Legendary UK rockers URIAH HEEP recently announced that John Lawton, who was lead vocalist between 1976 and 1979, will reunite with the band to cover for Bernie Shaw, who requires some time off for a routine medical procedure.

Lawton will be rejoining the band for a limited run of dates in May, when the band tour The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. John had already been confirmed to perform as a one-off guest at an outdoor amphitheatre Uriah Heep show in Spain on July 12th. This show at San Javier will now feature both singers and will serve as an occasion for the band to thank John.

Bernie Shaw has now issued the following statement: "To all the lifelong fans and followers of Uriah Heep, I’m afraid I’m being forced to step back from position of lead singer of one of the best damn rock-n-roll bands on the live circuit today, albeit for just a couple of weeks rehabilitation, due to medical reasons.

In order to fulfil contractual obligations, we came up with the idea of contacting John Lawton to ask if he would do the legacy proud, so to speak and do the shows that I won’t be able to do. He’s got the history, and by God he still has the voice! John and I will be sharing the same stage and singing together in San Javier, Spain later on this summer.

Till then, I feel I’m leaving you in very capable hands, and a rare chance to see John singing songs from his era in this present line up. I am most indebted to John and salute his passion. See you soon."

Uriah Heep mainman Mick Box recently answered some questions in regards to the band once again joining forces with Lawton, over 35 years since John replaced David Byron.

Q: Would you like to say a few words about John Lawton deputising for Bernie?

A: "I am delighted to welcome back my old mate to the band. With Bernie off duty for a short while, John was the most obvious choice. Having worked with John on a recent feature film called Love.net, I knew that his pipes were in great shape, and that he would also be accepted readily by the Heep fans. All credit to John though, as once he had heard of the problem and was asked, he re-arranged a lot of his schedule to fit in with ours, which was really cool!"

Q: What is the set structure likely to be?

A: "To be honest it will probably be a nostalgic set, drawn from the 70s, featuring the Byron and Lawton period. It would be unfair to ask John to start learning songs from the last studio recordings, as they have Bernie's trademark vocals all over them. This will make it an extra special concert for the fans in that regard."

Q: Can you share a special memory of John from the late seventies?

A: "One of my abiding memories is Heep playing 'Wise Man' on Top Of The Pops. If ever there was a song which did not give a hint of the band's hard rock background, this was it, and I was worried that we would be accused of selling out to commercialism. I needn't of worried, as John sang it so powerfully, that he not only made the song his, hard rock fans loved it to!"

Q: And a message to the fans.

A: "This will be a special set of dates with John, as we will be playing some classic songs in this nostalgic set, that may never be repeated.. We hope to see you all there to enjoy this historic 'Heep' moment. 'Appy days!"

As the shows will be recorded for official bootlegs, it promises to be a real treat for the fans. The sets will be skewed to songs reflecting John’s original tenure with the band, a celebration of classic 1970s Uriah Heep, this will be a unique chance to catch such a nostalgic performance, fronted by an ex-Uriah Heep legend, always a friend of the band, who has returned while Bernie Shaw recuperates.

The band's complete live itinerary can be found here.

Uriah Heep will be one of the headliners at the 2013 edition of the Metalitalia.com Festival, being held Saturday, May 11th at Via Mazzini 58, Trezzo Sull’Adda in Milan, Italy. The band will be performing a special best-of set spanning through all the hits of their fundamental career.

Several international and Italian special guests from various branches of heavy metal have also been invited to join such an important act including ARTILLERY, SCHIZO, GAMA BOMB, TORTURE SQUAD and ICY STEEL.

Organizers add: "The additional space outside the venue will allow us to comfortably accommodate the crowd, and will allow more room for the metal market, places to sit and other new additions such as tattoo artists, lounge rooms, etc. The Live Club is surrounded by free parking lots and can also provide meals thanks to a restaurant that oversees the stage. More newly confirmed bands and details will be announced shortly."

Ticket Prices:

Advance: €30 + service charge

Door: €35

For more details visit Facebook.