Shawn Setaro Loses Respect for Iron Maiden’s Frontman Steve Harris After ‘Gutting the Band’s Original Sound’
In a recent interview, prominent music journalist Shawn Setaro expressed his disappointment with Iron Maiden’s frontman and bassist, Steve Harris, accusing him of “gutting the band’s original sound.” Setaro, known for his in-depth analysis of metal bands and their legacies, revealed that Harris’s recent creative decisions have led him to lose respect for the legendary musician.
Setaro criticized Harris for allegedly moving away from Iron Maiden’s classic heavy metal essence and attempting to make the band more progressive, which he described as “diluting the identity that made them icons.” According to Setaro, the newer sound lacks the raw intensity and spontaneity that characterized the band’s earlier albums, such as The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. Setaro claimed that Harris’s growing tendency to exert tight control over the band’s production has alienated some longtime fans who cherished the unpolished energy of Iron Maiden’s early work.
“Harris was always the heart and soul of Maiden,” Setaro said, “but now it feels like he’s steering them away from what made them legendary in the first place. Instead of the driving anthems that resonated with the metal community, the band now often feels like it’s lost in its own overly technical complexities.”
Setaro’s comments have sparked a debate within the fan community, with some supporting his views, arguing that recent albums have been too focused on long, intricate compositions rather than powerful, straightforward metal. However, many fans defended Harris, pointing to the importance of artistic evolution and the positive reception that recent albums like Senjutsu have received.
The controversy comes at a time when Iron Maiden is preparing for a new world tour, showcasing a mix of their classic hits along with newer material. Despite Setaro’s critique, the band’s fanbase remains largely supportive, and tickets for the upcoming tour have seen robust sales.
Steve Harris has yet to publicly respond to Setaro’s statements, but he has always been unapologetic about his creative choices, emphasizing the importance of artistic growth and staying true to his vision for Iron Maiden, even if it means taking risks that some may not appreciate.
Leave a Reply