Despite the large number of awards received over the years, one of them has more importance for the band’s bassist and leader.
With decades of career, the Iron Maiden has established itself as one of the biggest heavy metal bands in the world. Amidst a series of impressive achievements and relevant awards, there is one trophy in particular that stands out for the leader and bassist. Steve Harris.
The magazine report Metal Hammer He asked the musician what the greatest achievement of his career would be. After thinking for a while, Harris cited the Ivor Novello Award that the Maiden won in 2001, for its international success.
The award, which has existed in the United Kingdom since 1955, specifically recognizes composers — something that has always spoken loudly in the hearts of Steve.
The leader of Iron Maiden he said:
I think, one of the main things, especially for me, was the Ivor Novello Award. I didn’t want to go to the ceremony. I find all these things a bit… I’m too shy about things like these! I feel a little embarrassed, so I let the others (Iron Maiden members), who are good at this kind of thing, do it.”
Harris It also reinforced the importance of composing within a band. He states:
But I think it’s a great honor in many ways, because it’s for the composition. I’ve always said that no matter what anyone thinks of you as a musician, composition is the most important thing. So to receive an award like this was really nice.”
Steve Harris and the composition of Iron Maiden
In addition to being the “captain of the boat”, Steve Harris is, in fact, the member of the Iron Maiden who contributed most to the creative part. A survey carried out by the website Loudwire in 2023 — even considering the studio album Senjutsu (2021) — counts 136 tracks from the group’s catalog credited to the bassist.
To get an idea of the volume of compositions of Harrisjust analyze the numbers of the rest of the band: the vocalist Bruce Dickinson has 45 contributions, against 43 from the guitarist Adrian Smith. The other two responsible for the six strings, Janick Gers and Dave Murraysigned 29 and 23 songs, respectively.
Former vocalists Blaze Bayley and Paul Di’Anno appear with 11 and 4 compositions, also respectively. Clive Burrformer drummer, signed 2 tracks, while the current occupant of the stool and drumsticks, Nicko McBraincontributed only “New Frontier”from the album Dance of Death (2003).
About the Ivor Novello Awards
The Ivor Novello Awards, also called Ivors, is a ceremony that honors the talent of composers. Songs, albums, soundtracks and artists are chosen annually. Prizes for lifetime achievement are also offered, as was the case with Iron Maiden in 2001.
The name comes from the Welsh actor, singer and songwriter Ivor Novellolegend of British entertainment in the first half of the 20th century. He starred in silent films from Alfred Hitchcock and was successful mainly in musicals, both in cinema and on stage.
Collaborated: André Luiz Fernandes.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
