With a sound as wide as the horizon and as epic as any Hollywood blockbuster, British Lion could be playing stadiums worldwide. Whilst doubtlessly enjoying that aspect of his life with Iron Maiden, Steve Harris is a man who loves to see the white in the eyes of his audience. That connection can only come with much more intimate gigs. They don’t come much more up close and personal than the Cart & Horses, the birthplace of Iron Maiden.
British Lion – Cart & Horses – 4 January 2024
Words: Paul Monkhouse
Photography: Steve Ritchie
A historic venue in the musical journey of Steve Harris, the room in the basement of The Cart & Horses is packed on the second of three nights. The faithful are wall to wall and ready to soak up every note and glisten of sweat.
Whilst the lure of seeing the driving force of one of the biggest bands in Heavy Metal play in small venues initially brought the curious in, British Lion have more than proved themselves as their own entity beyond their legendary bass player.
With a commitment to touring that was seemingly left in the halcyon days of the ’80s, the band have a regular fixture the length and breadth of the country, doing things the hard way. Alongside Harris, singer Richard Taylor, drummer Simon Dawson, and guitarists Grahame Leslie and David Hawkins show that British Lion are most definitely a unit, each playing their own vital part in the band’s sound.
Putting a seal on this band of brothers, 2000’s sophomore The Burning showed just what the outfit were capable of, the album full of bristling rock anthems and heart. What was once seen as the bassist’s solo project was undoubtedly changed at this point, and their commitment to getting out there and playing shows cemented British Lion’s own identity.
This is My God is the perfect adrenaline-soaked widescreen set opener, its canyon deep groove and twisting fretwork allowing Taylor to bring his impassioned vocals to the fore. Lift-off is achieved.
With the chant along to Judas and the pugilistic flurry of Lost Worlds, there’s an all-consuming rush that can only be truly experienced at intimate shows like this, every note mattering. To see this so closely connects with the primal power of music to bring every soul together.
At moments like these, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the whole, and that ability is something that British Lion has somehow keyed into perfectly.
Beyond this, though, the key factor to the success of the band is the relatability of the lyrics, and whilst the songs themselves boast massive vistas, it’s the words that are the very human soul at the centre. As a prime example, The Burning boasts a propulsive rhythm and Harris’s galloping bass lines, but the battle cry into the unknown is the thing that stirs the blood, the lyrics cutting deep but providing hope.
If the emotions are universal and manage to touch every soul here, the anthemic quality of Legend and The Chosen Ones provide a Springsteen-ish thrill, the hooks impossible to resist. The Celtic feel to Spit Fire brings to mind Thin Lizzy at their most virile.
As well as old favourites, there was the chance to reveal new material, and given the strength of 2000 Years, a potentially forthcoming album number three is shaping up to be another huge step forward for the band.
There’s certainly confidence here, and with Dawson bringing a real swing with his powerful playing and the rapier thrust of Leslie and Hawkin’s guitars, the music talks for itself.
Despite the stadium-conquering presence of Harris, there is a real sense that British Lion are so taken to the hearts of everyone who sees or hears them due to the perception that they embody all that’s loved about the underdog. This isn’t to say that they embody the down-at-heel little person shouting to be heard, but more so that there’s a fighting spirit here that has been so key in so many victories against overwhelming odds.
What we see at The Cart & Horses tonight is a commitment to every person who’s ever bought an album, ticket or t-shirt to give 100% and every mile travelled, every drop of blood and sweat shed or note played a bond.
A rallying cry, Us Against The World is a statement of defiance and strength, a whisper here that can bring down cities. Uplifting, universal and unbeatable, British Lion are changing lives.
Keep up to date with everything at The Cart & Horse in The MetalTalk Venues series. Each month, we speak with a venue owner or promoter to highlight the work they do for the Heavy Metal community. You can read the introduction pieces for The Cart & Horses here.
The MetalTalk Cart & Horses Page can be seen here. For even more info, visit cartandhorses.london.
British Lion – Cart & Horses – Setlist
This Is My God
Judas
Father Lucifer
Lost Worlds
The Burning
Legend
These Are the Hands
A World Without Heaven
Spit Fire
2000 Years – (Live Debut)
The Chosen Ones
Land of the Perfect People
Us Against the World
Wasteland
Lightning
Last Chance
Eyes of the Young
