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Spice (1967-1969, originally The Stalkers) was the immediate precursor to English rock band Uriah Heep, featuring David Byron (vocals), Mick Box (guitar), Paul Newton (bass guitar), and Alex Napier (drums) (Napier was a replacement for drummer Nigel Pegrum; Pegrum would later join folk rock stalwarts Steeleye Span). The group changed their name to Uriah Heep on the inclusion in late 1969 of organist Ken Hensley, formerly of The Gods and Toe Fat. Drummer Lee Kerslake, who had played with Hensley in both bands, would follow him into Uriah Heep in 1972.

[edit] Discography

Spice released one single, "What About The Music" (b/w "In Love") in 1968, eventually transforming into Uriah Heep during the recording of their first full-length album. Songs recorded under the Spice name and line-up have surfaced on:

• The Lansdowne Tapes (compilation of recordings by Spice, and outtakes from the first three Uriah Heep albums) - Recorded 1968-1971, released 1994

• A Time of Revelation (four-disc anthology of Uriah Heep material, including recordings by Spice) - Recorded 1968-1995, released 1996

Spice recordings on these compilations consisted of "Astranaza", "Born In A Trunk" (vocal and instrumental versions), "Celebrate", "I Want You Babe", "In Love", "Magic Lantern", "Schoolgirl", and "What About The Music". Additionally, two of the songs released on the first Uriah Heep album were recorded by the Spice line-up before Hensley's inclusion, with Colin Wood appearing on keyboards ("Come Away Melinda" and "Wake Up (Set Your Sights)").

[edit] References