British Lion 2025 Tour: Steve Harris’s Metal Juggernaut Storms Europe and the UK

Get ready for one of the most anticipated hard rock events of the year. British Lion, the side project of legendary Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris, is hitting the road for an extensive European and UK Tour in 2025. With a hard-charging blend of classic rock, NWOBHM energy, and modern edge, British Lion is set to deliver high-octane performances across more than 20 cities, igniting stages from Spain to the Isle of Wight.

This tour isn’t just a celebration of British Lion’s dynamic discography—it’s a showcase of pure musicianship, road-tested passion, and the enduring legacy of British rock. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the British Lion Tour 2025, from tour dates and venues to supporting acts and what fans can expect from the live experience.

The Legacy of British Lion

While Steve Harris is best known as the founding member and primary songwriter of Iron Maiden, British Lion is his personal creative outlet. Formed in the early 2010s, the band brings a more stripped-down, gritty hard rock style that still bears the intensity and precision fans expect from Harris.

Their self-titled debut album (2012) introduced listeners to a more melodic, grounded take on rock, while “The Burning” (2020) showed further depth with socially conscious lyrics, rich storytelling, and ferocious guitar work. The band’s chemistry is undeniable, with Richard Taylor (vocals), David Hawkins (guitar), Graeme Leslie (guitar), and Simon Dawson (drums) forming a formidable unit on stage and in the studio.

Tour Dates & Locations – Full Schedule

The 2025 tour kicks off with a major festival appearance and continues through clubs, theatres, and iconic venues across continental Europe and the UK. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed tour dates:

European Leg:

• June 20: Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium
• August 3: Booking Hall – Dover, UK
• August 4: Dynamo – Eindhoven, Netherlands
• August 5: Garage – Saarbrücken, Germany
• August 8: Salamandra – Barcelona, Spain
• August 9: Mamba – Murcia, Spain
• August 10: Custom – Seville, Spain
• August 12: Moto Clube – Faro, Portugal

UK Autumn/Winter Tour:

• November 28: The Tivoli – Buckley, UK
• November 29: Winter Storm Festival – Troon, UK
• November 30: Anarchy Brew – Newcastle, UK
• December 2: Nighttrain – Bradford, UK
• December 3: Gorilla – Manchester, UK
• December 4: Queens Hall – Nuneaton, UK
• December 6: Strings Bar & Venue – Isle of Wight, UK
• December 7: Phoenix – Exeter, UK
• December 8: Cheese and Grain – Frome, UK
• December 10: Tramshed – Cardiff, UK
• December 11: Arts Centre – Colchester, UK
• December 12: Leo’s Red Lion – Gravesend, UK
• December 13: Chinnerys – Southend, UK
• December 15–19: Cart & Horses – London, UK (5 nights in a row)

British Lion will close the tour in true metal style with a five-night residency at Cart & Horses in London, the legendary pub where Iron Maiden played some of their earliest gigs. It’s a symbolic full-circle moment that brings together history, legacy, and present-day fire.

Special Guests and Collaborators

British Lion’s 2025 tour also brings some heavy-hitting special guests who will add even more fire to the stage.

Tony Moore’s AWAKE (Special Guest – European Leg)

The original Iron Maiden keyboardist and a seasoned solo artist, Tony Moore, joins the tour with his immersive project AWAKE, a dynamic fusion of theatrical storytelling and electronic rock. Expect a deeply emotional, high-concept set that blends light, sound, and narrative.

STRAY (Special Guest – UK Leg)

Classic British rock band STRAY will accompany British Lion during their UK run. With roots in the 1970s rock scene and a loyal cult following, STRAY brings blues-infused riffs, grooving rhythms, and a timeless rock ‘n’ roll attitude.

What to Expect from a British Lion Live Show

British Lion live is a different beast from Iron Maiden. It’s more intimate, more raw, and arguably more personal. Here’s what fans can anticipate:

A Setlist Packed with Passion

Expect tracks like:

• “The Burning”
• “Father Lucifer”
• “Spit Fire”
• “These Are the Hands”
• “Judas”
• “Land of the Perfect People”
• “Us Against the World”

British Lion’s songs combine powerful lyrics with anthemic choruses and melodic guitar solos that hit hard live. Every track feels like it was made to be played on stage.

A Tight and Personal Atmosphere

The venues for this tour were handpicked to deliver a close-knit, electrifying experience. From clubs like Chinnerys and Gorilla to the mythic Cart & Horses, these shows aren’t about pyrotechnics or massive LED walls—they’re about connection, sweat, and the pure spirit of rock.

Steve Harris Up Close

Seeing Steve Harris in a more intimate setting is a rare treat. Known for his galloping bass lines and unmistakable energy, Harris brings the same level of passion to British Lion that he’s brought to stadiums with Iron Maiden for decades.

The Importance of This Tour in 2025

Celebrating the Roots of British Metal

British Lion bridges the gap between classic rock and contemporary metal, helping pass the torch to new generations. As trends in music come and go, the timeless power of melody-driven, riff-heavy rock continues to thrive—and British Lion is a major part of that movement.

A Revival of Live Intimacy

Post-pandemic, fans crave the authentic, visceral experience of live music in smaller venues. British Lion is answering that call, bringing major-league musicianship to local stages and smaller cities that often get overlooked.

A Showcase of Musical Integrity

This tour is about doing it for the love of music. No backing tracks, no pretense—just five musicians giving it their all every night, backed by decades of experience and a fiercely loyal fan base.

Tips for Fans Attending the Tour

Buy Tickets Early

With many dates in smaller venues, tickets are expected to sell out quickly—especially for the five-night run in London.

Travel and Accommodation

For European fans attending multiple shows, plan your travel early. The summer shows in Spain and Portugal align perfectly with holiday travel, offering the chance to combine live music with a Mediterranean escape.

Merch and Memorabilia

British Lion often brings exclusive tour merch, including limited edition vinyl, signed posters, and vintage Iron Maiden-inspired designs. Arrive early to snag your favorites before they sell out.

Social Media and Fan Engagement

British Lion has built a solid online presence where fans can:

• Share setlists and tour photos
• Engage with the band directly
• Get behind-the-scenes updates and soundcheck footage

Use hashtags like #BritishLion2025, #SteveHarrisLive, and #TheBurningTour to connect with fellow fans across platforms.

Final Thoughts: A Must-See Tour for True Rock Fans

British Lion’s 2025 tour is more than just a series of concerts—it’s a rare opportunity to witness one of metal’s greatest legends in an unfiltered, back-to-basics setting. From Graspop Metal Meeting to the sacred stage of Cart & Horses, this tour captures the true essence of live rock music.

Whether you’re a lifelong Iron Maiden follower or a newcomer drawn to melodic, soul-punching rock, this tour is for you. With heartfelt songs, dedicated musicianship, and a frontman who’s spent a lifetime writing the soundtrack to metal history, British Lion 2025 promises to be a highlight of the live music calendar.

Book your tickets. Gather your crew. Wear your colors proudly. The Lion is roaring across Europe—and you don’t want to miss it.