British Lion at The Whisky – Live Review

Steve Harris of British Lion

British Lion, The Whisky, West Hollywood, CA., October 7, 2024

The beginning of October has been a tremendously busy and productive time for world renowned bassist Steve Harris. In addition to Iron Maiden traversing across the nation on the FuturePast World Tour, Steve Harris’ other band British Lion has been performing club shows on his days off. One such event took place at the Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip, where British Lion will rock it out the night before Iron Maiden would take the stage at the Kia Forum.

Tony Moore’s Awake kicked off the show with a stunning collection of autobiographical reveries. Tony Moore was a keyboardist for Iron Maiden right before the band launched into the stratosphere, leaving way before the 1980 Self-Titled album saw the light of day. Also known for his tenure in the new wave outfit Cutting Crew, Tony Moore is a very eclectic, resourceful artist – and his imaginative efforts were on full display for the early arrivals.  Moore has been opening for British Lion throughout the entire tour, and it’s been amazing to discover his place within the Iron Maiden legacy and his current music extravaganza.

Richard Taylor of British Lion

British Lion took over the stage, presenting a dynamic rock and roll experience. It was their very first show here in the Los Angeles area, and The Whisky was packed to capacity, with many in attendance already sporting British Lion shirts. “This is my music, this is my religion…” was the call to action as the band burst into the exhilarating opening track This Is My God, followed by a visitation from the darkness and intrigue of Judas, Father Lucifer, and Bible Black trio of sonnets.

Steve Harris is one the most profound bassists on the planet, and the low end he delivers within the hard rocking realm of British Lion absolutely tantalizes the senses. Vocalist Richard Taylor is an impassioned revelation, delivering a powerhouse performance. The massive dual guitar artistry is brought to you by David Hawkins and Grahame Leslie, while drummer Simon Hawes slams it all home with a fiery sense of conviction and dynamics.

One of the thrilling highlights of the set was when British Lion roared into A World Without Heaven –the very first they ever wrote together, and one that should be all over the worldwide radio airwaves. Performing selections from 2012 Self-Titled album and 2020’s The Burning manifesto, this very special night was capped off by the stunning one-two punch of Land of The Perfect People and The Chosen Ones.

Simon Dawson of British Lion

The Whisky has always been a place of music and memories that last a lifetime, and British Lion definitely delivered one of those live shows that will be revered for the rock and roll ages ahead. All this, and just about everyone in the room would see Steve Harris the very next night, which would be in a massive arena within the membership of Iron Maiden!

Watch for our review of Iron Maiden at the Kia Forum coming soon to Highwire Daze magazine and online!

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

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