“People tell me that I invented that rhythmic gallop – but I just brought it to the fore”: Iron Maiden remain one of the most domineering forces in heavy metal – and bassist Steve Harris has led the charge…

“People tell me that I invented that rhythmic gallop – but I just brought it to the fore”: Iron Maiden remain one of the most domineering forces in heavy metal – and bassist Steve Harris has led the charge…

 

In the ever-evolving world of heavy metal, few bands have demonstrated the enduring dominance, influence, and innovation of Iron Maiden. With over four decades of music, relentless touring, and an unmistakable sonic signature, the British metal legends continue to captivate global audiences. At the heart of it all is bassist and founding member Steve Harris — a man whose signature “galloping” bass rhythm has become as iconic as the band itself.

“People tell me that I invented that rhythmic gallop,” Harris recently said in an interview. “But I just brought it to the fore. It was something that came naturally when I started writing – that forward momentum felt right, and it’s stuck ever since.”

That “gallop” — a triplet-style rhythm that powers tracks like The Trooper, Run to the Hills, and Phantom of the Opera — has become synonymous with Iron Maiden’s sound. It’s a relentless drive that mirrors the band’s work ethic, on stage and in the studio. Though Harris humbly downplays its originality, there’s no denying its seismic impact on metal.

Iron Maiden’s rise from the pubs of East London to stadiums across the world is the stuff of rock folklore. Formed in 1975, the band became one of the key architects of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), pushing the genre’s boundaries with intricate compositions, progressive leanings, and storytelling lyrics.

While frontman Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals and the twin (now triple) guitar attack have always been standout features, Harris’s leadership and songwriting have steered the ship. A lifelong West Ham supporter and a perfectionist in the studio, Harris has been the band’s primary creative force, penning many of its most beloved anthems.

“Steve’s always had the vision,” said longtime producer Kevin Shirley in a past interview. “He’s the anchor, the map, and sometimes the storm itself.”

Even in 2025, Iron Maiden shows no sign of slowing down. Their recent tours continue to sell out major venues, and their latest album Senjutsu — released in 2021 — was met with critical acclaim, praised for its ambition and depth. Harris, now in his late 60s, still performs with the energy of someone half his age, bounding across the stage with his signature Fender Precision bass.

In a genre often obsessed with reinvention, Iron Maiden’s refusal to compromise — musically or otherwise — is part of what makes them legendary. Their sound remains distinct, their fans devoted, and their influence unmatched.

Steve Harris may not claim to have invented the gallop, but he made it gallop loud, fast, and unforgettable. And as long as Iron Maiden continues to march forward, that unmistakable rhythm will be echoing through metal’s halls for generations to come.