British Lion – Paraoa Brewing CO,15th September 2024: Review

British Lion, the endearing side-project of Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris, made their first visit to Aotearoa last night and boy, did they slay it! Touring simultaneously for parts of Maiden’s world tour, this was a chance to get a double dose of Harris too, up close and personal.

Those in the know, and some who couldn’t make Monday night’s Iron Maiden gig (or also to do the double-header), took the trek up to Auckland’s Whangapāraoa Peninsula, to the cool and aptly named Parāoa Brewing CO.

A queue fitted in dominant colour code black, meaning we were in the right place.

There was a little delay to get underway too. Finding out through promotions manager Paul Marshall that the backline arrived from Oz (along with Maidens gear) early morning. Logistics ensued.

Once a few bevvies were downed, local group Five Minute’s to Mayhem warmed us up.

Frontman Ian Black led his troops for a spritely set of their hard rocking originals. Cramped a little on stage with drums in front of drums and backdrops to deal with, the lads gave it heaps.

We Are the People gave notice that tonight was gonna include music and themes that spoke out about the ways of the world. Hints of Alice in Chains were noted too (thanks Rā).

Touring support Tony Moore was to prove a real point of difference. The ex-Maiden keysman (late 70’s) took the stage dressed in a myriad of colourful costumes, utilising backing tracks and going solo.

Young at heart and vibrant in performance, Moore won over the crowd with inspired renditions of his songs under the tour moniker of AWAKE.

With credentials that include Cutting Crew and Meatloaf, Moore weighed in with plenty of pop sensibility.

Heard with Just One Night, and the sprawling ballad Love We Need You Here, with its lyric love remove the fear.

Moore’s music gave personal touches too, with imagery and soundbites of his youth, parents, and past experiences.

Because if it all seems fake, then we’re awake echoed the experiences of Moore himself and everyone else, whilst putting his show and concept together in 2020/21.

With a Wembley stadium attitude Moore quipped, I know you didn’t come here to see a one–man band prog/rock with some philosophy in the middle.

His vigour kept all keen, switching between guitar and keyboards, and employing a screen of audio/visual material that he recorded himself. Leading to some cool doubling, guitar solos in unison with recorded imagery.

Moore made it fun and set the stage for British Lion to bring it on.

Whangapāraoa means ‘Bay of Whales’, and fittingly Harris took to the stage with a t-shirt branding WHALE, OIL, BEEF, HOOKED. Animated and sporting his long locks, the pioneering Maiden bassist and founder took charge from the get-go.

With backdrops set close to a triptych of lions rendered Goth/Celt, British Lion ran through This My God, Judas and Father Lucifer.

Lead vocalist Richard Taylor is a dynamo belter and explained the context as the show rolled on.

And Bible Black really got the ball rolling, with its rumbling double-kick rhythm from drummer Simon Dawson and searing outbursts from guitarist Grahame Leslie. The epic sounds were building, and as British Lion moved further towards stage front, we seemed to merge closer towards them.

Fluctuating between their two records, 2012’s self-titled, and 2020’s The Burning, BL took new song 2000 Years out for a run. Some biblical motifs were starting to present.

Aesthetically British Lion felt like they live on the edge of Metal, with the sing-along chorus being a staple quality.

The Burning muscled up, and Legend played out like a hit.

A varying degrees of hair band, eyes were on Harris for lots of showtime, but he had a team of great players at his side also.

Taylor paused to explain that the band is London-based. Songwriting is our passion, and our truth.

The sound and instruments were really gelling together as they fired up Spit Fire, with its rolling shuffle groove. Harris never gave an inch, and being a principal songwriter, he sung his lungs out.

His mic stand was getting in the way, so he asked his roadie to remove it. Classic! I got the feeling that if you need someone to play for your life, he’s your bassist. Dependable, consistent, chunky and super rock steady. There are no gaps, it is sealed tight.

Unsung hero of the group, David Hawkins laid down solid rhythm guitar from stage right, with occasional solo bursts, and moved around only to be mindful to not get in the way of a rampaging Harris.

The Chosen Ones and Land of Perfect People moved into classic rock territory, then Us Against the World took us back to a heavier refrain, with a groovy syncopated drum platform.

Another new number Wasteland, with its chorus vamp warriors in the wasteland, brought the house down. With its breakdown, Harris threatened a bass solo. So good.

Last Chance crescendoed with elements of Rock archetypes. About as classic as it can get. Leslie looking like a giant on stage next to Taylor and Harris, played his ass off.

Eyes Of the Young closed out the show, the encore seemingly incorporated into the set. A roaring set, British Lion gave it heaps and connected at close range.

Having a quick chat after the show, according to Moore, Harris is a giving, genuine human being. Who means what he says and keeps his word. Great to hear.

British Lion tonight was the note perfect entree to tomorrow night’s main course, the mighty Iron Maiden.

Mike Beck

Photography by Leonie Moreland

British Lion

1 / 43

Tony Moore

2 / 13

5 Minutes To Mayhem

3 / 13

Setlist – British Lion

This Is My God
Judas
Father Lucifer
Bible Black
2000 Years
The Burning
Legend
These Are the Hands
A World Without Heaven
Spitfire
The Chosen Ones
Land Of Perfect People
Us Against the World
Wasteland Lightning
Last Chance
Eyes Of the Young