The Wizard

The song "The Wizard" by Uriah Heep, featured on their 1972 album Demons and Wizards, is a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks, and it’s easy to see why with its mystical vibes and soaring energy. One intriguing piece of trivia comes from the song’s creation: it was co-written by Ken Hensley and Mark Clarke, the latter being a short-term bassist for the band. Clarke’s brief stint left a lasting mark with this track, which blends acoustic serenity with progressive rock grandeur. In a 2020 interview with Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles, drummer Lee Kerslake shared that guitarist Randy Rhoads was a huge fan of the Demons and Wizards album, particularly praising "The Wizard" for its dynamic shifts and storytelling. The song’s fantasy-laden lyrics, paired with Roger Dean’s iconic album artwork, also inspired the name of a side project by Hansi Kürsch and Jon Schaffer, called Demons & Wizards, showing its influence beyond Uriah Heep’s catalog.

Another story tied to "The Wizard" highlights its enduring appeal. On X, a post from @NoSkipsAllowed in August 2022 called it a personal favorite from the album, noting its “gorgeous” fit with the fantasy-themed cover art. Fans on Reddit’s r/vinyl community echoed this in 2023, with one user, History-Lover01, sharing how spinning the LP felt like stepping into a 1970s fantasy rock realm. The track’s opening acoustic guitars and David Byron’s powerful vocals set a magical tone, often described as a journey through a mythical world, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s hippie DJ aesthetic. Its progressive rock roots and hard rock edge also make it a staple for listeners craving something both introspective and electrifying.

Uriah Heep began in London in 1969, evolving from a band called Spice. Guitarist Mick Box and vocalist David Byron, who started as the Stalkers in 1967, laid the foundation. The name “Uriah Heep,” inspired by a Charles Dickens character from David Copperfield, was adopted in December 1969, partly due to the centennial of Dickens’ death sparking renewed interest in his works. According to biographer Kirk Blows, the band initially played as Spice until keyboardist Ken Hensley joined in February 1970, bringing a Vanilla Fudge-inspired organ sound that shaped their signature style. Their debut album, Very ‘Eavy, Very ‘Umble, released in 1970, mixed heavy guitars, dynamic vocals, and progressive elements, setting them apart in the early 1970s rock scene alongside bands like Deep Purple. By the time Demons and Wizards dropped in 1972, with new bassist Gary Thain and drummer Lee Kerslake, the “classic” lineup had formed, and as Blows noted, “everything just clicked into place.”

Fans can connect with Uriah Heep through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, throwback photos, and new music like their 2023 album Chaos & Colour. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Uriah Heep Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant hub for sharing memories, vinyl finds, and concert experiences. Another group, Uriah Heep Appreciation Society, connects fans worldwide with discussions on albums like Demons and Wizards. Websites like Uriah Heep Collector offer detailed discographies and memorabilia for dedicated collectors, while Prog Archives provides fan reviews and historical context, perfect for exploring the band’s progressive rock legacy.