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Iron Maiden
English heavy metal band
Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band from Leyton, East London, founded in December 1975 by bassist and principal composer Steve Harris. The other group members are Bruce Dickinson, Janick Gers, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. 1)
The band once stopped to play an impromptu gig at a wedding in Poland
Iron Maiden came to a concert in Poznan Arena. Musicians stayed overnight at the hotel Merkury and as true heavy metal musicians, they decided to drop out for a drink. The closest active restaurant (remember this was 1984), Adria, was located right next to the hotel and Poznan Fair. A guest recognized them and asked for a quick show for the bride and groom. 2)
The band flies their own plane
The name of this jumbo jet is a word game that combines the term “Air Force One” belonging to the President of the United States and “Eddie” of the group's mascot. Bruce Dickinson is also president and co-founder of Cardiff Aviation. 3)
Bruce Dickinson
The singer Bruce Dickinson isn't only one of the unequaled incredible metal entertainers, he's a certified pilot (flying the band to gigs on their Ed Force One personal private jet), an author, a broadcaster and a skilled fencer who was once ranked seventh in Britain. 4)
Nicko McBrain
McBrain was drumming at age 10, playing on his mom's cooker with anything that could fill in as drumsticks, including knitting needles. 5)
Original Lineup
The band's original lineup consisted of bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, vocalist Paul Di'Anno, guitarist Dave Murray, guitarist Dennis Stratton, and drummer Clive Burr.6)
Live Performances With Eddie
Iron Maiden is known for their energetic and theatrical live performances, featuring elaborate stage setups and the band's mascot, Eddie.7)
Eddie
Eddie, the band's iconic mascot, was created by artist Derek Riggs and has appeared on every Iron Maiden album cover since their debut.8)
Self-Titled Debut Album
Iron Maiden's self-titled debut album was released in 1980 and included classic tracks like “Running Free” and “Phantom of the Opera.”9)
Bruce Dickinson Joining The Band
Bruce Dickinson joined Iron Maiden as the band's vocalist in 1981, replacing Paul Di'Anno.10)
The Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden's third studio album, “The Number of the Beast” (1982), was a commercial success and featured the title track, which has become one of the band's most popular songs.11)
Eddie Variations
The band's mascot Eddie has been depicted in various forms over the years, including as a mummy, a cyborg, a soldier, and even as a devil.12)
Powerslave
Iron Maiden's album “Powerslave” (1984) features a cover image of Eddie as an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.13)
Nicko McBrain Joining The Band
Nicko McBrain joined Iron Maiden as their drummer in 1982, replacing Clive Burr.14)
Inspirations
Iron Maiden's music often draws inspiration from literature, history, and mythology, with songs referencing works like “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 15)
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
The band's album “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son” (1988) is a concept album based on the folklore of the seventh son of a seventh son.16)
Complex Compositions
Iron Maiden is known for their long and complex compositions, often featuring multiple guitar harmonies and intricate instrumental sections.17)
16 Studio Albums
The band has released a total of 16 studio albums, with their most recent being “Senjutsu” (2021).18)
Successful
Iron Maiden has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time.19)
Longest Song To Date
The band's album “The Book of Souls” (2015) features their longest song to date, “Empire of the Clouds,” which has a runtime of over 18 minutes.20)
Legacy Of The Beast Game
The band's “Legacy of the Beast” video game was released in 2016 and allows players to control Eddie as he battles various enemies inspired by Iron Maiden's discography.21)
Awards
Iron Maiden has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career, including a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2011.22)
Steve Harris
Steve Harris, in addition to his role as the band's bassist, is the primary songwriter for Iron Maiden and has written many of their most popular songs.23)
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden's album “Fear of the Dark” (1992) features the title track, which has become a staple of the band's live performances.24)
Brave New World
The band's album “Brave New World” (2000) marked the return of vocalist Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith, who had previously left the band in the 1990s.25)
Touring
Iron Maiden has toured extensively throughout their career, playing shows in over 60 countries and performing in front of millions of fans.26)
Rock In Rio
The band's concert at Rock in Rio in 2001 drew a crowd of over 250,000 people, making it one of the largest live performances in history.27)
A Matter of Life and Death
Iron Maiden's album “A Matter of Life and Death” (2006) debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it their highest-charting album in the United States at the time.28)
Trooper
The band's song “The Trooper” is based on the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War and has become one of their signature tracks.29)
Iron Maiden Day
Iron Maiden was honored with their own “Iron Maiden Day” in Argentina, which was declared by the Buenos Aires city legislature in 2011.30)
Somewhere in Time
The band's album “Somewhere in Time” (1986) features a futuristic theme and cover art depicting a robot version of Eddie.31)
Music Festivals
Iron Maiden has headlined major music festivals around the world, including Download Festival, Wacken Open Air, and Rock am Ring.32)
Piece Of Mind
The band's album “Piece of Mind” (1983) features the classic song “The Trooper” and is notable for its cover art depicting Eddie holding a brain.33)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The band has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame multiple times but has yet to be inducted.34)
Iron Maiden Family
Iron Maiden has a loyal fanbase known as the “Iron Maiden Family,” with fans often traveling long distances to see the band perform live.35)
Dance of Death
The band's album “Dance of Death” (2003) features a cover art that depicts Eddie as the Grim Reaper, holding the strings of a marionette.36)
Influential
Iron Maiden has been an influential band for many other metal acts and has helped shape the genre of heavy metal as a whole.37)
Killers
The band's album “Killers” (1981) features the last appearance of vocalist Paul Di'Anno before he was replaced by Bruce Dickinson.38)
Virtual XI
Iron Maiden's album “Virtual XI” (1998) features Blaze Bayley as the vocalist, who replaced Bruce Dickinson during his temporary departure from the band.39)
Final Frontier Tour
Iron Maiden's “The Final Frontier” tour (2010-2011) took the band to 38 countries and included over 100 shows.40)
No Prayer for the Dying
The band's album “No Prayer for the Dying” (1990) features the hit single “Bring Your Daughter… to the Slaughter,” which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.41)
Iron Maiden Fan Club
Iron Maiden has a dedicated fan club called the “Iron Maiden Fan Club,” which offers exclusive merchandise, pre-sale tickets, and access to fan club-only events.42)
The X Factor
The band's album “The X Factor” (1995) features a darker and more introspective sound compared to their previous releases.43)
Musicianship And Technical Skill
Iron Maiden has been praised for their musicianship and the technical skill of their guitarists, particularly the harmonized guitar solos of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith.44)
Charity
The band has been recognized for their philanthropic efforts, including their support for cancer research and their involvement in various charitable initiatives.45)
Most Enduring And Influential
Iron Maiden continues to tour and release new music, maintaining their status as one of the most enduring and influential bands in heavy metal history.46)