Music fans were left starstruck when they spotted rock legend Steve Harris in the crowd at a Kent live music venue.

The Iron Maiden bassist was attending rock band Stray’s gig on Friday (September 15) night at Leo’s Red Lion, in Northfleet.

Publican Terry Lee said Harris, who now lives in the Bahamas, was back in the country for his daughter’s wedding when he heard the band, which happened to be one of his favourites, was playing two shows – one in London and another in Kent.

The rockstar said he would rather go to Leo’s Red Lion and so stopped by, the landlord added.

“He is a really decent and down-to-earth guy,” Terry said. “Everyone around him was starstruck, they were taking selfies with him.

“He does like it here. It was pure coincidence so if you happened to be there and like Iron Maiden, you got a good deal.”

In the mid-1980s, Iron Maiden chose the venue in Crete Hall Road to play as part of their world tour although under the name The Sherman Tanks to avoid a mass frenzy.

The Red Lion and its adjoining club Leo’s have provided bands, both large and small, with a forum to showcase their talent, and in particular metal and heavy rock bands, for decades.

Terry added: “I am glad bands still come back and think of us as we are a small venue.”

Harris is set to perform at Leo’s in a sold-out show in January with his hard rock band British Lion.

Iron Maiden were formed in 1975 by bassist and songwriter Harris and since then the heavy metal band have become known as one of the most influential of all time.