Steve Harris, the creative force behind Iron Maiden, is a figure closely associated with the heavy metal genre. Since the 1970s, he has served as the founder, leader, bassist, and principal songwriter for one of the most legendary bands in rock history.
His exceptional ability to compose enduring music has influenced not only the trajectory of Iron Maiden but also the broader heavy metal landscape. From their formative years to their ongoing prominence worldwide, Iron Maiden’s evolution has been characterized by musical creativity, tireless touring, and, most importantly, the forward-thinking guidance of Harris.
The Beginning of Steve Harris’ Songwriting Journey
One of the most fascinating revelations regarding Harris’ songwriting process emerged during a 2019 interview with Eddie Trunk, in which Harris discussed his very first composition. He candidly admitted that the title of his inaugural song was rather “horrible”: Endless Pit. Nevertheless, this piece would ultimately play a significant role in Iron Maiden’s legacy. In fact, the primary riff from this early work later transformed into Innocent Exile, a prominent track on their second album, Killers (1981).
Harris acknowledged that while the original title left much to be desired, the melody was of paramount importance. This initial experience served as a cornerstone for his subsequent compositions. He came to understand that the melody was not the sole focus; the lyrics held equal significance. Over the years, he refined his lyricism, evolving into a more sophisticated and contemplative songwriter.
Innocent Exile: The First Glimpse of Maiden’s Signature Sound
Released as part of the album Killers, Innocent Exile highlights Harris’ early talent for songwriting. Characterized by its brisk tempo and captivating guitar riffs, the track became an essential element of Iron Maiden’s collection. Notably, it marked the final occasion the band performed it live, with the last rendition taking place in November 1981. Although its live performances were relatively brief, Innocent Exile remains cherished by fans as one of the band’s initial hallmark songs.
Following the release of Killers, Iron Maiden’s musical style underwent significant transformation, with Harris’ songwriting evolving to exhibit greater complexity and his melodies becoming more elaborate. Tracks such as The Number of the Beast, Aces High, and Fear of the Dark emerged as anthems, further cementing Iron Maiden’s legacy in the annals of rock history.
Steve Harris’ Evolution as a Songwriter
In a recent interview with Eddie Trunk, Harris reflected on his development as a songwriter. In the initial stages of his career, he primarily concentrated on melodies and faced challenges with lyric composition. However, as he accumulated experience, he began to prioritize the creation of meaningful and coherent lyrics that complemented his powerful musical compositions.
Harris acknowledged that “Endless Pit” represented his state of mind during that period—struggling to align words with melodies. His early methodology was experimental, but as time progressed, his abilities improved, and his lyricism evolved. He concluded that while a compelling melody is essential, the absence of strong lyrics can diminish a song’s emotional resonance. This growth as a composer is a key factor in Iron Maiden’s enduring relevance over the past four decades, enchanting audiences with their complex melodies and insightful lyrics.
Steve Harris and the Legacy of Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden transcends the definition of a mere band; it stands as a global phenomenon. Their music has resonated with millions across the globe, and their influence on the heavy metal genre is irrefutable. The band’s electrifying live performances, epitomized by their iconic mascot Eddie, have established them as a cornerstone of the rock music landscape. For Steve Harris, guiding Iron Maiden through decades of triumph has represented both a personal and professional odyssey. However, what underpins their lasting legacy?
A pivotal element is the band’s capacity to stay authentic to their origins while also embracing change. From their formative years in the 1980s to their latest tours, Iron Maiden has successfully innovated while remaining faithful to the qualities that initially garnered their success. Harris’ skill in harmonizing tradition with advancement is a key reason for Iron Maiden’s extensive global fanbase.
Iron Maiden’s Future and the Influence of Other Bands
As Iron Maiden continues to flourish, discussions regarding the band’s future legacy and the emergence of the next generation of heavy metal legends frequently surface. In a 2020 interview, Harris explored this subject by highlighting bands he believed could achieve a similar level of international acclaim as Iron Maiden.
Among those mentioned was Nightwish, a Finnish symphonic metal ensemble that has experienced a steady rise in popularity since its inception in 1996. Harris commended Nightwish for their exceptional talent and their capacity to create impactful music that resonates with audiences around the globe. He asserted that if any band were to uphold the legacy of Iron Maiden, it would undoubtedly be Nightwish. This sentiment was reciprocated by Nightwish’s lead vocalist, Floor Jansen, who conveyed her gratitude for Harris’ remarks.
The Future of Heavy Metal: Nightwish’s Potential
Nightwish has already made a considerable impact in the heavy metal scene. Their dynamic performances, especially in Europe and South America, have garnered them a loyal fanbase. At their 2019 Decades: Live in Buenos Aires concert, the band experienced an extraordinary reaction from the audience. The enthusiasm of the crowd was so overwhelming that lead vocalist Floor Jansen had to pause momentarily to allow the applause to subside before resuming the performance.
It is evident that Nightwish possesses the potential to emerge as one of the most significant metal bands globally. Although they have not yet achieved the same level of mainstream recognition as Iron Maiden, their committed following and increasing influence indicate a promising future within the industry.
Steve Harris and His Appreciation for Nightwish’s Music
Harris has notably conveyed his appreciation for the music of Nightwish, especially during the period when Anette Olzon served as the vocalist. While a significant portion of Nightwish’s fanbase tends to prefer the earlier works featuring Tarja Turunen, Harris has demonstrated considerable admiration for Olzon’s role within the band. He referred to Dark Passion Play (2007), the album that includes Olzon, as a remarkable achievement, praising it as one of the finest albums he has encountered.
In his critique of the album, Harris underlined the compatibility of Olzon’s voice with the band’s overall sound. He remarked on the album’s diversity, which seamlessly blended various musical genres, ranging from heavy metal to classical elements, and even incorporated whimsical, Disney-like melodies. Although he initially approached Imaginaerum (2011), the subsequent album, with some skepticism, Harris eventually came to value it after several listens, singling out tracks such as Storytime as particularly noteworthy.
Steve Harris on the Future of Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden continues to enjoy significant success; however, Steve Harris has indicated that the band will not endure indefinitely.
The recent conclusion of their Future Past tour on December 7 signifies the end of a chapter, particularly with the departure of drummer Nicko McBrain. Nevertheless, the band’s impact on the music scene is expected to resonate for many years ahead. The celebrations for Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary are scheduled to commence in May 2025, generating considerable excitement among fans globally regarding the future endeavors of this iconic group.
Although the future of Iron Maiden remains somewhat ambiguous, one fact stands out: Steve’s legacy in the heavy metal genre will be everlasting. His exceptional songwriting, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the art form have established a benchmark for countless musicians in the years to come. As Harris has noted, achieving the status of a band like Maiden requires time, but with the right talent and perseverance, others can aspire to emulate their success.
Expert Editorial Comment
Steve Harris’ progression from composing his inaugural song, Endless Pit, to guiding Iron Maiden through numerous successful decades exemplifies his exceptional talent, fervor, and steadfast dedication to his art.
His growth as a songwriter, coupled with his commitment to refining his craft, has produced some of the most legendary tracks in the history of heavy metal. As Iron Maiden continues to thrive alongside the emergence of bands such as Nightwish, it is evident that the future of heavy metal is promising.
Steve Harris and the Early Days of Iron Maiden: A Journey Through Legacy and Musical Growth