Steve Harris, bassist in British Lion, might be better known for his day job as being the main songwriter and bassist in Iron Maiden. The founding member of one of the most influential and revered British rock bands of the last fifty years is more accustomed to playing some of the biggest arenas and stadiums in the world with Maiden. When he and the rest of British Lion arrived in Bradford as part of a small club tour, it was at the Nightrain – one of the few grassroots rock clubs left in the country.

In what was a coup for the esteemed rock venue, it also showcased Harris's desire to support these breeding grounds for new talent: Maiden themselves began by playing in small pubs and rock venues when they first began.

In a tight and melodic ninety-minute set there was no mention or reference to Maiden – the only one being Simon Dawson, the new drummer in Maiden, who also forms part of British Lion. Not that there needed to be any connection – the British Lion songs stand up on their own as bona fide rock tracks that are exemplified even further by vocalist Richard Taylor, whose commanding, emotional and impassioned vocals brought the songs to life.

This is My God and Judas were both epic opening numbers, with influences from Thin Lizzy and UFO being to the fore. The band appeared to be enjoying playing live – there was a certain tightness present that comes with years of experience of playing live together. The live experience never felt like this was a side project but one of a band who were an established act – which British Lion certainly are.

These are the Hands naturally saw the fans with their hands in the air – the melodic track was one of a handful of aces the band have in their deck. Whilst some of the Maiden tracks can be lengthy, the British Lion ones are short, punchy and to the point, giving Harris the opportunity to pursue his writing skills in a different guise.

By the time the band had arrived at the closing number, Eyes of the Young, British Lion had roared loud and proud.

The band play Manchester Gorilla on Wednesday 3rd December
https://www.thisisgorilla.com/stage-club/