Legendary drummer Lee Kerslake was a man who hit his kit with real power and who enjoyed life to the fullest, earning himself the nickname of ‘The Bear’ in a career that was rich and varied. Born in Dorset in 1947, Kerslake began playing drums at the age of 11 and joined assorted bands before landing a gig with London-based outfit The Gods in 1968. During his time with that band, he cut two albums and formed a firm friendship with keyboard player Ken Hensley who he would re-join first in Toe Fat, and then in Uriah Heep in 1972. By then, alongside Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, Heep were one of the pre-eminent heavy bands in the UK and three albums into their career. Kerslake joined in time to record their fourth, Demons And Wizards, which propelled the band further onto ...
