The Magician's Birthday

Album: The Magician's Birthday (1972)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was mainly written by keyboardist Ken Hensley, and the lyrics were based on a fantasy novel of his. The novel was basically about a good and an evil wizard challenging each other to a duel after meeting during the former's birthday party. The long instrumental section, with the dueling guitars and drums and the dissonant keyboard playing, was supposed to depict the battle.
  • The Magician's Birthday was originally meant to be a full concept album, but Heep's busy touring schedule made it impossible to finish. Therefore, the concept had to be squeezed into this song, with the other songs being lyrically and musically different. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jon - Sweden, for above 2

Comments: 3

  • Joe from Grants Pass, OrYeah, Box still kicks ASS
  • Joe from Grants Pass, OrMick Box totally rules !
  • Devon from Westerville, Ohheep is awesome the guitar solo in this song kicks ass
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tom Bailey of Thompson Twins

Tom Bailey of Thompson TwinsSongwriter Interviews

Tom stopped performing Thompson Twins songs in 1987, in part because of their personal nature: "Hold Me Now" came after an argument with his bandmate/girlfriend Alannah Currie.

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."