Uriah Heep guitarist and sole constant member Mick Box will miss the start of band’s Scandinavian tour after taking ill.
The mighty Uriah Heep, who featured five times in Planet Rock’s 500 Greatest Rock Songs countdown, kick off The Magician’s Farewell Tour in Tampere, Finland on Thursday night (22nd January), and they play a total of 15 shows across Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark.
The band issued a statement this afternoon breaking the news that 78-year-old Mick “has been taken ill” and he’s unable to perform.
Confirming they’re “monitoring Mick’s progress daily”, Uriah Heep have drafted in Black Star Riders and Wayward Sons axeman Sam Wood to fill in for Mick at the “first few shows.”
Uriah Heep’s full statement:
“We would like to let everyone know that Mick has been taken ill and will not be able to perform the first few shows on the Scandinavian leg of The Magician’s Farewell Tour starting in Tampere, Finland this Thursday.
“We are monitoring Mick’s progress daily and he will be back on the road as soon as he is fit, and he sends his best along with his sincere apologies to you all.
“We have been very lucky to have Sam Wood stand in at the very last minute with Mick’s blessing for the shows Mick cannot make.
“We truly appreciated everyone’s understanding in this unfortunate position we are in and hope you can make Sam welcome in this less than easy task for him.
“We will keep you updated on Mick’s progress and see you all starting tomorrow.
“Bernie, Phil, Russ and Davy.”
Uriah Heep will co-headline the Sunday night at Maid of Stone Festival with The Almighty on 19th July 2026. It’s the band’s only UK show of the year.
Everyone at Planet Rock wishes our pal Mick a full and speedy recovery.
