“It takes a long time to become like Maiden, but some bands have talent”, reflects the bassist and leader of the legendary English group
Few metal bands have reached the same level as Iron Maiden. The English group established itself in the 1980s as one of the biggest names in the segment — and remained in that position for most of its career.
However, the topic of “succession” is a dilemma in the context of heavy music. Although this is not the case with Maiden, older artists are retiring or putting the brakes on the pace of their activities. And there aren’t many other names capable of filling the gaps left by the old ones, at least in terms of popularity.
It will be? At least Steve Harris seems to see the situation differently than most of the public. The bassist and leader of Iron Maiden believes that the Nightwisha Finnish symphonic metal band active since 1996, is the name most capable of reaching the level of its own group.
Harris’ statement was recalled by the Nightwish singer, Floor Jansenin a 2020 interview with the magazine Program. The subject came up after the singer reflected that her group could, one day, become the main attraction at major heavy metal festivals, such as the German one. Wacken Open Air and English Download Festival.
Maintaining modesty, she initially commented:
“That’s an interesting thing, because it’s going to happen; and out of curiosity you start to think about it. But then again, things happen the way they have to happen. It’s not an ambition in that sense. We are very pleased with where we are.”
Then, Harris’ statement about the work of his colleagues was recalled. Floor says:
“But I recently read an article where Steve Harris from Iron Maiden said, ‘If any band can carry our torch, it’s Nightwish.’ It’s a great honor, really huge. You think, ‘Yeah, wow — do we really want this?’ There will definitely be a change and we will take it as it comes. But it’s an honor that people like Steve Harris consider us a true torchbearer.”
It’s difficult to say whether they will succeed, but in Europe and even in South America, Nightwish is always very well received. Also participating in the interview, the multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley recalls that, when recording the DVD Decades: Live in Buenos Aires (2019) in Argentina, the band itself was surprised by the public’s reaction.
“In the introduction of the song ‘Élan’I could barely hear myself because everyone was singing. It was unbelievable. There were times when Floor had to stop and wait for things to calm down, but they didn’t! She had to say: ‘thank you very much, but do you want to hear the song?’. It’s crazy; they are wild there. But we love it. It can be tricky if you are on the streets and are surrounded. When I go to South America, it’s like being a Beatles. Then you come back, I’m in the supermarket in the UK and nobody cares, nobody chases me.”
What Steve Harris Said
The interview that brings this statement by Steve Harris was given in 2020 to Ultimate Guitar (via Igor Miranda website). On the occasion, the Iron Maiden bassist was invited to reflect on his band’s “successors”. He said:
“That’s a difficult question, because there are good bands out there. Times have changed a lot. Who knows if they will have the same chance of being a global band like Maiden? It takes a long time to become a band like Maiden. But some bands have talent. I think Nightwish is a great band and it’s getting bigger and bigger. They probably have the greatest chance of reaching the same level of success as Maiden.”
Two other suggestions were given by Harris: the German Lord of the Lost and the English The Raven Agewhich has George HarrisSteve’s son, as guitarist. The two bands have opened Iron Maiden shows in the past.
Fan of the Anette Olzon era
Contrary to Nightwish fans who especially appreciate the albums recorded with the first vocalist, Tarja TurunenSteve Harris revealed in another interview, with Metal Hammer (via Igor Miranda website), being a fan of the second singer to take on the role: Anette Olzon. With her, the Finnish band recorded the albums Dark Passion Play (2007) and Imaginaerum (2011).
On Dark Passion Playhe comments:
“When I heard Dark Passion PlayI couldn’t believe it. I thought ‘now, that’s an album worthy of respect’. There’s everything there. It was controversial, because of the new vocalist [Anette Olzon]but she was brilliant. No disrespect to Tarja, but Anette’s voice suited them much more. There are heavy, classic things, even a little Disney – all sorts of things there. I think it’s one of the best albums I’ve ever heard in my life.”
Curiously, Imaginaerum it didn’t spark the same immediate feeling in Harris. But the bassist ended up liking it. He highlights:
“I went to the next one, Imaginaerum. ‘Storytime’ It’s a fantastic, instant song. The rest of the album took me a while to assimilate. Dark Passion Play it was so good, I thought there was no way they were going to come out with an album that was close to it in any way, but the more I got into it Imaginaerumbut I loved him.”
The greatest achievement of Steve Harris’ (Iron Maiden) career, according to himself
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.
