Steve Harris Reflects on the Raw Power of BRITISH LION

In an electrifying conversation with Charlie Bahama, Steve Harris, the indomitable bassist and mastermind behind heavy metal titans IRON MAIDEN, delved deep into the genesis of his side project, BRITISH LION. This venture, which has been brewing for over a decade, features a lineup of seasoned musicians including vocalist Richard Taylor, guitarists David Hawkins and Grahame Leslie, and drummer Simon Dawson. Harris reminisced about the early days, stating, "Back in the day I couldn't have done it because we were so busy with MAIDEN. But as our touring schedule lightened up, I seized the chance to collaborate with old friends and bring some of our writings to life. It was time to take the reins and create something raw and real."

With 14 years under their belt and only two albums released—most recently 'The Burning' in January 2020—Harris juggles his commitments to both BRITISH LION and the iconic MAIDEN. "I'm still really busy with MAIDEN, so I have to squeeze in BRITISH LION whenever I can," he explained. The unquenchable thirst for creating and performing fuels Harris, even as he navigates the demanding schedules of both bands.

When asked about the mental gymnastics of switching between sets, he candidly shared, "You get in the zone for each band, and you don't think about the other. But there have been tours where I took advantage of downtime to play BRITISH LION shows. Now that Simon has joined MAIDEN, it complicates things, but I always find a way to keep the fire burning for both projects." The love for live music and connection with fans is palpable in Harris's words, as he declares, "I just love playing live. If you come to a BRITISH LION show, you'll see that passion on full display."

BRITISH LION's music allows Harris to explore different territories, both musically and geographically. "Playing small clubs brings me closer to the audience, which is something I cherish. There are venues I've played with BRITISH LION that I never got to experience with MAIDEN, and that novelty keeps me hungry for more. It's a challenge, and I thrive on that," he stated, highlighting a sense of adventure in his artistic journey.

In a previous interview, Harris emphasized the thrill of performing in smaller settings. "It's a change of pace, and I don't aim to conquer the world with this band. I just want to enjoy the ride while I can," he remarked. Whether it's in front of 200 or 200,000 fans, Harris believes in giving nothing less than 110 percent. Reflecting on a particularly intimate gig, he recalled, "We had 95 people there, but it was one of the best shows of the tour. It doesn't matter the size; what matters is the energy and connection we create together."