Steve Harris Honored with Statue in His Hometown as the “Greatest of All Time”
Worksop, Nottinghamshire — In a momentous tribute befitting his status as one of rock music’s most influential figures, Steve Harris, founding bassist and principal songwriter of Iron Maiden, has been immortalized in bronze with a statue erected in his hometown of Worksop. The unveiling, which took place on Saturday afternoon, attracted thousands of fans, local dignitaries, and fellow musicians, all gathered to honor the man many regard as the “Greatest of All Time” in heavy metal bass playing.
Standing proudly in Memorial Gardens, the life-size bronze sculpture captures Harris in his trademark playing stance—left arm aloft, right hand poised on the neck of his iconic Fender Precision Bass, hair swept back in mid-strum. At nearly ten feet tall with its ornate pedestal, the statue overlooks a cascade of manicured flower beds, symbolizing both the power of Harris’s music and the nurturing community from which he emerged.
A Hometown Hero
Born in 1956 and raised in Worksop, Steve Harris found his passion for music at an early age. Forming Iron Maiden in 1975, he went on to define the sound of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, writing seminal tracks such as “Run to the Hills,” “The Trooper,” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” Over the decades, his songwriting prowess, galloping bass lines, and indefatigable energy on stage have earned him accolades from critics, peers, and legions of fans worldwide.
Mayor Margaret Reynolds, in her opening remarks at the ceremony, reflected on Harris’s journey from local youth to global rock icon. “We are immensely proud that one of the world’s greatest musicians began his story right here in Worksop,” she said. “This statue is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and unwavering passion. Steve has never forgotten his roots, and today we celebrate not only his achievements, but the spirit of this town that shaped him.”
Crafting the Monument
Renowned sculptor Daniel Kensington was commissioned two years ago to create the work. After extensive consultation with Harris and his family, as well as study of archival concert footage and photographs, Kensington shaped a design that captures both Harris’s physical likeness and the kinetic energy of his performance.
“It was essential to convey movement,” Kensington explained. “Steve is never still on stage—his bass is part of him. I wanted the bronze to feel alive, as though he might break into one of those signature galloping rhythms at any moment.” The pedestal features reliefs of lyrics from “Iron Maiden,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and other classics, weaving the band’s history into the very foundation of the statue.
Fans, Family, and Fellow Musicians
The crowd that gathered for the unveiling spanned generations. Longtime Maidenheads—diehard Iron Maiden fans—donned classic band T‑shirts alongside younger devotees sporting the band’s new album merch. Daughters and sons of Worksop residents joined grandparents who had followed Harris since the band’s formative years in the late 1970s.
Among the dignitaries was Harris’s wife, Lorraine, who spoke on behalf of the family: “Steve has always been humble about his success, yet never shied away from his connections to Worksop. He’s proud of where he comes from, and proud to share that with us. This statue is not just for him—it’s for all of us who have loved and supported him along the way.”
Several high-profile musicians also paid tribute. Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith, who co‐wrote many of the band’s greatest hits with Harris, described him as “the heartbeat of our band, the driving force that never lets us rest.” Former Iron Maiden vocalist Blaze Bayley added: “Steve’s playing isn’t just heard—it’s felt. This statue captures that spirit.”
Cultural and Economic Boost
Local officials predict the statue will become a major tourist draw, complementing the nearby Bassetlaw Museum and turning Worksop into a pilgrimage site for heavy metal enthusiasts. Tourism manager Caroline Grant estimates a 25% increase in visitor numbers over the coming year, translating into a significant economic boost for shops, cafés, and hotels.
To capitalize on the momentum, the town council has announced a “Heavy Metal Heritage Trail,” linking key local landmarks to Iron Maiden history: the community centre where Harris first jammed, his childhood home, and the pub where the band played early shows.
A Legacy in Bronze
Beyond its economic benefits, the statue stands as a symbol of artistic legacy and local pride. Steve Harris’s influence extends far beyond his hometown. His distinctive bass tone and songwriting have inspired generations of bassists and helped define the heavy metal genre. By memorializing him in bronze, Worksop has cemented his place not only in music history, but in the civic identity of the town itself.
Reflecting on the occasion, fan club president Derek Lawson said, “When I first saw Iron Maiden live in ’82, I thought, ‘This is something I want to tell my grandchildren about.’ Now I can take them down to see Steve’s statue and say, ‘This is where it all started.’ It’s a full-circle moment.”
Looking Ahead
In the months to come, Worksop plans to host an annual “Harris Fest,” featuring tribute bands, bass workshops led by renowned players, and film screenings of classic Iron Maiden performances. Schools across Nottinghamshire are also integrating lessons on local cultural figures into their curricula, ensuring that Harris’s story will inspire young people for years to come.
As the last notes of “The Trooper” reverberated through the park at the statue’s unveiling, one thing was clear: Steve Harris’s legacy—much like his bass lines—will continue to resonate, echoing through the fields of Worksop and across the world, a fitting tribute to the “Greatest of All Time.”
