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"A side project of Steve Harris was the last thing that Iron Maiden fans could expect. But what it is "British Lion"?
It would be very easy for the founder of Iron Maiden write and record songs in the style of his band, but without his partner Bruce Dickinson. Or songs inspired by the musical influences he had when he took his first steps, especially in the world of progressive rock like Jethro Tull and Genesis. But the truth is that "British Lion" sounds quite different. Imagine a hard rock band just before the start of the 90s, trying to adapt amid more alternative grunge wave, but without departing from its musical roots.
Some songs might even be in an Iron Maiden concert. Fans of the band will find interesting, but will find something different. The musician who composed some of the best songs of Heavy Metal, is determined to explore something really different.
We are in Bristow, Virginia, near the U.S. capital, Washington. The Iron Maiden tour entitled "Maiden England", is undergoing several American arenas. At the venue, backstage amid soundcheck Alice Cooper and entry of the first row of spectators, behold appears Steve Harris. Since 1975, now 56 years old, a constant presence behind the greatest heavy metal band of all time. Our conversation begins:
Steve Harris: Someone from RockHard! Recently I saw a magazine in Brazil. How many times have you heard the "British Lion"? About five times?
RockHard: You had never recorded a solo album.
Steve Harris: Exactly. Until now, there was recorded a few songs from "Calm Before The Storm" (2008), album of my daughter, Lauren.
RockHard: How did you decide after 36 years, do something different, outside of Iron Maiden?
Steve Harris: The disc should have done well before, but it took a long time to complete the "British Lion". My time was very limited because of the many commitments with Iron Maiden. It was almost impossible to do something parallel. For example, we are back on tour and it will continue for some time. But even when I'm not on tour, there's always plenty to be done on my part on behalf of Maiden. My colleagues of the "British Lion" are very patient.
RockHard: The album is called "British Lion" and will be released with his name. But in the meantime, you can always call the whole project of British Lion. It's a band or solo project of Steve Harris?
Steve Harris: It started as a solo project, but now we are a band, and that makes me more comfortable. I do not think music should be resumed only at low and me. We would have a very strange result (laughs). It is a normal band, although I'm composing songs. Currently the entire project works with my name, but over time we British Lion as a definitive name.
RockHard: For this project you worked with musicians unknown, but most are their age, their same generation.
Steve Harris: They get along very well together and have known each other a long time. The Grahame Leslie (guitar) is my age, David Hawkins (guitar / keyboards), plus or minus 40, our drummer Simon Dawson, somewhere between ... well, I do not want to reveal his true age (laughs) and singer Ritchie Taylor has 50, but every day he runs eight miles, then it seems that is 40 but sings as if she were 30. It is in excellent condition.
RockHard: There was a lot of information about the recording of "British Lion". And some songs leaked on the internet with the information they were the first demo, recorded in 1992. Also at this time you produced a band called British Lion.
Steve Harris: It's been so long? It can not be true (laughs). But never forget the internet. Actually, now I'm scared (laughs). I think before they were 10, 15, but 20? Whoa! At that time I was the producer, and some songs were recorded. But almost nobody knew. They played only in some small shows, particularly in Portugal. After some time, the band split up, something that should not have happened, because many songs were great. It would be a shame to remain in obscurity.
RockHard: So, a few years ago, the band was reformed with you permanently in the down position, and it was kept secret. Some of the songs from 20 years ago, there from the beginning, still in the repertoire, such as "Eyes of the Young." The album gives the impression that there are songs from different periods. This means that they were all composed in different years, in ascending order?
Steve Harris: Always work the songs separately, but we were not in the studio. You're absolutely right about the fact that some songs were written many years ago. Some songs are a result of the current training and not the former. With other guys doing all these years relationship. I wanted to give breath to the band again, so I took the bass as a permanent member and assume full responsibility for the project. Although it took a long time to get everything in one line.
RockHard: What is the significance of the name "British Lion"? Wonder why his music could easily be described as global.
Steve Harris: The name is quite dynamic. I remember that from the first time I worked with them, since I wanted to keep the name. We think you should be proud of their heritage. But it must do so in a positive way and not make mistakes, as many do, using inheritance to reduce other. I see it as in football, through healthy competition and not as a political statement. The disc art is a creation of mine (Steve worked as an illustrator in the 70s, Iron Maiden logo was created by him). I had so many ideas for this project and I could not put into practice, now finally I can (laughs)!
RockHard: You really liked the bass on all songs?
Steve Harris: Yes, why?
RockHard: Are you self-taught on bass. So, will always credit the characteristics of your style Iron Maiden, is a trademark, like I could not do anything else.
Steve Harris: I tried some new things on this album. Above all, the sound is very different from the Maiden and the approach that I'm with the band, will not match anything. But I think people will recognize me playing, though in a different style.
RockHard: The song "Us Against The World", is in my opinion that has more similarities with their recordings with Iron Maiden.
Steve Harris: So, exactly. And "The World Without Heaven" has some elements of the Maiden too.
RockHard: Everyone automatically remember your banda main guitars when playing doubles, although much of this sounds like you well before the foundation of Iron Maiden.
Steve Harris: Exactly. I think the "British Lion" has its roots in mainstream rock of the '70s. In "The Chosen Ones", they say, that reminds many elements of UFO and also that resembles the The Who
RockHard: These songs will be played live?
Steve Harris: Absolutely. But we are still planning how will the shows. Until now, few people have heard of our music. We expect people's reactions. Nobody knows us yet, prosecutors do not know what to say to people. I would advise clubs close to 200 people? To 500? I must be realistic ...
RockHard: So, are you ready, after all these years with Iron Maiden, to start from scratch again?
Steve Harris: In the beginning, it may be that only 20 people to pay for tickets (laughs). I would be delighted if 200 fans were a show of "British Lion". Frankly, it would be fantastic. Most people would be a bonus.
RockHard: About playing live, you have not done it with another vocalist Bruce Dickinson is not that it's been a long time;
Steve Harris: The Ritchie is fantastic. I saw the band live, and among other things we often played the songs together, so I have no worries. Ritchie has a lot of confidence in himself.
RockHard: You seem to be very impressed with Ritchie, he could be a good option if Bruce Dickinson decide to quit again?
Steve Harris: Hahaha! No, not Ritchie's voice combines with Iron Maiden. We separate things, although he is an excellent singer.
RockHard: And Blaze Bayley of Wolfsbane? It seemed brilliant at the time.
Steve Harris: Yes, you're right (laughs - in a way that shows he wants to finish this matter quickly)
RockHard: You said that some songs of "British Lion" are quite long.
Steve Harris: Basically, "The Chosen Ones" and "A World Without Heaven" are very long. "Eyes Of The Young" also is not small, although it is probably the most commercial song. But there are some things that make it very different from the classic themes of Iron Maiden. I do not give any importance or assume any obligation to have a different format.
RockHard: While some song titles, may have a different direction Maiden. Do you write the lyrics? In Maiden you are responsible for most of the lyrics ...
Steve Harris: Yes, of course. The Ritchie writes some letters and writes extensively. And I completed it in very well. Then, a few themes emerge that you would not expect. When, for example, I write for Maiden, and I do not write often about love (laughs). But there are songs on "British Lion" well, songs about religion and aging well.
RockHard: Some songs take on a melancholy apparent and seem to have been written from the perspective of someone who recognizes in retrospect, had many opportunities in his life, and threw them in the trash.
Steve Harris: It is seeing things differently now than when you were young. "Phantom Of The Opera" Maiden, I wrote when I was 19 and I do not think I could write again today, just as I could not write a song like "When The Wild Wind Blows", when I was 19 years old. This can be transferred to aspects of life. When I look at some things I did in the past, I realize that I have improved a lot. I admit, but I'm a different person now. I think I'm much bigger than you, but it certainly would have done things that, in retrospect, you would look with strangeness. This is perfectly normal.
RockHard: The track "Judas" has one letter a bit obvious.
Steve Harris: Many people think it's a love song.
RockHard: What went through my mind was something about divorce.
Steve Harris: Talk a little about religion, especially someone that you trust, and then stop believing.
RockHard: So the title is not so metaphorical. In fact, the lyrics are more straightforward than those of Maiden.
Steve Harris: With "British Lion" there are different approaches. The Ritchie writes openly and less confusing than me. I expressed these feelings so intense in my songs, sometimes trying to tame them.
RockHard: As he had done in "The X Factor", wrote about the separation from his wife then ....
Steve Harris: Yeah, you think of themes and turns them into a screenplay. In this case, however, we must look deeper to understand the actual content. Generally I think it is important that each listener has his own interpretation of a piece, even if it is different than the person who wrote to say, as did, for example, in the case of "Judas".
RockHard: "The Chosen Ones", musically, sounds more upbeat and positive. Talking about the letter?
Steve Harris: You can see it well. She has a vibration "Quadrophenia" (The Who). Talking about children playing in the street and stuff. Compared with most other songs, you're right. Many of them are just "sad." I would not say I am the happiest man in the world (laughs).
RockHard: Have you ever written a happy song?
Steve Harris: Yes, some B sides of the Iron Maiden, have done some really fun things, like our manager (laughs).
RockHard: There was a rumor that someone wanted Iron Maiden doing a remix of "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" , the anthem of his favorite football team, West Ham United. It was an idea a little silly to you?
Steve Harris: Someone had this idea, but it would be useless for Iron Maiden do something like that, so I left the Cockney Rejects .
RockHard: Yet you were persuaded to do a version of "Women in uniform" of Skyhooks, that was not so cool.
Steve Harris: The version was a hit, but I was not happy with the production.
RockHard: I remember buying the single, the cover only half punk rock with Margaret Thatcher, but I found the music good (laughter from both). Talking about the past: You still follow some band that you like as a teenager?
Steve Harris: I keep hearing my favorite bands. I've always been like that, although it is more difficult now, in his old age (laughs). I started writing music in the '70s, and I am very lucky because I grew in this period. The music was diverse and complicated and there are many cool things.
RockHard: If you said 10 or 20 years ago who liked Genesis and Jethro Tull, this would cause big surprise for fans of Iron Maiden. Currently, however, there is great attention on the retro music.
Steve Harris: The truth is I never cared what people thought about my musical tastes, and over the years, I really did not give any importance to this. I do not have to prove anything. I'm not interested in being fashionable. I tried doing the "British Lion" to contribute to something that is in the style of the 70s, not only musically, but also with a bit of ethics and integrity that period. Maybe my idea is simple, but at least I wanted to make it happen (laughs). And with Iron Maiden, things are no different.
RockHard: Many of the bands that started with Iron Maiden, continued their careers. You, for example, heard the new album by Angel Witch?
Steve Harris: They still exist? No, I know nothing about this album! (Laughs) Okay, I'm kidding! Of course I heard, as they often play in the same club. Anyway, I'll definitely buy his new album. But I like newer bands. I love the last Nightwish album. The old fans may not agree with me, but I think the new vocalist is better than the last! It's amazing how the band turned into something completely different. Nightwish is much higher now, it was good before. This guy (Tuomas Holopainen) is an extremely talented composer. Now is phenomenal!
RockHard: You might like the more progressive elements of the disks with Anette Olzon.
Steve Harris: Yes, symphonic and progressive. But above all, I love her voice. I think I should have started the conversation among fans (laughs)!
RockHard: Nightwish with this line-up and this style is now greater than ever. This means that they will continue to pursue this musical direction.
Steve Harris: Exactly. And the other girl was good, but opera is too much for my taste. The novel is more human, more real.
RockHard: You write songs since the '70s. You must have a huge file ...
Steve Harris: I have tons of material at home. But they are not complete songs. Only spare parts, but it's an incredible amount ... I could record some 10 albums. At least! I'm not worried if my creativity will add up over time. All you need is time to work and have the conditions for that to happen. And I do not have much time.
RockHard: You said there is unfinished old songs in your file, there are rumors that you have some demos with Paul Di'Anno mysterious that have not been exploited.
Steve Harris: Exactly. And that's why it did not work. It was not good, was not finished. Then it was over, and he left.
RockHard: Do you think about doing something with the material of Gypsy's Kiss and Smiler? His band before Iron Maiden arouse the interest of many fans.
Steve Harris: I have several live recordings of both formations, but I do not think it's necessary for them to see the light of day.
RockHard: Is that bad?
Steve Harris: No, no (laughs). If you think about it, the songs were pretty cool, but the sound quality was very poor. And think about what we used for the recordings. From the standpoint of synthetic, on the other hand, there is some very important, as the original "Innocent Exile" of Maiden.
RockHard: What was the Gypsy's Kiss, right?
Steve Harris: Exactly. Not the whole song, but the main riff is the same.
RockHard: Gypsy's Kiss is an expression of the Cockney dialect and means "Pee", right?
Steve Harris: Yes, it is a slang Cockney (Dweller on the East End of London). "To take the Gypsy's" means you've been there, but it will piss! Hahaha!
On his current tour "Maiden England", Iron Maiden will reissue the legendary 1989 live video on DVD, as you did with the "Live After Death"?
Steve Harris: Yes, we do. The DVD will be released in the first half of 2013. If we have time, you may even be launched later this year. On VHS, we had only 90 minutes long, so we had to leave out the extra material. As you know, I have a lot of work ahead!
RockHard: There seems to be thinking about "retirement." But what went through your mind when Judas Priest announced that he is retiring?
Steve Harris: It's sad. They are a little older than the Iron Maiden, but it is always difficult to hear a band that is so great, is stopping. I hope they change their minds, because that would be the end of an era. You know, Richie Faulkner is playing with them, he played in the band of my daughter. I hope it will give impetus to continue. It is a very good composer. Maybe I can bring more unity to banda.
RockHard: I hope that Maiden has at least one more album for all of us!
Steve Harris: Anyway. I do not know how long it will take, but we'll throw more disks.
RockHard: I am very glad to hear it.
Steve Harris: My wife has a different opinion (laughs). It is estimated that we have over ten years, but as far as I'm forpossível."