Few bands in heavy metal history can claim a career as enduring, influential, and fiercely independent as Iron Maiden. As the legendary group marks its 50th anniversary, bassist, founder, and chief songwriter Steve Harris is taking a moment to reflect on the journey, while making it clear that the story is far from over.
Looking back to Iron Maiden’s early days in mid-1970s London, Harris admits that none of them could have imagined what the next five decades would bring. “We were just a bunch of lads who loved music and wanted to be the best band we could be,” he says. “There was no grand master plan. It was about passion, belief, and hard work.”
That belief ultimately helped Iron Maiden rise from sweaty pub gigs to sold-out stadiums around the world, becoming one of metal’s most celebrated and respected bands. Albums like The Number of the Beast, Powerslave, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, and Brave New World didn’t just define eras, they helped shape the very DNA of heavy metal. Harris credits the band’s longevity to an unwavering commitment to doing things their own way. “We’ve always followed our instincts,” he explains. “We never chased trends. If you’re honest with the music, the fans can hear that.”
Celebrating 50 years is as much about the fans as it is about the band, Harris insists. “The fans are the reason we’re still here,” he says. “Some of them have been with us from the very beginning, and now we’re seeing their kids and even grandkids at shows. That’s pretty special.” The sense of community between Iron Maiden and their audience has become one of the band’s defining traits, turning concerts into near-ritualistic gatherings of the faithful.
Despite the milestone, Harris is not interested in nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. While he acknowledges the significance of the anniversary, he remains focused on what lies ahead. “As long as we feel we can deliver the goods live and make music we’re proud of, there’s no reason to stop,” he says. “We’re not a band that wants to limp over the finish line.”
The future, according to Harris, will always depend on the same principles that guided Iron Maiden from the start: energy, commitment, and respect for the music. Whether that means new recordings, more touring, or both, he believes the band will know when the time is right. “You’ve got to be honest with yourself,” he adds. “Metal deserves that honesty.”
At 50 years strong, Iron Maiden’s legacy is already secure. Yet if Steve Harris has anything to say about it, the final chapter has yet to be written. For a band that built its reputation on defying expectations, one thing remains certain: Iron Maiden still has fire in its belly, and metal fans around the world wouldn’t have it any other way.
Leave a Reply