In a recent interview with UK’s Metal Hammer, the Chief talked about all things Maiden including their choices for the band’s setlist.
“Whether it’s Steve Harris making tough calls or the band being prepared to challenge their fans’ expectations, Maiden’s steadfast refusal to let any outside influence permeate their world has consolidated them as metal’s – maybe all of music’s – most single-minded success story.
Be it producers, critics, peers or their own followers, over their near-50-year lifespan, they’ve caved to no one. They’ve never tried to court the mainstream. They don’t chase critical respect. They certainly don’t care about awards or industry recognition; their absence from the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame continues to outrage the metal community, but talking to Steve, it’s clear the band themselves couldn’t care less”.
As for Maiden’s setlist on their tours, there is no outside influence as well, not even from their fans, said Steve: “This might be blunt and brutal, but we don’t do it for the audience. We do it for our own thing. We’ve gotta feel comfortable with what we’re playing and enjoy it, and then, hopefully, they’ll like it. That’s always been our stance. All the way through.”
