Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris has defended the band’s two albums featuring vocalist Blaze Bayley. He addressed criticism from fans who dismissed the records without proper consideration, as reported by MusicRadar.
When asked about his opinions on the Blaze Bayley era, Harris shared his perspective on the band’s controversial albums ‘The X Factor’ and ‘Virtual XI’.
“I think some of the best songs I’ve written were on those two albums,” Harris said.
The bassist remained confident about the material’s quality standing the test of time.
“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 appreciate them a lot more,” he continued. “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.”
Recent discussions about this controversial period in Iron Maiden’s history have sparked renewed appreciation. Harris’s defense of the Blaze Bayley era addresses this ongoing reassessment.
Initial fan resistance significantly impacted the commercial performance of both albums. Data from Chart Masters showed ‘The X Factor’ reached No. 8 on the UK Albums Chart. ‘Virtual XI’ peaked at No. 16. These became Iron Maiden’s lowest-charting studio albums since 1981’s ‘Killers’. The records marked a departure from the band’s established sound. They featured darker themes and showcased Bayley’s distinctive vocal style, which differed from Bruce Dickinson’s approach.
The 1994 replacement of Bruce Dickinson with Blaze Bayley met considerable fan skepticism. Wikipedia noted that Bayley’s lower-register vocal style shaped the band’s songwriting direction during his 1994-1999 tenure.
Harris’s prediction about fans revisiting the albums has proven accurate. Maiden Fans Forum documented that Iron Maiden has reintroduced Bayley-era songs into their live shows since 2018. The band now performs tracks like “The Clansman” and “Sign of the Cross” during recent tours. This move acknowledges that era’s contributions to their legacy.
Metal fans have increasingly recognized the artistic merit of previously dismissed albums. Wikipedia reported that both ‘The X Factor’ and ‘Virtual XI’ have gained critical recognition over time. Many now consider them underrated entries in Iron Maiden’s catalog. The albums demonstrate the band’s willingness to experiment during a transitional period.
The comments reinforce Harris’s long-held belief that these albums deserve greater recognition from the fanbase.
