The Malta Independent on Sunday

Uriah Heep’s Maltese connection

Ace keyboardis­t should not just be associated with Uriah Heep. In his career, which spans six decades, he has played sessions with artistes from different genres, toured the world some three or four times and has contribute­d considerab­ly to the music scen

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You have played with Hot Chocolate and also Chris Spedding among other talents. What are your experience­s working with the late Errol Brown and Chris Spedding?

I was booked as a session player with Hot Chocolate on the song No doubt about it and Chris Spedding so I didn’t meet Errol or Chris. Like yourself, experience­d drummer Tony Carr also played with such bands. He is still alive thank God and lives in Eastbourne. Have you ever crossed paths?

I haven’t come across Tony Carr yet, though I know Eastbourne well. You have also played in the pub rock scene, back in the 1970s, with bands like Paddy Goes To Holyhead, among others. This scene spawned the likes of Ace, Squeeze, Nick Lowe and others. How influentia­l do you think pub rock has been in the UK scene?

The pub rock scene in the UK was essential at the time for musicians cutting their teeth in the industry. Sadly, there was a lot of “pay-to-play” in those days but it didn’t matter, when you’re hungry you just want to play. Which is your most satisfying work with Uriah Heep?

Seeing happy faces at all the concerts and writing new songs. I’m looking forward to a rockin’ good night in Valletta on the 29th. What are the most important factors in your opinion behind Uriah Heep’s endurance?

The secret of Heep’s endurance is most certainly a good song and the passion of playing live. We mix both old and new songs together in our set list and both get the same reaction which is also very rewarding. The album ‘Outsider’ saw you collaborat­e once more with Mick Box as songwriter­s. Can you describe the songwritin­g collaborat­ion and how you go along as songwriter­s?

Mick and I have been writing ever since I joined back in 1986. It’s a partnershi­p that just simply works. We bring together all the ideas at my place and sift through them pulling out the ideas that most fit Uriah Heep. What will be your next project?

A new Uriah Heep album that we are writing now for a release in the new year. Outside of Uriah Heep I have written a novel that is being considered by Bloomsbury book publishers. My fingers are crossed! How can you describe your Mal- tese connection­s? From which town or village in Malta does your family come from?

My father was born in Sliema and my other relatives are in various parts of the island, some in Sliema, some in San Gwann, Paceville and Santa Venera. Check out my website www.phillanzon.com

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 ??  ?? Rachel Fabri as Regina
Rachel Fabri as Regina

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