IN MEMORIAM: Former Uriah Heep singer John Lawton and his love for Bulgaria

John Lawton, the singer of "July Morning" - the song, which is the signature of the July Morning tradition, which is celebrated in Bulgaria every year on July 1.

John Lawton died on June 29, but the tragic news of his sudden and totally unexpected passing was announced by the band "Uriah Heep" last night. At the end of this week, Lawton would have turned 75.

He loved Bulgaria very much and was often here, especially in July, when thousands of people on July 1 get together to meet the sunrise.

John Lawton was one of the great friends of Bulgaria. Since 2004 he has been performing "July Morning" annually at the concerts in Kavarna - Kaliakra Rock Fest, which takes place at dawn on July 1. He often participated in other concerts in the country.

At the end of 2008 he participated in "John Lawton presents ...", where he spoke about the past of the Bulgarian costal city of Bourgas and other cities - surroundings, traditions and customs. In 2011, he took part in the popular Bulgarian film "Love.net", and in addition to his participation he also contributed with the song "Tonight", which is included in the soundtrack to the film.

In January 2012 he recorded an album with the Bulgarina band "Diana Express".

The former mayor of the seaside town of Kavarna, Tsonko Tsonev, who for many years organized the traditional rock fest with the star participation of John Lawton, also shared the sad news on Facebook.

"On June 29, John Lawton passed away! Rest in Peace!" Tsonev wrote.

John Lawton remains forever in the history of music and in the hearts of millions of fans around the world with his eternal hit "July Morning", dedicated to the summer morning of July 1 and the solemn onset of summer.

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The Bulgarian July Morning tradition on July 1

Every year, thousands of people gather in various places in Bulgaria to watch the sun rise on the 1st day of July..

As part of the tradition, the largest number of people gather along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

The first sun rays are usually met with Uriah Heep’s song ‘July Morning’, which is the signature of the tradition. People gather around fires, sharing drinks and playing music, while they wait for the sunrise.

The July Morning tradition dates back to the hippie period in the 1970s and 1980s and originated as a protest against the restrictions of the communist regime. The meeting of the sunrise was a symbol of meeting a new beginning and a better future. Nowadays, this meaning is lost, but the sun worship as a symbol of a new beginning in life motivates young people to keep the tradition live.