As rockers go, bassist Steve Harris is something of a legend.

He founded Iron Maiden back in the mid 1970s – and they have now sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and released 16 studio albums.

Years ago, would-be singer Richard Taylor and guitarist Grahame Leslie sent Steve a demo tape with high hopes, but no expectations.

However, the tape impressed him and they went on to form British Lion, which tours during Steve’s downtime from Maiden.

“It’s taken a very long time for this to come together,” said Steve.

“When Richard and Grahame sent me the demo tape I was very impressed and decided to help them a bit and it went from there. I thought the songs were so strong it’d be a crime if it they didn’t see the light of day. It’s very different, but there are some Maiden elements in there. Not that I’ve ever worried too much about what people think.”

The band released a self-titled album in 2012.

He said: “With Maiden we’ve always done whatever feels right and this is no exception. But as for the sound of British Lion, it’s just natural that it sounds different to anything I’ve done before as I’ve been working with different musicians.”

'It’s very different, but there are some Maiden elements in there'

Now heading out on the road for a 27-date European tour, the band takes in just one England venue, Folkestone.

Steve added: “We’ve got a really strong show lined up, including plenty of songs not on the British Lion album.

“The whole band is really excited. We’ll be looking to record some more shows on this tour to add to the recordings we already have for an upcoming live album.

"We played Folkestone a couple of years ago – at the Quarterhouse, too – and we just had an amazing night there. The crowd were great. We had such a good night we’re really looking forward to going back."

GIG DETAILS

British Lion play Folkestone Quarterhouse on Friday, December 2.

For tickets to the standing show at 8pm, visit quarterhouse.co.uk or call 01303 760750.