Steve Harris: British Lion Help Me Write Shorter Songs

#SteveHarris of #IronMaiden + #BritishLion discusses the difference between his two bands, his playing techniques in each and reveals why British Lion tours occupy more of his time than Maiden tours. New British Lion album 'The Burning' out Jan. 17.
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[@Chingfordassociates]

I love the way steve Harris has spent 40 years travelling around the world to so many countries and yet he still sounds like a bloke who you’d meet in a pub in Leyton.

[@TML0677]

He wants his grandkids! Children get to work!!!

[@hhargos2017]

Steve is an absolute legend

[@frankeinstein5447]

Indeeeed

[@090nj2]

He really is

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

This man right here is one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Period. Not just one of the greatest songwriters in metal; one of the greatest of any genre. The amount of respect I have for him as a songwriter defies words. Being able to bring in a level of lyrical sophistication and genuine, emotionally affecting poetry into a genre that, back in the day, was known more for Motley Crue type songs about sex and partying, and still be able to make those songs rock like no one's business astounds me. Harris is a legend, and deservedly so.

[@Frankamentise]

TH3 F4LC0N So true. Steve’s brilliant. A true legend.

[@tomcottee2729]

So well said. He's up there with Lennon/McCartney. The themes/stories he writes about are amazing.

[@tomcottee2729]

Matthew Donaca I've heard about queensryche. Need to get into them. Heard there's a really good album that's supposed to be very operatic. Ah operation mind crime I think it's called.

[@70ad25]

Great songwriter and is up there with Roger Waters of Pink Floyd.

[@wtfdidijustwatch5053]

Ikr and he’s only 3rd wealthiest in the band, which stuns me. Didn’t he write a good chunk of their best selling songs?

[@mattgrundy27]

Steve has more talent in his left pinky than most modern artists.

[@mjdegrey4843]

Got that right.

[@kkdeveauxgue2784]

He's got more talent in his pinky,than I have in my whole body

[@James-hh1lq]

Not money tho

[@mattgrundy27]

@@James-hh1lq dunno. 30 million is alotttttta $$ Steve is sitting pretty, but should be 250mil not 30mil... Especially considering Bruce is worth 115mil.

[@hernanbusso1609]

@@mattgrundy27 He probably has much more than 30M, especially considering he gets more royalties than the others.

[@metaliikka627]

Where. Is. My. Steve Harris Wikipedia Fact Or Fiction

[@JTPrime08]

That’s what I was thinking too.

[@metaliikka627]

@@JTPrime08 Okay, the ones who has watched the The History Of Iron Maiden videos know most of the stuff already but still...I want it

[@abrahamedelstein4806]

I wanna know if he almost glassed Axl Rose for being a cunt.

[@dnray2092]

Same I've been waiting for it

[@JammingWave]

When I see Steve talking, it's no brainer that he brings a very humanistic approach to Maiden

[@frankeinstein5447]

Quality songwriter

[@ccskitchen1584]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqmuqoqojahmars

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

It's quite outstanding how Maiden have become so big. They get virtually no airplay. nor do they get much mainstream media coverage. And yet, they have just kept growing - To the point where they are even bigger now than in the 80s?! That's actually unheard of, for a band like that. Steve Harris & Rod Smallwood have managed Iron Maiden really well 🙏

[@hannes1734]

Same with Rammstein. You don't hear them in german Radio at all

[@fraroc]

Same thing with Rush. Critics absolute despised them yet they became massive.

[@marctoad]

@@fraroc Rush had some pop hits, though. Also Tom Sawyer is played non-stop on classic rock radio everywhere. Iron Maiden still isn't played on the radio regularly.

[@sherlockholmes2360]

@@hannes1734 but in one particular bulgarian radio, you do 😃.

[@hannes1734]

@@sherlockholmes2360 I mean, yeah, here's rock stations aswell, but on the big radiostations which you can listen to all over germany, they're not playing these bands

[@robotatomico83]

What I love about Steve, beside the obvious, is how his accent has never changed. All that success and he still sounds like a legit working class London bloke. So much love for this man.

[@vagvll]

The he says I don't have grandchildren yet shows how much he wants it and what a sweet guy he is.

[@russell2890]

One of the most influential person in the history of metal. Up to the irons

[@albertarason4502]

Incredible to see that man and think to myself that he is what got me into music, and now all I study and do now is music related. Thanks dad for showing me Iron Maiden.

[@werc85music]

🤘

[@danielwilliamson6524]

That's Awesome! 😎

[@putridabomination]

Same here

[@ShillBullshit007]

I was 11 my best mates brother lived in London got Maidens first two albums at the time, I have to say the first album is a genuine classic album of all time, amazing....and the rest of course but just saying, my mate also used to keep stinky old fishing socks in his singles box so people wouldn't take his records, well we were like 12, I also got my hands on the first four Motorhead albums in coloured vinyl, motorhead white, overkill green, bomber red and hammersmith clear I seem to remember.....

[@frankeinstein5447]

I'm gonna say it . . Up the Lions !

[@JamesClark1991]

Lol

[@Mx64MaxyImpress]

Steve Harris He still plays music even in his age now And one of the most important person in Metal and also in British!

[@EvaluateAssimilate]

I back up the clit commander that Harris is indeed British.

[@rintojulian2680]

and still plays football !

[@snagathesender1406]

It's the amount of football he plays when on tour is astonishing never mind the work he puts into the shows

[@draxlerchronicles5851]

Most amazing thing aboot this man is that after so many DECADES in the business and unimaginable money and fame, he is soooo down to earth and normal. He could so easily have become the heavy metal Elton John!

[@jeremyrobbins1571]

We can't loose Steve Harris. Music will be gone:(

[@LuisSantos-xj3rg]

i hope they keep doing long songs i really love long and epic songs :: Empire of the Clouds , The Red and the Black, When the Wild Wind Blows, Dance of Death , Sign of the Cross, Clansman , Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, For the Greater Good of God, Hallowed Be Thy Name and many others.

[@gomongio]

The Clansman is the last worthy song they wrote... when Blaze sang it

[@LuisSantos-xj3rg]

@@gomongio your opinion not mine , the book of souls is a masterpiece,and i listen to the latest albums a lot more than the old ones

[@Lukas-ki4kt]

@@LuisSantos-xj3rg same here Bro. Early albums are more strightforward, newer once hide their treasures to discover after many listens. I love both Maiden approach, classic one and a new one. But just as you I found myself listening more to the new staff and always discover something new

[@MrDantres]

Senjutsu enters the chat: 'My son, your prayers have been answered!'.

[@palmettobricks261]

I wish he could write a few shorter songs for the next Maiden album. I love the epics but a nice mix like on Powerslave would be nice.

[@StuartT1981]

Rather listen to the earlier Iron Maiden albums,last few albums the songs have been long and boring for me.

[@Toasty667]

@Hermano Antonio That's what she said!

[@FoxinTaiwan]

@@StuartT1981 Yes. I grew up listening IM but the last albums are ridiculous! I don't have any issues listening to a 24 min Symphony X's song cause they DO play progressive.

[@willh3972]

He even said it himself, he has all these ideas and doesnt know what to leave out, they have cool parts in songs but could use editing

[@markobighead3173]

You have received the exact opposite of your wishes.

[@aaronw8781]

Teacher: What does/did your grandpa do? Kid #1: He was a banker. Kid #2: He’s a mechanic Kid #3: He’s the bassist for Iron Maiden.

[@gc8972b]

if one does not feel the need to top grandpa, then i guess it is fine 😄

[@denismacfarlane255]

gc8972b If your grandpa played bass for Maiden, no one can top him lol

[@YesYouAreAbsolutelyCorrect]

Kid #3: He is Heavy Metal.

[@muzlp]

Not just the bassist.. but the FOUNDER of Iron Maiden & 80s Heavy Metal 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@virtualunreality8326]

He's not a grandfather "yet"! Live in hope though.

[@tatsu8886]

I think it's nice that Steve has such an amazing attitude and the experience of playing with British Lion to keep him in check as to where he is in the musical world. Can't say I know many musicians who had that taste of "The World Stage" where they play 10, 20, 50,000 people at a festival setting and then are willing to go strip down and play in a Club with maybe 100 people in it. Very refreshing to hear. I greatly admire Steve, his playing inspired me to be a Bassist and his attitude, work ethic and incorruptible spirit towards music is something to behold. Up the Irons!

[@jordank5975]

So many underrated songs from this man the mainstream forgets about

[@kennethdodd5924]

Good........Wouldn't want metal anywhere near the mainstream.

[@robbywhite4291]

@@kennethdodd5924 I concur...

[@kmag7122]

he's a great guy so down to earth you would never think he's a heavy metal super star it's so good he's still around giving us great music ❤

[@meanjoe4299]

Steve, geezer, lemmy & cliff. The 4 best bassists in metal

[@DannyBoi2112]

Id agree, but I would'nt agree that Motörhead is metal

[@perrization]

@@DannyBoi2112 Motörhead is more metal than metal

[@haydentaylor8651]

The red and the black is just so legendary to me the guitar solos get me every time I listen to it

[@nel3624]

I used to be in love with him when I was a teen

[@j7cc]

Big Iron Maiden fan, ever since I was a kid. Killers was my first metal album. 🇬🇧☘️🤘💀

[@vashwolfwood5899]

Living legend right here kids

[@andrewgocken517]

Your song have always been top notch Steven. You're one of the reasons why I picked up a bass 35 years ago. In content, some of the very best songs in Metal. Just saw you and your boy in Chicago. Awesome show.

[@emankcin1701]

He has aged 5 years in the last 25.

[@adamhendrickson512]

That's the outcome of a healthy lifestyle...

[@jaspergillgannon4991]

Yeah, aside from wrinkles, he looks exactly the same and has worn the same clothing as well

[@robertbarnes8327]

I love Steve Harris. Down to Earth, practical, global metal legend.

[@dreemsy249]

I hope Iron Maiden’s next album is as long, unique, and surprising as TBoS

[@andrewpappas9311]

Yeah, but hopefully some of the songs won't be as long. I mean, while they have some good 10+ minute songs it'd be nice to have some that aren't as lengthy

[@dreemsy249]

Andrew Pappas I thought it was perfect. There was speed of light and then several 5-6 minute songs. Then a couple 10-11. Then a 14. Then a 18. I understand wanting more 3-5 minute, to the point songs though. Either way, I’m sure whatever they come up with will please us.

[@Skelterbane69]

Kids these days have such a small attention span. I feel like empire of the clouds is 3 minutes long, cause of how brtilliant it is

[@Skelterbane69]

@Hermano Antonio Or that.

[@chadcassidy1580]

Sorry I disagree. Book of Souls could have been one album, and it still wouldn't have been the best post 2000 Maiden album. So much filler...chord progressions, guitar solos and whoa-whoa's that go on forever!! Definitely my least favorite of the new albums, not too mention that god awful album cover! They haven't had a decent album cover since Derek Riggs left.

[@haydentaylor8651]

I love maidens long songs man the guitar solos and Steve’s bass playing are legendary

[@mcfcguvnors]

one of the most down to earth musicians ever ,i saw them when irion maiden were doing T rex numbers in pubs - 2 years later they released a 2nd album killers n did a world tour where they played the UAE in Norwich ...those were the days

[@jettsom]

Steve is a true legend. He inspired so many musicians and not only bassists. I still remember listening to 1985 album Live after death over and over in my youth. My god Maiden were huge in the 80's. He definitely should be knighted.

[@stevenusa9937]

Thank You Mr. Harris.

[@Suchagreatchannelling]

Thank You Steve for endless inspiration. I Love this man. One of the greatest musician of all time. Big inspiration as a bassplayer and composer myself. God bless You. UP THE IRONS 🤘❤

[@PixieintheMainframe]

We love Steve.

[@AimiliosM]

love steve, greetings from greece !

[@mikaellofgren7]

Very good interview

[@ivansnegireff4516]

I got to give a lot of respect for these peoples I love them he's my idol a seen the Oregon concert live

[@ianpotts3819]

The red and the black is one of my favourite maiden tracks I like all the twists and turns in it it reminds me of mariner in structure well let's say I like all maiden tracks up the Irons

[@kristiandaulov4031]

I love how the "Hi kitty" guitar at the right bottom corner stands next to the big guitars.

[@rupertconradie8410]

Wow!!! Welcome guys!! Maiden!! This is huge!!

[@cosmicsprings8690]

Love your work mr Harris I wish I could write longer songs...✨✨✨🌜🎶🌞🎶🌛✨✨✨

[@ollewestman5272]

Is he like the nicest guy on the planet?! God bless Arry!

[@putridabomination]

I only found out about British Lion yesterday. I was not disappointed \m/

[@HoradoSomOficial]

Awesome

[@resocarvalho]

The Legend...

[@Testibus00]

I just saw Maiden...they haven't lost a step. They may be even better than ever. The opening act was The Raven Age, Steve's Son's band. Pretty goddamn cool. Steve sings along with every song onstage, dude's a beast.

[@Hellion73]

Inspirational fella to many🤘🤘🤘

[@deanmc178]

great to see ya stevie ,,a long time fan from the begining,,a drummer like nico is me

[@bassman494]

Very rare for a band to be led by a bassist who writes much of the material. Three agreeable yet respectable guitarists to make it happen. Maiden are like The Borg.

[@mf-qs5up]

He is so sweettt...

[@jm2953]

absolute legend😀😀😀up the irons!

[@adaogomez1650]

Steve Harris créateur d'Iron Maiden est vraiment un bassiste compositeur comme il en a peux!'Avoir accomplit ce qu 'il a fait est a la hauteur de son talent!Je peux les écouter toutes la journée... Grand respect ainsi qu'aux autre membres du groupe!Grand merci +++ de ADAO GOMEZ DE MIRANDA (France)

[@jozefmatusek508]

Absolute King of Kings

[@MrDantres]

Steve Harris, a living legend!

[@NBLP7001]

British Lion are playing Memphis, TN this weekend. I hope I have the chance to meet Steve Harris.

[@xergioka]

God knows that i love that man!

[@leehambleton9919]

I've been into maiden for many years I like many other fans would like to meet them I'd say thank you for all the great albums over the years I would never say to anyone of them great to meet you your legends I don't think they would like that cos there are no egos in that band Lee Hambleton from Sheffield

[@edwardgreat]

It just struck me... I'm listening to this interview for the 5:th time now

[@0129581s]

I have been INSPIRED so much by Steve's unique style of playing bass that I could not RESIST and bought a bass myself. I cannot play it yet, but decided that I will burn the bass the day I can play it as good as him.

[@brunorosa306]

This a real rock n' roll star....legend

[@DavidGomez-ph4yn]

You know that something is growing up when they have Gods in the show

[@patrickbeaudoin3473]

Cool j'adore

[@douglasantonio6243]

Steve Harris o chefe. Up the irons. Brasil.

[@IainFrame]

63 year old bloke with a luxurious head of hair the rest of us can only dream of :-D #uptheirons

[@guibox3]

"Everything I Need to Know About History I learned From Steve Harris and Iron Maiden Songs." Seriously though, I DO wish Harris would write more shorter ear candy songs like the 1980s Maiden instead of these long epic songs. Where are songs like 'Murder in the Rue Morgue", "Killers", "Iron Maiden", "Run to the Hills", "Number of the Beast", "Aces High" and "Wicker Man"? THOSE were awesome, short, killer ear pleasing songs.

[@booshting3520]

NO

[@LuisSantos-xj3rg]

​@@booshting3520 i really prefer long and epic songs : Empire of the Clouds , The Red and the Black, When the Wild Wind Blows, Dance of Death , Sign of the Cross, Clansman , Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, For the Greater Good of God, Hallowed Be Thy Name and many others.

[@chilly6470]

I agree with you 100%. The songs are too long these days and are not as good as they used to be. An "epic" maiden song back in the 80's was between 7 and 8 minutes except for Mariner. Alexander and to tame a land are probably my favourite long-ish songs. But, I'd love to see a new album focused more on great tunes instead of the lenght of them.

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

I’M STEVE HARRIS, AND I’LL WRITE WHATEVER LENGTH SONGS I WANT DAMNIT! lol 🤘🖖✌️🥇🎸(no bass emojis damnit)🇬🇧

[@spacewizardpip1111]

Iron Maiden is Iron Maiden regardless of the songs being long or short.

[@sherlockholmes2360]

Steve Harris - LEGEND! Iron Maiden is my favourite band! Btw, as a Babymetal fan as well, i immediately recognised the Metal Resistance poster.

[@ChuckJansenII]

Doing all the manager stuff, Steve has a new appreciation of The Sheriff of Huddersfield. ;)

[@leehambleton9919]

All the success maiden have had and they are as down to earth today as they were when they first started no ego or I'm a big star thing if I was lucky enough to meet them I wouldn't use the word legend I don't think that would go down very well I would say thanks for the music since I've been into maiden I have memories of all the albums I have bought the early albums saving pocket money to buy the album when no prayer for the dying came out I was ill but I had to have that album on the day it went on sale in the shops I couldn't wait until I got better I have often thought if I had to choose one album as my favourite which would it be this is difficult cos there early stuff is great but if I was pushed I would somewhere in time Lee Hambleton from Sheffield

[@hollandmeester347]

Genius mister Harris.........

[@TheJLPShow]

Great get with Steve Harris, guys! May I ask why you don't upload the entire full-length interview in one shot after you post the clips?

[@neilrobinson9806]

Harry top man❤

[@stevenpryce7808]

Never mind short songs bonny lad,if you keep on with the likes of Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner & Empire of the Clouds then I'll still be listening 👍👊

[@moksja667]

Shorter Maiden songs would be very welcome!

[@StrawberryLegacy]

"[Bruce] can sing up there, sounds only dogs can hear" 🤣

[@briancarr4607]

WHAT A GEEZER (UP THE IRONS )

[@TheHayate89]

Steve Harris 😊🔥💪👍

[@durhamviking1809]

Steve should be knighted.

[@bringsik100]

Order of the iron

[@jaspergillgannon4991]

I wish he would be, but you know it's never gonna happen

[@christschinwon]

Steve doesn't have Grandchildren yet. Anyone got Lauren's number? I'm joking!

[@stitcha123]

Why joke? I’m not

[@DanAloysius]

peace from Sri Lanka!

[@patsyjones1454]

BRITISH LION ROCKS 🎸!

[@notyetskeletal4809]

fucking legend.

[@derekthomas4435]

There Really aren't to Very Many Artist , Represented at the Level and Caliber ... that Steve Harris Excelled at . His Stage Representation ... Quite Theatrical ... Of Course , without a Doubt ...but , so Incredibly Professional ... there is a Theatrical Term called Blocking ... I do not know if he learned and practiced , to Apply this Technique ...or if it just came Natural . I can't say I know of too many Musicians that have Incorporated this Theatrical Blocking Technique as well as Steve Harris ... In this Way ... He never , ever Seemed Out of Place , at any Time or in any Way . Truly , Iron Maiden put on some of the Greatest Live Performances ... In the Music Industry ! Thanks

[@ziggypop79]

When’s the book out Steve?

[@markobighead3173]

He wasn't joking. The last three tracks of Senjutsu are all written by Steve and are all over 10 minutes long.

[@TheMusicmak3r]

🤘

[@usuck1883]

Metal Legend 🤘

[@trevcnor6314]

To remain humble whilst being the Number 1 Bassist in the worlds Number 1 Metal Band is an unquestionable talent on it's own!

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

Oo bleedin' 'eck Mr 'Arris, all those long songs on "Book of Souls" were wonderful. I know British Lion is a different thing but long-form is wonderful and very neglected. If that is where you are at then do that.

[@394pjo]

When Iconic rock musicians, who have been at the top for decades, start 'side-bands' its usually because the wave they rode to fame on, in Harris's case Iron Maiden, is no longer satisfying their creative hunger, along with the realisation their time at the top is fast running out. Starting a new band with younger musicians helps them rediscover the energy and excitement they felt when they first 'touched the void' at the beginning of their musical journeys. We are probably witnessing the very last days of Iron Maiden. Steve will likely call a halt to it when the other members start airing their laundry regarding how they feel cheated that Steve feels it necessary to start another band which, lets face it, sounds like the original Maiden.

[@themadmattster9647]

the X Factour in the states was awesome because it was basically a club tour

[@Yunnaro]

Lol I love his cockney accent xd

[@jaecrowther7869]

Metal rules 🤘🏻

[@werc85music]

Hope to see Mr harris in fact or fiction

[@JayTor2112]

Is it just me, or do all British men end up with the same face by the time they are in their 60's?

[@MauroVerbuyt]

I just realized this as well, if you'd imagine Steve's hair to be shorter, he looks just like Jeremy Clarkson (try it, it's hilarious and you can't unsee it). Amazing songwriter and musician though!

[@henrikduende]

Small gene pool

[@briancarr4607]

Yes this is true (we are all handsome bastards ) ?

[@brunofrederico4903]

Caralho mano, o inglês britânico do Harris é foda de entender kkk

[@furyomori3896]

Fala cockney.

[@gdawwg1125]

‘I’ve been finding it difficult to keep songs short’ yes that is correct This is why you need a producer

[@maiden4greece572]

O Captain...My Captain.....

[@lezionidichitarraelettrica]

♥️♥️♥️♥️🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘