Iced In Flames said:
Why is Steve an ego-maniacal asshole/jerk?
Some reasons for this assumption are listed below. And, keep in mind, that this can ONLY be an assumption as to the nature of his character due to the fact that I've never met the man. We only have his comments, his actions and the expressed opinions of his acquaintences to forumalate opinions on.
- after the weak "no Prayer" and the disappointing "Fear of the Dark", and upon Bruce's departure, Steve decided he could take production matters into his own hands. He failed miserably. The sound quality on "X", although light years better than that found on "DOD", is ghastly. The guitars sound as if they were recorded underwater. I find it ODD that a so-called metal band would relegate metal's most important instrument - the guitar - to the background. Perhaps one bass-player decided that his instrument should take center stage? Makes no sense to the ears.
- Blaze Bayley's performance in the band has been SLAMMED. And rightfully so. His vocals on "X" are dreadful. Out of key, warbling out of tune, flat in some spots, etc. ad nauseum.
However, upon hearing his sterling solo albums "Ghost" and "Tenth Dimension", it's apparent that Blaze actually CAN sing - and sing well, at that.
Again, looks as if Harris' production failed to get the best out of his players.
But Harris, thinking himself a god, decided he could do the job that a Martin Birch did. Why hire a new producer upon Martin's retirement, and PAY him, when you can do it yourself and inflate both your wallet (with the $$ saved) and your head!
- With all of that said, with his FAILURE producing "X", the dick then proceeds to produce the next failure, "Vurtual XI". He just can't keep his filthy hands out of the cookie-jar! He learned NOTHING from his previous mistake. Or, may be he DID realize that his production skills SUCK, but still decided to produce "XI". Nigel Greene my ass! It's all Harris!
- In 1998, upon the release of his "Chemical Wedding" record, Bruce Dickinson was quoted in Terrorizer Magazine of a few choice comments regarding his decision to quit maiden, and his relationship with our friend, Dick, err, Steve Harris.
It seems that "in Maidenland", as Bruce called it, there is no democracy. What Steve says goes. If you question him, you go. Bruce was tired of the direction that STEVE was moving towards with the weak early 90s records, and he voiced his opinions on it. Steve would have none of it. It's "Steve's way of the highway", stated Bruce. The article went on to discuss the various 'inner workings' of the band which highlighted Steve's immense ego.
Maybe Bruce's ideas/direction would have sucked also (as his first few solo records did), but WE'LL NEVER KNOW. His ideas were snuffed.
And, I'll bet that Dave Murray & Nicko are the ULTIMATE 'yes men'. They'll do any say whatever Harris wants so long as they keep their jobs. Do any of you think that Dave Murray is charismatic enough to lead his own band? Hell no.
Harris = ego-manical asshole/prick/jerk.
Maiden continues to make quality music IN SPITE of him.
maybe with his solo career but Bruce staying with Maiden has ruined them.
