British Lion

Steve Harris plays bass in British Lion alongside singer Richard Taylor, guitarists David Hawkins and Grahame Leslie, and drummer Simon Dawson. The band gives Harris another place to write and perform, with Taylor singing the songs and a club circuit that puts the audience close to the players. Harris described that appeal when announcing the first European tour in 2013.

The record came before the touring band

The first album, British Lion, appeared in September 2012 under Harris's name. EMI introduced it as his solo or side-project debut, made with collaborators over several years between Maiden commitments. Kevin Shirley mixed its ten tracks. The billing explains why shops and older reports sometimes file this record under Steve Harris rather than British Lion. The original announcement and the release follow-up preserve that distinction.

“This Is My God” opens the album; “Us Against the World” offers another short introduction before the longer “A World Without Heaven”.

The European club tour followed in 2013. Harris said he had known the musicians for years and wanted the audience nearby, with small rooms and affordable tickets. A second run in 2014 continued that approach.

The Burning

The Burning followed in January 2020, credited to British Lion. Harris produced the album; Tony Newton recorded, engineered and mixed it at Barnyard Studios. Taylor explained that the band had already tried some songs in front of audiences. The eleven tracks include “Lightning”, “Spit Fire”, “Bible Black” and the title song. The band's album announcement documents the sessions and release.

“Land of the Perfect People” gives a more personal way into the record. Taylor connected its lyric to abandonment and his experience of growing up in a children's home. The band's 2021 video announcement attributes the song to Taylor and Harris.

Dawson and the Maiden connection

Dawson played on three tracks of the first album and throughout The Burning. Maiden specified those credits when announcing him as their touring drummer on 8 December 2024. His long partnership with Harris in British Lion preceded his appointment for Run For Your Lives.

The Maiden lineup history explains that change, while Maiden's tour pages cover Maiden concerts. British Lion publish their own dates on their official site.

Where to start

Play “This Is My God” and “Us Against the World” from the debut, then “Lightning” and “Land of the Perfect People” from The Burning.

Continue with Harris's profile, Dawson's profile or the solo projects and other bands guide.