I don't know what to say about myself. I am 44 years old, and have been a Heep fan ever since I first heard Demons and Wizards when it first came out. I stopped listening to them, however, when Ken Hensley left the band. I am sure they are still a good band, but I can't bring myslef to listen to Heep without Hensley. I thought he was the major force behind their sound that I loved. I saw them live only twice, once in '73 with David, and once in '78 with John Lawton. Great shows both!

To tell you a bit about myself, I am an ex-Marine, and I build and repair computers for a living. I am also a musician. I have been playing drums for 30 years now, and still love it as much as I ever did. I prefer playing classic rock, but I have played many styles in the last 30 years. I think all music can be good if it is played well.

I am also a former member of Mensa. The only reason I am not a current member is because of lack of dues money. I think Mensa is a great organization, because it gives people with high IQ's a chance to get together and exchange points of view. One distinguished former member is the great science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. The only requirement for membership in Mensa is proof of an IQ in the top 2 percentile worldwide.

I regret that I didn't make it to Heepvention 97 in St. Louis, and now I am hoping that they don't hold the next one too far away for me to attend. I think it would be a kick to get together with some people who also love one of my favorite bands of all time!

My wife is only 31, and she had almost never heard of Uriah Heep when I met her, but since meeting me, she has learned to love them, and she can recognize most of their stuff within just a few notes! Not bad, huh? Her favorite Heep song is "Come Away Melinda". I love so many of their songs, I can't pick a favorite!

Ray Thomasson