Heron - Open Up The Road (1983/2012)

Originally conceived as a demo to promote Heron, Open Up The Road was recorded in Steve Jones's house in Maidenhead in 1983. With 'new' songs by both Gerald Moore and Roy Apps, which have rarely been performed live, alongside interpretations of proven folk songs.

Heron first came to the record buying public's attention in 1971. Their first album "HERON" was recorded in a field in Berkshire. The natural ambience and inclusion of birdsong on the tracks distinguished them immediately from contemporary bands. With the release of their first (Maxi) single "Only a Hobo" and its frequent plays on Radio One they were invited to appear on John Peel's radio show. As part of the legendary "Penny Concert" tour promoted by Red Bus it seemed their success was confirmed. However due to a shortage of vinyl and a subsequent delivery strike it became impossible to buy the single.
Undaunted they went on to record a double second album, "Twice as nice and half the price", which now has a cult following throughout the world, especially in Japan.
When recorded, in 1981, "Open Up The Road" was never intended as a releasable album. It was an 8-track mobile studio recording made to revive the band's gigging career. Sent out as a cassette to festival and concert organisers, it very much captured the live feel of the band but was not considered at the time to be polished enough for release.
With the arrival of the internet, fans insisted it should be released as a CD. So here it is. We hope you enjoy it.