Uriah Heep is one of my favourite bands ever. They are one of the most influential rock bands ever - being an influence on prog-metal, heavy and even power metal. Their most proficient period was the David Byron (one of the greatest vocalists in rock history) era - 1969-1976 with UH (RIP). During this period they released their best work, original, innovative and complex. Midseventies was a difficult period for them as their bassist Gary Thain died and D. Byron left the band as he had become very difficult to work with. Nevertheless, they released three more studio albums in the seventies, featuring John Lawton on vocals; unfortunately, the band started to lose their progressiveness and their music became less complex, turning to a hard rock act. Another drawback for UH was the departure of main composer Ken Hensley, and guitarist Mick Box remained the only veteran in the band. That's why UH music lost identity, drifting from their once great 70s sound, creating melodic hard rock throughout the 80s. Fortunately, since vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboardist Phil Lanzon joined the band in 1987 (if I remember right), the band has had a solid line-up and released 4 more great albums and regained the respect an love of their fans.

That would be a brief history of the band, if i forgot anything, please tell me.

So I'd like to know your opinion and thoughts on this great band.