Iron Maiden Bassist Trades Stadium for Village Pitch

Metal Legend Steve Harris Enjoys Annual Football Match in Wintelre

Before taking the stage at a nearly sold-out Gelredome in Arnhem, Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris made a special pit stop in Wintelre for a spirited football match against local farmers. This tradition, initiated by longtime friend and fan Wout van Loon, sees the 52-year-old rock icon swap his bass for the football field.

A Friendship Forged in Music and Football

The annual game pits a team composed of Harris, his technical crew, and English friends against a local eleven from VV Dees. Despite the “Harris XI” being aged 69 and losing the recent encounter 1-6, the camaraderie and fun were evident. Wout, who plays as a goalkeeper, first met Steve Harris thirty years ago during a holiday in Portugal. Their shared passion for heavy metal and football quickly cemented a lasting friendship.

“After a while, you just belong, and I had a friend,” Wout reflected on their enduring bond. This year marked the seventh time Harris and his team have played in Wout‘s hometown of Wintelre.

Harris Prefers Local Pitches to Stadium Dreams

Harris reportedly chooses to play in Wintelre even when opportunities arise to play in more prestigious venues, such as the PSV stadium. “His mentality is the same as ours,” Wout explained, highlighting a shared “Brabant sobriety.” He added that Harris could easily have settled in Wintelre, despite his distinctive look.

Wout also praised Harris‘s footballing abilities, noting his excellent vision and passing skills. “He used to almost become a professional; he played in the youth for West Ham United,” Wout revealed. The energy of the 69-year-old bassist is described as boundless.

A Global Football Tour Linked to Rock Concerts

The football matches are not confined to the Netherlands. For every Iron Maiden performance across Europe, Harris makes a point to play a game beforehand. Wout has accompanied him to matches in Spain with Atlético Madrid, near West Ham United in England, and in Germany and Stockholm.

“Next week I will go to Poland. And of course, Wintelre belongs on this list,” Wout stated, underscoring the significance of their local tradition. He also attends his friend’s concerts whenever possible, finding them consistently engaging.

For the upcoming Arnhem concert, the entire VV Dees team has been invited to attend, further solidifying the special bond between the heavy metal icons and their Dutch footballing friends. The global impact of football on music culture is exemplified by such unique cross-cultural connections.