocturnal chase, with lines like “Late at night I’ll be knocking / On your door” and a playful nod to “hot persuasion,” giving it a cheeky, rebellious edge that fits right into the Zoo Crew’s vibe. Fans on The Magician’s Podcast Facebook page have called it a standout for its driving rhythm and Goalby’s commanding vocals, perfect for late-night airwaves.

Another tidbit from the Metal Odyssey blog highlights why this song resonates with the Zoo Freaks. The blog’s 2010 review of Head First crowns "The Other Side of Midnight" as the album’s best track, praising its “cool vibes” and early ’80s hard rock swagger. The song’s production, handled by Ashley Howe, leaned into a polished, radio-friendly sound, which some longtime fans on Prog Archives felt strayed from Uriah Heep’s prog roots but still packed a punch. Despite the album’s lack of promotion due to Bronze Records’ liquidation in 1983, the song became a fan favorite, especially for those who caught the band’s Head First tour, with live footage from New Zealand featured in the Easy Livin': A History of Uriah Heep video. The Zoo Crew likely digs how the song’s raw energy and sneaky, tomcat-like prowling vibe capture the free-spirited essence of their listeners.

Uriah Heep got their start in London back in 1969, born from the ashes of a band called Hogwash, formed by 19-year-old guitarist Mick Box in Brentwood, Essex. According to their bio on Wikipedia, Box teamed up with vocalist David Garrick (later David Byron), and their songwriting partnership pushed them to go pro. Initially called Spice, they recorded at Lansdowne Studios before adopting the name Uriah Heep, inspired by the Charles Dickens character from David Copperfield, a nod to the 100th anniversary of Dickens’ death in 1969. The addition of keyboardist Ken Hensley in 1970, a Vanilla Fudge fan who brought a Hammond organ flair, shaped their heavy prog sound. Their debut album, …Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble, dropped in 1970, and despite a harsh Rolling Stone review, tracks like “Gypsy” hooked fans, setting the stage for their rise as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal alongside bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath.

The band’s journey wasn’t without turbulence, with numerous lineup changes over their 56-year career, leaving Mick Box as the sole original member. Their “classic” lineup, solidified in 1972 with Gary Thain on bass, produced the iconic Demons and Wizards, which hit No. 23 on the Billboard 200. Despite challenges like David Byron’s alcohol struggles and Thain’s tragic death in 1975, Uriah Heep kept rocking, selling over 40 million albums worldwide, with hits like “Easy Livin’” and “Lady in Black” cementing their legacy. The Zoo Freaks can connect with the band’s resilience and eclectic sound, which blends prog, hard rock, and even AOR in tracks like "The Other Side of Midnight."

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out Uriah Heep’s official website for tour dates and merch. Stay updated via their Facebook (350,879 likes and active posts), Instagram (@uriahheepofficial), and X (@UriahHeepBand) for the latest news. Fans can also join the Uriah Heep Podcast Facebook group to discuss episodes and songs like "The Other Side of Midnight." For more fan-driven content, uriah-heep.com links to official stores, and sites like Prog Archives offer detailed discographies and reviews. The Zoo Crew and their Freaks can keep the Heep spirit alive by cranking up this track and exploring the band’s wild, storied history!