Steve Harris, founding bassist of Iron Maiden, has spoken out in defense of the band’s controversial Blaze Bayley era, urging fans to give those albums a second chance. In a new interview with MusicRadar, Harris addressed long-standing criticism of ‘The X Factor’ (1995) and ‘Virtual XI’ (1998) — the two albums recorded during Bayley’s tenure as lead vocalist.
“I think some of the best songs I’ve written were on those two albums,” Harris stated, reinforcing his long-held belief in the material’s quality.
Harris Says Albums Are Being Reappraised
While many fans initially rejected the Blaze-fronted records, Harris believes public opinion has begun to shift.
“And I always said at the time – and it’s been proved to a certain degree later – that people would go back and revisit those albums [and] appreciate them a lot more,” he said. “Some people didn’t ever give those albums a chance, but then later on they’ve gone back to them and realized there’s some really good stuff on them.”
A Re-Evaluation in Progress
The Blaze Bayley years remain one of the most debated chapters in Iron Maiden’s history. However, as Harris points out, time may be softening that initial backlash, with more fans now recognizing the musical and lyrical depth of the albums.
His comments come amid a broader reassessment of Maiden’s legacy and catalog, as newer generations of fans explore the band’s discography beyond the Bruce Dickinson-dominated classics.
