Iron Maiden Founder Steve Harris Honored with Statue in His Hometown
May 28, 2025 – Leytonstone, East London
In a thunderous celebration filled with fans, music, and heartfelt tributes, Steve Harris, the legendary bassist and founder of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, was honored with a bronze statue in his hometown of Leytonstone, East London. The unveiling ceremony marked a momentous occasion, celebrating not only the remarkable career of one of metal’s most influential figures but also the cultural impact he’s had across generations.
The life-sized statue now stands in Coronation Gardens, a public space just minutes from where Harris grew up. Depicted in a classic rock pose with his signature Fender Precision Bass, long hair flowing and foot on a monitor, the statue immortalizes Harris in the raw, powerful energy that has defined his presence on stage for over four decades.
From East London to Global Domination
Steve Harris, born in 1956, grew up in Leytonstone with a passion for football and music. Though he once aspired to play professionally for West Ham United, Harris ultimately turned his attention to music—and the world of heavy metal has never been the same since.
In 1975, Harris formed Iron Maiden, naming the band after the medieval torture device and setting the foundation for a new chapter in British heavy metal. With Harris at the helm as the chief songwriter, bassist, and musical architect, Iron Maiden released their self-titled debut album in 1980. What followed was a meteoric rise that saw the band dominate charts, sell out stadiums worldwide, and amass one of the most dedicated fan bases in music history.
From iconic albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave to their 2021 epic Senjutsu, Iron Maiden’s sound has remained uniquely theirs—powered by Harris’ galloping bass lines, intricate compositions, and thematic ambition. Today, they are recognized as one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time, having sold over 100 million albums and played in more than 60 countries.
A Hero Comes Home
The statue’s unveiling was a moment of reflection for fans and friends alike. More than 2,000 fans, many donning Iron Maiden shirts and waving West Ham flags, gathered to witness the ceremony. Loudspeakers blasted Iron Maiden classics while a local children’s choir performed a haunting rendition of Fear of the Dark before the statue was revealed.
Local officials, music historians, and fellow rock artists spoke in tribute. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was also present, lauded Harris not just for his musical achievements but for putting East London on the global cultural map.
“Steve Harris is a true son of Leytonstone,” Khan said. “His music has crossed borders and generations, but he never forgot where he came from. This statue is a tribute to his enduring spirit and creativity.”
A Humble Reflection
For Harris, now 68, the moment was humbling.
“I never imagined something like this when I was growing up here,” Harris said, visibly emotional. “This place shaped me. The pubs, the football pitches, the alleyways—it all fed into the music. To be recognized like this in front of family, friends, and the fans who’ve stood by us all these years… it’s just incredible.”
He also expressed thanks to his bandmates past and present, and paid tribute to Iron Maiden’s devoted global fanbase, known as the “Maiden Family.”
“This is not just for me,” Harris added. “It’s for all of us. Because Iron Maiden was never just a band—it’s a way of life.”
A Legacy Forged in Metal
The statue was crafted by British sculptor Emily Young, known for her work celebrating cultural icons. It took more than a year to design and build, with input from Harris and members of Iron Maiden. A plaque beneath the statue reads:
“Steve Harris – Founder, Visionary, Icon. Forever Loud. Forever Maiden.”
In addition to the statue, the local council announced that a nearby street would be renamed Harris Way, and plans are in place for an annual “Maiden Day” festival featuring music, art, and youth workshops celebrating heavy metal culture.
More Than Just Music
Beyond his musical achievements, Steve Harris has become a cultural ambassador. His dedication to the band’s DIY ethos, refusal to conform to commercial expectations, and unwavering loyalty to his roots have made him a symbol of integrity in an often transient industry.
He’s also been instrumental in mentoring young bands and preserving the traditions of metal through ventures like British Lion, his side project dedicated to showcasing emerging rock talent.
Final Thoughts
As the sun set over Leytonstone and the statue gleamed under stage lights, fans queued for hours to take photos, leave messages, and pay tribute to the man who took the sounds of East London and turned them into a global phenomenon.
With this statue, Steve Harris’s legacy has been etched not only into the annals of rock history but now also into the very heart of the place where his story began.
Up the Irons.
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