URIAH HEEP's MICK BOX On Possible Retirement: 'We Never Think About Those Things'

Southeast Wreck Metal conducted an interview with URIAH HEEP guitarist Mick Box on November 29 at the House Of Culture in Helsinki, Finland. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about how he and his bandmates manage to keep such an intense touring schedule five decades into URIAH HEEP's career, Box said: "I think it's 'cause if you've got passion for something you do… If you wanna continue what you're doing, look after yourself. If you wanna carry on the full rock and roll lifestyle, there's only one ending to it, and it's not a very nice ending. So we look after ourselves; we make sure we get enough sleep and stuff. It's hard enough work anyway for an 18-year-old, let alone people of our age. But because you've got that passion that drives you on, it gives you the energy to keep doing it every night."

Asked if he has ever thought about retirement, the 71-year-old guitarist said: "The only thing you retire is the tires on the wheels of your car when it's winter. [Laughs] We don't retire. We never think about those things. I think if you start putting blocks at the end of the road, then you're heading for trouble. We're always forward-thinking' we're always bringing out new music; we're continually writing; we'll record another album; and we'll just keep doing what we love doing. But you never give yourself those mental blockages, which is madness, really."

URIAH HEEP's 25th studio album, "Living The Dream", was released in September via Frontiers Music Srl. The disc was helmed by the widely respected Canadian producer Jay Ruston, known for his work with STONE SOUR, ANTHRAX and STEEL PANTHER.

Box is the original guitarist and sole remaining founding member of URIAH HEEP. He, vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboardist/vocalist Phil Lanzon have formed the nucleus of the band for more than 32 years and released 17 albums together.

URIAH HEEP debuted in 1970 with the release of one of hard rock's milestones, "Very 'Eavy, Very 'Umble", and has since sold in excess of 40 million albums worldwide. They constantly tour the world, playing up to 125 shows a year to more than 500,000 fans. The band's live set features the classic tracks from the '70s and is a musical journey from the band's beginnings to the present day.