Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)

Name: Stephen Percy Harris
Born: 12th March, 1956 (Leytonstone, London, England)

Profile: He is an English musician, best known as the bassist, band leader, primary songwriter and only constant member of the heavy metal band "Iron Maiden", in addition, he plays keyboards, and sings backing vocals.

History: Originally Harris wanted to play drums or be a professional football player; however he did not have much space for a drum kit in his house so he started to play bass and write songs. Harris is a self-taught bass player, his first bass was a copy of a Fender Precision Bass that cost him £40 when he was 17 years old. He went on to use a signature Lado 'Unicorn' model and an early 70's Fender Precision bass.

Harris joined numerous bands such as "Influence", "Gypsy's Kiss" and "Smiler". He ended up leaving "Smiler", as the members of the band made it clear that they did not care for a bassist who leapt around the stage and wrote songs, also his songs were too complicated for the band members, with the result that they did not want to play them, after "Smiler", Harris went on to create "Iron Maiden".

Harris is "Iron Maiden's" principal composer and lyricist. His song writing typically showcases his trademark galloping bass patterns and features long songs with epic lyrics that feature many tempo changes. Harris frequently writes lyrics about mythology, history or topics inspired from books and films.

Harris is often considered among the best and most influential heavy metal bassists. He is most known for his "galloping" horses - usually an eighth note followed by two sixteenth notes at fast tempo or eighth note triplets – which he plays with two fingers.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Precision Bass, Fender 70's Jazz Bass, Ibanez Roadster Bass, Ovation Acoustic Bass, Washburn Force 40 bass and Marshall amplifiers.

Signature song(s): Wrathchild - Iron Maiden (Killers, 1981) and The Trooper - Iron Maiden (Piece of Mind, 1983)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA4IKkRhPvg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UitAqLkuSFs