April 29, 2025 – London, England
Netflix is turning the volume up to eleven with its latest music documentary, announcing the upcoming release of “Heep: The Gypsy Kings of Rock”, a deep-dive into the legacy of the British rock band Uriah Heep.
Slated to premiere worldwide on June 21, the documentary promises to give fans and newcomers alike an intimate look into the highs, lows, and lasting impact of a band often overshadowed by their 1970s contemporaries, yet still revered by devoted rock aficionados around the globe.
A Legacy Revisited
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Asif Kapadia (Amy, Senna), the documentary features rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and candid new interviews with surviving band members, former collaborators, and notable fans including Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson, and Dream Theater’s Jordan Rudess.
“Uriah Heep helped define a sound,” Kapadia said. “They were part of that pioneering wave of British hard rock and prog — their music was theatrical, powerful, and strangely spiritual. It’s time they got their due.”
From ‘Gypsy’ to Global Stage
Formed in 1969, Uriah Heep quickly made a name with hits like “Easy Livin’,” “Lady in Black,” and “July Morning.” Their blend of soaring harmonies, heavy organ riffs, and fantasy-laced lyrics helped lay the groundwork for progressive rock and metal, even if their name never quite achieved the household recognition of peers like Deep Purple or Led Zeppelin.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters either — from lineup changes and creative clashes to the tragic death of original vocalist David Byron.
Streaming with a Soundtrack
In conjunction with the film’s release, Netflix will also feature a curated “Heep Essentials” playlist on Spotify, and rumors suggest a remastered box set of classic albums is in the works through BMG.
Mick Box, the band’s founding guitarist and still-active frontman, called the documentary “a beautiful tribute.”
“We’ve had one hell of a journey,” Box said. “And now the world gets to see it — warts and all.”
Rock On, Again
With the resurgence of rock documentaries finding mainstream success — from The Beatles: Get Back to Woodstock ’99 — Heep: The Gypsy Kings of Rock is Netflix’s next bold step in giving rock’s unsung heroes the spotlight they deserve.
As the trailer teases: “They didn’t just live easy. They lived loud.”
