Classic Rock Uk Iron Maiden 2019

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No, what truly sets Iron Maiden apart has been their amazing ability to connect with
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successive generations in a way that other bands don’t. Whether you came on board in the late
Management 70s with The Soundhouse Tapes, in the midst of their imperial height in the 80s or during their
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Brand Director (Music) Stuart Williams incredible post-millennial resurgence, the Maiden you first banged your head to are the one
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that has stuck with you. You don’t get into Maiden for nostalgia – you get into Maiden because
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For me, it was the Maiden Japan EP back in the early 80s that hooked me in as a schoolkid.
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The cover was the first thing I noticed – of course it was! It was Eddie with a Samurai Sword! –
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others it’s Fear Of The Dark or The Book Of Souls. Whichever version of Maiden you hear first,
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reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. We’re celebrating that timeless legacy in this special one-off magazine, which collects the
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best interviews and features from the pages of Classic Rock and Metal Hammer magazines. We
information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as
we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any
follow the band from their earliest days on the London pub circuit to the triumphs of the 80s
responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to right up to the present day, where they stand as the most iconic and enduring metal band
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CLASSICROCKMAGAZINE.COM 3
Features
The 70s & 80s
8 The Early Years
From Gypsy’s Kiss to Smiler, we chart the rise of Steve Harris from trainee draughtsman
to metal superstar-in-waiting.
10 The Birth Of NWOBHM

A front row view of the 1979 gig that spawned a whole new movement. Plus: we track
down Maiden’s forgotten early members.
14 Iron Maiden/Killers
How five leather-jacketed bruisers from the East End made the albums that launched
the legend.
20 The Number Of The Beast

Exit Paul Di’Anno, enter Bruce Dickinson… and the album that would propel Maiden
to worldwide success.
26 Maiden America
From Leytonstone to Las Vegas: how Maiden took on the USA in the 1980s – and won!
36 Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son

Gigantic icebergs and 10-minute epics – the story of the album that took Maiden to the
next level.
44 The Steve Harris Interview

“Prog rock taught me to do whatever the hell you want” – Maiden’s founder and bassist
reveals the music that shaped him.
The 90s
52 The Early 90s
Maiden greeted the new decade with fire in their loins – but they were about to face a
crisis that threw their future into doubt.
56 Blaze Bayley
He was the man who had to follow Bruce Dickinson – now Blaze looks back at his time
with the world’s biggest metal band.
The 00s
62 Brave New World
Reunited and reborn – how Maiden entered the new millennium stronger than they’d
ever been before.
66 A Matter Of Life And Death

Ready, aim, fire – how Maiden went from strength to prog-metal strength with their
2006 classic.
74 Somewhere Back In Time

Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride – we join Maiden aboard Flight 666 as they bring
their amazing 2008 tour to South America.
The 10s
84 The Final Frontier
Was their 15th album the end of the road for Iron Maiden? We set our lasers to stun in an
attempt to find out…
92 Clive Burr
He powered Maiden’s first three albums but his life took a tragic turn. We sat down with
the drummer three years before he died.
96 The Story Of Maiden’s Success

From the Ruskin Arms to superstardom – we talk to the three “control freaks” who
steered Iron Maiden to world domination.
104 The Book Of Souls

It was Maiden’s crowning glory – until a cancer diagnosis threw everything into doubt.
All six members open up in their frankest interview ever.
118 The Bruce Dickinson Interview

The Air-Raid Siren talks. We listen.
124 The Legacy Of The Beast

Behind the scenes on the biggest tour of Maiden’s career.
132 The Book Of Eddie

MIAN: GETTY ARTWORK: MAIDEN
How a smash-hit mobile phone game became a multi-part comic book series that took
Eddie to the far reaches of the universe.
136 The 50 Greatest Iron Maiden

Songs Ever!
The ultimate run down of the most iconic anthems by the greatest metal band of them all.
THE BAND THAT MADE METAL A FORCE
TO BE RECKONED WITH
With behind the scenes interviews, trace the remarkable story of how
Metallica changed the world, from their beginnings as San Francisco thrashers
to their current status as the world’s biggest metal band.
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The 70s & 80s
From the birth of the beast in the pubs of the East End
to the arenas of Europe and America, we chart Iron
Maiden’s unstoppable rise and the stories behind the
albums that would define metal, from Number Of The
Beast to Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son. Strap in, it’s
going to be a hell of a ride…
Steve Harris: from
trainee draughtsman
to global metal
superstar.
Rising Sons
8 CLASSICROCKMAGAZINE.COM
Gypsy’s Kiss? Smiler? They might be not household names, but without them
giving Steve Harris his first taste of band life, there’d be no Iron Maiden.
Words: Johnny Black Portrait: Ross Halfin
I
n November 1973, Steve Harris was The Water, All Right Now… and Southern Man by Neil Bob Verschoyle: The band that won was
a 17-year-old trainee draughtsman Young. One day Dave couldn’t sing, so they tried called Flame, but they were all dressed in like
whose dreams of becoming doing everything as instrumentals. But it wasn’t a uniform, just a pop band really.
a professional footballer had been working, so I offered to help because I knew all the
elbowed aside by a burgeoning interest in words. Steve said: “Bloody ’ell, you can sing!”, so I Paul Sears: Soon after, we decided on a name
rock music. With the sort of single- became the vocalist. Steve had to be the boss. I change because single word names – Pentangle,
mindedness that would define him, he bought used to wind him up because my vocals would be Cream – were a bit late sixties, and two words –
a bass, jacked in his job and joined his first band – slightly out of time, so he’d stop and have a go at Uriah Heep, Deep Purple – now felt more
the first step in a career that’s still going strong me. Then, once I got it right, he was fine. contemporary. So I was sitting in the pub one night
more than 40 years later. when this old boy stood up to
Bob Verschoyle: Dave had go to the toilet and said: “I’m
Bob Verschoyle (vocalist, Gypsy’s Kiss): I met started writing songs, one of gonna have a gypsy’s kiss,
Steve when I was twelve and he was ten. He lived which was called Influence, but “Steve invited us then I’m off home.” I’d never
on Beaumont Road Estate in Leyton and I lived it was pretty basic, more like heard that before, so I
nearby. Steve loved football, so I used to go over punk than rock to me. He around to his nan’s suggested it and the band all
after school and at weekends for a kick about. wrote another one called Heat loved it.
Every Sunday afternoon, someone would bring a Crazed Vole – such a for a jam.”
radio and we’d listen to Pick Of The Pops with Alan horrendous title it used PAUL SEARS Bob Verschoyle: We built
‘Fluff’ Freeman, to hear who was the new number to make us laugh. the set up gradually to about
one. As we got older we got less into pop and more ten songs, mostly covers,
into rock. Steve was a big Genesis fan, and I was Paul Sears: To get the sound Steve wanted, we a Chuck Berry, a Beatles number – I Am The Walrus
into Emerson, Lake And Palmer. I used to get needed a second guitarist. So I suggested a guy I’d – and those two of Dave’s, but Steve was still
a slating from Steve because he was strictly a guitar played with called Tim Nash (aka Tim Wotsit). very nervous. Before gigs he’d be in the toilet and
man; didn’t like the organ. Excellent guitarist, very affable, no ego, so he came you’d have to drag him out. “Come on, Steve. We’re
in and it worked. The sound, particularly during the on in a minute.”
Steve Harris: We used to muck about in my solos where Tim would do hard-hitting strummed
house. I used to have a couple of guys comin’ over chords, flowed better. So that was the original five- Paul Sears: We lasted about ten gigs, in all.
from school, just sort of messin’ about. piece Influence. The only gig we did under
that name was the talent competition in St Nick’s Bob Verschoyle: Steve was always phoning
Bob Verschoyle: After Steve’s mum and dad split Hall in Aberfeldy Street, Poplar in July of 1974. me up for rehearsals when I’d planned something
up, he moved in with his nan, Ada, in Steele Road. else, so in the end, I just wasn’t prepared to drop
Steve knew a guy from school, Dave Smith, who Dave Beazley (aka Dave Lights, future Iron everything whenever Steve wanted. He wasn’t
could play guitar, so he came round, and Steve got Maiden lighting engineer): I promoted Steve working, so it didn’t matter to him. So at one
a bass. The difference between the rest of us and Harris’s first gig. There was a Battle Of The Bands rehearsal I just told him I was leaving.
Steve was dedication. He’d be playing bass all the competition in our local church hall and that was
time. He became a trainee draughtsman, but he the first time I met Steve. Paul Sears: We didn’t survive long after Bob left.
gave that up to concentrate on playing. His whole We knew it was going downhill, and Tim and Steve
Paul Sears: It was Steve’s first-ever public
life was like that. Anything he did, he went at it one didn’t get along on a personal level. By the end it
hundred per cent. He was the Subbuteo king, performance. He’d never been on stage in his life, was just me and Steve until one day he answered an
because he hated losing, so he just played and and he was so nervous. The place was packed, and ad in Melody Maker, placed by two brothers, Mick
played. And the same it was being judged by and Tony Clee, looking to form a band, called
with football or the bass. The Who’s Smiler.
Dave knew another management – Kit
guitarist, Roy Middleton, “ I used to wind Steve Lambert and Chris Steve Harris: I was seventeen or eighteen. All the
who knew a drummer, Stamp – who were others were twenty-six or twenty-seven. I thought
Paul Sears. up. My vocals were friends of the vicar. it was great because they had much more
Paul Sears: We met

slightly out of time.” We opened with
Influence, which was fine,
experience than me. So, of course, I thought I was
going to learn lots of stuff, which I did. We used to
Steve and Dave at The BOB VERSCHOYLE but our second song, play mostly blues and rhythm’n’blues. We used to
Cart and Horses, one What Went Wrong, was cover Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green.
Friday night in April supposed to start with
1974, and then Steve invited us round to his nan’s Steve’s bass intro but it got fuddled. I was Paul Sears: I didn’t stay with them beyond the
for a jam the next day. I set my kit up and we had supposed to take my cue from Steve and bring the rehearsal stage. I’d been on the road for five years
a bit of a blast. Ada had a run-in with one of the rest of the band in, but that cue never came. But and I was beginning to think it wasn’t going to
neighbours one time, and the air went blue. I had we recovered and finished off with Heat Crazed Vole. happen for me. It was time to get myself a proper
no idea sweet old ladies knew words like that. She job. I left. They brought in Doug Sampson to
just told him where to go. “You f-off,” she said. Dave Beazley: It was a good band. I wouldn’t say replace me, and Dennis Wilcock on vocals.
“These f-in’ boys are gonna be famous.” She was that it was as good as Iron Maiden, cos it was
amazing, such a cool old lady, and a huge influence different. Steve was learning to play bass, trying to Steve Harris: When I started writing my own
on Steve. find his style. stuff, it was with a lot of combinations and time
changes and power. I wanted to do my first real
Bob Verschoyle: I couldn’t really play anything, Paul Sears: Lambert and Stamp were very nice to song with Smiler, but when I brought it to them,
so I used to help set the gear up. Steve wasn’t us. They said that with three original tracks in that they said: “Oh shit, this has too many time changes.
writing songs yet, so they started with covers, style, there was a good chance we could succeed, We’re not bloody doing this!” I couldn’t handle that
Blowing Free by Wishbone Ash, Paranoid, Smoke On but we didn’t win. attitude, so I left and formed Iron Maiden.
NWOBHM On May 8, 1979 a four-piece Iron Maiden played a North
London sweatbox with Samson and Angel Witch – a gig that
would be ground zero for rock’s next big movement.
WORDS: JOHNNY BLACK – PHOTOS: PAUL SLAT TERY
B
etween 1975 and mate. Take this ’ome and give it a
1978, the nascent Iron listen, willya?” I said: “Yeah, you
Maiden earned their and about five million others.” But
spurs on London’s I took it home, put it on and it was
pub circuit. But with electrifying. Light years ahead
punk raging, getting of anything I’d heard. It had
noticed by record labels was easier said been recorded a few days earlier
than done – at least it was until a DJ at Spaceward Studios in Cambridge.
named Neal Kay opened a new club in The next night, I played it at The
the wilds of North London. Soundhouse, and everyone went
mad.
Neal Kay (DJ/founder, Heavy Metal
Soundhouse): Punk was the prevalent Steve Harris: That was the thing
music in 1978, but since 1975 I’d been that started people getting interested
building up a small venue in Kingsbury Iron Maiden in 1979:(l-r) Dave in the band. I mean, we did the demo
as a heavy metal discotheque. It was Murray,Paul Di’Anno, Steve tape basically to get work. We didn’t
Harris, Doug Sampson.
known as The Bandwagon in dream of it being placed anywhere
the Prince Of Wales pub, but or anything like that.
I re-christened it The Heavy Metal
Soundhouse. The main room held
about 700 people, and we had a fuckin’
‘ I got goosebumps watching them. Neal Kay: Geoff Barton had started a
Heavy Metal Soundhouse chart in
ginormous sound system. I kept
badgering Geoff Barton at Sounds to
It was Deep Purple for the 80s.” Sounds which I compiled every week
based on the requests I was getting,
come down, because I knew it was SAMSON SINGER BRUCE DICKINSON and Prowler from the demo went to
unique, and a great story. In the end he number one. I became determined to
came. headline. But it was sort of an in-joke. We were help make Maiden happen. So I launched myself
always hailing something or other as ‘The New on a sales tour around the industry with that demo
Geoff Barton (writing in Sounds, August Wave Of…’ tape. I got laughed out of everyone’s door. Mick
1978): The decor resembles Dodge City, American Parker, manager of The Music Machine in Camden,
B-movie Western style but, with alternating Neal Kay: After Barton’s feature, bands from phoned me. He’d been following the Soundhouse
flashing lights/darkness, your eyes never really all over the world started sending us their tapes to story in the papers, and asked would I like to put
adjust to notice that much detail. The Bandwagon play. People started travelling to The Soundhouse shows on with bands of my choice once a week?
and the music that’s played there is very much a from all over the country, and record companies That was a huge opportunity because the hardest
present day reality, no matter what the fashion started bringing their artists along to meet the thing was to get the music business to come out of
pundits might tell you. And to me, and a goodly kids. We were getting daily newspapers coming London.
number of other punters, it’s like a little bit of down, film crews – we loaned our biker contingent
heaven on Earth. to The Who for Quadrophenia. Early in January of Ashley Goodall (A&R man, EMI Records):
1979, a young guy came up to the stage and I was new at EMI, and I grew up loving hard
Alan Lewis (editor, Sounds): I coined NWOBHM pressed this demo cassette of his band, Iron progressive rock, so my instinct was to look for
(New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) as a front-page Maiden, into my hands. He said: “Do me a favour bands from that area. It quickly became obvious to
Gonna get ya: Maiden
break out on stage at
Camden’s Music Machine.
Steve ‘Loopy’ Newhouse: Bruce Dickinson,

a young man with big ideas, was the highlight of
Samson’s set. We watched him climb all over the
PA, jump off and do barrel rolls. He was the most
electric frontman we’d ever seen. The rest of the
band noticed too. I stood next to Steve Harris, who
had Dave Murray to his right, and the two of them
axe: the
Careful with that chatted away through the Samson set. In
Soun dhouse
regulars at The r Hero. hindsight, I guess we can all assume what about.
invented Gu ita
Ashley Goodall: By June I had decided I wanted

to sign Maiden, but it wasn’t an easy sell because
EMI didn’t have much metal on their books.
me that it wasn’t punk bands that were pulling loon pants, tossed their long hair, pouted, posed
crowds, but heavy rock groups. And hardly any and punched their fists into the air after each Rod Smallwood: When I first saw Maiden [mid-
A&R guys were interested in it. The first time agonising guitar solo. July 1979], they played without Paul Di’Anno
I saw Maiden was at The Swan in Hammersmith who’d been arrested for carrying a work knife in
[March 10, 1979]. I went in and it was like a Steve ‘Loopy’ Newhouse: They played for his pocket. There was just Steve, Dave Murray and
football crowd. I thought: “Woah, hang on, this is about half an hour, maybe more… then it was our the old drummer Doug Sampson, and I just
real. These are happening.” After that I started turn. remember thinking I’d never seen anybody look
going to see them more often to keep track of the audience in the eye with the same intent as they
them. Maiden seemed more together than the Geoff Barton: Maiden, resplendent in tight-fitting had on stage, and how much they were obviously
other metal bands I was seeing. They were better leather outfits, looked poised and coolly confident, into it, and was probably the most real band I’d
organised, had a more vociferous following, the and opening number Wrathchild was a suitably ever seen.
tapes, the T-shirts, the identity – all the bits demented rock anthem.
seemed to be in place. Ashley Goodall: The idea emerged of doing
Bruce Dickinson (vocalist, Samson): It was a compilation album [Metal For Muthas] of this
Neal Kay: Probably the most significant gig I did at obvious to me that they were streets ahead of new wave. I thought it would be a really good
The Music Machine was when I put Samson, Iron everybody else on the bill. I got goosebumps way to sum up what was going on. I brought in
Maiden and Angel Witch on [May 8, 1979], as the watching them, it gave me the same feeling I got as the bands to do some tracks [October 1979] in
first gig of a tour, called The Heavy Metal Crusade. a kid listening to Deep Purple In Rock for the first our demo studio at EMI. Incorporating Maiden
time. I remember thinking: “Wow, this is like into the Metal For Muthas album, I think, gave me a
Steve ‘Loopy’ Newhouse (roadie, Iron Purple for the 80s.” relationship with them that other record
Maiden): Angel Witch opened the gig and played companies didn’t have. Of course, as soon as one
what I remember as a powerful, Sabbathesque set. Geoff Barton: During Samson’s performance you company gets interested, all the others start piling
got dry ice, flashbombs, dry ice, showers of in. That became very obvious at The Marquee
Geoff Barton: I was reminded of the first Black confetti, dry ice, fireworks, dry ice, clouds of multi- showcase gig [Oct 19, 1979] where Chrysalis and
Sabbath album being played through a cement coloured smoke and even some dry ice into the others turned up. Rod Smallwood was using our
mixer. The band, dressed in cheesecloth shirts and bargain. interest to get other companies to look at them. É
Running free:
third vocalist
Paul Di’Anno hit
the right note.
EX-FACTOR
Between 1975 and 1980, Maiden got through five guitarists,
three drummers, two vocalists and a keyboard player. We
track down some of those missing in action…
WORDS: MALCOLM DOME
Paul Mario Day Bob Sawyer

VOCALS, 1975-76 GUITAR, DECEMBER 1976 – SPRING 1977
“I worked close to where “I was never auditioned

Steve Harris lived. One day by the band, I was straight
I saw him the street, and in. Our first gig was for
asked whether he was a function in a pub.
looking for a singer. This was Everyone was in tuxedos
at the end of Gypsy’s Kiss, and ballgowns. Talk about
and they had a singer at the time. But shortly being out of place. But they loved us. We then
Rod Smallwood: There was a massive queue after he said he’d give me a try. My first gig was got a residency at the Cart And Horses in East
outside and it was very vibrant, very happening. It at a church hall in front of about 10 or 20 London. Our set consisted mainly of songs that
was the first time we’d brought down A&R people, people. But we quickly got a residency at the would eventually appear on the first Maiden
and it was so packed they could hardly see. Cart And Horses every Thursday. We mostly album, plus a cover of Montrose’s I Got The Fire
did original material, songs that would end up and an original called High Road In Time, which
Ashley Goodall: But we were pretty close to on the first two Maiden albums. But we’d also sounded like Trapeze. I did fifty gigs with
Maiden by this stage, and after the Marquee show do the occasional cover. The band’s sound was Maiden, mostly in East London, which was
the real negotiations started. already in place. I wasn’t an experienced our stronghold. Singer Dennis Wilcock was
frontman, and that eventually counted against controlling the band at the time, and his ego
Rod Smallwood: We didn’t sign the management me. They wanted me to be more showbiz, and was huge. He didn’t like me, and one day
contract until after I’d done the recording deal with I didn’t know how. I also wanted to spend more showed up at my house with one of our
EMI [Dec 15, 1979] and the publishing deal with time with my girlfriend, and couldn’t get time roadies, dropped off my gear and said I was
Zomba, because I wanted to make sure that these off work for gigs. So they finally got rid of me. I out. He did the same with Dave! I’m now in a
were people I could work with long-term. emigrated to Australia in 1986. I keep my hand blues/jazz band called Firebird. I’ve also written
in, by singing with a covers band at weekends.” a book about my time in the music business.”
Ashley Goodall: Rod insisted on a three album
commitment from EMI because he wanted the Tony Moore
band to be a longer term project. We went into the KEYBOARDS/SYN THESISER, 1977 Paul Cairns
studio to do their first single, Running Free, just GUITAR, 1978-79
before Christmas 1979. We also did the album “I answered an ad in Melody
pretty fast, less than a month, with Will Malone Maker. Maiden were looking “Maiden wanted a second
producing, in Kingsway Studios. Later in the for a keyboard player who guitarist to work with Dave
month we released Metal For Muthas which turned could also play synth. I was Murray. I answered an ad in
into a big deal for EMI. It shipped out 20,000, a living in Bristol, but drove to Melody Maker. On the day
huge amount for a compilation of unknown East London for my I turned up, there were eight
artists. It went to No.12 in the chart which audition at Scarf Studios in Mile End. It was guitarists before me, and this
completely took EMI by surprise. Next thing we very relaxed, and they offered me the job. For a was the third or fourth day of auditions. Dave
knew, Maiden were on Top Of The Pops [Feb 22, while I lived with Steve at his grandmother’s and I were equals, and rehearsed together a lot
1980]. That was the start of people beginning to place. He and I spent ages talking about music, at Steve’s grandmother’s house. We both liked
know who Iron Maiden were. and his passion for the band impressed me. He the Thin Lizzy harmony guitar style, and that’s
was convinced they would be one of the what we wanted to get into Maiden. I did less
Rod Smallwood: The first album came out in biggest bands in the world. We rehearsed for than 10 shows with them, and almost all of
February 1980 and debuted on the UK chart at months. They already had the songs on the these were in East London. We regarded
number four. It ended up doing about 350,000 debut album pretty much written, plus a anything even in West London as a foreign gig!
worldwide, which isn’t bad for a group that was couple from the second one. I only did one gig I played on all the tracks featured on The
turned down by CBS because the songs weren’t with them, at The Bridgehouse in Canning Soundhouse Tapes, but never got credited for this.
strong enough. Town. It was obvious then that what I did I was fired in spring ’79 because they claimed
wasn’t right for them. They needed two I wasn’t cutting it on stage. But then I had only
Steve Harris: The plan at the start was just to get a guitarists, and there was no room for a synth. I just come out of hospital. After a gig at the Cart
deal and tour, there were no thoughts of world left soon afterwards. These days, I look after And Horses, I was told they were replacing me.
domination… to go straight into the charts at aspiring artists at The Bedford in South I reckon the band were looking for an excuse to
number four was way beyond our expectations, it London. One band I’m working with has Jake get rid of me. Right now I’m in a country rock
GETTY
was outrageous really. Smallwood as their singer – his dad is Rod.” duo with a female singer.”
“ I got on
better with
Judas Priest
when we
supported
them.”
DENNIS STRAT TON
Dennis Stratton
GUITAR, 1979-80
“I was in a band called Remus Down Boulevard.

Both Steve Harris and Dave Murray used to
come and see us play at The Bridgehouse.
When Maiden were looking for a second
guitarist I sent them my details but never heard
back. By chance, I bumped into Steve’s
girlfriend on the bus and she told me they were
anxious to get hold of me. I gave her my
address, and the next day Rod Smallwood sent
me a telegram asking me to call him. They gave
me a cassette of a few songs with one guitar.
I added some harmony ideas, and they offered
me the gig. Maiden’s fan base around the UK
was massive, and there was a real rush to get
the debut album out. Rod wanted to keep the
five of us together as a gang, but I was married
with a child and wanted to spend time with my
family. This, combined with the fact that I
seemed to get on better than anyone else with
some members of Judas Priest and Kiss when
we supported them, eventually led to them
firing me in October 1980. These days, I play
with Maiden tribute bands all over the world.”
As the 1980s dawned, Iron Maiden were about to record their
debut album. It was the start of a journey that would launch
them into the stratosphere. But there were some massive
hurdles to overcome first.
Words: Paul Elliott
I
n the first days of 1980, when Iron Maiden Harris said. “We knew them inside out. And we
entered Kingsway Studios in West London wanted to capture in the studio what we did live.
to begin recording their debut album, I think most first albums are like that. Any band
bassist Steve Harris had mixed emotions. that’s been around a few years, the first album is
He had a quiet confidence in the strength like a best of those years.”
of the material he had written for the band The difficulty was in finding the right producer.
and he also knew that the band’s new One who had worked with the band in late ’79 was
line-up was the best it had ever been, with Andy Scott, guitarist with glam rockers Sweet,
the addition of a hard-hitting who was relieved of his duties
drummer in Clive Burr, and an after suggesting that Harris play
accomplished guitarist in Dennis with a pick instead of his fingers.
Stratton to play alongside Dave “I told him what he could do
Murray. with that,” Harris said.
Even so, Harris had, deep His preferred option was
down, a sense of nagging fear. Martin Birch, producer for
“I suppose I was always worried Deep Purple – a major influence
in the back of my mind that on Harris – and other rock
it could all come tumbling giants including Rainbow and
down rather quickly,” he later Whitesnake. But with Birch
admitted. “You don’t take busy on Black Sabbath’s Heaven
anything for granted – it’s the And Hell, their first album with
old ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ thing. And it’s singer Ronnie James Dio, the Maiden job went to
very much a business that’s like that – more so Wil Malone, who had also worked with Sabbath
than most other professions. So you try not to get as conductor and arranger on the albums Sabbath
yourself too worked up, in case it falls flat. That Bloody Sabbath, Sabotage and Never Say Die!
was my attitude.” To the band’s irritation, Malone had a laidback
For all his pragmatism, Harris was a born leader approach that bordered on disinterest. “We had
with a fierce determination to succeed and a problems with the producer,” Harris said. “We
single-minded vision for Maiden. As Dave Murray used to laugh about him sitting there with his feet
said: “Steve was the nucleus. He gave the band its up on the desk, smoking a big cigar and reading
identity. He was very meticulous and methodical. Country Life – because he didn’t do fuck all else.
That’s just how he was, right from the start. And it We’d try to get some feedback off this guy, and
was fantastic to have that focus with Steve’s songs he’d just go, ‘Oh, I think you could do better.’ So
and ideas and the way he projected them.” It was in the end we would just ignore him. We ended
that focus, and above all, those songs, that would up bypassing him and worked directly with the
define Iron Maiden’s first album as a classic. engineer, Martin Levan. We were still learning
The plan was straightforward enough. “We’d then, so thank fuck we had a good engineer who
GETTY
been playing these songs live for a long time,” was into it.”
Iron Maiden in 1980: (l-r)
Dave Murray, Clive Burr,
Paul Di’Anno, Dennis
Stratton, Steve Harris.
“THE FIRST ALBUM DIDN’T

SOUND AS FEROCIOUS AS
WHEN WE PLAYED LIVE.
IT DIDN’T HAVE THE ANGER.”
STEVE HARRIS
Park life: Maiden off
duty in East London.
There was also a moment, during the recording

of the album’s epic piece Phantom Of The Opera,
when Harris sensed that Dennis Stratton, new to
“I WAS ALWAYS WORRIED IN THE
the band, might not be the right fit. On a day when
the other members were absent from the studio,
BACK OF MY MIND THAT IT COULD
Stratton took it upon himself to add extra guitar
harmonies and backing vocals to the track. Harris
was horrified when he heard it. As he recalled:
ALL COME TUMBLING DOWN
“They played it to me and I went, ‘What the fuck’s
that?’ It was like Bohemian Rhapsody gone wrong.”
RATHER QUICKLY.”
Stratton later conceded: “It sounded too much like STEVE HARRIS
Queen. But that’s me – I get carried away.”
He was, he says, “a little upset” when his Maiden’s gonna get you, no matter how far.” were happy with the production,” Harris said. “It
embellishments were wiped off the track. But he Two tracks were co-written by Harris and just didn’t sound as ferocious as we did when we
knew the score. This was Steve Harris’s band, and Di’Anno: Running Free, the album’s anthem, played live. It didn’t have enough of the fire and
that message was clear to all concerned, their label inspired by the singer’s juvenile delinquency as an the bite and the anger that we had in our playing.”
EMI included. Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood East End skinhead; and Remember Tomorrow, a But as he also recalled, “We knew we’d made a
was a bullish operator who had secured a long- deep heavy metal ballad which had for Di’Anno “a strong album. It had really good songs and loads of
term deal with EMI as the first step towards world special meaning”, its title derived from a favourite attitude. And as a singer, Paul had real charisma. It
domination, but as he said, “The record company phrase of his grandfather’s. And there was one was still a good album. Really good.”
never had anything whatsoever to do with the song written by Dave Murray, a sleazy tribute to It was more than that. Recorded for the meagre
creative vision of Iron Maiden. No one went into a Cockney hooker, named Charlotte The Harlot. sum £12,000, Iron Maiden’s debut turned out to
the studio, ever. They even kept me out!” “A great song!” Murray said. “Great title too.” be one of the greatest and most influential heavy
As principal songwriter, Harris was sole author Although he added, somewhat unconvincingly, “I metal albums of all time, a touchstone for Metallica
of five of the tracks featured on the album. can’t remember where the lyrics came from.” and so many others that followed.
Prowler was a politically incorrect stalker song As Harris later said, “We did hold some songs
I
full of menace; Transylvania a head-banging back, I must admit.” Among them were two staples ron Maiden were in Bristol, to play at a grubby
instrumental with sizzling interplay from Murray of the band’s live set, Sanctuary and Wrathchild, little joint, fancifully named Romeo & Juliet’s,
and Stratton; Strange World a subtle, emotive both of which had been selected for a New Wave on February 6, 1980 – the day when a damning
number with sci-fi imagery; Phantom Of The Of British Heavy Metal compilation album that review of the Metal For Muthas album appeared in
Opera a seven-minute blitzkrieg and an air- EMI would release in February 1980, titled Metal a new issue of Sounds. It was just a few days after
guitarist’s dream; Iron Maiden, the tumultuous For Muthas. There was also a feeling within the they finished recording at Kingsway that Maiden
signature song in which singer Paul Di’Anno group that their album, despite Martin Levan’s best had begun the Metal For Muthas tour, headlining,
delivered the self-fulfilling prophecy: “Iron efforts, sounded a little undercooked. “None of us with support from another young London-
Onstage with Paul
Di’Anno: “A larger
GETTY X2
than life character.”
based band, Praying Mantis. Sounds writer Geoff Harris said, “but for a metal band to get on there Illustrator Derek Riggs knew nothing of Iron
Barton, who had done so much to promote the was a big thing at the time. It was fantastic that we Maiden when he painted a skeletal, wild-haired
NWOBHM, pulled no punches in his assessment were on there mixed in with all this pop stuff. And bogeyman on a lamp-lit city street. Riggs had
of the Muthas album, dismissing it as “a joke” and of course my mum hated it, which was great.” thought the image might work for a punk band.
“a low-budget cash-in on the UK’s much-vaunted It was followed by a major UK tour, opening But when Rod Smallwood came across this
metallic revival”. for Judas Priest in 3000-capacity theatres. In illustration, purely by chance, he immediately
His complaints centred on weak recordings of many respects it was a perfect match – Priest realized that it was a perfect embodiment of
tracks by promising bands such as Praying Mantis the established masters of British metal, Maiden Maiden’s trusty horror-mask stage prop.
and Sledgehammer, and the inclusion of some the young pretenders with a similar style and “There was Eddie,” Smallwood recalled. “It was
lame acts, including the daftly named Toad The twin-guitar attack. But in the build-up to the tour, like he’d been done just for the band.” Only one
Wet Sprocket. But he praised the two Iron Maiden Di’Anno had cockily proclaimed to Sounds’ Garry small alteration was required – the lengthening of
songs, Wrathchild and Sanctuary, as “raucous HM/ Bushell that Maiden would “blow the bollocks the figure’s hair to align it with heavy metal, not
punk crossovers and tantalizing tasters for their off Priest”. As a result, the tour played out in an punk. This vision of Eddie was so powerful that
own forthcoming LP.” And his conclusion – hailing atmosphere of simmering tension, with allegations one young metal fan from Brazil, Max Cavalera,
Maiden as the NWOBHM’s leading power – was of Priest’s road crew sabotaging Maiden’s sound. later the frontman for Sepultura, bought the
on the money. “The more I think about it, the more Di’Anno’s boasting alienated some Priest fans. album on the strength of the cover alone, having
I reckon that the ‘guv’nors’ crown now rests on Many others were won over by Maiden’s live never heard a note of Maiden’s music. “And when I
their collective Cockney heads.” prowess. And in a strange coincidence, a week after played it,” Cavalera said, “it fucking killed me.”
For Maiden, the timing of the NWOBHM had the tour ended, the Iron Maiden album, self-titled, The album received a rave review in Sounds
been fortuitous. As Harris said: “It was obvious and Priest’s British Steel, were released on the same from Geoff Barton. “Heavy metal for the 80s,” he
that something big was happening, and that was day, April 14. wrote, “its blinding speed and rampant ferocity
great for us, being right in the thick of it.” But he In the two, there was much common ground: making most plastic heavy rock tracks from the
added, in typically straight-talking fashion: “I never classically styled heavy metal power, dueling 60s and 70s sound sloth-like and funeral-dirgey by
really paid much attention to whatever else was guitars, and bare-bones production. Di’Anno’s comparison.” Steve Harris might have baulked at
going on. It’s not that we didn’t care about other singing was at times reminiscent of Priest’s Rob Barton’s continued references to a punk sensibility
bands or anything like that. Some bands we knew Halford, and in Remember Tomorrow there were in Maiden: “A safety-pin/loon-pant hybrid? In
as friends and we hoped they all did well. But we echoes of the Priest classic Beyond The Realms many ways, yes!” But that review played its part in
never thought about what everyone was doing. We Of Death. And just as the cover of British Steel what happened next – when this album, exceeding
just got on with our own thing.” would become iconic – a razor blade stamped with all expectations, entered the UK chart at No.4.
In the last week of February, Running Free the band’s logo – so the artwork for Iron Maiden For the levelheaded Harris, it was a shock. “I
was released as Iron Maiden’s debut single. The would burn an image into the consciousness of really couldn’t believe it,” he said. “It was like we’d
cover art portrayed a sinister figure, lurking in a metal fans all over the world. fulfilled our dreams right away.”
dark alley and brandishing a broken bottle as a
longhaired rock fan ran for his life. The big reveal
would come with the album cover. Ahead of that,
Running Free blasted into the UK chart at No.
“EDDIE STRUCK ME AS AN ICONIC
34 on the UK chart, leading to an appearance on
Top Of The Pops. The band made a statement by VISUAL THAT WOULD BUY
refusing to mime to the track, as was standard for
the show. Instead they performed live, the first
group to do so on TOTP since The Who in 1972.
EVERYBODY BIG HOUSES.”
“Everybody used to slag off Top Of The Pops,” KISS BASSIST GENE SIMMONS
Maiden onstage: “It
was all about touring.
Honest hard work.”
A
In the wake of this triumph, Maiden hit the road Maiden is going to take over from KISS as the ccording to Dave Murray, the second
again, headlining in many of the same theatres biggest merchandising band in America.” And as album, Killers, was “the real turning point”
in which they had opened for Priest. It was a he later elaborated: “Maiden immediately struck for Iron Maiden. “I think the band really
marathon 45-date tour with Praying Mantis again me as a band with huge potential. The band kicked on from the first album,” he said, “and a
as support, and in the midst of it came another was both musical and powerful, and being the big part of that was having Martin Birch as our
single – a new version of Sanctuary, different to capitalist pig that I am, Eddie struck me as an iconic producer. We were all big fans of Martin’s work
that on the Metal For Muthas album, with a cover visual that would buy everybody in the band big with Deep Purple. We also loved what he did with
by Derek Riggs picturing Eddie caught in the act houses.” Black Sabbath on Heaven And Hell, so for Martin
of killing British Prime Minster Margaret Over 24 dates, Maiden played to more than to come on board for Killers was fantastic. He
Thatcher: in her dead hand, an Iron Maiden poster 350,000 people, and it was during this tour that brought something new to our sound. On the first
torn Paul Di’Anno had a moment he would remember album we were playing fast, almost like punk rock,
from a wall, in his, a long knife dripping with for the rest of his life. “I saw Gene Simmons – one but with more melody. Martin’s production on
her blood. The resulting controversy led to a of the richest and most famous rock stars in the Killers gave us a little more polish, without losing
story in The Daily Mirror with the headline: IT’S Western world – wearing a fucking Iron Maiden our edge. The whole album was really powerful
MURDER! MAGGIE GETS ROCK MUGGING! t-shirt,” he said. “That was when I realized the and atmospheric, and it was Martin Birch who
The Sanctuary single did even better than world had finally gone mad.” But for Dennis brought that out of us.”
Running Free, peaking at No.29. Stratton, the end of the road was near. Killers was recorded in December 1980 at
The band’s heavy touring schedule was As Smallwood saw it, Stratton was always a London’s Battery Studios. Harris said: “Just like the
“testing”, as Murray put it. “You’re in confined square peg in a round hole. “Dennis liked the first album, we had a lot of songs that we’d been
spaces,” he said. “The tour bus, the dressing Eagles,” he said, “and wore red strides and a playing live. I only had to write three new ones.”
room. You live and breathe with each other, floppy white top. Sadly, he just wasn’t very metal.” The album featured ten songs: nine written
day in, day out, and that can be tough.” But as Stratton’s last act with Maiden was the recording by Harris alone, the title track by Harris and
Smallwood said of Maiden’s global strategy: “We of a one-off single, Women In Uniform, a cover Di’Anno. The latter was a heavy drama with
wanted to do big things in Europe and America. of a corny number by Australian band Skyhooks. grisly lyrics and a dominant performance from
Some bands were huge in Britain but meant When the single was released in November, to the singer. As Murray said: “Paul sounded great
nothing elsewhere. We were looking at the whole coincide with the final UK leg of the tour, Stratton on Killers, and that song had such a pure and raw
world.” And at the end of August – following had been fired. His replacement was Adrian Smith, energy.”Wrathchild had a dark intensity and an
an appearance at the Reading Festival as special an old friend of Dave Murray’s. “Adrian and I irresistible force, this new version, sharply focused
guests to a band that Harris much admired, UFO were in a band together, way back,” Murray said. by Birch, so much heavier than the Metal For
– Maiden embarked on their first European tour, “Before I joined Maiden in ’75.” With Smith broken Muthas cut. There was blazing energy in Another
opening for KISS. in on that tour, the band promptly set to work on Life, Innocent Exile, Purgatory and Drifter, and an
It was KISS bassist Gene Simmons who picked their second album. And this time, they had the epic feel to the instrumental Genghis Khan. And in
Maiden for this tour. He told Smallwood: “Iron producer that Steve Harris had wanted all along. the three newly written tracks, there was a second
“PAUL DI’ANNO WAS READ THE RIOT ACT AND

GIVEN CHANCES TO PUT THINGS RIGHT. BUT HE DIDN’T
PUT THINGS RIGHT.”
STEVE HARRIS
Maiden in 1981 with
new boy Adrian
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Smith, second right.
instrumental piece, The Ides Of March, to serve trouble came. Paul Di’Anno had always had a taste at Reading, Dickinson auditioned in secret for
as the album’s grandiose intro; a semi-acoustic for the rock’n’roll lifestyle, and after he blew out Maiden, before the band set out with Di’Anno for
number, Prodigal Son, to add a different texture; his voice due to excessive partying, several gigs in the last run of European shows.
and a spiritual heir to Phantom Of The Opera in Germany were cancelled. According to Di’Anno, the catalyst for his
the blood and thunder of the Edgar Allen Poe- “Paul was a larger than life character,” Harris exit from the band was the death in 1981 of
inspired Murders In The Rue Morgue. said. “He was an important part of the band, and his grandfather, the man who had inspired
What Derek Riggs created for the cover of on the surface of it, what people could see, it was Remember Tomorrow. “After losing my
Killers was fittingly gruesome, with Eddie as an working well with Paul. But we had this rule: grandad,” he said, “being in a rock band just
axe-wielding maniac grinning with pleasure as his people have to remember what they’re there for. didn’t seem so important anymore.” Di’Anno’s
victim falls. In the background, an East End street We never cared what they did anywhere else, as final show as the singer for Iron Maiden was in
scene, featuring a sex shop, the figure of Charlotte long as they did their gig. And Paul was getting Copenhage n on September 10, 1981. The matter
The Harlot lit in red in a window above, and the totally fucked up.” Di’Anno admitted as much: “It was resolved in a meeting with the band and
Ruskin Arms, the pub where many early Maiden wasn’t just that I was snorting a bit of coke,” he Rod Smallwood. “It was a civilized discussion,”
gigs were staged. said. “I was going for it non-stop, 24 hours a day.” Di’Anno recalled. “It was literally a case of
Ironically, given its cover, Killers was the subject The simple fact was that Iron Maiden could not Rod saying, ‘Paul, we think it’s best if you leave
of a hatchet job by Sounds critic Robbi Millar, who carry passengers. Touring was key to the band’s Maiden,’ and me saying, ‘That’s alright, I was
slammed the album as “a failure” and described development. And while Di’Anno managed going to resign anyway.’”
much of its contents as “well dodgy”. The only to keep it together for another three months Harris was sad that it had come to this. “I didn’t
positive review came from Malcolm Dome in – through dates in the Far East, where the live like doing what I had to do,” he said. “We were
Record Mirror. But as Harris said: “We knew it was EP Maiden Japan was recorded, and in North all gutted to lose Paul, and we tried hard to keep
a bloody good album.” America, where the band opened again for Judas him in the band, but he didn’t try hard enough
When Killers was released on February 29, Priest – it was clear to Harris that a tough decision himself.” He also understood what a gamble this
1981, the band had already begun a UK tour, the had to be made. was. “Changing a singer is a massive thing for
first phase of a worldwide campaign that would “Paul was given chances,” he said. “He was read any band. And we’d done well with the first two
stretch to 113 dates. Killers reached No. 12 in the the riot act, and given the chance to put things albums. We knew we didn’t have any choice but
UK, eight places lower than the first album’s peak right. But he didn’t put things right. And we knew to make the change, but you don’t know what’s
position. But as the tour progressed, sales of Killers that if we didn’t do something we’d go down hill going to happen next.”
eventually passed 750,000, more than double pretty sharply and that would be the end of it.” Iron Maiden had come so far in such a short
that of the debut, with 150,000 units shifted in When the band returned to Europe in August, space of time, and yet, in September 1981, as
America. “It was all about touring,” Adrian Smith Harris and Smallwood attended the Reading they waited to announce Bruce Dickinson as the
said. “Honest hard work. It wasn’t about going for Festival to watch NWOBHM group Samson and band’s new singer, Steve Harris was in one sense
the big commercial album. We did what we did. meet with their singer. Bruce Dickinson had first back where he was in January 1980 – a worried
And a lot of that was down to Steve leading the seen Iron Maiden play live in May 1979 when man. “No matter how good Bruce was, there was
band. He’s very straight ahead.” they supported Samson at the Music Machine no guarantee that Maiden fans were going to take
On the UK tour, Maiden’s support act was club in London. “It was blindingly obvious,” he to him,” he said. “It was a very, very worrying
Trust, the French punk-metal band that had been said, “that Maiden were going to be massive. This time. We knew Bruce was good, but he was very
championed by AC/DC singer Bon Scott, and hyper-kinetic band, it was really a force of nature. different to Paul. So you’re thinking, are people
featured a young, flat-nosed British drummer by And Paul Di’Anno, he was okay, but I though, ‘I going to accept this?” As it turned out, Harris
the name of Nicko McBrain. It was when Maiden could really do something with that band!’” A few had the answer to that question, and it was quite
ventured into Europe in May that the first signs of days after his meeting with Harris and Smallwood simple. “I just thought, well, they’ll have to!”
-
Before The Number Of The Beast, Iron Maiden were just part of the New Wave
Of British Heavy Metal. After it they were a worldwide major band. But sacking
their ‘problem’ singer wasn’t the only price they had to pay for its success.
Words: Paul Brannigan Portrait: Ross Halfin
I
n the summer of 1981, Iron Maiden took the decision to crucial third album. The pressure was on the young band
fire singer Paul Di’Anno. It was a bold move. The brash, as never before. But with their backs to the wall, Maiden
cocksure, 23-year-old East Londoner was a hero to the responded magnificently. Just four months later they emerged
headbangers, earthdogs, hell rats and rivet-heads whose with The Number Of The Beast, a record that not only redefined
fanatical support had propelled Maiden to the forefront their own career, but also served as a benchmark for every
of the New Wave Of British Heavy heavy metal album that has followed
Metal. His expulsion from the band not only over the past 30 years.
marked the end of an era, but also was viewed
with a certain amount of unease by long- Steve Harris: We knew that it was a big
term supporters. There was genuine concern deal to change our singer, but we also knew
that, having failed to match the Top 10 that we couldn’t carry on with Paul. When
success of 1980’s self-titled debut album with he first got involved with the band, Rod
the more considered follow-up, Killers, Maiden [Smallwood, manager] asked me was there
were now thinking about a stylistic makeover any potential problems that might crop up
more attuned to the lucrative, but notoriously in the future that he should know about.
fickle, American rock market. And I said: “I’ve got to be honest. There
In December 1981, when the freshly may be a problem with Paul, because
minted Kerrang! magazine published its first sometimes his attitude is a bit weird.”
Readers’ Poll, Maiden were conspicuous by
their absence in the Best Band category. The slight didn’t escape Paul Di’Anno: By the time of Killers the band was getting a bit
the attention of bassist and founder Steve Harris, but he had more technical. I didn’t think the songs had the same attack, and
more pressing matters to focus on. At the time, Maiden were I started losing interest. I felt that I might be letting people down
holed up in an East London rehearsal studio with a new singer, by voicing my doubts, so I said nothing. But then it built up to the
23-year-old Bruce Dickinson, but as yet no new songs for their point where I was rubbing Steve up the wrong way. É
Taking it in his stride:
Bruce Dickinson’s arrival in
Maiden was a key element
in their early success.
Celebrating Bruce signing his
Maiden contract: (clockwise
from top left) Adrian Smith,
Steve Harris, Dave Murray,
Bruce Dickinson and Clive Burr.
Steve Harris: I always thought as the band gets Bruce Dickinson: Samson only played a few gigs Bruce Dickinson: Rod talked to me at Reading
more successful maybe he’ll be more into it. But, with Maiden on the same bill, but I was acutely aware Festival and said he’d like me to try out. The first
if anything, the bigger we got, the worse he got. that they had a big following. I checked them out words out of my mouth were: “Well when I get
when Samson were headlining above them at the job, which I will, don’t expect that it’ll be the
Rod Smallwood: Paul started to get a bit into the a venue called the Music Machine. I got goosebumps same as with the guy you’ve got at the moment.”
whole ‘lifestyle’ aspect of being a rock star. And I was watching them. It gave me the same feeling I got as I thought it was probably best to go in there with
like, well you better fucking control it, I’m gonna be a kid listening to Deep Purple In Rock. I remember all guns blazing.
watching you. I knew the only thing that could fuck thinking, wow, this is like Purple for the 80s. I was
B
up Maiden was themselves. But Paul was so over-the- looking at Paul, thinking I should be up there. ruce Dickinson was officially unveiled as
top. He started having vocal problems, he smoked Iron Maiden’s new frontman on stage at the
like a chimney, he drank brandy, now he’s doing a bit Steve Harris: I’d never been much into Samson, but Palasport arena in Bologna, Italy on October
of coke and speed too, and he was missing gigs.” I’d always thought their singer was good. I thought, 26, 1981. Following a nerve-racking UK debut for the
yeah, the bloke’s got a really good voice and he frontman at the Rainbow theatre in London the
Steve Harris: I’m not into drugs myself, never have knows how to work a crowd. I thought he sounded following month, the band decamped to East
been. But I’m not against other people doing what a bit like Ian Gillan, actually. When the shit really hit London to write their third album. With studio
they like – as long as it don’t fuck up their gig. Well, the fan with Paul, he was one of the first people time booked at Battery Studios in north-west
Paul was letting it fuck up his gig. I thought of. Rod wasn’t keen. London in December, the clock was ticking.
Paul Di’Anno: When you’re fucked up on drugs and Rod Smallwood: I hadn’t even met Bruce, Steve Harris: There was a lot of pressure. Not only
alcohol you turn into a complete prick. But I did feel but I didn’t really like him. I thought Bruce did we have a new singer, we had no material. The
relief when I played that last gig. Bruce was a stupid name, I first album was like a
thought the white thing he ‘best of’ of the songs
I
ron Maiden’s final gig with Di’Anno took place used to wear on stage Eddie’s poor diet we’d been playing
at Odd Fellows Mansion in Copenhagen, looked really naff, and also on tour gave him during the first four
an unhealthy pallor.
Denmark on September 10, 1981. Future Samson had messed about years of the band. The
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was among those in with Maiden second album was
the audience to see him take his final bow. But Steve before I got involved; mainly early stuff as
Harris was already searching for a new singer weeks I do bear grudges. well, apart from
before Di’Anno was shown the door. Former Back maybe four songs.
Street Crawler frontman Terry Slesser was Steve Harris: I didn’t care, I When we got to the
auditioned behind Di’Anno’s back, but his whisky- just thought the geezer had third album we had
ROSS HALFIN; ICONICPIX; GETTY
soaked rasp didn’t gel with Maiden’s more technical a great voice. So I said, stuff nothing. We had to
material. Harris turned his attention to the flashy, that, I want him. And so we write …Beast
flamboyantly dressed frontman with Maiden’s arranged to go to Reading to from scratch.
NWOBHM peers Samson, Worksop-born Bruce have a look and see Pressure helps
Dickinson, aka Bruce Bruce. if he was interested. to make you come
up with the goods. But you have to go through hell back to this?” But I wouldn’t let him do anything else
to get there. until he’d got it perfect. It drove him crazy.
Adrian Smith (guitarist): I remember going Bruce Dickinson: I got pissed off to the extent that
around to Steve’s place – I think he still lived with his I was trashing the room. When the tape was on,
gran at the time – and he was playing me the idea for Martin asked me if I could do the scream at the end
Number Of The Beast. I thought: “Wow. That’s of the first verse. I was like, “Oh, willingly”.
amazing. That’s really different.”
Steve Harris: The idea was to get a blood-curdling
BRUCE WHO?!
Martin Birch (producer): When Bruce joined, scream like the one on Won’t Get Fooled Again. It
What would Maiden have sounded like if
it opened up the possibilities for the new album worked quite well. they hadn’t brought in Mr Dickinson?
tremendously. I simply didn’t think Paul was capable
of handling vocals on some of the quite complicated Martin Birch: On the Sunday we were working on Bruce Dickinson wasn’t Steve Harris’s first
directions I knew Steve wanted to explore. the track Number Of The Beast, it was a rainy night and choice to replace Paul Di’Anno when Iron
I hit this van. I looked in the back of the van and it’s Maiden’s sacked their original singer in 1981.
Bruce Dickinson: It was quite good, in that way, got about half-a-dozen nuns in the back. And then Before approaching Dickinson, Harris asked
because I wasn’t going to be asked to sing words that this guy starts praying to me. A couple of days later Terry Slesser, formerly the singer with prog
had already been written by Paul, or songs Steve had I took my Range Rover in to be repaired, and when band Beckett and Paul Kossoff’s Back Street
written with him in mind. It was all fresh. they give me the bill it was 666 pounds. Crawler, to try out.
“I’d tried out for AC/DC,” Slesser tells Classic
Adrian Smith: I was pretty shy about showing the Steve Harris: People don’t believe this, but he Rock, “but it seemed like Maiden’s less straight-
ahead rock might be a better fit for me. So
band my songs. It’s painful to sit in front of your changed it to 667. I thought, ‘Why not?’”
bandmates and go: “This is my idea”, and have them Slesser auditioned for Maiden in a rehearsal
just stare at you. But I thought that if I wanted to stay Martin Birch: I remember saying to them when it space in London’s Chinatown. He was struck
in the band I’d get pretty frustrated if I didn’t was finished: “This is gonna be a big, big album. This by the band’s enthusiasm, but admits that
contribute ideas. And, fortunately, with The Prisoner is gonna transform your career.” It just had all the even as he tried out he knew that they’d be
Steve liked what he heard. magical ingredients: feel, ideas, energy, execution. taking their next steps without him.
And I think the response I got was: “Oh, really?” “We tried three or four songs, Iron Maiden
Bruce Dickinson: The Prisoner started off in the being one of them. And while I could do
T
rehearsal room. Our drummer [Clive Burr] wasn’t he first teaser for Maiden’s third album was some of it, other songs fitted less well,” he says.
“I couldn’t see it happening. If I’d joined, the
there, he was out having a cup of tea, so being the galloping, Wild West-themed single Run
songs might have been more bluesy, which
a frustrated drummer I started bashing out this To The Hills. Released on February 2, 1982, didn’t fit with Steve’s vision for Maiden.”
simple drum beat at the beginning, and then Adrian before work on its parent album was complete, it Still friends with Harris and Murray, Slesser
started playing this riff. Harry came in and went: became Maiden’s first Top 10 single, entering the says he has no regrets about missing out on
“Wow, what a great riff!” And then we just started. UK chart at No.7. Proudly out of step with the rest the opportunity to front the band:
of their chart peers, Maiden were considered a “I’d be better off financially, obviously,” he
Adrian Smith: And 22 Acacia Avenue was something novelty by the media; appearances on Top Of The laughs, “but I’m happy that I’m in charge of my
I came up with when I was very young, one of those Pops and anarchic Saturday morning children’s TV own destiny.”
first songs you write. I had this band, Urchin, and we show Tiswas followed, raising the band’s profile
did this song, 22. We were getting stuff ready for considerably. The exposure paid off. Released on the first tensions between no-nonsense bandleader
Number Of The Beast, and out of the blue Steve turned March 29, The Number Of The Beast debuted in the Harris and his cocky, mouthy, public school-
to me and said: “What was that song you used to do UK album chart at No.1. educated new singer began to surface.
in Urchin?” and he started humming it. And it was
22. It ended up being on the record. Steve Harris: Run To The Hills was written in that Bruce Dickinson: Steve and myself always used
rehearsal room too. I came up with some riffs and to clash. He wanted to fire me after the first month
Bruce Dickinson: I still had a legal sword of we worked it out there and then. It was very of the Number Of The Beast tour.
Damocles hanging over my head from the Samson spontaneous. It came out fantastic.
contract which meant that I wasn’t allowed to Rod Smallwood: There was a bit of argy-bargy
actually write, which was extremely frustrating, Bruce Dickinson: We were on tour in Winterthur, between them on stage.
but still, the atmosphere was great. Switzerland when we got the news about the
album. We got a telegram on the Sunday morning Steve Harris: At first I thought I was imagining it.
Martin Birch: I had the same feeling on Number going: “Your album is number one!” And we went: But there were nights on stage during the early part
Of The Beast as when we did the Deep Purple album “Fantastic!” But at the time, we were pushing of that tour when Bruce used to, like, try and jostle
Machine Head. It was the same kind of atmosphere, a 30-seat coach to jump start it, because the driver me on stage. It was all done in fun… only you could
the same kind of feeling, like, something really good had let the battery go flat. tell it was a bit more than that sometimes.
is happening here.
Steve Harris: We knew that we’d made a strong Bruce Dickinson: You had basically a very passive
Bruce Dickinson: Martin was like a guru to me and album, but sometimes that’s not enough. For it band, except for Steve, who was right up front in the
everyone in Maiden at the time. The whole thing was go like that, with Top 10 singles and number one middle. And when I was watching them from the
just a lads’ night out. We had a bloody great time. album, was incredible. front I was like: “Hmm, I don’t like the look of that,
that’s wrong. The singer should be standing there.”
T
Martin Birch: I remember we spent ages getting the he Beast On The Road tour kicked off So the first thing I did was move my little monitors
vocal intro to the title track right. We did it over and on February 25, 1982 at Queensway Hall into the middle, which got in his way. I’d be singing
over and over until Bruce said: “My head is splitting. in Dunstable. It ran for 10 months, racking along, getting into the groove, and I’d feel this thump,
Can’t we move on and do something else and come up a total of 182 shows. And it was on the road that and he’d be there, elbowing me out of the way. É
Where egos dare: Harris
and Dickinson often
jostled for centre stage.
THE ART OF THE BEAST

Maiden’s sleeve artist Derek Riggs on his
iconic Number Of The Beast artwork.
“The manager phoned me up and said they

wanted a picture for a single cover that was
about the devil and witchcraft and was called
Purgatory. There was a Dr. Strange comic which
had some big villian with Dr. Strange dangling
on some strings like a puppet, which I read as
a child. The picture came to mind right away.
I thought I coud do a very effective heaven and
hell thing using Eddie. Most of those hell
backgrounds were taken from my knowledge
of medieval European Christian art, which was
full of such scenes.
“I spent two days and nights painting it.
When the manager saw it he smiled and said:
‘That will be great for the album,’ and asked me
to do another one for the single. I asked him if
I could do some more work on it, having been
done so quickly, but he was adamant that it
was okay. So that was what you got.
“Did I listen to Maiden while was working? England and did the Reading Festival, and the next at you!” I thought I’d better sort this out, because I
No. Working at that speed, I didn’t have the show was in California. It was pretty heavy going. could already see that 10-month world tours were
time to listen to anything except my own going to be my life for the foreseeable future.
frenzied heartbeat. Also, as I was working right Bruce Dickinson: We toured in station wagons, Steve Harris: Is it true that I used to feign sleep on
through the night, Maiden blaring out would driving around hallucinating with tiredness. Rod long-haul flights just to avoid talking to Bruce? Ha ha.
have upset the neighbours no end.” said we couldn’t afford a bus, until the tour manager No, I don’t think so. We’ve probably all feigned sleep
was so exhausted one night that he fell asleep on his to avoid one another at some point, but I don’t recall
Run For Cover: The Art Of Derek Riggs,
feet and sleepwalked off the end of the stage. At that specifically doing it to him. Are you trying to cause
is available from www.derekriggs.com
point we got a tour bus. Which then became the more arguments?
subject of all manner of shenanigans.
T
Steve Harris: It was like an ego thing. And it did hirty years after its release, The Number Of The
make me wonder if he was right for the band. I don’t Adrian Smith: We all liked a drink. And we did Beast remains Iron Maiden’s most enduring
know if he thought he had to sort of stamp out his overindulge. Part of it was adjusting to the whole musical statement, and the record that
territory or whatever, but he didn’t need to. thing. I went from being in a pub-circuit band to turned them from an exciting young British band
being in a band that could sell out big venues. It into a proper global concern, in turn wrenching the
Bruce Dickinson: We were young and we were all did take a bit of getting used to that pressure. spotlight back from America to the UK.
chucked into this huge shit-storm of success and we
dealt with it in different ways. To a certain extent you Bruce Dickinson: The experience of that first US Rod Smallwood: It was the record for the time.
make a Faustian deal when you join a successful tour was like taking a very powerful drug every There was a lot of interest in metal worldwide, and
band. There is a price that gets exacted upon you, and night. A bunch of 24-year-olds from England let this was the album that focused everybody. Before
there’s very little you can do about that except hope loose in America, pre-Aids, with endless supplies Number Of The Beast we were part of the New Wave
to come out the other end of it right-side up. of drink and party material and willing young Of British Heavy Metal. After Number Of The Beast,
girls? We weren’t vicars, but at the same time we’re Maiden was a worldwide major act.
O
n May 11, 1982 Maiden took The Beast On not daft.
The Road to America for more than 100 Steve Harris: I didn’t think it was our best album
shows that took them through to October. Adrian Smith: Was there a period when anyone at the time, and I still don’t. There’s a couple of tracks
In the south, the album’s title track sparked protests considered stimulants harder than drink? I don’t on it which I think are not quite so good. If Total Eclipse
from religious groups. “They wanted to believe all think we should go there in a family magazine. had been on the album instead of Gangland it would
that rubbish about us being Satanists,” said It was mainly booze, let’s leave it at that. have been far better. Also, I think Invaders could have
a bemused Steve Harris. At the end of the five-month been replaced with something a bit better, only we
US stint, The Number Of The Beast had broken into the Bruce Dickinson: I remember being pissed, didn’t have anything else to replace it with at the time.
Billboard Top 40, and Iron Maiden were the hottest crawling on my hands and knees down a hotel
new metal band on the planet. corridor in Tokyo, looking for bread rolls from the Bruce Dickinson: We knew that the songs were
room service trays because I was so hungry. I caught special. But if we’d known it would be acclaimed
ROSS HALFIN
Bill Barclay (guitar tech): The schedules were hefty. a glimpse of myself in a mirror looking like a feral as one of the greatest albums in rock history we’d
We did the Coliseum in El Paso [Texas], flew to critter and I thought: “What a state you’re in. Look probably have cocked the whole thing up.
In 2012, Classic Rock joined Iron Maiden behind the scenes in Las Vegas
to look back at how they took on the USA in the 1980s – and won.
hen the owners of the Aladdin Precision bass stabbing at the air, its headstock
Hotel decided to level the inches from the faces of startled crowd members.
building with a series of “We were right in their faces, screaming: ‘Get up,
controlled explosions in you fucking wankers!’“ Harris recalls with a laugh.
April 1998, not only did “People were sitting in their seats going, ‘Woah,
Las Vegas lose one of its what the hell is this?’ That was our first 10 seconds
most iconic structures, on stage in America. And we pretty much carried
but the world lost a on from there with the same attitude.”
rock’n’roll landmark. It The story of Iron Maiden’s ascent to stardom
was here at the Aladdin in America in the 1980s is one of the great
that Elvis Presley married success stories of the decade. They weren’t the
his 21-year-old fiancée Priscilla only British rock band to break through in the
Beaulieu on May 1, 1967. The United States during the Reagen era, but, uniquely,
ensuing publicity established the their rise owed nothing to the patronage of the
newly opened hotel as one of Vegas’s premier entertainment industry’s cultural gatekeepers or
nightspots, and in subsequent years the most the endorsement of MTV, radio or the mainstream
storied names in the music business, from Frank music press. This was a grass roots revolution
Sinatra to Black Sabbath, would follow in The driven by hard graft, business smarts, intractable
King’s shadow by taking headline bows in the self-belief and sheer bloody-mindedness.
hotel’s beautiful, 7,500 capacity theatre. In taking on America without anyone’s
Surveying that room from the side of the stage permission, the uncompromising working class
on the evening of June 3, 1981, Iron Maiden’s East Londoners ultimately emerged victorious. But
25-year-older leader Steve Harris was less their triumph would come at a cost, jeopardising
concerned about the Aladdin’s rich heritage or relationships both personal and professional, and
its elegant architectural lines as by the sight of threatening their own implosion.
hundreds of stoned heshers slumped on the velvet-
T
covered seats sweeping down to the lip of the stage. hirty years on from their Las Vegas debut,
This was not quite the vibe Harris had envisaged Maiden are back across the pond once
for Maiden’s first gig on American soil. more, for their most extensive North
As Maiden’s instrumental intro tape, Ides Of American campaign for more than a decade. The
March, swelled out into the half-empty venue, set-list and stage production for the 34-date Maiden
Harris gestured to his bandmates to follow his England tour closely mirrors the 1989 concert
lead and leapt over the stage monitors to confront video of the same name, shot at Birmingham’s
the room, his face contorted with rage, his Fender NEC Arena during the tour in support of the É
H A R D GRAFT, DODGY TROUSERS AND GIANT

PHAR
TA LE O F OAH
A : PAUL BRAN S.
S
NIG
WORD
INAN
PHO
TO
LF
S: ROSS HA
LA or bust: Bruce
Dickinson on the
World Slavery tour.
previous year’s Seventh Son Of A Seventh
Son album. As such it’s a history lesson
for younger fans, and an opportunity to
remind old-school fans of both the peerless
quality of their back catalogue and their
continued relevance.
Even by Maiden’s standards, the scale
of the tour’s production is staggering – 22
vehicles are required to transport the band,
crew, three animatronic Eddies, PA and
pyro – and the gate receipts are equally
impressive, with industry bible Billboard
reporting gross ticket revenues of $500,000
to $850,000 per show.
Eleven dates into the tour, and Classic
Rock finds ourselves at Montreal’s
11,700-capacity Bell Centre. As Steve
Harris greets us with a firm handshake
outside Maiden’s dressing room, it’s
clear that the tour has already settled
into a comfortable groove. Backstage the
atmosphere is impressively serene, with
production co-ordinator Zeb Minto and
her assistant, Steve’s youngest daughter
Kerry, ironing out potential problems for
crew members and local stagehands with
beatific calm.
The first band member to arrive at the
venue this afternoon, Harris is in good
form and good shape. Now resident in the
US, he’s more attuned to the continent’s
brutally humid summers, and daily
tennis matches plus two-hour on-stage
workouts have him looking tanned and
lean. Unassuming and imperturbable, the
56-year-old bassist has always been wary
of contributing to media spin and hype,
making him a guarded interviewee. But
this afternoon, as he retraces the path of
his band’s ascent in the US, a smile spreads
across his face as memories resurface.
“We were never obsessed with breaking
America,” he insists. “We always planned
to come out here and give everything
we’d got, and they’d either like it or they
wouldn’t. Fortunately for us they liked record industry executive. “When
it. In fact they bloody loved it. But it you talk about Maiden you’ve got
was always a challenge. We didn’t do passion in your eyes,” Calder noted.
things the normal way. And maybe “Go see the American label and
that’s why we’re still here.” convince them.”
Unlike their Led Zeppelin and Black And so, in the autumn of 1980,
Sabbath, or indeed NWOBHM peers while Maiden hitched a ride on Kiss’s
Def Leppard (who made their own European tour, Smallwood went
aspirations clear with the inclusion of “into battle” in the USA.
a track titled Hello America on their debut “My belief and Steve’s belief in the
album), Iron Maiden didn’t tour the band was absolute,” he recalls now.
US in support of their self-titled debut “At that time there was no metal
album. Their manager Rod Smallwood, press, and all I ever heard in regards
however, did. A bluff Yorkshireman to American radio was: ‘They’re
who’d entered the music industry never going to play this…’ But the Left: Steve Harris
as a booking agent, Smallwood had first album had done 60,000 copies earns his stripes
toured the US once before, when his on word-of-mouth, and I knew that in 1985.
act Cockney Rebel had supported The if we got the US label on our side
Kinks in 1975, but by his own admission we had a great shot.”
he knew next to nothing about the US Smallwood’s first point of
rock market. Concerned that his relative contact at Maiden’s label, Capitol,
inexperience might hold Maiden’s was Bruce Ravid, a young A&R
career back, he considered calling in hotshot who’d brought The
heavyweight US management to take Knack and Duran Duran to the
charge of the band’s affairs Stateside, but company and had struck up
was talked out of the idea by his friend a friendship with Smallwood
and mentor Clive Calder, a South African while working in the label’s
their first ever Japanese tour. With five
days free before they were due to join
Judas Priest’s World Wide Blitz tour in Las
Vegas, half of the band, led by guitarist
Dave Murray, decamped to Seattle to visit
Jimi Hendrix’s grave, while Harris and
Smallwood set up base in Los Angeles.
On their first night in the city, Harris
and guitarist Adrian Smith were taken
to the Rainbow Bar & Grill, a notorious
Hollywood club infamous as Led
Zeppelin’s preferred Sunset Strip hangout
throughout the 1970s. By coincidence,
Jimmy Page was holding court that night,
and the Maiden party were invited to join
him – a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by
the club’s patrons. As word spread that
there was a hot young English rock band
in town, Maiden found themselves on the
end of the sort of ‘hospitality’ they’d only
ever dreamt about. Beers, weed and nubile
young ladies were thrust in their direction
from all sides. “There were chicks all over
us,” Smith later recalled. “I didn’t even get
time to finish me pizza!”
“It was unreal, just total overkill,” Steve
Harris says with a laugh, while politely
promotions department in Cleveland in declining to go into detail about the extent
the mid-70s. Now an LA-based music “There were chicks of this debauched introduction to The
industry consultant with two nationally Land Of The Free. “We were getting in
syndicated radio shows, Ravid remembers all over us. I didn’t all sorts of trouble. We were young and
Smallwood’s energy and passion for his
charges electrifying the Capitol boardroom
even get time to impressionable and things will happen.
I thought: ‘Christ, I’ve got two months of
and instantly charming company President
Don Zimmermann. Together, the three
finish me pizza.” this. I’m going to be dead at the end of it!’”
Maiden had supported Judas Priest in
men set about formulating an unrelenting Adrian Smith the UK the year before, although frontman
five-year plan for Maiden in the US, centred Paul Di’Anno’s boast to Sounds magazine
on a yearly release schedule, a brutal Smallwood blowing into each city like that Maiden would “blow the bollocks” off
annual touring schedule, and ambitious a whirlwind. the headliners had done little to encourage
merchandising and marketing campaigns “He was a force of nature,” he says. “He a sense of bonhomie between the two
aimed at making the band’s cadaverous was very opinionated, very open-minded, bands. But Priest’s manager, Jim Dawson,
sixth member, Eddie, an instantly and one of the most honest people I’ve Above right:
was savvy enough to realise that the
identifiable icon in his own right. known. He’d say: ‘I don’t know much about Rod Smallwood brash young Londoners would help draw
With this blueprint in his back pocket, this market. Teach me.’ He knew where and Steve Harris. a youthful audience to the US shows.
Smallwood hit the road on a charm he wanted to go. And once you were part Maiden were given a 45-minute nightly
offensive, visiting each one of Capitol’s 12 of his inner sanctum you felt like you’d slot, with minimal lightning and reduced
regional offices to sell the plan to the people do anything for him and the band. Long PA. Expecting no favours, they grabbed
who could actually make a difference for before Maiden set foot here, there were the opportunity with both hands. They set
the band at a grass-roots level – the sales thousands of people who wanted to be part off for the opening show at the Aladdin in
managers, promotion teams and customer of breaking them in America.” two station wagons. Smallwood drove one,
service reps. tour manager Tony Wigens the other, and
I
Today, Joel McFadden is a record label ron Maiden finally touched down in their gear followed in a truck.
executive, but back then he was Capitol’s America in support of their second Harris describes the trek as “a proper
Minneapolis branch manager. He recalls album, Killers, in May 1981, following challenge”. É
PYRAMID SCHEME
It took a crack team two months
and £145,000 to build the iconic
World Slavery Tour stage set.
Charlie Kail was one of them.
Charlie Kail: “I was the owner of
Brilliant Constructions. I first met
Maiden when they supported Judas
Priest. I built them some little hand-
held props, and they thanked me in
their programme for my ‘brilliant
constructions’. I thought, ‘That’s
a good name for the company.’
“The World Slavery stage sort of
evolved from ideas from the band –
specifically their lighting designer
Dave Lights, with a lot of input from
Alan Chesters at [stage designers]
Hangman and, obviously, input from
[Maiden artist] Derek Riggs. We didn’t
have CAD [computer-aided design],
so it was drawn out by hand, mainly by
Alan and Dave Lights. I was the
engineer. There were six of us working
on it at Brilliant, then another four or
five at Hangman. We had to work
quickly. We worked day and night, and
there was a lot of subbing out. It took
two months to build.
“The set did look incredible. There
were a couple of big painted backdrops
– Eddie as a Pharoah on a throne [figure
1, right] and a passage inside a Pyramid
[fig. 2]. They’re just flat paintings, but
they’re beautifully done – they looked
real. We did things like building lighting
into the hieroglyphics – those details
really made it special.
“We were up against it from day one,” “There were some ground-breaking
he notes. “People had come to see Priest; “We were in their special effects, like the Eddie-on-a-
stick [figs. 3 and 4]. It was a head,
we weren’t very well known over there at
all. But we lapped it up. And right from faces screaming: ‘Get shoulders, arms and torso on a cherry
picker – I think it’s still the biggest Eddie
the start we got incredible reactions. Just
fantastic. And you start to think: ‘Maybe
up, you wankers!’” ever built. The giant Pharoah head at
the back of the stage would split, and
this could happen…’” Steve Harris this huge Eddie would emerge. At one
Maiden guitarist Dave Murray has show, they parked the cherry picker too
equally vivid memories of that first Zag Records for an in-store signing session near the stage, and when the big reveal
tour. Then a baby-faced 26-year-old, he during a four-night stand at the Palladium. happened, all you could see was
Eddie’s head bobbing up and down
recalls being overwhelmed by a country “I was tired of Rush and Nugent and
behind Nicko McBrain. I could feel Rod
where “everything seemed louder than stuff like that,” one teenage metalhead told Smallwood’s eyes boring into the side
everything else”. But he instinctively knew Canadian TV’s New Music Special during a of my head. That was the only time it
that there were opportunities in a land 13-minute feature on Maiden. “And these didn’t work.
where the polished AOR of Foreigner and guys offer something different.” “As ever with Dave Lights, as soon as
REO Speedwagon dominated rock radio “We’re picking up fans all the way,” Paul he got his hands on a proper budget he
airwaves as surely as Zeppelin and the Di’Anno proudly told the same interviewer. built a huge lighting rig [figs. 5 and 6]. It
Stones had a decade earlier. “We thought: “Hopefully after another two years of was one of the first lighting rigs with
‘Hmm, this could be the beginning of touring we’ll be a huge name. But I hope radical moves on it – it moved up and
something splendid,’” Murray says. “We everyone can say: ‘Oh yeah, Iron Maiden’s down and round and about. Later on it
became the norm for all sorts of bands.
were sleeping in the back of station wagons big now, but they ain’t changed a bit since “If you’d have been backstage, you’d
with pillows stolen from motels, but it we first seen them.’” have seen a couple of carpenters
didn’t matter. We would have hitch-hiked Ironically it was Di’Anno himself who pulling ropes to open the Pharoah’s
to the gigs if we had to, because those 45 had changed. The more technical nature head, a chap operating the cherry
minutes on stage were so incredible.” of the Killers album left the singer feeling picker, and people pulling backdrops on
The word-of-mouth buzz on the band estranged from main songwriter Harris, and off. The whole thing probably cost
grew as the tour progressed. A group of and he began to question his own role £145,000 – a lot back then. But
hard-core fans, billing themselves the within the band. Support sets left Maiden Maiden were the pioneers of those big
Chicago Mutants, began following the band with a lot of free time to kill. And while shows in heavy metal.
“I’ve no idea where the stuff ended
from city to city, their number swelling his happy-go-lucky bandmates contented
up. But I did go to Steve Harris’s house
with each successive show. In Toronto themselves with beer and “birds”, Di’Anno’s once. He had a pub in his house, and
1,200 fans turned out for Maiden’s first indulgences leant towards brandy and one of the sarcophagi from the stage
Canadian headline date, on June 19; in New cocaine – a fact that didn’t go unnoticed set was in the bar.”
York 1,000 more swamped Brooklyn’s Zig as his on stage performances became É
1
2 3
4 5 6
increasingly lacklustre.
“We’d have a lot of time to hang around
and get up to no good,” Harris recalls.
“I was always the sensible one, trying to
keep everyone together, but it’s difficult
when you’ve got everyone wandering off
in different directions with full glasses. But
I’d always be thinking: ‘Let’s not lose focus
on what we’re really here for.’ All our lives
we’d all dreamt of being in a touring band,
but when we got out there Paul wasn’t
interested. I’m not into drugs myself, but
I’m not against other people doing what
they like – as long as it don’t fuck up their
gig. Well, Paul was letting it fuck up his gig.”
When the tour wound up in Philadelphia
on July 30, Maiden headed back to the West
Coast for a brace of arena shows supporting
UFO in California. Back at the Rainbow
the following week, Harris confessed to
Capitol Records’ Bruce Ravid that they were
having issues with Di’Anno, and wondered
aloud if replacing the singer would set
back the progress Maiden had made over
the previous two months. Ravid, who had
noted a marked negativity in Di’Anno’s
attitude towards US success even before across the States. The buzz was growing.
the band touched down in the country, Even beyond sales statistics and media
assured Harris that it wouldn’t, and that for attention, Capitol’s belief in Maiden was
all intents and purposes Eddie was the face buoyed by the transformation in the
of Iron Maiden in America. “If you’re going band itself. Bringing in Bruce Dickinson
to make that change, now is the time to do was viewed by the label as “an immediate
it,” he advised. upgrade”, according to Bruce Ravid, and
Three weeks later, on August 29, the increased confidence levels were
Harris and Smallwood took a day out of apparent to all. Maiden finally had a
Maiden’s European tour schedule to fly vocalist capable of bringing drama and
back to England to watch their NWOBHM colour to their songs and, moreover, a
peers Samson play the Reading festival. frontman who could engage with an arena
Backstage they extended an invitation to full of raging metalheads as if he were
Samson vocalist Bruce Dickinson to try speaking to a close friend. For Dickinson,
out for Maiden. the experience was akin to “taking a very
“When I get the job, which I will,” powerful drug every night”.
Dickinson cockily told the pair, “don’t “Up to that point I’d only really been
expect that it’ll be the same as with the out of Britain on a couple of holidays and
guy you’ve got at the moment.” a school trip,” he told me two decades on
This was exactly what Harris and “We were just from his inaugral US tour. “So a bunch
Smallwood wanted to hear. of 24-year-olds from England let loose in
another circus act America, pre-Aids, with endless supplies
I
n the evening of April 10, 1982 Iron of drink and party material and an endless
Maiden’s third album, The Number Of
going through town.” supply of willing young girls? Come on. We
The Beast, was unveiled as the UK’s Bruce Dickinson weren’t daft, but we weren’t vicars.”
new No.1 album. While champagne corks The ’82 tour was not without
popped in EMI’s West London office, the shows on Rainbow’s Straight Between The Top: Bruce on controversy. The album’s title track and
band were in less celebratory mood, the Eyes tour, 20 gigs across the South-East with the loose. sleeve imagery led to accusations that
Above: Smith gets
news having reached them while they were .38 Special, 41 dates with Scorpions and a technical. “It’s Maiden were Devil-worshippers seeking
pushing their broken-down tour bus along further 30 shows on Judas Priest’s Screaming D-sharp followed to pervert the innocent youth of America.
a snow-covered road in the Swiss Alps. The For Vengeance tour. Iron Maiden’s diary was by a B-minor- Copies of the album were set alight outside
irony of the situation was not lost on Steve filled to October. seventh, then… churches, gigs were picketed by incensed
You following me?”
Harris, who understood that for Maiden the From the outside, it may have appeared Christians, and right-wing pressure groups
real work started now. that Maiden were running to stand demanded the album be removed from
In America, the Beast campaign began still – they were still travelling in station record stores across the south. The label
modestly, with the album charting at wagons, still restricted to 45-minute sets, publicly made appropriately concerned
No.150 in the same week Vangelis’s Chariots still ignored by the mainstream media. But noises, while privately welcoming the
Of Fire soundtrack hit the No.1 spot. It as the album inched up the US chart and column inches. Meanwhile, the five
was still hovering outside the Top 100 tour receipts showed that the band were carefree young Englishmen at the centre
as the US leg of the Beast On The Road outselling the headline draws every night of the storm carried on regardless.
tour kicked off on May 11 at the Perani at the merchandise stand, Smallwood and “It was mad,” Harris later said. “They
Arena & Event Center in Flint, Michigan. Capitol could afford to be patient. Maiden got completely the wrong end of the stick.
In consultation with Rod Smallwood, had a growing presence on US college They obviously hadn’t read the lyrics. It’s
the band’s US booking agent, Bill Olsen, radio with the single Run To The Hills, and no good getting upset about these fanatics.
opted to bring Maiden back to the US as the band were being championed by the You can’t descend to their level.”
a support band once again, booking 13 fanzine community which was spreading By the time Sounds magazine jetted
out to Corpus Christi, Texas to cover the
“I DON’T KNOW WHAT PEOPLE ARE EXPECTING” band’s burgeoning US success, the strength
In 2012, Steve Harris launched his debut solo album, British Lion. of Maiden’s connection with a new
generation of suburban ‘earthdogs’ and
‘rivetheads’ was plain to see. As The Number
More than a decade in the making, Iron Maiden the older you get, the more nostalgic you are. You Of The Beast hit No.33 on the Billboard chart,
leader Steve Harris’s debut solo album, British Lion, become more aware of your own mortality and
finds the bassist working with a new band – vocalist start thinking weird and wonderful things – Sounds journalist Gary Bushell reported
Richie Taylor, guitarists Graham Leslie and David especially when you’ve had a few pints of that Harris was being mobbed in the streets
Hawkins and drummer Simon Dawson. The bassist Guinness. of one-horse Texan towns. Adrian Smith,
describes its 10 tracks as “70s-influenced, British- meanwhile, recalled throwing open a hotel
sounding hard rock”, and promises that it will There are elements of the Maiden sound in window one morning to find hundreds
contain some surprises for Maiden fans. “I don’t the album too. What was to prevent a song such of kids in the car park below displaying
know what people are expecting,” he notes, “but it’s as Us Against The World ending up on an Iron Eddie’s skeletal face on tattoos, T-shirts and
probably not this.” Maiden album? the hoods of their muscle cars. The cult was
Because it’s written with other people. There’s no growing fast.
People might be surprised to learn that Steve way I’d bring anything to Maiden that was written
By the end of the North American leg of
Harris is releasing a solo album. with outside people. There’s a lot of great
Yeah. And I think that’s a good thing. It’s the one songwriters in Maiden. We don’t need any help. The Beast On The Road tour – 105 shows
chance I’ve had to keep a bit of mystique. The in total – the album had shifted 384,000
album has been coming together over a ridiculously Some people will be confused as to why you need copies. According to Rod Smallwood’s
long time, but we’ve managed to keep it a secret, to do a solo album at all, given that Maiden has blueprint it was time to move the Beast into
and that’s been kinda fun. always been your band, that surely within Maiden arenas. While the band – now including
you can do whatever you want? new drummer Nicko McBrain – set to
Where did the impetus to do it come from? Well, Maiden isn’t really like that. Yes, on the early work upon their fourth album, Piece Of
How it started was that Graham Leslie came to me albums most of the songs are mine. But as we’ve Mind, Smallwood sat down with Bob Olsen
with a cassette of songs – which shows how long gone into different eras with different people writing and a map of North America and began
ago it was – and I thought they were really good, so there’s been more and more collaborations. It’s been
I said I’d try to help important for plotting a course from coast to coast for
his band do Maiden to do that the summer and autumn of 1984: first
something. I ended rather than have the major cities (New York, Los Angeles,
up managing me dictating Dallas), then metal’s traditional blue-collar
them, producing everything. But I heartland (Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit),
them and writing have bags full of and finally the bridging towns (Peoria,
with them. When ideas, so many that Knoxville, Poughkeepsie, Madison). When
that band imploded I couldn’t record they’d finished there were 80 marks on
I thought, “Well, them all in my the map, taking Maiden deep into the
I’ve got to do lifetime. I tried out a
heartland of the US on a scale few English
something with few different things
this”, because I on this because I rock bands had ever countenanced.
thought the songs had the time to “In terms of statistics we weren’t really a
were so strong. experiment. headlining band,” Smallwood admits. “The
sales weren’t significant enough for arenas,
Back in 1992 you Will you tour but being quite aggressive and excitable
talked about British Lion with in those days we just went for it. We took
mentoring a young the band? Saxon and Fastway over and sold it as the
band called British Yeah. What are British Metal Onslaught to make it a bit of
Lion. Any my alternatives? a special package. If I’d known then what
connection? Playing acoustic
Yeah, that’s how it originated. I’ve kept in touch bass on my own? We’ll definitely tour it. But there I know now I’d never have chanced it, but
with Richie and Graham. Then Richie was working are no shows arranged yet, because we don’t know off we went. I remember the sales figures
with a guitarist called David Hawkins, who’s a really yet what we’ve got. I know we’ll be playing clubs. coming in for our Seattle date and we’d
talented guy, and we started writing songs together. Which is great because I’ve not played clubs for sold out – 11,000 people. A few weeks later
years. I’d be happy with 200 people a night. That’d we sold out Madison Square Garden for the
Why is this the time for a Steve Harris be brilliant. But I just don’t know. first time, and we knew we’d pulled it off.”
solo album? The band were still on the road when
Because it’s finally ready. The guys have been What expectations do you have for the British Smallwood, now living in LA in a party
waiting very patiently for years for me, and it’s been Lion album? pad above the Rainbow to get closer to the
frustrating at times, but what can I do? I’m so busy Truthfully, I don’t know what kind of reaction it’s
heart of the American record industry,
with Maiden. People have already said to me: “Are going to get. And that’s exciting. Even with Maiden
you going to do this instead of Maiden?” Of course I don’t have expectations, and this is a very different began to plot their next moves. As he did
not. Maiden is always going to be the priority. But thing. This is stepping outside that Maiden bubble so, news filtered through that Maiden had
it’s interesting and exciting to try new things. and finding out what’s going on in the real world. finally had a minor hit rising up the US
rock radio charts. Ironically, that song was
No one reading this will have heard British Lion Will this project free up other people in Maiden not the album’s designated singles Flight Of
yet. How would you describe it? to do more solo stuff? Icarus or The Trooper, but rather The Trooper’s
I’d say it’s more mainstream rock than metal, very I think Bruce will do another one. We were talking B-side, a cover of Jethro Tull’s Cross-Eyed
British sounding, very 70s-influenced and quite about my album the other day, and I think it got Mary. Sensing an opportunity, Capitol
commercial – but good commercial. There are nods him thinking that it’s been 10 years since he last did encouraged Smallwood to authorise a new
to The Who and UFO and some classic British rock one. It’s probably time he did another. Maybe this
bands. But it’s not the progressive rock album some will prove to everyone that you can be in Maiden pressing of Piece Of Mind, augmented by the
might be expecting. and do other stuff as well. I want to do more things Tull cover as a bonus track, and to push the
with Maiden, obviously, but if some of the guys band to schedule promotional radio station
There’s quite a nostalgic feel to it in places. Is the decide that they don’t want to do as much in the appearances. The manager flatly refused,
record a homage to the music you grew up future, then I’ve got this as well. There’ll definitely unwilling to exploit Maiden’s loyal fan base.
listening to? be another British Lion record. This is my safety Capitol backed off, a decision which earned
You could say that, I suppose. But then you could valve. What else am I gonna do? I want to cram in Smallwood’s respect.
probably say the same about Maiden. But yeah, as much as possible before I kick the bucket. “We weren’t into taking short cuts,” he
muses today. “If we’d had one track hit É
big at radio we wouldn’t be where we are it was really hopping for us then and I
today. When you’re built up there you have was impatient. The jungle drums were
further to fall. If the next album comes out summoning more and more people, and
and you don’t get airplay, you’re fucked. we wanted more. When we headlined the
People gossip in this industry, and if you’re Piece Of Mind tour we were a new headliner
seen to lose momentum you’re in trouble. and we didn’t really feel any pressure. But
We needed to push on, on our own terms.” when you’re established as a headliner you
have to deliver every night, and it’s a lot
E
ven today, at a time when tougher mentally and hence physically.
dwindling record sales necessitate I just thought it was the same, but it’s not,
bands spending more and more it’s really not. It was too much.”
time on the road in order to sustain a
I
career, the statistics for Maiden’s World n the summer of 1985, as the
Slavery Tour make awesome reading. exhausted band returned to the
From August 9, 1984 through to July 5, unfamiliar faces of family and friends
1985 they played 187 shows in 322 days in London, Rod Smallwood pondered
across 24 countries. It would have been 192 Maiden’s next steps. The release of a double
shows had illness not forced them to cancel “The whole thing was live album, Live After Death, with incendiary
a week’s worth of US dates. performances from Hammersmith Odeon
In its original form, mapped out to begin ridiculous. We hated and Long Beach Arena, would buy his boys
in Poland and end in Australia, the tour a well-earned holiday. But where now and
was daunting enough – Smallwood had their stage show.” what next?
booked the band four nights at London’s Slash From his vantage point above the
5,000 capacity Hammersmith Odeon, Sunset Strip, Smallwood was ideally placed
four nights at the 13,000 capacity Long tour,” he later told me, “because I was pretty Above: the Seventh to see that metal was changing. Clubs
Beach Arena and a seven-night residency fit then, but also we were playing places Son stage set. like the Rainbow, the Whisky A Go Go
in New York’s Radio City Music Hall – but where people didn’t seem to care about Below: Bruce and and Gazarri’s were being taken over by
sheer momentum led to an additional metal or Maiden. We were just another Steve indulge in a glammed-up pretty-boy musicians aping
two months’ worth of dates tacked on to circus act going through town. I really bit of backstage the sound and preening theatrics of local
banter.
the end of the run. The result was an epic hated that. By the end of the tour we were heroes Mötley Crüe, Ratt and W.A.S.P,
undertaking which turned the band into all taking the piss a bit: ‘If these people don’t the latter’s management Smallwood
genuine superstars – driving sales of parent care about what we do, why should we give had taken over in 1983. A buzz was
album Powerslave to two million in the US a shit?’ At one gig I re-did the lyrics to 22 also building around the nascent thrash
alone – but also came perilously close to Acacia Avenue as a song about a cheese shop metal scene, headed by Metallica. When
tearing the band apart. and no one even fucking cared. It was a daft Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich visited
Powerslave, released in September 1984, thing to do, but I just thought: ‘What are Smallwood’s LA apartment early in 1986
wasn’t necessarily Maiden’s finest album we doing here if people don’t notice stuff with an unmixed cassette of his band’s third
to this point, but it was undeniably their like this?’ I knew that people would only album, Master Of Puppets, Maiden’s manager
most ambitious. The centrepiece was Rime entertain us for as long as we were the local instinctively understood that a cultural and
Of The Ancient Mariner, Harris’s 13-minute freak show in town.” generational divide was opening up within
retelling of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s epic Reflecting upon it all now, Steve Harris metal, offering a whole new set of challenges
18th-century poem, while the increasingly has sympathy for Dickinson. for his own band.
prolific Smith/Dickinson writing axis “That tour fried everybody,” he says, “and “Did I care?” he says. “Of course I fucking
served up the album’s biggest hit single, 2 him in particular. Christ, he had to get up cared! I’m competitive in everything. You
Minutes To Midnight. But the most important and sing six nights a week for 13 months, have to keep an eye on what’s going. The
creative decision was to theme both Derek and that took its toll. Our schedule then industry needs fresh bands coming through
Riggs’s album artwork and the visuals for was insane. It wasn’t like anyone twisted all the time, but we weren’t ready to step
the subsequent tour around the Dickinson- our arms, we were totally up for it, but aside for anyone.”
penned title track, ostensibly a theatrical perhaps we took on more than we could Drawing up another ambitious five-year
tale of Ancient Eygptian deities, masking deal with. I’m not saying it nearly broke the plan, Smallwood earmarked 1989 as
a sobering reflection on the band’s own band, it didn’t. But we had to put our foot Maiden’s first full year off the album/tour
relentless drive for success. Brought to down and say to Rod: ‘Look, we need time treadmill, not knowing that by then the
life by the Hertfordshire-based design off here or we’re in trouble.’” band would be fractured and heading for
company Brilliant Constructions, the “We should have stopped sooner,” freefall.
hieroglyph-covered, sarcophagus-strewn Smallwood admits. “It was probably one of With the gift of hindsight, it’s easy to see
stage set featured Eddie’s face rendered in many mistakes I’ve made. But, you know, the World Slavery Tour as a pivotal moment
the form of Sphinx, with the monster in the disintegration of Maiden’s classic line-
himself appearing as a 30-foot tall up. When the five-piece regrouped to work
mummy with blazing eyes. upon their sixth studio album, Somewhere
The tour itself was a sensation. In Time, Bruce Dickinson was still
Prefaced by Winston Churchill’s suffering psychologically. Not unkindly,
stirring war-time address to Steve Harris recalls his frontman being
Parliament (“We shall fight on the “away with the fairies” at the time,
beaches…”), the set clocked in proffering song ideas that jarred with his
at almost two hours, and was a own vision for the band’s future. When the
masterclass in how to serve up a rock album was released, in September ’86, the
show. Dickinson was in particularly singer’s name absent from the songwriting
inspired form as the charismatic credits. A decade on, Dickinson admitted
conductor of the band’s light and to Maiden’s official biographer Mick Wall
magic. Behind the scenes, though, that he felt “squashed inside… like a fly
the singer was slowly unravelling. being swatted”.
“It wasn’t just the length of the Initially the rejection seemed to spur the
a couple of tours and it wasn’t doing the
morale of the band any good. We’d all come
off and go: ‘That was a great gig’, and he’d be
sitting in the corner moaning. He just didn’t
seem like he wanted to be there, really. He
was just off on one, and we just couldn’t reel
him back in.”
“The truth is I was unhappy,” Smith later
admitted. “There were a lot of long phone
calls. It was all very emotional. But at the
same time [when I quit] it felt like it was a
weight off my shoulders.”
Bruce Dickinson watched his friend’s
departure with sadness and a certain
gnawing sense of recognition. Though the
Seventh Son album represented a high-water
mark in his own contribution to Maiden’s
sound and aesthetic, Dickinson too was
singer on to new creative heights. Maiden’s Top: (l-r) Steve shows were booked, with Maiden taking beginning to tire of the band’s relentless
next album, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, was Harris, Dave with them as support then-rising LA schedule, and was beginning to feel the
an ambitious, prog-tinged concept piece Murray, Nicko rockers Guns N’ Roses – a band whose idea pressures of “trying to conform to the
McBrain, Bruce
about fate, prophecy and predestination Dickinson
of rock’n’roll had precious little in common established Maiden routine”. He began
that included four Dickinson co-writes and Adrian Smith. with Maiden’s vision. It was a decision both to immerse himself in extracurricular
and some of the band’s strongest and most acts would come to regret. activities – fencing, flying, writing a
sophisticated material to date. Speaking on “Our audience didn’t like them,” Harris novel (the farcical The Adventures Of Lord
the eve of its release, the rejuvenated vocalist says bluntly. “We started out in Canada Iffy Boatrace), and even a solo album
likened Seventh Son to “a heavy metal Dark and our crowd reacted really bad to them. (which would emerge in 1990 as Tattooed
Side Of The Moon”. I thought it’d get better but it didn’t that Millionaire), but the sense that he was
“If The Number Of The Beast brought heavy much. Axl really had the hump with the locked into an endless groove in his day
metal properly into the 1980s, which I crowd, and he used to get pissed off and it job persisted. It would be five years before
believe it did, then with Seventh Son Of A just rubbed people up the wrong way.” the singer followed Smith out of the band.
Seventh Son I think we’ve shown the way for “To us, the whole thing was ridiculous,” And when he finally did so, in August 1993,
heavy metal in the 1990s,” he confidently Slash wrote in his 2007 autobiography. he admitted bluntly: “I’ve been creatively
told one writer. Bold words indeed. “We hated their stage show on sight and sleepwalking for the last five years.” It would
In the UK the album was a huge success, had a hard time playing with that ice scene take the best part of a decade for the union
reaching No.1, spawning four Top 10 backdrop behind us every night. We were to be re-established.
singles and paving the way for a headlining so out of place that it was a challenge. That
O
appearance at the Monsters Of Rock festival band is a British institution, and we realised n stage stage at the Bell Centre,
at Donington Park in front of a record that… we were an American upstart band in time-honoured fashion
107,000 crowd. Across Europe the album fucking with their very established system.” Bruce Dickinson is exhorting a
scored Top 10 placings almost everywhere. “We said hello a couple of times but we rapturous audience to make themselves
But in America its release heralded a down- never had much to do with them really,” heard. “Scream for me, Montreal!” he
turn in their fortunes. The album charted at shrugs Harris. “We had our own issues. hollers. “Scream for me, Montreal!”
No.12, and would go on to sell 1.2 million We’d be out playing six songs off the album, If North America didn’t quite ‘get’
copies, but this represented a drop-off but it seemed that people were more into Iron Maiden on the Seventh Tour Of A
from the two million sales racked up by hearing the jukebox favourites, wanting us Seventh Tour, the same cannot be said
its predecessor, Somewhere In Time, which to play a bit too safe. It was disappointing.” for the 11,700 Maiden fans revisiting that
debuted one spot higher on the Billboard 200. On June 5, as the tour reached the set-list tonight. The band sound terrific
“When people here heard the album, I’m Shoreline Amphitheatre outside San this evening, as vital and energetic as at any
not sure they quite got it. Not straight away, Francisco, Axl Rose refused to leave his point in the past three decades.
anyway,” Steve Harris says today, choosing hotel room and informed his bandmates he Before the show, as news drifts
his words carefully. “America was a bit cold was too ill to perform. The following day, backstage that the following day’s show at
to it, really.” ahead of two sold-out shows at the 16,000 the 16,000-capacity Molson Amphitheatre
Rod Smallwood is equally diplomatic, Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, GN’R in Toronto is completely sold out, Steve
withdrawing an initial assessment that the pulled out of the tour, citing problems with Harris can afford a smile when asked about
album was perhaps “too sophisticated” for Axl’s throat. The fact that their debut album his band’s prospect of repeating their 80s
Maiden’s US audience, before settling on the Appetite For Destruction was then headed for success in America three decades on. Never
word “different”. the Billboard Top 10 while Seventh Son slipped one for nostalgia, the bassist is bullish in his
“It was Maiden moving more proggy,” in the opposite direction was presumably assertion that there’s much more to come
he notes. “The reception was disappointing a simple coincidence, and Rod Smallwood from his band, who he characterises as
because it was probably the first time that maintains that not one single ticket was content but not complacent in 2012. But
we didn’t move on a step in America. It just returned to the venue box office following of even at his most hard-headed, Maiden’s
didn’t catch fire.” GN’R’s sudden exit. indefatigable leader will concede that the
Following the more stripped-back, Maiden were a little too preoccupied 80s marked a defining period in his band’s
modernist feel of the Somewhere In Time with their own internal chemistry to really special relationship with America.
tour, the Seventh Tour Of A Seventh Tour care. Guitarist Adrian Smith was becoming “It definitely wasn’t an overnight thing,”
production was a return to the grandiose isolated from the band. The following he laughs. “Looking back, maybe we made
staging of Powerslave. Inspired, as ever, by year he would announce he was leaving, things harder for ourselves than it might
Derek Riggs’s album artwork, the stage set bringing an end to Maiden’s ‘classic’ line-up. have been, but we always did things our
featured icebergs, state-of-the-art visuals, “We could sense Adrian drifting away,” own way. And now we’re still here, and
and Eddie recast as a crystal ball-gazing admits Harris. “He’d been moaning about our crowds are still here, who’s to say that
clairvoyant. Fifty-seven North America his sound and this, that and the other for wasn’t the right way all along?”
Derek Riggs’ artwork was
incredible, as always
Seven
deadly sins
Seven ways
to win
Seven holy
paths to Hell
And your
trip begins…
It was the album that cemented Iron Maiden as metal’s greatest band. As Seventh Son Of A
Seventh Son turned 30 in 2018, Metal Hammer celebrated its creation and its legacy with those
who witnessed its impact first-hand.
WORDS: DOM LAWSON
O
n November 5, 1987, Iron
Maiden finally reached the end
of extensive touring in support
of their sixth studio album,
Somewhere In Time. Firmly
established as the biggest
heavy metal band on the
planet by this point, their next
move was clearly going to be a hugely important
one. No one could have predicted what happened
next, least of all famous British ‘psychic’ Doris
Stokes, whose death in May 1987 proved to be the
unlikely starting point for Maiden’s seventh and
most impactful album yet.
“I just had a thought: ‘I wonder if she could
foresee her own death?’” stated Steve Harris, in
2013’s Maiden England ’88 documentary. “Who
knows? So I started off with that sort of idea. I
wrote The Clairvoyant and then went to Bruce with
it and basically he said, ‘Yeah, it’s a great idea!’ I
started then having an idea for a song, Seventh
Son Of A Seventh Son, because supposedly if you
were born the seventh son of a seventh son you
had the powers of a clairvoyant. So I had those
two ideas and Bruce went, ‘You know what? We
should do a concept album about this...’”
It might seem silly to suggest that Maiden had
anything to prove by 1988, but there was a sense
that 1986’s Somewhere In Time had been difficult
for the band to make. Famously, Bruce Dickinson
had come to Steve Harris proposing some more
acoustic-based, prog-tinged material for the
record but had been briskly turned down. The
album that then emerged was full of great
material, not least three songs written in their
entirety by guitarist Adrian Smith, but it didn’t
seem to have the same phenomenal impact that
Powerslave had had two years earlier. As a result,
as Maiden plunged into a ridiculously intense
period of writing and recording, there was a huge
amount of pressure on them to deliver something
special. Partly inspired by Seventh Son, a fantasy
novel by author Orson Scott Card, Steve’s nascent
concept soon blossomed into something more
substantial, aided by Bruce’s return as a
songwriter.
“Bruce had something to prove,” says Mick Wall,
Hammer alumnus and author of Run To The Hills,
the official Iron Maiden biography. “He hadn’t had
a song on a Maiden album for four years. Steve
upped his game, too, and Adrian was in a
ideas,
uple of song ake it
Steve had a co te d th ey m
Bruce suggeshistor y was made
a concept,
“Seventh Son is a
definitive statement”
FOR BRUCE DICKINSON, THE RECORD WAS A CUT ABOVE SOMEWHERE IN TIME
TE
FRANK WHI
Bruce Dickinson onstage at Monsters of Rock,
GEORGE CHIN/ICONICPIX
1988. The band had stayed away from Dave Murray and Adrian Smith at
the festival until they could do it justice Monsters Of Rock,unaware of the tragedy
that had happened earlier in the day
FRANK WHITE
wonderful purple patch, where he was knocking
out meaningful, cool songs. It was a confluence
of all of that and it turned into a hugely significant
moment for them.”
Recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich,
Germany, in February and March 1988, with
long-time producer Martin Birch once again
at the controls, Seventh Son Of A Seventh
Son took shape at an insane pace, largely
due to the fact that the band’s next world
tour was already booked and due to kick off
at the end of that April. Given how the album
turned out, and you may struggle to find
a diehard metalhead who doesn’t love
Seventh Son…, it’s plain that Maiden were
on the strongest collective form of their
careers to date, working harmoniously and
revelling in each other’s creativity – even
if the much-discussed concept underpinning
the album was not quite as coherent
or precise as the band may originally have
Bruce in sparkling form
intended. in New Jersey in July 198
8
“Like most things, it got about halfway
down the track and then sort of
veered off at a tangent,” Bruce
noted in Maiden England
’88. “Because whenever
we’ve done concept
albums in Maiden,
we’ve never followed
the plot slavishly.
We’ve got to about
halfway through
and then done a
song about
Battersea Dogs
Home in the
middle of it… or
something. You
think, ‘Why is that on
there?’ Just ’cos it is!”
An explosive taster for the album to
come, first single Can I Play With Madness was
released in March ’88 and rocketed straight into
the UK singles charts at No.3. Undeniably given
a boost by the song’s daft but great video,
which featured a cameo from legendary comic
actor Graham Chapman, a member of iconic
British comedy troupe Monty Python’s Flying
Circus, it was by far the catchiest and most direct
song that Maiden had released at that point.

Despite having had numerous chart successes in
the past, the band had never made any
effort to become pop stars, but pop stars
they were clearly becoming. This time
Steve at Monsters of Rock, 1988.
Who knew his pondering about
the death of a psychic would lead
to such a masterpiece?
GEORGE BODNAR ARCHIVE/ICONICPIX
OPPOSITE: GEORGE CHIN/ICONICPIX
Derek Riggs’ stunning artwork

came to life onstage
round, mainstream radio and TV simply couldn’t that time look appalling! You know, they’re almost Mick. “Seventh Son… is the last album they ever
ignore them. in shellsuits… I mean, really not very metal!” did with what my generation would regard as the
“Immediately you got a sense that this could be Despite such sartorial calamities, Seventh classic line-up. With no respect to Janick [Gers,
the album that you didn’t have to be a solid Iron Son Of A Seventh Son was released on April 11, current Maiden guitarist], who’s a great player
Maiden fan to appreciate,” says Mick Wall. “Can I 1988. As hinted at by the preceding single’s in his own right, but Adrian and Dave together
Play With Madness was a huge hit for them. It success, it roared to the top of the UK album charts
as a team were magical. On so many levels,
wasn’t something they’d been bothered about amid near-universal acclaim and a particularly Seventh Son… is one of those big moments in the
before. It had always been about the album and ecstatic reaction from Maiden’s fanbase. Maiden story.”
rightly so, but in the end they had several hits from Everything about Seventh Son… seemed right. In If there was any dissent upon Seventh Son…’s
Seventh Son… They did a lot more TV, radio and all one sense it was a brave, adventurous and release, it was focused on the fact that Maiden’s
that stuff. If you’re at No.3, then seventh album saw them fully
of course they want you on [kids’
tv show] Going Live! with Phillip “Puma sponsored us, but embracing the use of keyboards for the
first time. As ridiculous as it now
Schofield!”
shellsuits are not very metal” seems, it was a genuinely controversial
move for a metal band in 1988.
A
s if to emphasise their MANAGER ROD SMALLWOOD REMEMBERS HOW THE MAINSTREAM TOOK AN INTEREST “I guess some people were unhappy,
status as commercial but in the right place, keyboards can be
heavyweights, Iron really cool,” says Markus Grosskopf,
Maiden launched Seventh Son… by hosting a boozy musically challenging affair: from Bruce’s bassist with Helloween, who toured extensively
promotional event at the epic Castle spinetingling atmospheric intro, to Moonchild and with Maiden during the late 80s. “They created a
Schnellenberg in Attendorn, Germany. Infinite Dreams’ sophisticated dynamics special mood on that record. Listen to the
Journalists and TV folk from across the globe and blistering solos, to the extravagant prog harmonies and the melodies. It
flew in to interview the band about their new metal voyage of the nine-minute title track takes you
magnum opus in surroundings befitting of its and the triumphant, skewed catchiness of The
musical opulence. A lot of time and money was Clairvoyant, Seventh Son… was the sound of
being thrown at Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son, Maiden stretching out. But it was also an album of
and understandably so: this was an album that punchy, perfectly constructed metal anthems: Can
seemed to be causing a stir even beyond the usual I Play With Madness, The Evil That Men Do, Only The
rock’n’roll world. Good Die Young... unforgettable gems, one and all.
“We had all the media from Europe and America “If Somewhere In Time was a Claymation figure,
come in for a long weekend of interviews, drinks, it wouldn’t quite be painted yet. It would have the
playbacks, drinks, photos, drinks…” Maiden eyes, the arms, and the bits’n’bobs and you’d say,
manager Rod Smallwood recalled in Maiden ‘Yeah… I can see where you’re going there!’ you
England ’88. “We’ve never been a corporate band, know?” Bruce noted in 2013. “But what you get
but at that time [sports clothing company] Puma with Seventh Son… is a much more recognisable
came along and said, ‘Would you like some free definitive statement. Right, boom, here’s the
kit?’ So, we said, ‘Yes, of course we do!’ Puma was a whole thing, all in one piece.”
great deal but the band insisted on wearing the “Personally, I think the magic source of that
bloody tracksuits all the time, so the photos from album was that Bruce came back as a writer,” says
FRANK WHITE PIX
MAIN: GEORGE BODNAR ARCHIVE/ICONIC
Nicko is all white on the night

in New Jersey, 1988
An incredible 107,000 fans turned out to watch

Maiden headline Monsters Of Rock in 1988
to another world and it’s very much

Maiden’s style and theirs
alone. The whole album is full of great
“Playing with them made it they had lots of Eddies and big
mountains and ice and all of that
stuff. The stages must’ve been
moments, great guitar playing, great
singing and amazing arrangements. It
possible for us to dream” really big, ha ha ha!”
The story of Seventh Son Of A
touches you and you have to go with it. TOURING WITH MAIDEN ALLOWED HELLOWEEN TO REALISE THEIR AMBITIONS Seventh Son is primarily one of
The atmosphere was so strong. It’s only creative and commercial success, as
eight tracks, but they’re all great tracks.” touring with them, it was a special thing. Playing an already potent force gained momentum and
For Helloween in particular, Iron Maiden’s with them made it possible for us to dream about dragged the world along with them. On August 20
ongoing dominance of the metal scene was a solid getting out there and doing it on our own.” 1988, Iron Maiden headlined the prestigious
good omen. By 1988, the Germans were being Monsters Of Rock one-day festival at Castle
W
described as “the next Maiden” or “the ith their new album flying off the Donington for the first time. If proof were needed
German Iron Maiden”, partly because hugely shelves in the UK, across Europe and that Maiden had hit a new level of popularity, the
successful records like that same year’s beyond, Iron Maiden hit the road for staggering size of the crowd that came to see
Keeper Of The Seven Keys Part II clearly the Seventh Tour Of A Seventh Tour, kicking off in the band – alongside Helloween, Megadeth,
owed a significant debt to Maiden’s Germany on April 28 and powering their way former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth, a
strident, melodic sound. through the next eight months, armed with their pre-superstardom Guns N’ Roses and Kiss – was the
“We looked up to them, for sure,” most spectacular stage show to date. With clincher. An estimated 107,000 people marched
Markus remembers. “The first Iron physical manifestations of Derek Riggs’ through the mud that day, making it the biggest
Maiden album was the record that extraordinary Seventh Son… cover art, replete Monsters Of Rock yet.
introduced me to heavy metal and hard with giant icebergs and a huge, floating Eddie, “We knew we had an outstanding success,”
rock, because I was a punk before that, it was an eye-frazzling spectacle, even by Maiden’s states Tim Parsons, the legendary promoter
ha ha! It was the way they used lofty standards. who booked the 1988 bill. “People were walking
harmonies over this fast, aggressive music Blessed with the opportunity to support Maiden across fields, having abandoned their cars.
– that really touched me. In Helloween, we during a run of US dates and the climactic UK run The aerial photographs made the crowds look like
have always wanted to do our own thing of the tour, Canadian hard rockers Killer Dwarfs crop circles! Eventually we ran out of tickets and
and we have our own sound, our own could hardly believe their luck. were selling raffle tickets, so if anyone
style, but of course Maiden are “It was a big deal for us on a big-deal album for still has one of those it could fetch quite a bit
a big influence. When Maiden,” recalls frontman Russ Dwarf. “Their show on eBay. It was Maiden’s big day and they were
we started was fucking epic! We were huge fans and we were a delight to work with.”
definitely shitting our pants. We knew our place, Hammer scribe (and Maiden devotee) Dave Ling
we weren’t cocky assholes, but they treated us like was also present on that unforgettable
equals. Guns N’ Roses had supported them on the day and remembers the occasion as a unique
tour, too, so we knew it was a big deal. Maiden are milestone in Maiden history.
so loved and everyone was there for the same “As a fan who’d followed them since the club
reason. They’re such a passionate band. It was like days, it really felt as though they had stepped into
theatre! We were just kids and our minds were the big time,” he says. “The management had
blown. Playing at Hammersmith and Wembley wisely kept the band away from Donington until
when Maiden were at their absolute peak? It they were able to do the event full justice. To go
doesn’t get better than that.” there and put on a stupendous show, in front of an
“Touring with Maiden was always good and that audience that will never be surpassed in terms of
tour was a really great one,” adds Markus size, felt like a complete vindication of that
Grosskopf. “We had everything we needed, strategy. The excitement in the crowd was
including plenty of space on stage, even though unbelievable. In those days there was, of course,
Bruce in 1988
songwriting… . Seventh Son…
and he had sosaw him return to
mething to pr
ove
ANNAMARIA DISANTO/ICONICPIX
“We have the
power to do
great good or
great harm”
US novelist Orson Scott Card helped to
define fantasy and sci fi literature in the
70s and 80s, his Enders Game saga earning
him critical acclaim and a glut of awards.
In later years his views on same-sex
marriage caused controversy, but his
work has continued to influence writers,
musicians and artists, and it was his 1987
novel, Seventh Son, that served many of
the themes in Maiden’s 1988 landmark
Steve, Bruce, Nicko, Dave and Adrian at Monsters of Rock.
record…
We’ve got to agree with Rod Smallwood: shellsuits aren’t metal
WHEN DID YOU BECOME AWARE THAT IRON MAIDEN
HAD DRAWN INSPIRATION FROM YOUR WORK?
“This was Iron Maiden’s Dark “We were made aware when the Iron Maiden album
first came out, and my response was to feel honoured
and grateful that people who were creating
Side Of The Moon” their own art were willing to devote so much of
their creative energy and opportunity to comment
on and expand on the elements of my story that
mattered to them.”
ROCK WRITER MICK WALL HOLDS SEVENTH SON UP AS A MASTERPIECE
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THEIR INTERPRETATION
only one stage and all 107,000 people had their have to worry about them. They were utterly OF YOUR STORY?
attention focused onto that area of space. I can professional.” “I celebrate the fact that somebody else cared
enough about a story of mine that they made it
still remember the chills when the intro tape It would be inaccurate to say that the Donington into their own story. I’m perfectly happy that
began. With hindsight I’m not sure I saw them any tragedy precipitated Maiden’s mild commercial along with drawing upon my story, they also
better, certainly not before Bruce left and decline in the 90s, but it’s hard to deny that brought in a quote from the movie The Ten
Commandments [1956], in which Pharaoh
re-joined. If the band felt any nerves they simply nothing was ever quite the same again. repeatedly says, ‘So let it be written. So let it
didn’t show.” Within a year, Adrian Smith had quit. The classic be done.’ Like me, Steve Harris draws upon
Sadly, what should have been Iron Maiden’s line-up that had achieved so much during that everything he’s read and seen and heard and
experienced when creating a work of art. I’m
ultimate moment of glory would be irrevocably first, fiery decade began to fall apart, Seventh just glad to be in the mix.”
marred by tragedy, as two young Scottish metal Son… its immaculate, seminal epitaph.
fans – Alan Dick and Landon Siggers – lost their “It was just a huge moment for Maiden,” WHY DO YOU THINK THIS PARTICULAR STORY
lives as the sodden ground gave way during Guns concludes Mick Wall. “It was Maiden’s Dark Side Of RESONATED SO DEEPLY WITH PEOPLE?
“I imagine that for those readers who believe in
N’ Roses set. Unaware of the deaths, Maiden The Moon or their Led Zep IV! Ninety-nine percent and care about Seventh Son, what holds them
powered through their headline set with of bands don’t get to make one masterpiece. If you is probably the life of a child who has the power
customary flare and delivered the milestone make one, you’re in the club, and Seventh Son… is to do great things, but struggles to know which
things he should do. Since this is a dilemma that
performance that their ongoing rise demanded. Maiden’s masterpiece.” actually affects every human being, because
But as Tim Parsons admits, there was no denying “I still think it is a really strong album,” Steve within the circle of our own homes we have the
that the shine on Maiden’s triumph had been Harris concluded during Maiden England ’88. “I power to do great good or great harm, the fact
that the story contains magic does not change
brutally wiped away. think it’s stood the test of time, and I think if we do its applicability to the real world.”
“We took our responsibilities seriously but we any of those songs off that album live, I think they
could never have foreseen the set of circumstances will still stand up against anything that we’ve DO YOU THINK YOU’VE PICKED UP A FEW METALHEAD
that led to those fatalities that day,” he notes. “It done, before or afterwards.” FANS ALONG THE WAY THANKS TO THE ALBUM?
“The Iron Maiden album has reached 30 years, and I
was just hideous. It was awful for Maiden, to hear Of course, we all know how the story played out hope it goes on finding listeners for many years to
what had happened after their show, amid all that and, 30 years on, Maiden are as big and as loved as come. Whether those who enjoy that music have any
euphoria. But with very few exceptions, I wouldn’t they ever were, but have they ever made a better idea that it references a novel of mine is not terribly
important, although if some of them gave the novel a
have wanted anyone else to be the headliner on record than Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son? Has try and liked it, I would be pleased.”
that day. It was comforting, because we didn’t anyone?
“Prog taught me to do whatever
the hell you want to do.”
For the past 40 years, Iron Maiden have been closer Empire Of The Clouds, an insanely up with that stuff and I absolutely love
grandiose and evocative recounting all those bands, to this day. So this
one of the most popular heavy metal bands on of the R101 airship disaster of 1930 should be fun…”
the planet, thanks in part to the determination that crams more twists, turns and
orchestral flourishes into its duration People might be surprised that you’re a
and vision of Steve Harris. But the bassist and than most supposed prog bands proper prog rock aficionado, but you were
founder grew up a not-so-secret progressive would dare to attempt. the perfect age to discover all that stuff.
Harris’ own songs aren’t exactly Yeah, I guess I was. I grew up listening
rock fan. In 2015 he sat down with Prog straightforward or succinct either, not to all kinds of stuff, I suppose. I used
magazine to look back of at the bands that least the grandiloquent bluster of the to listen to The Beatles and The Who
shaped him and Maiden. 13-minute The Red And The Black, and and stuff like that. I used to live at my
with artwork inspired by the imagery grandparents’ house and my aunts
Words: Dom Lawson Portrait: John McMurtrie and iconography of Ancient Mayan would always be playing that stuff,
civilisation and an underlying sense of whether it was The Doors or Simon
soul-searching unease, The Book Of and Garfunkel, a wide variety of
S
teve Harris is a huge Souls may not be a textbook prog rock music but all with loads of melody. I
fan of progressive rock, album, but its progressive credentials guess that’s where I picked up a lot of
and particularly of that are unquestionable. that sense of melody from. Then I
all- important first wave Despite this, and with typical started getting into more rock stuff
of now legendary bands that ruled humility and a dash of bemusement, and that led to Wishbone Ash and
the earth in the early 70s. Aside Harris is surprised and delighted to be then onto prog.
from the fact that Iron Maiden have nimbly crossing over into the prog
covered both Jethro Tull’s Cross-Eyed realm, if only for this interview. What was your entry point into the
Mary and Hocus Pocus by Focus – “Well, I wouldn’t say it’s been my world of prog?
Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain’s lifetime’s ambition to appear in Prog I bought the first King Crimson
demented channelling of Thijs Van magazine,” he smiles, “but I must album, but I got into that and early
Leer’s yodelling powers will haunt admit I’m really happy about it. I grew Genesis, the first ELP album, Jethro
you forever, so approach with Tull, Yes and all that stuff around the
caution – the band’s penchant for same time. I used to go round a friend
elaborate epics and multiple mood of mine’s house and we’d play chess
and tempo shifts has always been a and he started sticking a few albums
dead giveaway. on in the background. I was sure he
Iron Maiden have released at least was trying to put me off my chess
one bona fide concept album and game [laughs]. In the end, I said, ‘I
are renowned for their extravagant, can’t really listen and play at the same
eye-melting stage productions: both time, so could I borrow some of those
sturdy prog traits, of course, and albums? I’ve never really heard
ample evidence that growing up anything like it…’ So he lent me some
amid the original progressive era has albums and some heavier stuff too,
indeed had a colossal effect on Harris’ like Black Sabbath, but also the
notoriously uncompromising vision. Moody Blues and all the progressive
Never has that influence been more stuff. It absolutely blew my mind.
apparent than on Maiden’s new
album The Book Of Souls. At an eye- Why do you think prog appealed to you
watering 92 minutes in length, it is so much?
both the band’s first legitimate double All the bands were incredible. They
album (or triple album, if you favour had great songwriting, great
the lavish vinyl edition) and the most musicianship, the whole kitchen sink,
unashamedly ambitious record of you know? I just loved it. The early
their illustrious career. It is also, at Genesis stuff used to give me
certain points, magnificently goosebumps. Take A Pebble by ELP too.
adventurous and very plainly Amazing stuff. I remember seeing
indebted to Harris’ prog obsession, Jethro Tull on Top Of The Pops for the
particularly on the album’s lengthier New heavy metal
first time. My mum hated it, which I
and more intricate tracks. Maiden kids on the block: thought was great [laughs]. But I
singer Bruce Dickinson – another Iron Maiden in didn’t like it just because of that. I just
prog aficionado, it turns out – also 1979; (top) latest fell in love with that kind of music. I
contributes to the record’s exploratory album The Book couldn’t believe that there was so
Of Souls
GETTY
squall, most significant on 18-minute much great music around. Looking É
Prog-sessive: Steve
Harris’ vision for
Maiden has carried the
band forwards. Note
early glimpse of brand
new Maiden Audio
headphones on desk!
“Genesis were never the

same after Gabriel left...”
GETTY X2
at it now, I feel I was really lucky to the actual logo itself was so strong. As That’s true, yeah. Not that they just Most Maiden fans are well aware that
grow up in that era when some of much as I loved the band, I was upset flatly said, ‘We’re not playing your you’re a fan of Jethro Tull, thanks to
those bands were given carte blanche when they completely got rid of it and songs’. It wasn’t like that as such. They your cover of Cross-Eyed Mary…
to just do what they wanted to do. got a new logo, which in my opinion just said, ‘This material you’re coming It was a bit of a shame, really. When
wasn’t very good, on the next album. I up with, it’s just not us…’ They were a we recorded that, Bruce [Dickinson,
Do you think that level of artistic thought ‘Well that’s not what I’m blues band. To be fair, I joined them. I Maiden singer] wasn’t there. I can’t
freedom inspired your own gonna do with my band…’ and I made auditioned and got the job and I was remember where he was, but I spoke
uncompromising approach? sure we got a great logo and that we pleased to get it and I enjoyed the stuff to him and said, ‘Are you alright with
It was an influence, without a doubt. If would stick with it, because I think they were playing. Once I came in the key this song’s in?’ and he went
they could all do what they wanted to that’s what’s needed. with my own material, it didn’t go ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah…’ So of course
do then I was going to do the same. A down too well because it was so far when it came to record his vocals it
massive key factor that influenced me You briefly played with a band called from where they wanted to be. So that was suddenly… ‘Oh, shit.’ It wasn’t
big time was the Genesis logo from Smiler in your pre-Maiden days… is it was when I decided that I didn’t want really the right key for him. He could
the Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot albums. I true that you left when they wouldn’t to have those sorts of problems either sing it really low or really high,
had that on the back of my denim play your songs, because they were too anymore, and the only way to go was so he went for the high one and it was
jacket with a fox’s head and all that… complicated? to start my own band. a bit too high, even for him. He wasn’t
Xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx
xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx
xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx
Ha ha! Well, you’d probably be even

more surprised if I told you I like Talk
“Seventh Son Of Talk. No, I love Be-Bop Deluxe. Oh,
Sunburst Finish! What an album. But I
A Seventh Son hear something and I like it. That’s the
end of it. If something takes my fancy
was more about then that’s it. The songwriting on
Sunburst Finish is absolutely amazing.
technology than Every single song on there is brilliant.
trying to be a Would it be fair to say that Maiden’s

first blatant prog statement was your
concept album Seventh Son Of A
prog band.” was great. But I did think that the Seventh Son, which boasted keyboards
solos went on a little bit too long, to be for the first time in your history?
honest. In those days it was the thing It was more about technology than
to do and I found it boring. What trying to be a prog band. We started
wasn’t boring was a band called Kraan, to use guitar synths on Somewhere In
who supported Nektar in London Time and we all got fed up of having
100 per cent happy with it. It came out Do you have a favourite JethroTull somewhere. They were a German to run back to press a button or kick
okay, though. album? band and the guy was doing this bass a pedal, so we decided that for the
I love Aqualung, obviously, but the one solo and he was unbelievable. The next album we’d keep going with
Bruce Dickinson has worked with Ian I loved the most and probably still do crowd were clapping out of time, so those sounds, so let’s just use keys.
Anderson before, so have you ever met is Thick As A Brick. I love A Passion Play he stopped in the middle of it and said That was it, really. We didn’t sit
the great man? and he got a lot of stick for that. Quite [adopts German accent] ‘You are down and say ‘We’re gonna write a
I’ve never actually met Ian. I sort of rightly, he got the hump with it. I love clapping out of time! It must be like prog album!’ For me, the prog
don’t want to meet him, in a way, that album, though. At the time I this!’ I thought, ‘That took bottle!’ Hats influence is more obvious on
because I love him and his music so thought I might be the only person in off to him. And it was a bloody good something like Blood Brothers [from
much. I’ve seen Tull live so many the UK that liked it, but I found a few solo as well. I’d just still rather hear the 2000’s Brave New World]. I think you
times. I’ve admired him from afar, more people over the years. It’s an songs than a virtuoso of any kind. can really hear the Jethro Tull
really. I just think the man’s a genius, acquired taste, isn’t it? influence on that song.
as a songwriter. I think he’s Perhaps the most surprising thing
unbelievable, the stuff he’s done Did you see ELP live in your younger we’ve learned about your taste in With hindsight, how do you feel
over the years and he’s still out there days? prog is that you’re a big fan of Be-Bop Seventh Son stands up as a concept
doing it. Yeah, I saw them a couple of times. It Deluxe… album? É
Gabriel-era Genesis and
I think the story works really well, as
Jethro Tull were a big much as you’re restricted when you’re
influence on Harris. trying to write music for a story. A
lot of thought went into it. It was a
good change for us and I think it
worked really well. At the time,
Bruce said he thought Operation:
Mindcrime was more of a proper
concept album, and that was a great
album but I don’t think it was any
more valid than ours.
The other great concept album of the

late 80s was Misplaced Childhood.
Were you ever a Marillion fan?
Misplaced Childhood was a great album
too, but I’ve got to be honest, when I
first saw Marillion at the Marquee I
couldn’t get past the fact that they
sounded so much like early Genesis.
Obviously I embraced it later and I
really liked them, but it was very
tough for me as a Genesis fan, to get
my head round a band that sounded
so much like them. Once I got into the
songs, they had their own thing going
on as well. They’re great songwriters.
But yeah, those were my initial
thoughts [laughs].
Okay, so as a huge Gabriel-era Genesis

fan, at which point in the band’s
catalogue of albums did your interest
wane?
Oh man, it was never the same after
Gabriel left. I remember that day. I
bought Melody Maker and it was on the
front page and I was devastated. They
were my favourite band at the time.
They did Trick Of The Tail and I went to
see them on that tour and that was a
fantastic album. They did their best
and Phil Collins did a really good job.
What else can you do? Someone
leaves and you just get on with it. But
for me, after Steve Hackett left it sort
of lost its way for me. It wasn’t really
like Genesis anymore.
Your own side-project, British Lion, is a

much more straightforward affair than
Iron Maiden. Were you not tempted
to go the other way and do something
extravagantly proggy?
Yeah, I can see why people might have
expected that. British Lion is meant to
hark back to the old 70s rock stuff, the
more song-based stuff. Maybe if I do
something else in the future it might
go that way. I don’t know. That’s the
beauty of sitting down and writing
“I’ve never met Ian Anderson. songs. You never know what’s going
to come out.
I sort of don’t want to, because I love After Bruce Dickinson and Adrian
Smith rejoined Iron Maiden in 1999,
his music so much.” the band’s sound remained as familiar
as ever, but the material has become
more and more progressive. Has that
been deliberate, or is it just instinctive
at this point?
PRESS
I don’t really know the reason for it.
It’s not like Bruce came back and said
he wanted to go in that direction, and
it’s not like we said anything to him
or Adrian either. It was just the way it
naturally evolved. We just sit down
and write and whatever comes out
comes out.
Your new album The Book Of Souls is

certainly generously proportioned at
92 minutes, and with a closing track
that clocks in at 18 minutes…
On this album we do have a lot of
long songs. Hopefully we’ll make
another album and if we do, I don’t
know what we’ll do. Maybe we’ll
do a load of four-minute songs.
Who knows? It might be significant
that my two favourite pieces of
musicof all time are Supper’s Ready
and Thick As A Brick [laughs]. But
I wouldn’t sit down and try to write
something that long, to be honest.
I wouldn’t try to beat the length of
Bruce’s song, Empire Of The Clouds.
That would be daft. I’m sure he
didn’t sit down and try to write the
longest song Maiden’s ever done. It
just worked out like that.
Was there just the slightest twinge

of annoyance that he had written
something longer than Rime Of The
Ancient Mariner?
No, not annoyance, I just had to say
to him ‘You’ve outdone me, you
bugger!’ [laughs] It doesn’t matter to
me because it’s a Maiden song.
There’s loads going on in that song.
It’s an interesting piece of music for
Maiden. It’s a departure for us. To me
it almost sounds like a West End rock
opera. Right from the start, when
Bruce played us some of the
melodies, I knew it was going to be
great.
As someone who seems almost Hammers of the gods: on

relentlessly busy, have you had time to the pitch in his beloved
West Ham colours.
GETTY
discover many new prog bands over the
past few years?
Yeah, there’s a few bits and pieces. they were using were hardly what were bloody good. They use some of thinking of?’ and all that. What can
Around the time of writing an you’d call expensive. During one of the old Genesis props, the actual bits you do?
album I don’t really listen to the songs, I think it was The Musical and pieces, so it’s brilliant. I’d wanted
anything because I don’t want any Box, Gabriel would just step into the to see them for ages and they were You’re lucky that you have a singer who
subliminal things going on. But for light, a single white light under his fantastic. is happy to put on a daft costume…
me, a lot of the Nightwish stuff is chin and he had a mask on too, and As a frontman you’ve got to be
very proggy, those big he’d step in and out of the light and it Given Iron Maiden’s theatrical prepared to make yourself look
arrangements. I love them. I’ve was unbelievable. At the time I tendencies, are there any stage slightly more daft than the rest of
discovered a few things from way remember thinking ‘That’s fantastic!’ costumes you’d rather forget? the band. Bruce is a larger-than-life
back, too, like Spock’s Beard. That but it was just a very simple, cheap [Laughs] There’s plenty of those, I character and he’s got to go out
happens a lot… I find a band and trick. And that’s another good band! suppose. I must admit, there are there and do what he does, so
someone says ‘They’ve been going [laughs] Genesis were mind-blowing some photos that came back to luckily he’s like that.
for 20 years!’ [laughs]. in those days. haunt me. I was wearing some blue
Spandex [leggings] at a show As a fan of progressive rock, what is the
Do you think Maiden’s reliably Have you seen any of the somewhere and afterwards I most important thing that listening to
explosive stage shows might have been contemporary Genesis tribute bands? thought ‘They weren’t very those bands taught you?
slightly influenced by the prog gigs Yeah, I saw one in Paris recently, comfortable…’ and I never wore It just taught me to do whatever the
that you went to in the early 70s? called The Musical Box, when we them again, but of course there are hell you want to do and to go in any
[Laughs] Yeah, maybe, but then recording The Book Of Souls, and they photos out there of me wearing direction you want to. That’s a
when I used to go and see Genesis were great, too. Nothing’s ever going them. My kids used to take the piss pretty good lesson. And it’s all about
back in those days, some of the props to be as good as the original but they out of me, ‘Dad, what were you the songs, at the end of the day.
THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF
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The 90s
It should have been the decade where Maiden were
crowned undisputed kings of heavy metal, but the
departures of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith
threw them into a downward spiral that would take
a huge effort of will to pull themselves out of.
But that’s exactly what they did…
Stranger In A
F
or Iron Maiden, 1989 was supposed ASAP, a hard rock side-project that found him
With the 90s dawning, Iron to be a well-earned year off. Their last stepping up to the microphone. The latter had
Maiden stripped away the album, the acclaimed Seventh Son Of released a solo song, the gloriously OTT Bring
epic metal and went back to A Seventh Son, had been their most Your Daughter… To The Slaughter, on the
ambitious yet, and the attendant soundtrack to slasher movie A Nightmare On Elm
basics for this exciting new Arctic-themed stage show had given Street 5: The Dream Child, and was in the process
decade. But they were about the Powerslave-era set a run for its of recording a full album away from the comfort of
money. Most bands would have the mothership. “The intention,” he later explained
to enter a period of turmoil taken the chance put their feet up, congratulate to the band’s official biographer Mick Wall, “was
that would throw the band’s themselves on what they’d achieved and reconvene to do something you wouldn’t do in Maiden.
12 months later, rested and re-energised. “Otherwise what’s the point?”
future into doubt. But putting their feet up wasn’t Iron Maiden’s When Iron Maiden gathered in November 1989
Words: James Leonard style. For Steve Harris, a chunk of the year was for the lavish launch party for the Maiden England
taken up editing Maiden England, a live concert video, everybody seemed to be in good spirits.
video recorded on the Seventh Son tour that he There were plans for the band to reconvene in the
had also directed . not-too-distant future to start work on their new
Bandmates Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson album, a record that would be a back-to-basics
were no less restless. The former had launched reaction to Seventh Son’s vaulting scale.
Men on the edge: Iron
Maiden at the Monsters
Of Rock festival in 1992.
Strange Land
As the five members of Maiden watched
assorted journalists and music industry types
“I was happy that Steve liked something so
much,” said Dickinson. “In fact, I wandered back
guitarist was a classic hard rock songwriter at
heart, and ASAP’s debut album, Silver And Gold,
empty the free bar and stuff themselves on good into Maiden to start the new album a very happy- reflected this. But Smith’s voice and personality
old fashioned British fish and chips, the future go-lucky little leprechaun.” weren’t quite quite as big as Dickinson’s, and
looked rosy. Little did they know they were about Dickinson released Tattooed Millionaire in Maiden’s fans weren’t quite ready for something
to enter the most turbulent chapter of the band’s May 1990. It may not have featured Bring Your that strayed so far from the established blueprint.
history – one that would see the departure of both Daughter…, but it had plenty of other highlights, Silver And Gold had caused a ripple of interest
Smith and Dickinson. including epic opener Son Of A Gun and the on its release in 1989 before disappearing largely
anthemic pop-metal of the title track. That without trace.
T
he plan for Maiden’s eighth album was inimitable voice aside, it bored little resemblance Its lack of success coincided with Smith’s
simple: work fast, don’t mess around. Harris to his day job – its grab-bag stylistic approach took growing disenchantment with life in Iron Maiden.
had been impressed by the directness of in everything from the reflective Born In ’58 to the He was also concerned that ASAP had “sent the
Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter, and raucous single-entendre rock’n’roll of Dive! Dive! wrong signals… they were worried that I wasn’t
figured that Maiden would benefit from the same Dive! (“No muff to tough!”). The quality might have into doing metal any more.”
approach. In fact he liked the song so much that he been variable, but it did the job it was designed to Like any good leader, Steve Harris sensed his
asked Dickinson not to include it on his solo album do and took Dickinson out of his Maiden-shaped bandmate’s predicament. The pair were good
so that Maiden could re-record it themselves, to comfort zone. personal friends, but Harris’ professional priorities
which the singer agreed. Adrian Smith hadn’t fared quite so well. The lay with Maiden. The bassist called a meeting and
GETTY
Bruce Dickinson and Steve
Harris in 1993: the shows
“were like a morgue.”
asked if Smith wanted to stay in the band. quite come off. But again it depends on who
When he answered that he didn’t know, you’re talking to. Some people think it’s our
Harris made the decision for him – albeit best album and some people think it’s our
against his better wishes. “It gutted me that worst. Me, I don’t think it’s our best but it’s
he didn’t want to be there any more, but certainly not our worst.”
I thought, ‘We’ve got to be strong about
F
this,’” he recalled. or all its flaws, No Prayer For The Dying
In typically unsentimental fashion, did succeed on one level: it successfully
Maiden wasted no time in replacing him. repositioned Maiden for the incoming
Janick Gers was an amiable six-stringer decade. The back-to-basics sound pre-dated
from Hartlepool who had played with ex- the rise of grunge, itself a reaction to the
Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan, NWOBHM- excess of the 1980s. Ironically, the man
era outfit White Spirit and ex-Marillion “IT WAS ALL ABOUT spearheading that movement, Kurt Cobain,
singer Fish. More importantly, he had
recently played on Tattooed Millionaire. STEPPING OUT OF A PRETTY had once scribbled Iron Maiden logos in his
schoolbooks when he was younger.
Gers was invited to an audition, though he
was such a shoe-in that he told the job was COMFORTABLE REGIME” But the grunge explosion was a few months
off, and Iron Maiden had plenty to think about
his after just three songs. BRUCE DICKINSON anyway. Chief among these was correcting the
This urgency extended to the new album. course they had embarked on with No Prayer.
Opting to record in the UK for the first time This may partly explain why Harris chose to
since 1982’s The Number Of The Beast, the band Eagles Dare, even if it didn’t scale the lofty heights step up as co-producer alongside Martin Birch for
convened with longtime producer Martin Birch. of its predecessors. Lead-off single Holy Smoke their next album.
Rather than a traditional studio, they elected to was a scabrous takedown of US televangelists, Returning to Harris’ barn – now converted
work in a barn on the grounds of Harris’ Essex their version of Bring Your Daughter… To The into a proper studio, aptly named Barnyard – they
estate. The recording process took just three weeks. Slaughter rattled with metallic toughness and the recorded their ninth album, Fear Of The Dark,
“It is mainly more aggressive than the previous soaring title track stands as an unsung mid-period at a slower pace than its predecessor. The results
albums,” said Harris at the time. classic. But other songs, such as The Assassin and were more polished, even if the likes of opening
“I think that some of our fans were disappointed the ponderous Mother Russia, lacked the energy one-two Be Quick Or Be Dead and From Here To
in the musical orientation we had taken lately. So I and power that defined Maiden. Eternity still crackled with the energy that Harris
think they'll be happy to see that we're going back Released on 1 October, 1990, No Prayer For had strived to recapture last time around. But they
to a more aggressive and powerful style. The band The Dying reached No.2 in the UK and No.17 in brought back a couple of longer songs too, notably
still has the fire anyway.” the US – both lower than its predecessor, Seventh the seven-minute title track which would rapidly
With hindsight, that fire didn’t translate to the Son Of A Seventh. While second single Bring Your become a live favourite.
album. No Prayer For The Dying was made with Daughter… would give Maiden their first ever However the biggest change came with the
noble intentions, but it never quite exploded. No.1, it was clear that something was off. cover. Rod Smallwood sensed that Maiden’s visuals
Opener Tailgunner was a classic Maiden Boys’ “We tried to get the album to sound as live as needed updating for the new decade, and decided
Own anthem in the vein of Aces High and Where possible,” Harris later recalled. “For me it didn’t that some new blood was required. “We wanted to
Bruce and new boy
Janick Gers in
happier times.
GETTY X3
upgrade Eddie for the 90s,” Smallwood explained.

“We wanted to take him from the sort of comic- “WE THOUGHT BRUCE WASN’T PERFORMING.
book horror creature and turn him into something
a bit more straightforward so that he became even I WANTED TO KILL HIM”
more threatening.” STEVE HARRIS
Fear Of The Dark would be the first Iron Maiden
album not to feature artwork by Derek Riggs, the that’s a comfortable job.’ That was my life in Iron “It wasn’t a good vibe," Dickinson later admitted.
man who had created Maiden’s mascot all those Maiden. I thought, ‘It’s not enough. I’m too young “We walked out onstage, and it was like a morgue.
years ago. Instead, the image of a vampiric Eddie to be settling down.’” The Maiden fans knew I’d quit, they knew these
crouching on a tree was illustrated by fantasy artist Dickinson’s announcement threw Harris for a were the last gigs and I suddenly realised that,
Melvyn Grant. loop. For the first time in his professional career, as the frontman, you're in an almost impossible
Maiden’s fans weren’t unsettled by this change the bassist was unsure of the future of Iron Maiden. situation.”
if chart positions were anything to go by. Fear Of He called Dave Murray and told his old friend that Worse, backstage tensions between Dickinson
The Dark restored Maiden to No.1 in the UK and he didn’t know whether the band would continue. and his soon-to-be-ex-bandmates had hit rock
reached No.12 in the US – the same as Seventh “I did have a doubt as to whether to carry on or bottom. This was partly down to Harris’s view that
Son Of A Seventh Son (it remains the band’s best- not,” recalled Harris. “I thought, ‘I just don’t have the singer wasn’t giving it his all.
selling album in America). the strength at the moment.’” “We all though thought he was really out
Maiden kicked off the Fear Of The Dark tour on Murray himself had no such qualms. “We were of order and that he wasn’t performing,” said
June 3, 1992 with a secret show under the name all sitting around talking,” said the guitarist. “It the bassist. “The worst thing was, if he’d been
The Nodding Donkeys at the tiny Oval Rock was probably the first real long, serious talk the fucking crap, over the whole tour, you can sort of
House in Norwich. On 22 August, they returned to four of us had had together in ages. I suddenly just understand it, but this was specific times. It was so
the Monsters Of Rock festival at Castle Donington got fed up talking about it and went, ‘Look, why calculated. I really wanted to kill him.” The singer
in Leicestershire. Where their previous appearance the fuck should we give up just cos he is? Bollocks refuted the claims, but the bad blood would linger
had been marred by the tragic deaths of two fans to him. Why should he stop us playing?’ I hadn’t after he had left the band
earlier in the day, this time they served up a vintage really thought about it. It just came out.” Murray’s Bruce Dickinson played the last show of his
Maiden performance for the ages, even inviting impromptu pep-talk worked. Harris had the original run with Iron Maiden on August 28, 1993
Adrian Smith onstage to play Running Free. impetus he needed to continue the band. at Pinewood Studios just outside of London. The
Behind the scenes, though, trouble was brewing. Maiden had another tour lined up through show was filmed as an MTV special and it featured
After the tour finished, Bruce Dickinson travelled the spring and early summer of 1993. Ever the magician Simon Drake, who concluded the show,
to Los Angeles to begin working on a second professional, Steve Harris refused to cancel it appropriately enough, by ‘killing’ Dickinson. It
solo album. Rod Smallwood visited the singer and the band took the bold step of announcing pretty much reflected how the rest of Maiden felt.
in the studio. That’s when Dickinson dropped a Dickinson’s departure at a press conference just Dickinson’s departure marked the end of an era
bombshell: he wanted to leave Iron Maiden. before the tour began, assuming it would work as for the band – one that had seen these East End
“It was all about stepping out of what was a a chance for the fans to say goodbye to the singer. heroes scale heights they could only have dreamed
pretty comfortable regime,” he later explained. It quickly became apparent that the reality was of. Replacing him wouldn’t be easy. But Steve Harris
“Hard work, good guys, relatively safe, well- very different. The atmosphere at the shows was and Iron Maiden had never ducked a challenge
managed. All the things people would say, ‘He, awkward at best. before, and they weren’t about to start now.
Wildest Dreams Ex-Wolfsbane singer Blaze Bayley faced an impossible task: filling Bruce
Dickinson’s boots. In 2015, Classic Rock sat down with the man who played
an unsung part in helping Iron Maiden survive the 1990s.
Words: Paul Elliott
O
n a cold night in March, Blaze Bayley Souls tour, on which Dickinson is serving double his career are simply stated. “I am,” he says, “an
is in Cardiff for a gig at the Fuel Bar & duty as singer and pilot of the band’s customized underground niche artist. I’m not in your face, but
Music Room. Boeing 747 ‘Ed Force One’. In Argentina, the band I’m out there.”
The place is like a shrine to the played to 50,000 people at a football stadium in The show he delivers at Fuel, backed by a three-
singer’s former band, Iron Maiden. At the entrance Buenos Aires. Other shows are in 10,000-capacity man band, includes material spanning his entire
is a huge mural of Maiden’s monstrous figurehead, arenas – the kind that Bayley remembers career. There are songs he wrote and recorded with
Eddie. The house beer is the Maiden-branded performing in during his time with the band. Iron Maiden, songs from his post-Maiden solo
Trooper ale. And on one wall is a photo of a In Cardiff, fifty people have paid £10 to see albums, and there is one from the band in which
famous visitor to the club: behind the bar, pulling Blaze Bayley. On this current tour, in support of his he first became famous, late 80s Brit rockers
a pint of Trooper, Bruce Dickinson, the man new solo album Infinite Entanglement, there are Wolfsbane.
whom Bayley replaced in Iron Maiden for five years bigger gigs to come, at festivals in Europe and in There is deadly seriousness in the way he
in the 90s. South America. But in the UK, all the shows are in delivers the material from Infinite Entanglement, a
Seven thousand miles away, in South America, small clubs. sci-fi concept album that forms the first part of a
Iron Maiden are in the early stages of The Book Of For Bayley, now 52, the realities at this stage of trilogy. But the man has not lost the sense of É
Blaze Bayley with Iron
Maiden in 1994.
I
humour that was so much a feature of Wolfsbane lucky and privileged that I’m a professional singer, t was in the late 70s that the 15-year-old Bayley
– a band whose fan club was named, with great singing my own songs.” Alexander Cooke decided he would be a
affection, the Howling Mad Shitheads. This much In these past 20 years, Blaze Bayley has been rock’n’roll singer. “There was a sixth-form
is evident when he introduces the song Kill And through the worst of times, both in his professional band in my school,” he recalls, “and I looked at
Destroy, from his 2002 album The Tenth life and his personal life. After his exit from Iron the singer and thought, I’d be better than him.”
Dimension, to polite applause. Maiden in 1999 – when Dickinson returned to the He had started singing when he was five or six,
“Come on!” he yells as though he’s still playing band – Bayley experienced depression. But it was imitating the crooners that his mother and
one of those huge arenas. “I thought if there’s one in 2008 that he hit rock bottom, following the grandmother loved, such as Mario Lanza and
place where they’d like a bit of killing and death of his wife Debbie Hartland from a brain Richard Tauber. When he hit puberty he
destroying on a Wednesday night, it’s fucking haemorrhage. discovered rock. He got into The Sweet and Slade,
Cardiff!” It is with remarkable candour that he will and then quickly graduated to punk and heavy
What is also evident, after the show, is the discuss these events. There is also a hard-earned metal. “I loved Zeppelin,” he says. “I loved the first
appreciation that Bayley has for the people that wisdom in what he says about his life in the music Sabbath album – that weird, spooky shit. And then
come to see him. He spends the best part of an business – the good times and the bad. you had the Pistols and The Damned in he charts.
hour chatting to fans – most of whom are wearing And yet there is something that has stayed with It was an incredible time, and it was that energy in
Iron Maiden t-shirts. Only when the last CD is him – a love of music that it as strong now as it was punk that gave me the idea that I could do that.”
signed and the last selfie snapped does he take time when I first met him. “I love to sing,” he says. “It’s Bayley rose to fame as the singer with
out to talk with Classic Rock. my curse and my blessing that I’m driven to do it, Wolfsbane, the brilliantly energetic West Midlands
“I owe my living to these people,” he says. “And to the exclusion of so many other things. I have to band who were pitched as Tamworth’s answer to
there’s not a day goes by that I don’t feel incredibly do this.” Van Halen. Their debut album, Live Fast, Die Fast É
GETTY
Rock’n’roll survivor: from the moment he joined Iron Maiden, and it’s
Blaze onstage in 2015. never gone away, not in all the years since he left
the band. “You can’t help but take it personally,” he
admits. “You’re human.” His response, from the
outset, was to simply ignore the bad press. And he
continues to do so. “Early on I said – as dumb as it
sounds – I only believe the good reviews. Every bad
review, I thought, it’s wrong. I put myself in that
place, and that was how I survived.”
What is often overlooked, in assessments of
Bayley’s time with the band, is the decline in
Maiden’s work in the preceding years. The 1990
album No Prayer For The Dying bordered on self-
parody. 1992’s Fear Of The Dark – the last recorded
before Dickinson bailed – was not much better.
Equally, as Bayley says: “Let’s not forget that Bruce
left. His enthusiasm for Iron Maiden had gone,
completely. His heart wasn’t in it.”
Bayley understands the circumstances that led
to Dickinson’s departure – foremost among them,
a disillusionment that first set in after the band’s
marathon, 18-month World Slavery tour in the
mid-80s, which left him physically and mentally
exhausted. “That tour,” Bayley says, “was the real
game changer for Bruce. It was the kind of tour that
I dreamt of going on, but it really hurt him.”
Above all else, Bayley is simply grateful for what
Dickinson’s exit presented to him. “To join this
legendary band,” he says, “it was an incredible
opportunity for me.” He also admits, with
admirable honesty, that he was “bricking it” at the
prospect of fronting one of the biggest bands in the
world. “I’ll use a football analogy,” he says. “It is
exactly the same game in the Sunday league, same
rules, but in Maiden it felt like I’d been picked for
England. The expectation – the level of intensity –
was so high.”
Other singers had auditioned for Maiden. For
many outsiders, Michael Kiske of Helloween
seemed the best fit. But as Bayley says: “Steve Harris
heard something in my voice that he wanted to
work with. He wanted to try a different sound.”
“I only believed in good reviews. When he reflects upon his five years in Iron
Maiden, Bayley speaks with great pride. He calls it
Every bad review, I said, ‘That’s “an amazing achievement” that Man On The Edge,
FUTURE/TEAMROCK X2
a song for which he wrote the lyrics and melody,

wrong.’ That’s how I survived.” was chosen as the flagship single from The X
Factor. He describes that album’s epic opening
track, Sign Of The Cross, as “a massive, defining
was a balls-out, loud-and-proud heavy metal It was Steve Harris, Maiden’s bassist and leader, song” – and instrumental in him “finding this other
record with a handful of great songs in Manhunt, who told Bayley that he’s got the gig, just before area of my voice”. He is proud, too, of what he
Shakin’ and I Like It Hot. It was produced by Rick Christmas 1994. The first person Bayley told was achieved on Virtual XI: the emotional depth he
Rubin, the music industry power-player who had his girlfriend, Debbie. The second was his father.
founded Def Jam and, later, Def American. To celebrate, Bayley bought a crate of Guinness. Man on the
edge: Blaze
But the album was not a hit and Wolfsbane Then he had to break the news to the other three in the 00s.
struggled to recapture their early energy. By 1994, guys from Wolfsbane.
they were, as Bayley put it, “limping along.” “Because it all happened so quick,” he says, “I
Coincidentally, Iron Maiden were looking for a had to tell them on the phone. It was hard. Very
new singer, after Bruce Dickinson had quit to go sad.”
solo. In a private conversation, Wolfsbane’s
T
manager urged him to audition for Iron Maiden if he popular consensus on
the opportunity came up. Blaze Bayley’s career with
Bayley says now: “Up to that point, I hadn’t Iron Maiden is this: that he
thought about Maiden. But I realized, this wasn’t good enough to be in the band;
opportunity is going to come once in a lifetime.” that he couldn’t hit the notes that Bruce
When he auditioned for Maiden, it was in the Dickinson did: that the two albums he
strictest confidence, by order of the band’s made with Maiden – The X Factor in 1995, Virtual
manager Rod Smallwood. “It was horrible having XI in 1998 – are the worst they ever made.
to keep it a secret from the lads in Wolfsbane,” As US website MetalSucks.com once put it,
Bayley says. “We’d been so close and been through succinctly and brutally: “Blaze Bayley-era Iron
so much together. It was a confusing time in my Maiden is awful… an utter crapfest.”
life, so bittersweet and melancholy.” Bayley had to live with this kind of criticism
Howling Mad
Shitheads: Blaze with
his pre-Maiden band
Wolfsbane.
GETTY
“My little girl is four,” he says. “So for me, leaving to

“In Maiden, it felt like I’d been picked for go on tour is horrible. But there’s a choice: I could
go and get a regular job, or I can do this. And I love
England. The expectation was so high.” what I do.”
Wolfsbane remains a part of his life. Since the
brought to Como Estais Amigos and The support of his girlfriend Debbie. That, and a sense band reunited in 2010, they still tour and make
Clansman, the latter a genuine Iron Maiden classic. of his own worth as a musician – ironically, a albums on an occasional basis. But in the
Inevitably, there is sadness when he discusses his legacy of his time in Iron Maiden. “I felt I was good immediate future, his focus is on his solo work
departure from the band. He understands the logic enough,” he explains. “I may not have been good – first, his current world tour, and beyond that, the
behind it. “They had to make a business decision,” enough for Iron Maiden, but my songs and my completion of the trilogy begun with Infinite
he says. “Getting Bruce back, it was the right thing lyrics were good enough, because they were on Entanglement. “Right now,” he says, “there are so
to do. Look at what they’ve done since. I don’t Iron Maiden albums. So I had the confidence.” many things going for me.”
think anything bad of the guys.” At the time, He kept plugging away: kept the business ticking The fame that came to him as a member of Iron
however, he was devastated. He says he never saw over, enough to pay the bills. In 2007, he and Maiden is what continues to sustain his career, all
it coming – that Steve Harris never spoke to him Debbie married. A year later, his world fell apart. At of 17 years since he left the band. As he explains,
about the possibility of Dickinson’s return. “When the age of 38, Debbie Hartland suffered a brain very simply: “I can advertise as ‘Blaze Bayley,
they told me,” Bayley says, “I already had songs haemorrhage and three strokes. “When she was in formerly of Iron Maiden’, and it will make just
ready for the next album.” intensive care,” he says, “I would not allow myself enough people interested.”
It was not all bad. When he was let go, Bayley to think that I wouldn’t get her back. But I lost her.” He retains a philosophical view on what has
received a golden handshake. “Maiden took very Debbie Hartland died on September 27, 2008. become of Iron Maiden, and himself, since they
good care of me,” he says. “I can’t complain about Bayley has the dates of her birth and death tattooed separated. “Maiden are where they should be,” he
that.” But he spent all of that money on launching on his arm. “She was the great love of my life,” he says, “and I am where I’m happy. The bottom line
his solo career – hiring a band, recording albums says. “You only have one love like that.” is, I feel incredibly proud that I was a part of that
under the name Blaze. And in the longer term, he He pauses briefly, measuring his words. “When I band. For me, it’s never been a problem that people
succumbed to depression. lost Debbie, things were never the same again. say, ‘You used to be in Iron Maiden.’ Well, yeah –
“In Iron Maiden, I was living my dream,” he says. What happened with Iron Maiden, it’s nothing the greatest band in heavy metal, ever. I’ve got no
“And when that dream was lost, I didn’t take time – absolutely nothing – compared to losing the love problem with that.”
out to grieve.” of your life. That’s when I wondered whether I Blaze Bayley fulfilled a dream with Iron Maiden.
It was while writing his third solo album Blood should give up. But she had so much belief in me, Now, so many years on, it is a different kind of
& Belief in 2003 – four years after he was ousted that’s why I kept going.” dream that drives him. “I’ve played to ten thousand
from Maiden – that all the feelings he had people a night, and I’ve played to fifty people a
F
suppressed finally came to a head. “I found myself or all that he has been through, Blaze night,” he says. “But really, I don’t care anymore,
in such a dark place,” he says. “All of that pain came Bayley still considers himself lucky – for just as long as I’m still making music.
out – the disappointment and the rejection I felt what he has had in the past, and for what “Music is my life. I put my heart and soul into it.
– and I went through the most severe depression. he has now. My hero was Ronnie James Dio. He worked until
Some of the lyrics on Blood & Belief are about my His career as a touring musician comes with a he died. And that’s what I intend to do. All that
mental health. I felt worthless, really.” price. When he is away, he misses his daughter matters now is that I just keep going. For me, that is
What pulled him through, he says, was the from his second marriage, which has since ended. the dream.”
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The 00s
It was the decade that marked the rebirth of
Iron Maiden, from the return of Bruce Dickinson
to a string of world-beating albums that didn’t just put
them back on top but ensured they came back bigger
and stronger than ever before. And we were with them
all the way…
Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Bruce Dickinson,
Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Adrian Smith
backstage at Chicago’s UIC Pavillion during
their Brave New World Tour, October 17, 2000
“HAVING THREE LEAD

GUITARISTS GAVE US
A DIFFERENT EDGE”
STEVE HARRIS
AVE NEW
When Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith returned to Iron
Maiden in 1999, the pressure was on the metal legends to
deliver an album that could take them back to greatness
WORDS: DOM LAWSON
I
t might be hard to imagine now, but Iron winding people up. People realised, ‘If they can
Maiden were struggling at the end of the still do this live, can they still make a great record
1990s. Today, the UK’s undisputed kings of together?’ It posed a question, and [prompted]
heavy metal casually stalk the globe with a great deal of discussion.”
vast, eye-busting stage productions, at the The Ed Hunter tour kicked off in the US on July
peak of their powers and more successful 11, 1999, continuing for 31 dates that noisily
than ever. But after two good-but-not-great confirmed Iron Maiden were back to reclaim their
albums with vocalist Blaze Bayley, who replaced throne. It ended on October 1 in Athens, at which
Bruce Dickinson back in 1994, Maiden were visibly point the band were in the thick of writing and
battling the law of diminishing returns, playing recording the album that would either put them
in smaller venues to smaller crowds in many parts back at the top of the metal tree… or not. No
of the world; their status as metal’s unassailable pressure, then, for producer Kevin Shirley, who
standard bearers was now in question. had mixed feelings about being offered the job
But in 1999, the news that Blaze was gone and of facilitating such an iconic band’s comeback.
Bruce and guitarist Adrian Smith (who had quit “To be honest, when I got the call I was less
Maiden in 1990) were to return to the fold sent enthusiastic than I should have been, because it
the band’s global army of fans into a state of appeared to me that they were a band that had
wide-eyed hysteria. A new, six-man Maiden maybe lost their way,” he recalls. “I was concerned
(Bruce, bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko because I’d had a look at where they’d been and
McBrain and the newly named ‘Three Amigos’: the trajectory of the albums. It seemed like there
guitarists Dave Murray, Janick Gers and the was a pattern emerging and it didn’t look good.
returning Smith) announced that they were to So I was apprehensive about it.”
tour the US and Europe and then, most excitingly,
H
make a brand-new studio album. e needn’t have worried, of course. If one thing
“From the moment we started the songwriting has characterised Iron Maiden’s four-decade
process, we saw the tour as being just a small reign, it is a steely determination to never
blip on the way to making this record,” Bruce let the fans down. Combined with the kind of
told Hammer’s Clay Marshall in 2000. “[It was] confidence that only comes when you know you’re
something to cheer us up. The tour, in many the best, Maiden arrived at Guillaume Tell studios
ways, was the beginning of the campaign for – a converted movie theatre in Paris, a brisk
GETTY
this album. It started the ball rolling. It started stroll away from the Champs-Elysées – with
To be honest we really dig a lot of the
Blaze-era stuff, but, you know...
an abundance of musical ideas and itself. With countless ideas and half-
a shared desire to make the best record finished songs flying around between
possible. In a sense, it must have felt Maiden’s numerous songwriters,
like business as usual for Steve Harris, finding enough material for a new
Bruce and the others. But as far as album was never going to be difficult.
their new producer was concerned, What was more potentially problematic
a new era demanded a fresh approach. was how the songwriting credits were
“Obviously I grew up with the going to be divided up, but any fears
old-school recording methods, where that the newly convened Maiden
you’d record the drums first, then line-up would end up bickering were
the bass and the guitars, and it took soon dispelled. Maybe due to simply
GETTY
forever,” Kevin explains. “But I could maturing as people or because this

see how there was this intangible was too good an opportunity to fuck
energy you’d get, just from having up with ego battles, Iron Maiden were Paris shadows. Armed with both short,
musicians playing together. So I was a firmly united front. sharp singalongs such as explosive
dead keen on Maiden doing that. “The first thing that has to happen, opener The Wicker Man and the
Steve, in particular, was very hesitant and which did happen, was everybody rampaging The Mercenary, plus
about it. He said he didn’t think it was pretty cool and laidback about towering, elaborate epics like The
was gonna work, so I said, ‘If it doesn’t getting their songs on or not getting Nomad, the Maiden sound was receiving
work then we’ll go back and do it as their songs on,” remarked Bruce. a subtle but significant upgrade.
you’ve done previously, but let’s give “Everybody was aware that everybody “It was a band finding their feet in
it a try!’ Pretty much, as soon as had to have a bit of give and take. We the studio again, finding that natural
they’d done one or two run-throughs, were reading off the same script.” chemistry,” says Kevin. “Maiden is just
he said, ‘I never want to work another “People brought in different ideas different – you can’t change Maiden.
way again!’” and I guess Steve had the bulk of I tried to introduce new elements, like
“There was always gonna be them,” Kevin notes. “He really is the orchestra in Blood Brothers, to give
a different edge to a certain degree the keystone in that organisation things a very grand feel. But you can’t
anyway, with the fact we have three – every song goes through Steve, say, ‘Look, I think gallops are passé!
lead guitarists [now],” Steve Harris and especially back then, with the Let’s go with something else…’ because
noted in 2000. “That in itself, I would’ve reforming of that line-up. Over the that’s what Maiden is. They come in
thought wasn’t going to be an easy last 20 years and the last five or six with a ready-built identity and you
thing to handle, but Kevin handled it albums that we’ve done, it’s evolved can’t fuck with it. It would be
brilliantly. I do think he has given us a little since then, and it’s become irresponsible to fuck with it, for one
an edge because it is just working with a lot more collaborative. But they thing, and why would you want to?”
someone new and someone who is very needed to have that one solid anchor
P
positive, and he has a great vibe about and that was Steve.” receded by a single, The Wicker
him. The studio is not my favourite With their bass-playing general Man, that emerged three weeks
place to be. I would rather be onstage, guiding the ship, Maiden duly conjured prior, Brave New World was
so to be able to say I enjoyed it is some of the strongest songs of their released on May 29, 2000. As their
important and to work with the right career. Listening back to Brave New world tour loomed, Maiden would
people is important.” World nearly 20 years on, you can hear have been delighted to note that the
With their working methods the excitement in the air as Maiden album received almost universal
refreshed, attention turned to the album bashed anthems and epics out in the praise from the rock and metal press,
BRAVE NEW
WORLD
DISSECTED
Three choice cuts
from Maiden’s
triumphant return
THE HIT
with only a few bemused mainstream The Wicker Man
hacks questioning the validity of this The first thing we heard from
post-millennial Maiden. A thunderous
return-to-glory. Most importantly, With Adrian and Bruce
eruption of pagan positivity and
back in the fold, world
the fans absolutely fucking loved it, domination was inevitable communal righteousness, it wasn’t
sending the album into the upper directly inspired by the classic British
horror movie of the same name, but
echelons of charts around the world jets flying around and the crazy stage
it does go up like a policeman on
and swiftly obliterating the sales productions… it’s all just brilliant.” a bonfire. It went Top 10 in the UK,
figures for previous album Virtual XI “Maiden is the best heavy metal and straight to Number 1 in Greece.
in the process. band in the world,” Bruce concluded, Well done, Greece!
The band’s subsequent tour saw not unreasonably. “The musicianship
THE CLASSIC
them return to the kind of venues and within the band is so scarily good. Blood Brothers
events they’d called home during their People don’t even realise how good the On an album dominated by grandiose
80s heyday: Earl’s Court in London, epics, Blood Brothers stood out as
a singular and emotionally potent
Madison Square Gardens in New York
and, in January 2001, a show at Rock “YOU CAN’T TELL statement. Gracefully embellished
with Kevin Shirley’s orchestral
MAIDEN THAT
In Rio in Brazil, in front of 250,000 arrangements, Steve’s poignant
ruminations on the state of the
people. As comebacks go, Brave New world and thoughts of his late father
World was an absolute monster. And
they’ve barely paused for breath since. GALLOPS ARE explode into a chorus that unites
vast, boozy crowds like no other.
PASSÉ!”
“As Bruce has pointed out on more
THE WILD CARD
than one occasion, those guys pay Dream Of Mirrors
me a lot of money, so I always want KEVIN SHIRLEY, PRODUCER Maiden have been masters of the
them to be as successful as they can longform song since the beginning,
but Brave New World’s longest song
be,” states Kevin. “But success and players are in Maiden. That’s why it’s saw them flexing new creative
chart placement aren’t important. possible for us to do it. Also, in our muscles. Blessed with some of Steve
For me, it’s been about seeing the hearts, none of us are satisfied with Harris’s most unsettling lyrics, this
sprawling paean to the restless
evolution. They were a band that were second-best. We’re not sad old fuckers subconscious paved the way for
really on their knees when we went getting back together to go and make a two decades of fascinating musical
into record Brave New World. It’s great few bucks. If something’s worth doing, evolution. The dream, as Bruce
elegantly points out, is true.
to see them out there now, with the you’ve got to do it 100%.”
STEVE HARRIS
Iron Maiden (left to right):

Steve Harris, Janick Gers, Dave
Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko
McBrain, Bruce Dickinson
Dateline 2006: the world was in pieces but Iron Maiden were
still rolling relentlessly onwards. Metal Hammer talked to
the generals of British metal about their 14th studio album,
A Matter Of Life And Death.
WORDS: MALCOLM DOME PHOTOS: JOHN MCMURTRIE
t’s December, 1979. In a pub lurking to trap vision in the late 1970s to emulate his heroes, and the New Wave Of American Metal. It’s been a
the unwary in London’s East End, a young thanks to an unswerving self-belief and faith in the remarkable transformation, from the perception of
bassist metaphorically slams down his fist fans, has outstripped almost all of those whose being anachronistic old crones 10 years ago, to
– and the butterfly effect is about to take inspiration drove the young bassist to fulfil his formidable heroes of such state-of-the-art festivals as
flight. dreams, while many others fell at various hurdles. Download. Almost everything metal that you love in
“This band will never compromise, never. Along the way, Maiden have experienced choppy ’06 owes its roots to Maiden. Now, that is a charm, an
We could have had a record deal a couple waters. The sacking of Paul Di’Anno in 1981 had many honour, and a responsibility.
0of years ago. All we needed to do was cut wondering if Maiden could possibly survive losing In their lifetime, they’ve risen to the challenge of
our hair, and play punk. My answer to their seemingly charismatic frontman. Only for Bruce Judas Priest, seen off Metallica, brushed aside Korn,
everyone who suggested it was always the Dickinson to come in, and help take the band to a new and now stand firm against the headrush of a new
same: No. We won’t betray our beliefs just level. In 1993, Dickinson left, and Maiden – with generation of wannabes…
to get a deal. In the end, it will work for us. former Wolfsbane singer Blaze Bayley in his place – “So, where are we?”
I just know it.” seemed ill equipped to deal with the grunge assault. A shrill voice cuts through the above thoughts, on
The band in question: Iron Maiden. The bassist: But again, Harris and his steeds rode through the bad Maiden’s place in history. And where are we, exactly?
Steve Harris. And, in that one statement of intent, he times, and with Dickinson’s return in 1999, have Geographically, at Hook End Manor, which was once
lay down a immutable truth that has resonated become, if anything, even more celebrated. owned by legendary Pink Floyd guitarist David
throughout the metal world for nearly three decades. The fact is that, in the 21st Century, Maiden are Gilmour, and is now a residential recording studio, set
No other band has ever had such a single-minded arguably the most influential metal band of all. somewhere between Reading, Henley, Maidenhead
passion – some might call it pig-headedness – as do Notwithstanding the claims of Sabbath, Metallica and and other such points on the Thames compass. It’s so
Maiden, in particular Harris, who’s come to be Slayer, they are the ones who seem to have provided tranquil down here that it’s more horticulture than
regarded as the leader of the pack. The man who had a the blueprint for the Euro power metal surge, and for whore-ticulture, if you get the drift. Maiden have
“NOT ANOTHER
hired this location for several days, ferrying the global a horse were caught galloping in such a fashion. It’s
media in and out, to hear their outrageously strong almost priapic in its exuberance – surely unbecoming
F**KING HAT!”
new album, A Matter Of Life And Death. Today, it’s the for a middle-aged band of family men.
turn of Metal Hammer, and in the usual tradition of a But having just one shot at this complex album
band who are never less than the perfect hosts, really only leaves a swirl of questions hanging
The story of Maiden’s most handsome of
members… they’ve laid on everything. Not just booze and a pregnantly: what’s driven them to deliver such stellar
buffet, but also all manner of entertainments, from a performances? Is this a concept album about war and
In the history of music few images are more iconic,
pinball machine to a full size snooker table. Later on religion? Is the song These Colours Don’t Run about
memorable, or quintessentially fucking metal than
that evening, they screen England’s World Cup game last year’s infamous egging incident on the Ozzfest
Iron Maiden’s zombie-faced mascot Eddie; also known
against Sweden, even ensuring a clutch of Swedish tour? And why has Harris never become involved with
as Edward The Great, Edward The Head, or Edward T.H.
journalists are on hand to lend just the right frisson to his beloved football team, West Ham?
(as seen on the cover of 1985’s ‘Live After Death’
the occasion. “Because I’m not daft!” laughs the bassist, when
album). Forever the centrepiece of ‘Maiden’s album
But, this is about a new Maiden album – an event. asked about the Happy Hammers. “I love to go to
art and a fixture of their live performances, Eddie was
For trivia fiends, it should be pointed out that it’s the matches, and then leave. I don’t wanna deal with the
originally inspired by early, pre-Bruce vocalist and
fourth time the band have used the word ‘Death’ in the politics that you’d get if you were to invest money in a
Kiss fan Dennis Wilcock’s blood-spitting stage-antics.
title [following on from Live After Death, Dance Of football club. Finding out what happens behind the
But the Eddie we all know and love really made his first
Death and Death On The Road’]. And, to many, this scenes destroys the myth.”
appearance on the cover of their debut 1980 single
isn’t just ‘another’ release from a veteran band, but Canny, yet wary, Harris is fully aware that the same
‘Running Free’ (though his delightfully shrivelled face
something altogether crucial. also applies with bands. Maiden fans don’t want
wasn’t fully revealed until the release of
“Iron Maiden don’t have anything to prove to everything about their heroes exposed for public
Iron Maiden’s eponymous debut later
anyone, except ourselves. But this record just feels so ridicule and examination. There has to be mythology,
that year).
right, because we all pushed to our limits. We’re and dignity.
Ironically, Derek
hungry,” says Steve Harris a couple of hours later. “Our fans,” sighs Harris, “they’re the best in the
Riggs – the artist
However, before we get to him and vocalist Bruce world. Really, they are. No other band can have the
behind Eddie –
Dickinson, there’s the music itself to tackle. same sort of devotion. We all know how lucky we are to
originally intended to
Most bands play back their new album on the have that global following. And the fact is that now a
symbolise the spirit of
biggest, most expensive sound system they can find. love of Maiden is being passed from fathers to sons.
punk with his fiendish
Not this lot. Having first been stripped of anything We’ve got kids turning up to shows now, having never
creation. As for his name, it
that might be used to illicitly record a note of the seen what we’re about before. And they’re getting off
comes from a joke
album – cassette recorders, mini disc players, mobile on what they’re seeing.
about a kid with no
phones, iPods, gold teeth – we’re ushered into the “That’s the reason we chose to do the Ozzfest tour
body whose parents
state-of-the-art surrounds, to find separate consoles. in America last year, and also to play in Reading and
were short of gift
Each has a comfy chair, and a laptop, perched on a Leeds [at the Carling Weekend Festivals]. We
ideas, and… just try to
flight case. We sit at the laptop, don headphones and headlined a lot of the same venues in the States as the
guess the rest.
listen to the album through this hi-tech system. It’s Ozzfest two years earlier, but what that tour did was
strange and a little disconcerting. Usually these sorts put us in front of people who’d never seen Maiden. It
Janick Gers: Eagle of of events are a communal interchange. Glances are was a whole new audience. The same with Reading and
Classic Metal exchanged, a brief word is whispered as the delights Leeds. I’d say about 75-80 per cent of those who went
of the new record are unfurled. But this… it’s as if to the Carling Weekend weren’t fans of this band as
each of us is isolated from the body of the occasion; such, they were there for the general festival vibe. But
even our innermost thoughts seem removed from we had so many teenagers coming up afterwards
reality. It’s an audio deprivation chamber – except amazed at how we performed, and also at the crowd
that, at least, here we control the volume, although reaction. I just told them, ‘You think that was good?
no facility exists for skipping through tracks, or even Try coming to one of our own shows!’”
going back over them. It’s a one take ride, so strap Mention of Ozzfest inevitably leads to talk about
yourself in. the song These Colours Don’t Run’ This phrase passed
A Matter Of Life And Death is stunning, that much into legend when Dickinson used it onstage in San
is assured as soon as it kicks in. It develops the Bernardino, California last August – the last night of
progressive nature of the band, but is also a Maiden’s stint with the tour. It became infamous,
damn sight heavier than they’ve been for some because the band were pelted with eggs during their
while. No, let’s re-phrase that last part: this is set, something openly organised and encouraged by
the heaviest Maiden have ever been. The Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife/manager. It was claimed
album drips with ranting riffs, rampant the reason behind this was that Dickinson had
drum fills, and the sort of maniacal constantly, and publicly, slagged off Ozzfest, Ozzy and
rhythms that would invoke a headliners Black Sabbath during the tour. This was the
steward’s inquiry on any Osbournes’ revenge.
racecourse in the land, if “You’d have to ask Bruce if his motivation for the
song was the Ozzfest incident,” shrugs Harris. “I have
to say that we’d been pelted with a lot worse by our
own roadcrew during end of tour ‘fun’. And I want to
go on record as saying that I like bacon with my eggs!
But yes, it was irritating, more because the sound was
turned off during the gig as well as the egging.”
But, did Harris personally apologise to Ozzy and
Sharon, because of Bruce’s alleged behaviour?
“No I didn’t. What I actually said was that, if there
was anything to apologise for, then I’d do it. But that
was twisted round to make it seem like I’d said sorry
– that never happened!”
“I suppose it’s inevitable that people will think the
song’s about Sharon Osbourne,” adds Dickinson. “She
thinks everything’s about her anyway! But it isn’t. It’s
about men going off to war, and the fears and hopes
they leave behind. In every generation, families have
said goodbye to their men, who go off to fight not
knowing whether they’ll see them alive again. It’s
“Shut up.”
“No you shut up.”
“No you…”
Iron Maiden:
stronger than ever
STEVE HARRIS
NUMBERS
happening now. Soldiers go to Iraq, and some come two months to spare. It went so fast. We ended up
back in body bags.” paying for that extra studio time, even though we
OF THE BEAST
“The phrase These Colours Don’t Run fitted the didn’t need it. What a waste, eh?”
mood of the song perfectly. That’s all. I suppose our “A lot of what you hear are first time takes,” reveals
fans will chant along with that title for their own Harris. “Did we have to push people to get
reasons, and I can’t help that. As for the truth about performances? No. Everyone was on the same Just a few Iron Maiden-related numbers
the Ozzfest… so much has been written about what I wavelength – we all wanted to take things to a new to ponder over…
did, or didn’t say onstage. Did I have a go at Ozzy and level. It is heavier than we’ve ever been, but also very
They have had over 70,000,000 record sales
Black Sabbath? No. Why would I? But I do find The progressive. And I don’t mean that in the modern
worldwide. Not to be sniffed at…
Osbournes TV series loathsome, and the whole cult of sense, but like Dream Theater, more in a 70s way.
reality TV celebrities disgusting. I hate reality TV, and “Most of the songs here are about war and religion.
Bassist Steve Harris founded the band in 1975.
I’ll continue to say that, until someone jails me for it!” About how we never seem to learn our lessons from
While we’re tackling thorny issues, let’s get to the history. But is it conceptual? Not in the sense of
They’ve released 14 studio albums, 9 live albums,
bottom of the relationship between Harris and having a linking storyline.”
and 4 box sets.
Dickinson, one that’s often been painted as, erm, “We’re not a political band, or one that preaches,”
uneasy. Do they really hate each other? contends Dickinson. “But we do have things to say.
Iron Maiden had 3 vocalists before ex-Samson
“Ha! That’s so far from the truth. I’ve had one row One song, The Legacy, is about how we’re turning this
belter Bruce Dickson joined: Paul Day (1975
with Bruce in the studio during all the time we’ve planet to cinders with all the fighting. And then we’ll
–1976), Dennis Wilcock (1976 – 1977), and Paul
worked together,” says Harris, dismissively. “Whereas hand the keys to the next generation, saying: ‘Here
Di’Anno (1978 – 1981).
I’ve had some real belters with Nicko [McBrain, you go. Sorry it’s a mess, but our side won!’ Yet, I’m
drummer]. We’ve actually been virtually nose-to-nose optimistic for the future. Global warming is now
On January 19, 2001 Iron Maiden performed to
screaming at each other – and with his nose being so irreversible, the sea levels will rise, but humanity will
over 250,000 people at Brazil’s Rock in Rio
flat, that’s very close up! The fact is that Bruce and I find ways of adapting. We’ve done it before, and we’ll
festival – their largest crowd ever. Fittingly, they began
have both grown up a lot, and we get along fine.” do it again.”
their show at – wait for it – two minutes to midnight.
“The whole thing about Steve and me is such a While the fate of mankind can’t be equated with the
comedy,” concurs Dickinson. “You’d have to dig very resurgence of rock and metal in the UK, Harris is
Maiden sold all 5,000 copies of their debut 1979
deep to find anything. And these days we’ve got more equally as positive about the state of the artform over
demo, The Soundhouse Tapes within a few weeks
in common than not.” here, after so many years in the dark.
of release. Not bad going for an unsigned band.
One of the problems that’s often cited is that Harris “Bands like Funeral For A Friend, Bullet For My
is said to run the band with a rod of steel. His word is Valentine and Lostprophets… they’re really good. I
The 1990 Guinness Book of World Records lists
the law – and there can be no dissent in the camp. know those are Welsh bands, but to me they’re British
Iron Maiden’s appearance at 1988’s Monsters Of
“I don’t think that’s true at all,” demurs the bassist. – and we should be backing them. In the 1970s, the
Rock as having the biggest PA system in history. It
“I know people think I’m totally hands on, but part of
consisted of 360 speaker cabinets and took five days
the reason for that was I taught myself about
to assemble.
production, and about video editing, and I was the
one in the studio overseeing everything. But that was
never because I’m a control freak. If any of the others
wanted to get involved with that side of things, then
that wouldn’t be a problem for me. The fact is, though,
it’s probably too late.”
“You’d be amazed how much we compromise within
the band on things. I don’t dictate. Sure, as far as our
relationship with the outside world goes, we have
never compromised at all. That’s because we’re
stubborn. But why should we? For instance, our new “If it wasn’t for you
meddling kids!”
single, The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg, that’s
over seven minutes long. And people say, ‘You’ll never
get airplay with a song that long’. What’s the
difference? We don’t get on mainstream radio anyway.
That’s what I mean. Why should we compromise when
we’ll still be ignored?”
In some ways, the new album is connected to The
Number Of The Beast. When the latter hit in 1982, it
was the band’s third record. Now, A Matter Of Life And
Death is the third one for the current line-up: Harris,
Dickinson, McBrain, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian
Smith and Janick Gers… or is that
reading far too much into the
situation?
“The ‘difficult’ third album,
eh?” smiles the singer.
“Maybe there’s something to
that. I believe we’ve made a
huge leap forward this time.
This is our Radiohead moment!
Everyone was up for pushing
things as far as they’d go, but the
record was so easy to make. Kevin
Shirley did an amazing job as
producer – so good that Steve [Harris]
as a co-producer was as much hands off
as hands on this time. I’m so proud of the
guys’ playing – it’s brilliant. And I didn’t
do too badly for a part-time singer!”
“You know how remarkable this
process was? We finished the record with
BRUCE DICKINSON
world looked to us for a lead, and that was such an line has to be that we’ll stop the moment all of us like Donington. Each of those bands would headline
exciting period for music. Then things turned, and it realise that we can’t maintain our own high standards. one day, with a bill featuring a real mix of names –
was America that got all the attention. I always felt To do anything else would be to compromise – and both the old and the new. What a celebration of metal
everyone over here – and that’s definitely true of the that’s not the Maiden way.” that could be…”
media – just became obsessed with the US, to the Perhaps, before it’s too late, there should also be a But all talk of fantasy bills and retirement is for
point where homegrown talent was ignored. We lost a major effort launched to get the three godfathers of another day as we depart the Manor, and head into the
lot of good bands that way. Now, it’s turned again!” metal – the original Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and darkness. One can’t help but believe that, with ‘A
All of which leads to the inevitable question just Maiden – on the same bill? The fact remains that, Matter Of Life And Death’, Maiden have begun a new
how long can Maiden keep going? while others have been hugely important in the chapter in their already illustrious history.
Dickinson ponders this thoughtfully. “I don’t know. development of metal down the years, it all stems The difference between greatness and success lies
For at least the next five years anyway. In 2008, when from these three masters. in the fact that the greats continue to reach greater
we’re planning to take out the Powerslave stage set Amazingly, Harris feels this pipedream festival isn’t achievements again, and again, and again. Never
again, I’ll be 50. And I’m the baby of the band. By the beyond our grasp. resting on past reputation. Almost anyone can fluke a
time I’m 55, Nicko will be 60. And you have to ask “Yeah, why not? That would be amazing. I don’t fleeting profile, but to become giants of your chosen
whether we’ll still want to tour. I’m not saying that we think it’s out of the question. What I’d love to do is call field – that privilege is reserved for the elite.
wouldn’t carry on recording, but… for me, the bottom it Britfest, and hold it over three days at somewhere Maiden define the metal elite.
Iron Maiden (left to right):

Steve Harris, Janick Gers, Dave
Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko
McBrain, Bruce Dickinson
GO BEHIND THE SCENES
WITH THE TITANS OF ROCK!
Celebrate the story of one of rock’s most iconic bands. The stories behind the
songs, albums and make-up, this is Classic Rock’s ultimate tribute to Kiss.
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Steve Harris:
“We’re coming for
every last one of
ya!”
SETLIS TAces High night

To Mid
2 Minutes ooper
The Tr s
Revelation rs
Ye a
Wasted ss
I P lay W ith Madne
Ca n t
f The Beas
Number O an Wait
Heaven C nt Mar iner
e Ancie
Rime Of Th werslave
Po
e Hills
Run To Th Dark
e
Fear Of Th en
Iron M ida
Moonchild
t
Clair voyan Name
Be Thy
Hallowed
hn McMur tr ie.
s: Jo
hr is Ingham. Pic
Words: C
IRON MAIDEN are the greatest metal band on

the planet, and 2008/2009’s Somewhere Back
In Time tour was their biggest yet. When they
offered Metal Hammer a seat on Flight 666 as
they took to the skies over Latin America, there
was just one thing to do – buckle up for the
flight of our lives…
e’re 35,000 feet in the air over flame-throwing mummy and the occasional
Central America and Captain psychotic cyborg too. Not to mention the
Dickinson is on the intercom odd genre classic like Aces High, 2 Minutes
screaming the words to Aces High To Midnight, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner,
as the plane banks into a sickening Powerslave, and surprise gems like Heaven
360˚ tailspin and downwards towards Can Wait, Wasted Years and Moonchild. Oh
certain doom… yeah, then there’s Run To The Hills,
Well, that’s been the recurring Hallowed Be Thy Name and Number Of The
nightmare of Hammer since agreeing to Beast. Admit it, that’s one hell of setlist…
climb aboard this latest Iron Maiden “Heh. Me and Bruce put it together right
touring extravaganza. Why did they need a at the end of the last tour – it took 10
“I HOPE OUR FANS plane? Why did they have to load it with 12
tons of heavy metal stage gear and pyro and
let the singer fly the fucker? And why the
minutes!” laughs four-stringer Steve ’Arry
Harris. “I think the only change we’ve made
since was moving Can I Play With Madness to
FEEL A SENSE OF fuck did we agree to be in it?

The first two are easy to answer. Maiden
be earlier in the set.”
The previous 48 hours have been a bit of a
ACCOMPLISHMENT
are the biggest metal band on the planet. blur as we’ve caught flights half way round
Fact. And in order to fulfill the demand for the world and met up with Maiden at the
shows the band require their own transport infamous Aztec temples of Mexico City,
IN SEEING WHERE
plane to move the stage so that they can where the band were blessed in a
play what is effectively a stadium gig every purification ritual inside the Temple
48 hours – a feat never even attempted Of The Feathered Serpent
MAIDEN IS NOW
by the likes of the Rolling Stones or U2, before they went on to
which are now the bands Maiden rank surprise even themselves
alongside in terms of worldwide ticket and sell out a 54,000-capacity
BECAUSE THEY’VE
sales. Metallica, GN’R and AC/DC may all baseball stadium. Now,
be giants of rock, but next to Maiden they Hammer is currently sat in
don’t even come close. And why is Hammer a front-row passenger
ALL BEEN PART OF

here? Because, despite the flying nerves,
you’d have to grind our bones into bread
before we missed out on the chance to
THAT JOURNEY”
herald their homecoming at Twickenham
Stadium on July 5, 2008.
And what a show it will be. This is the one
STEVE HARRIS Maiden show you were born to see. The
images and songs that adorn the stage
backdrops are the very same ones that have
Rough translation: come to define heavy metal itself: Spitfires,
‘Iron Maiden: FUCK
YEAH!’ Union Jacks fluttering on the wind, Eddie in
all his pharoah Powerslave glory, Winston
Churchill’s “We shall never surrender!”
speech, Rolls Royce engines rumbling in the
distance – it’s heavy metal’s finest
pageantry on display. It’s a show that you
don’t just simply turn up and see but an
event you become immersed in. Need more
convincing? Well, there’s a giant Sphinx
head from the inside sleeve of one of the
greatest live albums of all time, there’s a
B RU C E D I C
FAVOURITEKINSON’S
RAINBOW TH
EATRE 198
GIGS
gig
s with th 1: “My firs
Number Of The band before we reco t UK
hope they d e Beast. I was thinkinrded
fuck ’em.’” on’t hate me and if th g, ‘I
ROCK IN RIO e y do,
them were 19 85 AND 2001: “B
READING 1great for dif ferent reaso oth of
homecomin 98 2 : “It was a real ns.”
Lighting his farts was at that momg. We felt like kings of
certainly an impressive BRIXTON 2 ent.” the hill
spectacle on stage, but
Children Of 004: “For Clive Aid. We
Brixton [AcaThe Damned. I love pla did
it ruined Bruce’s
trousers demy] – it’s yi
venue.” a really beang
utiful
“THIS IS A BAND
WITH NO FUCKING
LIMITS. IF THERE’S A
METAL FAN ON THE
MOON WE’LL BE
GOING THERE!”
BRUCE DICKINSON
If we build it, they “Do you mind if I just nip into the back
will come… and get my Flying For Dummies book
from my bag?”
We’ll stay this side of the

glass, tanks. Geddit? Tanks?!
Nicko decided to get

some practice in before
Bruce’s copy of Rock
Band arrived
“Psst! If they all start to surf

at once, we’re so screwed!”
seat of a very special and hugely young fans that haven’t heard them.” natural suspicion of journalists. It’s
converted Airbus 727. And it’s not this big because you are far more upmarket than Bruce’s (albeit
This particular plane is totally in fact making this the last hurrah, as entertaining) war stories from when
unique; it has the call sign AEU666, some wilder internet rumours would he toured Serbia during the conflicts
and has a decorated fuselage livery have us all believe? and was nearly snipered.
proudly bearing the insignia of heavy “No, this is definitely not our last Ah yes, it’s about time Bruce
metal’s first royal family, not to shout at all. The last studio album we Dickinson, singer, pilot, author, movie
mention one snarling cyber-looking did [2006’s A Matter Of Life And playwright and producer and all-round
sonofabitch called Eddie. Welcome to Death] we all enjoyed so much that architect of all this plane madness
the inner sanctum world of ‘Ed Force there will definitely be at least one made his presence felt…
One’… more.” “When I came up with this crazy
“Eeeee-op! How do you like my big What’s so odd about having idea of the Maiden plane I just thought
THE REAL
shiny plane thing then, Mr ’Ammer?!” conversations about the end of Iron it’d make a great gimmick that’d grab
gurns Maiden drummer and all-round Maiden with its founding member is people by the throat, but it’s
lovable nutbag, Nicko McBrain. “Great, that despite the years of road succeeded beyond all my wildest
IRON
innit? Beats the fuckin’ bus any day of weariness they’ve each piled up, dreams – it’s caught on like a wildfire,”
the week!” He sounds like a cross there’s such a real sense of hunger in laughs the ebullient vocalist.
between Blackadder’s General Melchitt the Maiden camp it seems Catch on? Jesus, that is the
MAIDENS
and one of Sesame Street’s bin- inconceivable to consider a finish line. understatement of the tour. Channel 9
dwelling puppets. “There’s certainly a strong sense of national news filmed the plane coming
As Nicko says, a plane is, after all, a purpose about us at the moment,” into land for their first Australian
I
very nice way to travel between gigs. agrees Steve. “If I’m honest I think it’s shows in 15 years, while the Fox ron Maiden are in a club
Something that even Mr Harris has because we really don’t know how long Network are booked to come on board watching The Iron Maidens
surely come round to seeing? we’re going to carry this on. People and fly with the band for a nationwide – an all-female covers band.
“I was a fan of the idea from the have to remember that we don’t just special across the USA in a week or so. So, Bruce, how do you feel
start,” corrects Steve as we turn to fly stand there and play,” he sighs, Fantastico Brazil are on board in two about the lady pretending to be
down the Mexican coast towards Costa momentarily sounding every one of his days’ time and that will screen live to you?
Rica, the site of tomorrow night’s gig. 52 years. “An Iron Maiden show is a six million people, not to mention the “It’s one of those really odd
Without question, being aboard Ed physically demanding gig for each of live coverage that Sky News India existential self-analysis questions,”
Force One is a unique rock’n’roll ego us and although we’re all in pretty broadcast to some half a billion people he laughs. “Essentially, would I fuck
experience, but it’s also a practical good nick right now I can’t honestly across the Indian Sub Continent two myself? Well, the ego is willing even
working environment where a band get say that I’ll be able or comfortable weeks prior to this South American if the body isn’t!” He then legs it
to recharge with minimum hassles attempting to do this in a few years’ jaunt we’re on now. Yeah, you could out of a fire exit.
from officious local airport types and time.” say that this plane thing has kinda Steve is here with daughter
the crew get to work like dogs every 48 caught the attention of the world’s Lauren. “They’re very good, aren’t
A
hours building and stripping ttempting to navigate away media. It’s probably the biggest thing they? They’ve even got an Eddie!”
stadium-sized stage rigging. from such horrors as a in the skies since Concorde. he says, pointing at a papier-mâché
“We can now go to places we’ve Maiden-less world, Hammer “The media attention it generates is golem. He’s also impressed by the
never been to before,” says the suggests that there’s a real only part of its worth,” reasons Bruce, girls’ version of Alexander The
bassist. “Take Costa Rica, for example. sense of celebration about this tour who shares his flying duties with two Great, a song that even the real
We’ve never played there before and too. other Aestrus Air pilots. “The plane is thing have never had the minerals
we’ve sold 25,000 tickets. Columbia, “This being a celebration is Bruce’s incredibly functional and it enables us to tackle live. “Not half bad,” he
we’ve sold 44,000 tickets there. Next take on it. For me it’s a little to get to countries in times we could nods. “Doesn’t make me want to
time we come back we’ll be able to different,” counters Steve. “Our never have done before. We get to do a play it live though!”
look at playing Honduras, Equador, decision to play the entire new album huge show every 48 hours and play to Steve and Lauren exit, leaving
Peru and other countries we’ve never back to back on the last tour justifies everyone who wants to see us. That’s a only the crew and locals going
played before.” us being able to do this greatest hits great feeling.” mental for the metal. Later that
Like anyone who has achieved their idea this time around… and we did say And it also makes you look like the night, the police are called. It
life’s ambitions and maintained a a few years back that we were going to kings of the castle somewhat, doesn’t seems someone has consumed vast
clarity of purpose and singularity of flip-flop between new album tours and it? Metallica might have a Lear jet but quantities of ale believing it to be
vision, Steve feels suitably proud of his greatest hits tours from different you’ve got a fucking great plane with free when in fact the not-so-nice
band’s achievements and his life’s periods, so it shouldn’t have been a 12 tons of mayhem locked in the hold. barman was counting every one.
work. surprise to anyone,” adds the bassist “I’m not denying there’s a vibe that People are gonna be locked up and,
“I think people understand that testily. says this is a band with no fucking with a tight schedule and 55,000
we’re not big flash rock stars who will Conversation with ‘Bomber’ Harris limits. If there’s a metal fan on the Maiden-mad kids to play in front of
rub success in the fans’ faces. We give is always a little on the guarded side. moon we’ll be going there! It’s fucking tomorrow, that simply won’t do.
a lot back, and I hope that the fans Even with a beer in his hand at the marvellous being in Iron Maiden right Therefore the devilish sum of $666
feel a sense of satisfaction and hotel bar later, his chat is always now. It’s something that we’re all is produced by a kind and
accomplishment in seeing where measured. Steve also never forgets feeling. You can’t beat Iron Maiden unfortunate tour manager who left
Maiden is now because they’ve all been what you’ve said. That’s not to say he’s right now!” his phone switched on…
part of that journey. Having the plane a killjoy – far from it – but he has Is Maiden now at the point where
and paying to tour this way enables us found himself in innumerable you always wanted it to be?
to fulfill our end of the bargain and get situations the world over where he’s “I now have a realisation of how big stadium full of people when we’ve
a show this size out to people who been surrounded by drunken fools at this whole thing can get for sure. But never released a record or done one
have wanted to see the band for all hours, so these days you can’t during the planning stages of this tour interview there before. That tells me
years.” blame him for seeking conversation in it never occurred to any of us that it that Maiden is something that people
He isn’t kidding. Last night Hammer more cerebral realms. Escaping a could ever get this big. I used to worldwide just love to be part of.”
witnessed Iron Maiden lay waste to particularly boisterous and amusingly wonder what we’d do when we hit that At a press conference the day
Mexico City as 54,000 rabid pished Bruce later that evening, plateau that every big band hits where before, Bruce had reacted forcefully
Sandinistas lost the plot in the Hammer stumbles into Steve having a you’re just plugging away doing a against a term used to describe the
baseball stadium. That’s conversation about predestination, couple of nights at Wembley for the current tour as a revival in Maiden’s
approximately 40,000 more than the reincarnation and the inevitability (as new record and another couple of fortunes. Bruce had been adamant
last time Maiden played there, the vast he sees it) of life after death. nights there a year later for a greatest that the tour should be seen as a
majority of whom weren’t even born “I used to have very firm views on hits set and all that bollocks. But celebration of Maiden’s history and
when Powerslave was last toured, what I believed in, but once you have luckily we’ve avoided that completely nothing more.
which is a point not lost on the boys. kids, it’s amazing how much you start and we’ve tripled the size of our “I hate this ‘revival’ concept. You
“We didn’t want to just tour for the seeing yourself through their eyes. audience in the last five years.” revive something that’s dead. I just
sake of making money,” considers Things I believed I knew to be truths as So why has that happened now? think that celebration is a better
Steve, sipping on a cup of PG Tips a young man I’m now not so rash “We’ve captured people’s description of a Maiden gig. There are
courtesy of our in-flight service. “We about any more.” And with ‘bar recall’ imaginations. We’re playing in Costa so many kids now enjoying what we
wanted to bring these songs to the like that, it’s no wonder Steve has a Rica tomorrow night to a football do that weren’t even born when we
“These colours don’t
run! I use
non-biological
washing powder!” Purification ceremony?
They’ve got their work cut out…
Victoria Beckham was a

surprising choice for a
guest vocalist
Good. Just checking we’re

all on the same page…
“Scream for me! Or I

let Eddie loose on ya!”
BUBBLES
A
ftershow drink-ups are a
necessary and welcome way
of winding down following
the highs of an intense gig.
In Maidenworld the band never hang
Been there, bought
around a venue once the show is the wrong bloody
done: it’s literally down tools, walk
off-stage and into a fleet of waiting
NUMBERS t-shirt
cars and mini-vans. Then the entire OF THE BEA

entourage rolls out in military
fashion as one and very often under
Number of m S
Force One: 1 onths it took to read
T
Cost of prep 0 y Ed
police escort – all flashing lights, aring
takeoff: $5 Ed Fo rce One for
cops on bikes with guns etc – the full Weight of b 00,000
monty. All very cool. So upon a
One, includ ckline carr ied on Ed Fo
landing back at the hotel, the first Eddie paraping guitars, mixing de rce
business at hand is a shower and a Passenger cahernalia. In tons: 12 sks, and
Total miles pacity of Ed Force On
change of clothes. Then, if the body shows: 50,0travelled during first 2 e: 70
is willing, it’s down to the bar to Earth –Geog 00. (That’s twice arou3
catch up with everyone else on the Ed Force On raphy Ed) nd the
evening’s events. And it can go on AEU666 e’s official flight numb
er:
for a few hours all that ‘winding
down’, you know. Come 3am the bar
is closing and even Hammer thinks it Steve hears the news that his
might be time to say goodnight to beloved Hammers just scored
the rogue elements of the road crew
who are insisting that a night-time
skinny-dip would be the appropriate
course of action at this juncture.
And that’s when a glance at the
elevator doors yields the most
disconcerting of revelations: Bruce,
his dignity barely covered by a pair
of undies, is weaving his way in
simian-like fashion from the lift to
reception waving a credit card at the
panicked reception staff.
“Shit! Bubbles is back!” blurts
one of the crew as they rush over to
help. ‘Bubbles’, it seems, is Bruce’s
alter ego when he’s pissed. The
eccentric Englishman in him comes
right out and he just goes off and
does whatever he wants. Very
amusing indeed. Hammer pledges to
“Never tell anyone. Honesh. Hic!”
This time, following a bottle of heavy
red and several beers, a ‘tired and
emotional’ Bruce had retired to his
chamber only to be awoken by the
front desk ringing him to say that he
needed to settle his bill before the
morning. Instead of telling them
where to go, the ever-helpful singer
merely rolled out of bed, grabbed a
card from the bedside table and
moseyed on down to reception sans
clothes to clear the matter up. We
think we can safely say that wasn’t
the kind of prompt action the hotel
staff expected.
did this last time. Iron Maiden is a us are going to be so high it’ll need Bruce’s wind-ups. “There just isn’t
cross-generational band now and… thinking about properly.” enough time to see anywhere, which is
fuck me, is that Popocatépetl?” Now that is telling – a band a shame and the crew are fucking
exclaims the singer, breaking off understanding that something major knackered, if I’m honest.
THE HAND
mid-sentence to point at a dramatic- is happening right now and already “The shows have been wonderful,
looking and very much fume-belching making plans to deal with the though. It’s been really excellent
OF GOD
volcano on the plane’s port side. “That consequences down the line. It also playing some of that old stuff again.”
still looks like one angry mountain to leads into the question that most Does it seem weird thinking about
me… er, what was I saying?” bands hate to have asked: knowing the years between now and the last
This tour being a line in the sand, what you know now, if you had your time you played Moonchild back in
M
you being bigger than Metallica, U2, chance to do anything differently from 1989? After all, you left the band exico – two hours on the
the Stones and Jesus all combined your past career, would you? following that tour… runway waiting for a signal
etc… “No, not a single thing,” comes “There isn’t much I regret in terms to leave. There’s now 100
“Ha ha. Technically that’s true, we Bruce’s stock-standard response. of the decision I made,” answers a tons of Ed Force One
are bigger than all of them – except “Well, actually… I wouldn’t have deeply thoughtful Adrian. “Maybe if it blocking Mexicana’s main garage in
Jesus. In some countries I could recorded an album in a barn for one were possible for me to have had a central America’s busiest airport.
definitely live with this being the final thing. And I should’ve made one of my conversation with my younger self at Why? Someone at the airport feels
thing in terms of what we’ve achieved solo albums a bit heavier too. And a few crucial times then maybe I that we do not have the requisite
with Iron Maiden but I don’t want to maybe we should have dealt with Clive wouldn’t have done certain things in piece of paper for departure, even
leave it as it is because there is a lot [Burr, Maiden’s first drummer, sacked terms of leaving the band. That said, though we handed it over an hour
more life left in us yet. But it is due to ‘musical differences’ and a I knew I needed to leave because I was before. Now they won’t let us leave
important that we stop for a little fondness for the odd shandy] a bit burned out and I needed a break. It until someone finds it and therefore
while after this and really work out differently. But essentially everything was seven years non-stop and I’d lost in a British fit of pique Bruce
how we come back from a tour this we’ve done individually or collectively my identity for too long. I was Dickinson has ordered the plane to
significant in order to be able to has shaped us to get to this point now enduring one hangover after another be parked in front of the Mexican
challenge people’s imaginations so how can anyone complain?” and surviving a gig is something you national air carrier’s garage. “Now
again. I think people’s expectations of can do as a young man but you just it’s in someone else’s best interests
“W
hen they first came can’t as you get older. Now I’m to get the problem fixed as well,”
up with the idea of enjoying every moment that comes grins Bruce. Outside, the fat man
the plane I thought my way.” going nuts on the tarmac must, we
they were all mad,” Someone else enjoying every feel, be the manager of Mexicana
smirks Adrian Smith, one third of Iron moment is Nicko and, even though Airways. He’s ranting at a sour-faced
Maiden’s sizzling ‘triple axe attack’, as he’s the most senior in years of all the lady from the airport. These two
one cornball Mexican journo described Maidenites, his infectious energy lovely people have to fix the problem
them at a press conference the radiates warmth and speaks volumes of lost paperwork for us. Someone
previous day. “If the truth be told, I of his passion for the Maiden cause. on board pipes up that we could just
was a bit concerned about the plane “Sometimes I do feel that we have take off, right? Bruce points out that
because this idea of having all the become living legends… that we do incoming aircraft landing on our
crew and the band on the same carry a weight of expectation from heads might be an issue and, even if
schedule was something I thought crowds worldwide. But that’s OK – we we did get off the ground, militant
impossible to do. Like, how could I love it! I’d like us to be remembered Central American republics with
stay in bed all day if I had to be on the for our truth and the integrity of our F-16s at their disposal take a very
same plane that got that smelly lot music.” dim view of rock bands breaking
into each city to build my stage on A handy round of Jack’n’Cokes are international conventions. We stay
time?” cracks the ever-dry-humoured laid on from the Aestrus staff, the put. For another hour.
guitarist. female contingent of whom are clearly Maiden manager Rod Smallwood
And then the small matter of your being baited (make that ‘stalked’ in is puce with rage, threatening calls
singer flying the plane everywhere… some cases) by the, er, boisterous to the British Embassy, followed by
“Ah, but thankfully he isn’t male attentions of the tour crew. But BBC World News and even The Sun.
attempting to fly everywhere, is he? mid-way down the plane, sat next to Within minutes the plane is in
Bruce couldn’t play a gig, have a drink his old mucker Dave Murray, you will contact with the local Mexican news
afterwards ’til God-knows-what-time find the sandy-haired barnet of Janick who are telling us that we’ve actually
and then check flight charts the next Gers with his head buried firmly in a left the country. Oh really? Well,
morning – that’d knacker anyone. book and probably contemplating what about the 100-ton blue-and-
Bruce picks his moments to let his hair running another of his much-loved white bird with Eddie’s head on the
down…” says Adrian, as Bruce amuses half-marathons. It seems appropriate tail fin? A dead giveaway that
himself in a frankly worrying way with to ask the one Maidenite who joined perhaps things might not be as the
a rubber airplane he’s picked up from a the band post-80s (just!) what he airport authorities are saying, eh?
fan. The glee with which Bruce is thinks about the songs that defined The local news crew put up a chopper
launching said toy to test its the band and his role in now bringing and images of Ed Force One on the
aerodynamics would be them all to life in this set. ground are about to give Mexico City
understandable if it wasn’t for the “I’ve actually played most of them Airport an almighty headache.
gonzo way he cackles every time it before, as part of the Ed Hunter tour, As if by magic, the fat bloke
crashes down onto the gangway of our which we did when Bruce came back in appears waving a piece of paper. We
real plane. Still, it’s a good way to see the band [1999]” says the earnest can go! But what’s this? In a scene
different places though, isn’t it, guitarist. “We’re not parodying straight out of Monty Python, the
Adrian? We’re desperate to take our ourselves with this setlist; we’re not ‘sour-faced bitch’, as she’s now
minds off Bruce’s unsettling antics. pretending that we’re back in the 80s known, is atop a moving stair
“It would be if we had half- or anything. But it’s great to be able to platform which is running parallel
reasonable schedules,” he quips back play some of these songs that along-side the trundling Ed Force
nonchalantly, by now immune to haven’t been heard in 20 years, One. She is waving Another. Piece.
Of. Fucking. Paper. Faces around the
“Hands up who wants a plane are a mix of incredulity,
Cornetto? OK, that’s one, two, hatred, glee and homicidal intent.
three, four…”
We slow down. We stop. The stair
docks with the front doors. Ivan
opens the front cabin swearing in
Ruskie and closes it behind him but
now holding a receipt. Two and half
hours late, we take off.
songs that still feel as powerful and and drops the remaining 10,000 feet When the band and Hammer arrive
as exciting as they did 20 years ago
because that shows the vitality that
in a matter of minutes. As the plane
touches down there is a cheer from
under police escort, having
navigated a mixture of barely lit S TEVE HARRIS’S
this band has.” the road crew and our escape from barrio back streets and super-
FAVOURITE GatIG S
Do you feel that you’ve really Mexico is complete. Ivan the Terrible modern state-of-the-art highways, the
achieved a personal moment of real pops his head out from the cockpit to the national stadium is reaching MARQUEE 1979: “The first one to
Marquee. We had a bet with Rod as
satisfaction seeing the band reclaim inform us that the VIPs need to be fever-pitch. whether it’d sell out. It did.”
ve the
that aura of invulnerability from ready to move as soon as the side The show is like Mexico’s – DORTMUND 1983: “Headlining aboit was
Scorpions, Prie st, Ozz y & Lep pard :
that 80s’ period, especially after the doors are open as there are “several breathtaking in its delivery of the
low points of the mid-90s with the hundred nutters” on the runway classics as each number propels the an incredible feeling.” Bruce
READING 1982: “The first one with
Blaze era? surrounding the plane. He ain’t feeling of the last and takes you – it was a real hom eco min g.”
time
“You know what? If you’re the type kidding! Either fluoro jackets and ear higher into heavy metal nirvana. DONINGTON 1988: “It was our first
and we hea dlined ove r Kiss, David Lee
of people like we are then you move defenders are the in-thing for the Clearly the Costa Ricans feel the great
your goalposts. You refer to the Blaze Costa Rica fashionistas this season or same way, for as Bruce remarks from Roth, Guns N’ Roses, Megadeth – ally’d
bands. It was the bigg est crow d the
era like it’s a down period, but I can every man, woman, child, dog and the stage, “25,000 Costa Ricans ever had.”
tell you, as musicians at that time we parrot of Costa Rica is already on the make twice as much noise as 50,000 ROCK IN RIO 1985: “We played with felt
were really cooking.” tarmac waving wildly at Ed Force One. Mexicans!”. Queen. Just a sea of people, it really
Dave Murray has been quiet up Two mini-vans pull up and there’s a The next day, Hammer is setting like we were achieving something a
significant. It was a real spectacle and
until now. In fact, Dave Murray has knock on the cabin door. “Welcome off back to Blighty while Ed Force major achievemen t for us.”
been quiet for much of his 30-year to Costa Rica, Aye-ron May-don,” One marches onto the more
tenure in Iron Maiden. But as the one says a beaming young official. intimidating climes of Columbia. Yet
bandmember to have been stood “Please be signing this?” he enquires even in the soulless confines of the
alongside Steve in the pubs and hopefully, waving a copy of Number airport terminal, a little Iron Maiden “I’ve had enough of your
featured on every recording the band Of The Beast. “First, we get off the goes a long way. Hammer notices a lip, Eddie my son. Think
have ever made, Dave does have plane then we be signing things!” buzz building as a constant flow of you can do any better?
Prove it!”
some unique perspective on the barks Rod Smallwood, Maiden’s people gather at one of the main
journey from pub to stadium. manager. windows, all pointing and making
“When we first started playing Outside, the terminal is mental: frantic grabs for cameras. Peeking
Costa Rica, Columbia and Puerto Rico crew kit bags and mountains of over the top of the melee we can see
were specks on a map to me,” filming equipment are everywhere Ed Force One lining up on the
chuckles the soft-spoken guitarist, piled 10 high as 40 roadies are runway, engines revving and the
his trademark grin seemingly etched herded through customs and into a unmistakable visage of a mummified
into his features. “We had a moment glass tunnel-come-waiting area Eddie leering back. As the plane
the other day looking at the plane on surrounded by wide-eyed fans. Ever accelerates down the tarmac, a
the tarmac at LAX Airport with a wondered what a goldfish feels like? spontaneous applause starts to echo
sold-out LA Forum behind us, when I Try standing in an airport terminal around the terminal followed by a
think I said to him, ‘It sure beats the surrounded on three sides by a huge roar of approval. In a rare
crappy Fiat 500 we used to use to quarter-inch of glass separating you moment of splendid celestial
take the gear down to the Cart ’n’ from 400 Maiden-crazy fans watching co-incidence, every TV monitor in the
Horses in, doesn’t it?!’” every breath, scratch and nervous entire airport, which is currently
Descending at an almighty rate, bead of sweat. showing last night’s news, has cut to
Costa Rica emerges from the Like any country starved of live footage of Maiden onstage
primordial clouds: all rocky outcrops, decent-quality rock’n’roll, Costa Rica playing Number Of The Beast and Ed
misty mountains and hidden has seized the opportunity to party Force One’s nose lifts up and into the
jungle-covered valleys topped off and has embraced the band like South American skies.
with another sodding great volcano national heroes. Kids have been ‘Iron Maiden’s gonna get ya, no
spewing out acrid fumes. Ed Force camping outside the venue for four matter how far’ ? You can bet your
One makes a sharp bank to the left days. arse they will come July 5…
“Oh, don’t mind me, “Damn, I had my eyes

guys. I didn’t have time shut. Can we do that
to fold my laundry one again?”
before the show and I
don’t want it creasing”
Despite the resemblance, Pedro

never filed a paternity suit
against Eddie
“Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbaya…

Hey! Who nicked my
marshmallows?”
M
“What?!”
.
Iron Maiden (left to right): Adrian
Smith, Nicko McBrain, Bruce
Dickinson, Steve Harris, Janick
Gers, Dave Murray
“IT SURE BEATS THE CRAPPY

FIAT 500 WE USED TO TAKE DOWN NICKO AND
TO THE CART ’N’ HORSES!” THE ANGRY
DAVE MURRAY
INCH
“A
n inch from the end
Steve insisted his
dentist worked
Yes, they are his of the tour! A
trousers.
at a distance fucking inch!” blurts
Nicko as he relates a
tale of near-disaster following a
morning’s golfing and an afternoon
in the local casualty department.
“How did you get injured playing
golf of all things?” enquires Bruce.
Maiden have never “Easy – some stupid Yank doesn’t
been about subtlety shout ‘fore’ on the green and he
twats the fucking ball straight at
Dave Murray soaks
up the adoration you.”
Said golf ball apparently hit
Nicko literally one inch from his
wrist bone. That’s one small patch
of flesh from this entire multi-
million dollar roadshow being
loaded in the back of Ed Force One
and sent packing back to Blighty
with a one-armed drummer. That.
Fucking. Close. But luckily, said
wristbone is intact and Nicko can
put up with an orange-sized bruise
on his forearm.
“The only good thing about it is
that Rod wasn’t there,” he sighs.
“God forbid what would have
happened to the guy. I think there
would have been a fucking murder
“Ladies and gents, fasten
your seatbelts. They going on the spot!”
to let me fly this thing!”
THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF
PROG’S FIRST DECADE
Happy birthday to us. Prog magazine is 10 years old and to celebrate we’ve
collated some of the finest features and interviews with the cream of the
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ON SALE
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The 10s
The most epic period in a career that has never
been short of drama, Maiden experienced the highs
of The Final Frontier and The Book Of Souls albums
and the lows of Bruce Dickinson’s cancer diagnosis.
But like Eddie himself, it proved that you can’t kill
Iron Maiden…
Iron Maiden once said they planned to make 15 studio
albums. Then they called album number 15 The Final
Frontier. Was this the end of the journey?
WORDS: DOM LAWSON. PICS: JOHN MCMURTRIE.
STEVE HARRIS
Sun(set) and steel
Bruce rides his invisible

hovering bicycle
I
t’s a hot and sticky summer day in San But this is the third show of the metal titans’ jaunt, the new Maiden set focuses primarily on songs
Antonio, Texas. As you walk out from your brand new tour; a tantalising precursor to the from Brave New World, Dance Of Death and A Matter
air-conditioned hotel foyer into the release of their 15th album, The Final Frontier, and Of Life And Death, with just one song from the early
sweltering outdoors, possibly to head down every self-respecting metalhead from the days – the ageless Wrathchild – thrown in to the
the road to The Alamo, where Ozzy Osbourne surrounding area understands their solemn duty. main body of the show, with a few old favourites
famously took a drunken piss many years Sixteen thousand of them are crammed into the appearing as welcome encores, as you may expect.
ago, the effect is like being subsumed in hot venue and making a vast amount of noise, primed by Alongside the epic, bombastic likes of Ghost Of The
custard. The natives, as you might imagine, behave support act Dream Theater and whipped up to fever Navigator, Paschendale and The Reincarnation Of
as if temperatures that edge towards the 100 pitch by the simple fact that there is no such thing as Benjamin Breeg, one new song, the monstrous El
degrees mark are the most normal thing in the a half-arsed Iron Maiden gig. Dorado provides a uniquely fresh highlight. Available
world. The British, however, are stopped in their In keeping with the science-fiction vibes of the for the last few weeks as a free download, the song is
tracks and compelled to pull stunned, slightly new album’s artwork and lyrical themes, The Final both quintessential Iron Maiden and remarkably
alarmed faces. It’s seriously bastard hot here and Frontier show kicks off with a suitably space- fresh and distinct from past glories; a thrilling teaser
were it not for the fact that Iron Maiden are in town orientated intro and some ominous, otherworldly for an album that, when you finally get to hear it, is
and about to hit the stage at the AT&T Center, one of lighting, before guitarist Adrian Smith marches out practically guaranteed to blow your mind and put a
the city’s major indoor venues, Metal Hammer would onto the stage playing the thunderous opening riff year-long grin on your face. The fact is, 30 years
probably be found cowering in a jumbo-sized to The Wicker Man, and all hell breaks reassuringly after the release of their self-titled debut album,
refrigerator somewhere, in between bottles of loose as the rest of Maiden storm the stage, as vital, Iron Maiden look and sound a long way from a band
Mexican beer. ebullient and deafening as ever. Despite an who are winding down and eyeing retirement.
occasionally vexed relationship with the US – the Speaking with Bruce, Adrian, bassist and founder
one country in the world that seemed to require a bit member Steve Harris and drummer Nicko McBrain
Janick Gers: ast of persuasion to fully embrace this incarnation of after another triumphant show has ended, Metal
Fender of the be Maiden, even as the rest of the world went cheerfully Hammer gets the distinct impression that this is
batshit at their every move – Maiden are welcomed simply the beginning of another chapter in this
back as conquering heroes over here these days. On band’s remarkable story…
this occasion, two years after their Flight 666
exploits and the whole Somewhere Back In Time tour HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK ON THE ROAD
cycle, the band are revisiting the music they have AGAIN AND PLAYING A SET OF SONGS FROM
made over the last decade, since the return of Adrian THE LAST DECADE, RATHER THAN FROM 20
and singer Bruce Dickinson helped to usher in a OR 30 YEARS AGO?
second golden age for this most enduring and Steve Harris: “It’s actually a real challenge,
consistently adored of metal bands. In stark contrast especially starting off in the States, because the
to the nostalgic majesty of that last round-the-world hardcore fans know the stuff but some of the other
ADRIAN SMITH
Eddie’s eyes were
set to ‘kill’
Adrian: don’t call

him a cabaret act
people here don’t know it at all. You can tell! So it’s

more of a challenge, but we’re enjoying it. As soon as
we get to Canada and Europe it’ll be very different,
because they’ll know the words to every song. But I
think we’ve got to mix it up and keep challenging
ourselves. The tour before last we did A Matter Of Life
And Death and we did the whole album, so you just
have to keep refreshing what you do, in front of any
audience. I know people will moan that we’re not
playing The Trooper or something like that, but we
played it on the last five, six, seven tours. We’ve
never done things the easy way anyway. It’s not just
a question of being stubborn, it’s about keeping it
fresh for everybody.”
IS IT MORE REWARDING TO PLAY NEWER

SONGS THAN DOING THE WHOLE GREATEST
HITS THING?
Bruce Dickinson: “It’s really rewarding to play these
songs if we can fuckin’ remember them! Ha ha! But
yes, it’s great. I thought that Brave New World,
looking back, was a classic album that came straight
out of the box, but we haven’t had that much chance
to pay much attention to it. We’re playing four songs
from that album on this tour and they all sound
completely incredible. But you can only really go by
the audience reaction. Tonight was the first show
where I actually found myself getting two thirds of
the way through the set and thinking, ‘Oh, it’s “’Ello ’ell
almost over!’ and that’s when time seems to pass Still think you could what’s allo ’ello,
this then?
and you’re in the zone, so that was really good…” do what Nicko does? ”
Nicko McBrain: “There’s no real difference for me
but it’s great to play this stuff. It’s quite weird to
think of songs that are 10 years old as recent. I like
the balance we’ve got between the last four records.
It’s fresh for us to go back and revisit. It’s always
hard to know what to play anyway! Somewhere Back
In Time was a celebration of the old stuff, but this
isn’t about that. It’s a celebration of our last few
albums.”
Adrian Smith: “We don’t want to be a cabaret act.
We could probably play Vegas for the rest of our lives,
but we want to play new material and keep moving
forward. These songs are quite long and we thought
it might be a bit tricky for the audience, but the
response has been fantastic. In fact, I don’t
remember the response ever being this good in
America. They’ve just been really into it.”
WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS? THE U.S.

SEEMS TO LOVE MAIDEN NOW MORE THAN
EVER…
Adrian: “I noticed it when I came back into the band
in ’99, that there were a lot of new fans in Europe but
America didn’t seem to have changed. But thinking
lieve it
Bruce gets suited and No, we didn’t be ever
was Nicko’s first
booted. Or booted at least
ice cream either
FIVE MORE SPACE-RELATED METAL

CONCEPT ALBUMS.
BAL-SAGOTH
A BLACK MOON BROODS OVER
LEMURIA, 1995
Although they described
themselves as “extreme
avant- garde baroque metal”,
Bal-Sagoth were fantasy and sci-fi buffs to the
core. Their debut introduced fans to frontman Byron
Roberts’ dark fantasy universe via songs with catchy
titles like Into The Silent Chambers Of The Sapphirean
Throne (Sagas From The Antediluvian Scrolls). Over
their next five albums, Bal-Sagoth would add ever
more detail to their cosmic vision, culminating in the
ludicrous extravagance of The Chthonic Chronicles,
“the end of the Hexalogy”, according to Byron.
NOCTURNUS
THE KEY, 1990
A death metal band with a
difference – they had a keyboard about it, on this tour there seems to be a lot of
player, unthinkable in 1990 younger fans and the response has been a lot more
– Nocturnus were true sci-fi European, if you like. In Europe the response is
nerds and based their debut always great and we’re floating on air out there, but
album on a story about a rogue cyborg that in America you always have to work a bit harder
travels back in time to 0BC, resulting in the because the audiences, funnily enough, are a bit
destruction of Christianity and a new, godless modern more laidback. In Europe and South America they
empire. With songs like Andromeda Strain and Droid just go bonkers all the time, but here they’re spoilt
Sector, The Key was aimed at fans of Star Wars and for choice, so you have to drive it harder. But yeah,
Star Trek, but only those who also liked brutal metal. it’s been fantastic and a real surprise.”
GAMMA RAY WHEN BRUCE AND ADRIAN REJOINED IN

SOMEWHERE OUT IN SPACE, 1997 1999, DID ANY OF YOU EXPECT TO BECOME
Never afraid to embrace a AS SUCCESSFUL AS YOU ARE RIGHT NOW?
ridiculous concept, German Adrian: “There was always that strong ambition in
power metal mavericks Gamma the band. When I got involved again, I spoke to
Ray went the whole hog on everyone and it was clear that it was going to be
their fifth studio album. more of a long-term thing. I didn’t think it’d be this
Somewhere Out In Space is a gloriously nerdy long. It’s 11 years now and it seems like yesterday
affair, covering all manner of intergalactic concerns, that we came back. I’m surprised on one hand that it
from opening song Beyond has gone so big again, but it was always obvious that the goose that lays the golden eggs, you can make
The Black Hole’s tale of uncharted territory to the we were going to have a real crack at it. It’s worked sure it doesn’t lay too many and you keep things
self-explanatory Men, Martians And Machines and the out pretty well!” chilled, and then I think we can keep ourselves going
poignant but daft Lost In The Future. Steve: “I never thought this far ahead. You just see for a lot longer.”
how it goes and you never get a clear indication of
VOIVOD how something’s going to work long term. Bruce was YOU ALL GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT
KILLING TECHNOLOGY, 1986 out of the band for a few years and Adrian was out of YOU’RE HAVING MORE FUN THAN EVER
Not so much a concept album based the band for a few years as well, but right from the BEFORE…
on sci-fi, more an embracing of the start there was no problem whatsoever, and that Steve: “Yeah, I think that’s true. These days, in
genre’s whole aesthetic, Killing surprised me! I thought there’d be a few teething general, we’re a lot happier and you can see that
Technology separated Voivod problems, but that didn’t happen at all. You don’t onstage. The first shows are always a bit edgy, as
from every other band of the really want grief in your life, do you? So it’s been they are on any tour, but the feeling onstage is
thrash era by being both musically wonderful really. I think it helps that we’ve made better than it’s ever been – there’s no reason why we
and lyrically bizarre. With brilliantly odd, some really strong albums along the way.” can’t carry on as long as we want to carry on. We’re
futuristic artwork created by drummer Away, the Bruce: “No, we didn’t expect any of this and it’s older and wiser and we don’t argue about stupid
album even looked like something that had been getting more silly by the day! I’m very cautious things any more. Well, maybe once in a while, but it
beamed down from space. Meanwhile, songs like about people getting us to work too hard so that we doesn’t last five minutes! It’s easier and a lot more
Forgotten In Space invited fans into a new and end up going, ‘We’re not enjoying this any more’, so amenable now. We know each other a lot better.
distinctly dark and menacing alien world of weirdness. whilst you don’t want to kill We’ve always used things in a
positive way. If you’re feeling
DEVIN TOWNSEND phant down or pissed off, turn it into a
ZILTOID THE OMNISCIENT, 2007 Iron Maiden: trium dark song. I did pretty much a
The story of an extraterrestrial being whole album like that on The
from the planet Ziltoidia 9, Devin’s X Factor!”
ninth solo record was reliably
L
bonkers, even by his unique ife on the road is
standards. Ziltoid arrives on considerably easier for Iron
Earth in search of “the ultimate Maiden in 2010 than it was
cup of coffee”. What happens next isn’t entirely 25 years ago, when they
clear, but it’s accompanied by plenty of Devin’s conquered the States for the
futuristic metal and a whole mess of silliness. first time. Travelling between
Ultimately, what’s not to like about songs called shows on their own private jet
Ziltoidia Attaxx!! and, erm, Tall Latte? and pacing their tours so that
gigs on consecutive days are a
NICKO McBRAIN
rarity, the band have earned the right to do things bullshit. Listen to the new Maiden album, The Final what we should be doing or whether this album is
their own way and are clearly enjoying the privilege Frontier, and you will hear a band still very much in better than that one, but you can’t take any notice of
and pleasure of seeing the world in comfort. Sharing love with their own music, enthralled by the that. Should we send out a questionnaire or
a few post-gig drinks in the bar, they will chat opportunity to take their fans on yet another wild something? ‘What would you like on the next
excitedly about their trip to NASA headquarters in journey. From the swirling, future-metal lunacy of album?’ I don’t think so! Ha ha!”
Houston the other day, when the band entered the opening two-parter Satellite 15/The Final Frontier to
Mission Control room, perfectly preserved from the the monstrous El Dorado, yank-the-heartstrings THE FIRST TRACK, SATELLITE 15, SOUNDS
days of the original Apollo moon missions, and saw ballad Coming Home to the balls-out sprint of The COMPLETELY UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU’VE
their own faces grinning back at them from the giant Alchemist and on through a clutch of astonishing EVER DONE BEFORE. ARE YOU
screens that hang on the wall in front of rows of epics like Isle Of Avalon and apocalyptic closer When DELIBERATELY MESSING WITH PEOPLE’S
desks and computers. After 35 years of doing this, The Wild Wind Blows, it’s simply one of the best, not HEADS?
the six members of Iron Maiden all still seem slightly to mention bravest, albums that Iron Maiden have Steve: “We never have specific aims for anything and
surprised at how frequently they encounter fans in ever made. we never know what we’re gonna write. We have no
the unlikeliest of situations, but they also remain preconceived idea of what we’re going to do.
utterly down to Earth and philosophical about the YOU’VE BEEN BECOMING STEADILY MORE Satellite 15 was a basic idea that Adrian had and I
whole thing, as if to allow a single shred of ADVENTUROUS SINCE BRAVE NEW WORLD. put it together with the words and it wasn’t what he
complacency or arrogance into their worldview would HOW DELIBERATE HAS THAT BEEN? intended at all, but it sounds great! I was really
bring the whole thing crashing down around them. Bruce: “This album is probably the greatest excited about it, probably more than some of the
They needn’t worry, of course, but it’s hard to departure from our sound, but it’s been happening other songs, purely because it was so different. It
imagine certain other big metal bands exhibiting incrementally since Brave New World. But none of it shakes things up. To still get excited like that…
quite the same level of humility. is premeditated at all. I think the key is not to make well, at my age, that’s a great thing! Ha ha! It
Everyone who cares about metal knows that albums that often. It’s not a conveyor belt. But, sounds kind of industrial to me, like film theme
Maiden are a special band; a band that transcends when you do make something really interesting like music, and that’s great. It sets up the album great,
race, religion, culture and anything else you care to this, you feel like, ‘Oh, we should make another one!’ with the title and the sci-fi feel and all that, and it
mention, and that generates a level of devotion that We could just be bored by it all, but we’re obviously does what it says on the tin! It could lend itself to
no other band, from any genre, comes close to not!” being a live intro too.”
matching. What is rarely acknowledged is the reality Steve: “Albums we’ve done over the last few years Bruce: “We evoke the sci-fi thing in the song. The
of how that has all been achieved. Without support and even stuff we did before that, like Sign Of The title of the album, I thought up 15 months ago. We
from TV, radio, the vast majority of the press or any Cross, those songs stand up with anything we’ve ever hadn’t written a song yet and I just thought ‘We
kind of accidental trend bearing them forwards, done. They’re a bit different, but why would you want should call the next album The Final Frontier!’
Maiden have become arguably the best-loved rock The Trooper part two? EMI tried to get us to do Run because it sort of is… It could be, but it might not
band in the world and the key to their ongoing To The Hills part two back then – we told them where be! You go to the final frontier and you’re in
success has been a combination of hard work and to go! What’s the point in repeating old stuff? Fans uncharted territory. It had a certain ring to it. It
consistently great records. No smoke or mirrors. No will argue in the pubs ’til the cows come home about means we can go back to space for an Eddie and
BRUCE DICKINSON
The new stage set in full
things like that, and we haven’t done that for a would be sad if we don’t make another album, and social phenomenon, there are countries, Islamic
while. It has a certain romance to it.” sad for the fans too. We’ll have to see.” countries, where Maiden represents something really
Bruce: “Is it mischief? Yeah, of course it is! Ha ha ha! quite astonishing to kids. So we do stand a chance
STEVE, YOU HAVE BEEN QUOTED AS SAYING Because although we genuinely haven’t made up our of breaking a few barriers down, and there’s lots of
THAT YOU ALWAYS PLANNED TO MAKE 15 minds about another album, we thought that people ways in which the band can break through. We’ll
STUDIO ALBUMS. IS THIS REALLY THE LAST are bound to say, ‘Oh, it’s the last album!’ and so have to wait and see what they are. You can’t make
ONE OR ARE YOU BEING A BIT MISCHIEVOUS we’ll just go, ‘Not necessarily!’ Ha ha! I don’t know them happen. It does seem that the universe keeps
BY CALLING IT THE FINAL FRONTIER? what we’ll call the next one. Maybe ‘Never Say throwing us curveballs.”
Steve: “That’s true. I’ve always said that I wanted to Never’! Ha ha ha!” Steve: “When we got to India for the first time,
do 15 studio albums. Well, I haven’t always said that. Nicko: “I think everyone’s being too fucking cagey! peoplewere saying the same things they say
I started saying it after the fourth or fifth album I No, it ain’t gonna be the last record. Not as far as I’m everywhere, like, ‘We grew up listening to your
suppose, but I didn’t even expect to do more than concerned. The general feeling is that if we want to band!’ It was amazing. There seems to be other
three when we first started! But yeah, there’s make another record, we will. You can never say places like that as well. So as exciting as it is to go
probably a bit of mischief there, particularly on never, and my personal feeling is that we’ll tour the back and play for the fans that know and love you,
Bruce’s part, but people are going to think it’s either next album and play all the new stuff, you’ll get a and it always is, there’s something refreshing about
the last album or that we’re Trekkies, or both, and new stage set and all that, and then we’ll make going somewhere new and you can’t get away from
it’s not like that really. It’s just a really strong title. If another album. The Final Frontier just suits the vibe that really.That drives you on.”
that’s how you want to see it then so be it, but it and the moment. People have said, ‘Oh, is that it?’,
and no, bollocks, that ain’t it. Not unless the good CAN YOU IMAGINE LIFE WITHOUT MAIDEN?
Lord turns round and tells one of us it’s time to go!” Bruce: “It’s not something I ever really contemplate,
Janick, Dave an to be honest with you. If Maiden stopped being
do their best Ozd Adrian
at The Alamo zy poses WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO GIVE THE active, there would still be a sort of ghost of Maiden
TRACK EL DORADO AWAY FOR FREE? that would haunt the corridors! I think the only way
Steve: “It’s the first time we’ve done it, but we to kill that is to do something dreadful and to go out
knew we wanted to do some gigs in the summer with just one original member andit doesn’t bear
and we didn’t want to put the album out until thinking about! Without all of us, it wouldn’t be
August, and I did question that because it was Maiden. We get back together, go in a room, muck
quite unusual. But we decided to play one new about and you think… It is like the best fitting pair
song on this tour and we thought that people of jeans youever had and you go, ‘Oh, isn’t it great to
might as well hear it beforehand. It’s a thank you be back again? Everything’s cool. It’s all back!’ The
to the fans but we knew that itwould be on cap fits, you know?”
YouTube as soon as we played it, and of course it Nicko: “We’ll rock until we drop, basically. But we
el, mate was! No matter how well we play it live, someone’s won’t rock if we can’t cut it anymore. I still love to
st how you fe
We know ju going to record it on their phone, and it’s not get up there and I can still keep my edge. If I pace
gonna sound as good, so we thought it’s better to myself, I can still rock it. Listen, anyone who thinks
download the proper version instead. You do have to they can have my job, fucking forget it!”
embrace new technology and what’shappening now. Steve: “We’re having a great time and we just go with
And it keeps people guessing about the album!” the flow. We’re not stopping yet, put it that way. It’s
Bruce is still reaching nice, in the twilight years of our career, to have all
for the stars
YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN RECENT this going on, tohave our own plane and all that lark.
YEARS. WHAT ELSE IS LEFT FOR YOU TO DO? You do have to pinch yourself sometimes. I’m not
DO YOU HAVE ANY UNFULFILLED saying we deserve it, but we have worked our nuts off
AMBITIONS? for many, many years and anyone who’s been a fan
Bruce: “There are plenty of countries we haven’t for a long time knows that and sees the effort that
played that would be great. I don’t think Maiden’s we put into everything we do. So we’ll take it, thank
over yet. I think as a musical thing, but also as a you!”
CLASSIC ROCK’S DEFINITIVE
GUIDE TO QUEEN
After more than 45 years, Queen remain one of the biggest names in rock.
Packed with exclusive interviews and retrospectives, this special edition is your
ultimate guide to the music and legacy of Mercury, May, Deacon and Taylor.
ON SALE
NOW

When drummer Clive Burr was
ousted from Iron Maiden in
1982 he thought things couldn’t
get much worse. Then he was
diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
and his life turned upside-down.
In 2010, three years before his
death, Classic Rock spoke to the
man who powered Maiden’s
first three albums
Words: Lee Marlow Photographs: Ross Halfin
I
T STARTED FIRST of all in his hands. hold of my sticks.” When he could no longer twirl His drums are in the garage at his specially
Of all the places, his hands – the tools his sticks between his fingers – the kind of adapted house in Wanstead, east London, which
of his trade. It was just a tingling showboating little trick he was able to do with his he shares with his partner Mimi, a former Sunday-
sensation to begin with, nothing too eyes closed only a couple of years before – it was school teacher who also has MS.
much or too worrying; inconvenient time to see a doctor. “Meeeeeeeemes,” he shouts, repeatedly,
rather than painful. But it wouldn’t go The diagnosis took months. There were tests throughout our interview. “Where’s me Rosie?”
away. And, rather than get better, it and examinations, more tests, until eventually it [Rosie Lee = tea] “I only get the drums out when
got steadily, worryingly, worse. culminated in a consultant’s office, a stoney-faced my nephews come round now,” he says. “They
Clive Burr’s guess about the tingling in his hands man, a chair and some very bad news. seem to like it.” For Clive, now 53 years of age,
was simple: it was the drumming. Must be all the It was about as bad as it gets. The tests revealed that’s as far it goes these days.
drumming he’d been doing for years that was to multiple sclerosis, and a particularly virulent, In another lock-up is a pile of damaged Paiste
blame. aggressive strain of the condition at that, called cymbals, broken at various gigs on the Beast On
‘Hit ’em Hard’, he used to have emblazoned on primary progressive MS. Clive Burr’s life was about The Road tour back in 1982: a poignant reminder,
his custom-made drum sticks. “And I always did,” to change forever. if it were needed, of the powerhouse drummer he
he says. “So I carried on. I shoved it to the back of once was. His drumming days are now over.
T
my mind, tried not to think about it.” oday, the man who provided the frantic On the rare occasion the MS does drag him
That was the end of the 80s, he thinks, 1988 or but always distinctive and highly down, he reaches for the DVD player and watches
maybe ’89. A long time after he’d left Iron Maiden. original rhythmic backbone that ran an old Maiden concert.
He’d occupied half-a-dozen bands’ drum stools through Iron Maiden’s first three “I like that,” he laughs. “I’ll sit there with
since Maiden. albums is in a wheelchair. Sometimes, just getting Meemes, with me feet up, and I’m right back there.
By 1994, though, it was so bad that he couldn’t out of bed to face another new day is a struggle. “I I’m smiling all the way through it. We were a good
carry on ignoring it. “I kept dropping things,” he do get tired,” he says. “I can’t always do what I want band, you know.”
says. “I couldn’t grip properly. I could barely keep to do.” Before we get to how he started with Iron É
Clive Burr at home in
London, December,
2010.
Maiden, and just how good they were with Clive “I knew Nicko,” Clive says. Nice bloke. Good He was grieving for his dad. Now he was also
powering them along, it’s perhaps more pertinent drummer. At a number of earlier shows, Nicko had grieving for his band and the job he’d dreamt of
to address how it finished. This is something that dressed up as Eddie to terrorise the crowd. “He since he first saw Ian Paice playing Highway Star
has gnawed away at Clive for the best part of 30 loved the band, he loved being part of it all. And with Deep Purple.
years. Much has been written about his split from the rest of the band liked him.” Clive was about to Back home in the UK the rumours were rife: it
Maiden, during an exhaustive US tour in the find out just how much. was the drugs that were to blame for his dismissal;
summer of 1982. And most of it, he says So Clive flew home, went to his father’s funeral, it was the drink; that Clive liked the beer, sex and
dismissively, is hogwash. spent some time with his family, and two weeks rock’n’roll just a little bit more than the others;
“I’ve heard the stories – that it was because of later flew back to the States to join up with Maiden, that sometimes he had to play shows with a
drugs or too much drink,” he says. “It wasn’t who were criss-crossing America supporting bucket by the side of his drum stool for when
anything like that.” Rainbow, Scorpions, .38 Special and Judas Priest. those hangovers became just a little bit too
The truth, as it often is in cases of heavy metal “I got back and I could tell something wasn’t much… The rock’n’roll high jinks were getting in
musical chairs, is a bit murkier, a bit more right,” Clive recalls. the way of the band, everyone agreed. Everyone
acrimonious. It started with a phone call. He There was a meeting. The atmosphere was tense. except Clive.
doesn’t recall where he was when he got the call, he There was change in the air, and Clive, still numb Thirty years on, he says it still smarts to hear it.
just remembers that he had to get home to from the loss of his dad, could smell it. He was never a big drinker. Sure, he’d have a
London. His dad, Ronald, had died unexpectedly of “We think it’s time for a break,” they told Clive. brandy and Coke – a Courvoisier and Coke, “my
a heart attack. He was just 57 years old. And that was that. After the best part of four years, roadie used to get it for me before we went on,” he
A US road map dotted with gigs lay in front of three albums – not just any old albums, either, but laughs – but nothing too debauched. No more or
Maiden, but at that moment it didn’t matter, he the three albums that many Iron Maiden fan will less than anyone else in the band.
says. “I had to get home.” tell you remain the band’s best work – and “We were like schoolkids in America,” he says.
Everyone seemed fine with that, he remembers. suddenly the dream was over, just as it was all “We’d never been there before and it opened our
Go home, they said. Be with your family. Clive flew coming true. eyes. There was a lot of parties, and girls were
back to London on Concorde. Everybody knows what happened next for throwing themselves at us. We’d never experienced
Maiden brought in former Trust drummer Maiden. anything like it.”
Nicko McBrain as a replacement so the tour could What happened next for Clive Burr was a case of Clive – the lad who had been voted teen
continue, the show could go on. Clive and Nicko dusting himself down and starting all over again. magazine Oh Boy’s Hunk Of The Month in July
were mates. No worries. Everything was cool. 1980 – lapped it up. “Of course I did. We all did.”
And then it was gone.
Clive flew back to London again, then on to
“We were a good
Germany with his mum, and laid low.
with “I was too upset to feel angry about it,” he says.
band”: Clive Burr e…
Maiden on stag “There was a grieving period – I grieved for my dad
…and offs
tage.
Powerhouse: Clive
used to have ‘Hit ’em
Hard’ emblazoned on
his drum sticks
rehearsals. He was very single-minded. He knew

“My abiding memory of Number Of The where he wanted it all to go. And we all followed.”
The rhythm section on those first three albums
Beast is Steve telling me to slow down.” was as tight as the band’s spandex.
“It wasn’t always like that, though,” Clive
remembers. “Steve used to say I played the songs
too fast, he was always telling me to slow down.
and I grieved for my band – and then I brushed around the house, he was hitting it with sticks,” his My abiding memory of recording The Number Of
myself down and got on with it.” mum Klara remembers. The Beast album is Steve telling me to slow down.”
Just like that? When he discovered Ian Paice and Deep Purple, There were odd spats, he says, but nothing
“Pretty much, yeah. There was no real bitterness. his obsession seemed to take on a new dimension. major, nothing serious. “We got on well, and there
Life’s too short. Klara’s family bought Clive his first drum kit when was a lot of camaraderie.” Even after the split, Clive
“It’s good to set the record straight, to tell my he was 15. It was both a blessing and a curse. “It would meet up with Maiden guitarist Adrian
side of the story,” he says, “because it’s not widely was okay for them, they didn’t have to hear it,” says Smith and go fishing.
known. I think if you’re going to sack someone, Klara. “I used to go out of the flat afraid to look the When the band found out about Clive’s multiple
sacking them after they’ve just lost their father is neighbours in the eye because of the noise he used sclerosis they stepped in and helped they best way
not the best time to do it… I guess they had their to make.” they knew how – by playing for him. Their help
reasons. So that was that.” Even to Klara’s untrained ears, she could tell he has transformed his life.
was good. Really good. He never had a formal “They bought me a vehicle…” He pauses.
A
fter Maiden, Clive played with a lesson, he learned by watching other drummers “Meeeeeeeemes, what car is it again?” he shouts.
number of bands in fairly quick and practising constantly. “We call it the Clivemobile. It’s a Volkswagen Caddy
succession: Graham Bonnet’s Clive joined Maiden from Samson in 1979, with blacked-out windows. It’s like an American
Alcatrazz (that lasted a week), Trust replacing Doug Sampson, just as Maiden were gangster’s car. They’ve put concerts on to raise
(Nicko’s old band), Stratus, so-called NWOBHM about to sign to the giant EMI Records. It was a money, not just for me but for other people with
supergroup Gogmagog, Elxir, Dee Snider’s huge step up in class, he remembers, from MS. They put a stair-lift in our house. Sometimes I’ll
Desperados. None of them would come close to Samson’s more traditional blues-based rock. go up and down the stairs, looking at the gold and
matching what he achieved with Maiden. And yet Maiden rehearsals were serious, and they had to be. platinum records on the stairwell. Ha ha.”
for Clive it didn’t matter. The songs were faster and trickier, with lots of time Better than that, and what he appreciates most
“I just wanted to play. When I came home from changes. Playing drums with this band was no job of all, Mimi says when Clive is out of earshot, is
Germany after Maiden, I used to put my hair in a for a novice. that they involve him. “They say if ever you need
hat, put some dark glasses on and play with anyone More – and better – gigs started to come along, anything, just ring, just call,” she says. “Whenever
who’d have me, in the pubs around London,” he and so did interest in the band from record they play in London, Clive knows that he’s only got
laughs. “I just wanted to drum.” companies. As EMI wooed Maiden, Clive jacked in to pick up the phone and he’s got two of the best
It was what he was like as a kid. The Burrs lived his day job as a runner in the City. tickets in the house. It might not sound like much,
in a council flat in Manor Park, the heart of The band’s success was nearly all down to Steve but it is to Clive. Finally, to him, it’s like his
London’s East End. While at school Clive built Harris, Clive says. “Steve was the leader. He wrote achievements – who he is and what he did – are
himself a makeshift drum kit. “Everything we had the songs, he booked the gigs, he sorted out being recognised.”
From East End pubs to worldwide stadiums, Transit
vans to private jets, via sackings, internal squabbles
and brand new business models. In 2011, Classic
Rock sat down with the three “control freaks” who
steered Iron Maiden to world domination…
E
ARLY JUNE, 1979. At a pub Ten minutes later, Iron Maiden got up on The to the pub after the show, having been released
named The Swan, close to the Swan’s tiny stage. They played as a trio: Harris, pending a fine. But here was a portent of trouble to
famous Hammersmith Odeon, guitarist Dave Murray and drummer Doug come. When Iron Maiden achieved their greatest
Iron Maiden, a young heavy Sampson. At this point in the band’s career, they success, they would do so with a different singer.
metal band from the East End of still hadn’t settled on a permanent second guitar
T
London, were due on stage. But player to partner Murray, but even with only one HE STORY of Iron Maiden is a classic
there was a problem. Their guitarist and with Harris singing, Maiden’s three-act drama: rise, fall, and
singer had just been led away in performance got a great reaction from the pub resurrection. And at the centre of that
handcuffs to the local police station. crowd. As Harris recalls, “When you’re up against story is the man who replaced Paul
Paul Di’Anno had been arrested for possession it, you just have to go for it. There were some things Di’Anno in 1981, Bruce Dickinson.
of an offensive weapon – a flick-knife found by I couldn’t physically play and sing at the same time. It was the single-minded vision of Steve Harris
police when they frisked the singer that would make Iron Maiden the
during a random stop-and-search greatest metal band of its generation,
outside the pub. Di’Anno, a classic “I always wanted to be a manager. and it was Rod Smallwood’s belief in
Cockney wide boy, was good at talking
himself out of trouble. But on this
I envisaged a band like Zeppelin, that vision – soon to be allied to his
partner Andy Taylors’s keen business
occasion he was out of luck. playing fields all over the world.” acumen – that would develop Maiden
At The Swan, the band’s bassist Steve into a global franchise. But it was Bruce
Harris nervously broke the news to the
Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden manager Dickinson whose powerful voice and
man who had booked the gig. Rod energetic showmanship transformed
Smallwood – at 29, six years older than Harris – But it fired me up. Things like that bring out the Maiden into a truly world class band; it was
had been looking for a way out of the music best in you.” Dickinson’s exit in 1993 that precipitated the
business following spells as an artist manager and For Rod Smallwood, this was the moment when band’s decline; and it was his return in 1999 that
booking agent, but having heard an Iron Maiden he first believed that Iron Maiden could go all the completed their comeback.
demo tape, passed on to him by a friend who way to the top. “Steve couldn’t sing,” Smallwood In the 30 years since Bruce Dickinson first
worked with Harris, Smallwood had sensed laughs now, “but I’d never seen anybody like him joined Iron Maiden, it is these three “control
potential. He’d booked two gigs for the band. The on stage. It was the way he and Davey looked the freaks,” as Smallwood calls them, that have defined
first – at The Windsor Castle on Harrow Road – audience in the eye. I loved the attitude. It sounds the band’s history: Harris, the no-nonsense,
ended in farce when the band, not realising the silly or easy to say looking back, but after that one working class Cockney; Smallwood, the brash
prospective manager was there, refused to play to a gig I knew they’d be fucking huge – plus they were Yorkshireman; Dickinson, the opinionated, multi-
near-empty pub until 30 or so fans and friends playing songs like Prowler, Iron Maiden, Phantom Of talented over-achiever. Iron Maiden always was
travelling from the East End arrived, leading to an The Opera and Wrathchild!” and always will be Steve Harris’s band, even if
argument with the landlord who told them he Fewer than 50 people saw Iron Maiden at The Harris himself would never say it explicitly. It was
would get them barred from North London. The Swan, but it was the most significant gig the band Harris who formed the band on Christmas Day,
second gig was at The Swan. has ever played. Most importantly, it bonded 1975, and he has led them ever since, writing the
When Smallwood heard that Di’Anno had been Harris, the band’s leader, with Smallwood, the man bulk of the band’s songs. But in Rod Smallwood,
nicked, he turned to Harris and told him, “You’ve who would become their manager. This was the Harris found a manager as influential and hands-
got to play – your fans are here on time for you.” beginning of a long and close relationship that on as Led Zeppelin’s Peter Grant. And in Bruce
Harris hesitated, but Smallwood pressed him. “Do would propel Iron Maiden to superstardom. But Dickinson he found not just a foil but also an
DD SD SD SD FS DF
you know the words?” “Yeah,” Harris replied, “I what was also significant on that night at The Swan equal, a self-confessed “awkward customer” with
wrote ’em.” “Can you sing?” “Not really.” “Can you was the arrest of Paul Di’Anno. The band had his own, strongly expressed, views on what Iron
try?” “Yeah, sure.” laughed off the incident when the singer returned Maiden should and should not be. É
.
Iron men:
mascot Eddie and
the three “control
freaks” who’ve shaped
Maiden (clockwise from
top right): Steve Harris,
Bruce Dickinson and
manager Rod
Smallwood
There would be conflict within Iron Maiden:
most famously, a rivalry between Harris and
Dickinson, which has only really been settled since
the singer’s return to the group. But what united
them is a common goal, a determination to make
Iron Maiden the biggest and best heavy metal band
in the world.
Beginning with The Number Of The Beast in 1982
– the band’s first album with Dickinson, and their
first UK number one – Iron Maiden became the
most successful metal act of the 80s. They did it the
old-fashioned way, the hard way, via a series of
marathon world tours, with minimal media
support beyond a few specialist rock magazines
and radio shows. And they succeeded without
selling out. Maiden had hit singles, a dozen
reaching the UK top 20 in the 80s alone, but their
music was never radio-friendly by design. They
were signed to major label EMI, but they retained
absolute artistic control. And it was this fiercely
independent approach to the music business, as
much as the music itself, that made Iron Maiden an
inspiration to bands such as Metallica, whose
drummer Lars Ulrich stated unequivocally:
“Maiden was our one true role model.”
As Harris says: “We always stuck at what we
believed in. I’m proud of that.”
ROSS HALFIN; INSET: GETTY

S
TEVE HARRIS is an atypical rock star.
Unassuming, never flash, he plays down A ‘revitalised’ Bruce in
what Rod Smallwood says of the 1988, on his way to
hierarchy in Iron Maiden. “I wouldn’t Monsters Of Rock.
say I’m a control freak,” Harris says. “I just like to
get things done.” a record company. When I came in, it was my job Smallwood had briefly co-managed another
But while he dislikes the term that Smallwood to put a barbed wire fence around him to let him EMI act, Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel, for a
applies to the band’s modus operandi, “a non- do what he wanted.” couple of years and a long-forgotten art-rock band
democratic democracy”, he admits: “I know what Such was the bond between them that named Gloria Mundi that was signed to RCA. But
Rod means. A lot of the time, we’ve done stuff Smallwood was only officially contracted as Iron his business partner Andy Taylor, a friend from
mainly between me and him.” And discussing his Maiden manager after he had brokered the band’s Cambridge University, was a shrewd accountant,
role as Iron Maiden’s leader, his logic is simple: record deal with EMI on November 12, 1979. There and Smallwood had a keen sense of strategy. From
“I think with any band, you need one person to was no clamour to sign Iron Maiden: CBS passed the outset, he had a global vision and long game
really take the bull by the horns. Most people don’t on the band, believing the songs were not strong plan for Maiden. “Metal is a worldwide
want to do the grunt work, but I took phenomenon,” he says. “So we actually
it upon myself to do it all right from Paul Di’Anno, Dave looked at developing the whole planet
the start.” Murray, Adrian Smith in parallel.”
In the early days, Harris managed in 1980. Smallwood also understood that in
Iron Maiden and booked their gigs. He the short term, both he and the band
poached Dave Murray and Paul would have to live “hand to mouth”, a
Di’Anno from rival bands. He wrote trade-off worth making for a three-
or co-wrote all of the band’s early album deal. “No-one took anything
material, and utilised his skill as an out. We were all on what we needed to
architectural draughtsman to design live, nothing more.”
the band’s logo. What Rod Smallwood When the band recorded The Number
offered Harris and Iron Maiden was Of The Beast the members were still
greater music industry experience, key only on wages of £60 a week.
contacts, and perhaps most important “Me and Rod really subsidised a lot
of all, fierce commitment. As of things,” says Harris. “I wrote all the
Smallwood says: “Steve found songs, pretty much, and I didn’t take a
someone whose work-rate and belief penny from it. And Rod didn’t take any
was equal to his own.” commission. That shows
Smallwood had big dreams. “I commitment. It’s like any business –
always wanted to be a manager,” he says. “I enough. Nevertheless, Smallwood was able to we had no guarantee that we were going to get any
envisaged a band like Zeppelin, playing in great big secure a lengthy contract with EMI that proved sort of money out of it. But it was never about the
fields all over the world.” And in Steve Harris, he hugely beneficial to a young band that needed time money. We just wanted to be a big band.”
saw his Jimmy Page, a born leader with genuine to build a career. “It was crucial,” he says, “that we To this end, Harris would have to be ruthless.
talent and absolute conviction. “With a band, not insisted on a three-album deal. But EMI would only Before the first Iron Maiden album was recorded,
everyone wants to lead,” Smallwood explains. “But give us £50,000 for three albums, plus recording the band acquired a new guitarist, Dennis Stratton,
Steve was unquestionably the leader of the band costs. And we needed to buy equipment. We and a new drummer, Clive Burr, replacing the less
and everybody else was happy with that. Before I needed to tour. So I took a £35,000 advance on the accomplished Doug Sampson. For Harris, firing
came along it was all Steve, it was all his first album, £15,000 on the second, and nothing on Sampson was necessary but difficult.
determination and energy and integrity. But Steve the third. The aim was always to renegotiate that “I had some sleepless nights over it,” he admits.
is 100 per cent music. He doesn’t want to deal with deal after three albums.” “And for a while I was called Sgt. Major Harris, or
.C
NUMBERS OF
THE BEAST
MAIDEN IN FIGURES
The Line-Up Of The

Beast: Number’s line-up,
with Clive Burr, right.
the Ayatollah. But I did what I had to do.” And being the Capitalist Pig that I am, Eddie struck
The album – titled simply Iron Maiden, and me as an iconic visual that would buy everyone in
recorded for just £12,000 – was a critical and the band big houses.”
commercial success. Harris would never be happy Smallwood adds: “We had strong
with the album’s production, by Will Malone, but merchandising from the word go. If we hadn’t, we
the raw sound was perfectly suited to the band’s couldn’t have toured the way we did.”
aggressive style, with Di’Anno’s snarling voice Second album Killers was released in February
giving Maiden a tough, streetwise edge. 1981, and featured another new guitarist, Adrian
Released on April 14, 1980, the Iron Maiden Smith. Stratton had been ousted: according to
album reached number four on the UK chart and Smallwood, “because Dennis liked The Eagles and
went on to sell 350,000 copies worldwide. “Those wore red strides and the floppy white top. Sadly he
were significant sales for a debut album,” says just wasn’t very metal…” Killers cost a little more
Smallwood. And this strengthened Maiden’s hand than the first album – a still moderate £16,000
with EMI. “If you’re showing success internationally – but sold 750,000 units worldwide, including
from the word go, they know not to interfere.” 150,000 in the USA. However, during the Killers
Moreover, the image on the cover of Maiden’s tour in May, gigs in Germany were cancelled after
first album gave the band a strong visual identity, Paul Di’Anno lost his voice. According to Harris:
effectively a trademark, which would be exploited “Paul was totally fucked up.”
throughout their career. The monstrous figure on Di’Anno had always played fast and loose, but
that cover, painted by artist Derek Riggs and the band had no room for passengers. Touring was
named Eddie after the crude skull stage prop that key to Maiden’s development, and as Di’Anno
had been used in the band’s early shows, became himself conceded, his rock’n’roll lifestyle was
Iron Maiden’s figurehead. “The band didn’t have a making him unreliable. “It wasn’t just that I was
Mick Jagger,” Smallwood says. “We needed a snorting a bit of coke,” Di’Anno revealed. “I was
symbol, and that was Eddie.” The power of Eddie as going for it non-stop, 24 hours a day, every day. I
a marketing tool – plus Harris’ readily identifiable thought that’s what you were supposed to do
logo –established Maiden’s merchandising as a key when you were in a big rock band. I knew that I’d
revenue stream. And nobody appreciated this never last the whole tour.”
more than Kiss, the band whose theatrical image It was a test of Harris’ leadership and
and marketing savvy made rock merchandising Smallwood’s management. The search for a new
into an industry in the 1970s. singer began.
When Maiden supported Kiss on a European
T
tour in August 1980, Kiss bassist Gene Simmons HE FIRST time Bruce Dickinson saw
told Smallwood he loved Eddie and predicted: Iron Maiden play live was May 8, 1979 at
“Iron Maiden is going to take over from Kiss as the the Music Machine club in Camden,
biggest merchandising band in America.” where Maiden were the second act on a
“Maiden immediately struck me as a band with bill kicked off by Angel Witch and headlined by
huge potential,” says Simmons today. “The band Samson, the band Dickinson later fronted. (The
was both musical and powerful: a rare combination. review of that gig, written by Geoff Barton and É
From the East End to
the world: The Final
Frontier tour hits
Argentina, April 2011.
JOHN MCMURTRIE
Singer No.3: the Blaze
Bayley years. “We just
got on with the job.”
GETTY
published a week later in Sounds, was the first time Iron Maiden’s new singer in early October 1981, and vinegar.” In a scene worthy of This Is Spinal Tap,
that the phrase ‘New Wave Of British Heavy Metal’ and made his UK debut with the band at London’s a row developed between Harris and Dickinson
was used.) As he watched Maiden from the back of Rainbow theatre in November 15 following five over the singer’s microphone stand. According to
the hall, Dickinson was convinced that this band ‘bedding-in’ shows in Italy in late October. The Dickinson, “Steve kept standing at the front of the
was destined to become one of the biggest in the singer’s authoritative performance silenced the stage in the middle, sticking his chin right in my
world. He also believed that he, and not Paul calls from Di’Anno loyalists and allayed any face while I was singing. And I thought, ‘I’m the
Di’Anno, should be Iron Maiden’s singer. lingering fears in Harris. But for Dickinson, joining singer, I stand at the front of the stage in the
“It was blindingly obvious,” he says, “that Iron Maiden left him heavily in debt. middle! When I’m not singing, you can stand there.
Maiden were going to be massive. This hyper- He and the other members of Samson had But when I’m singing, I fucking stand there!’ I put
kinetic band, it was really a force of nature. Paul signed a contract with the band’s management extra long legs on my microphone stand so he
Di’Anno, he was OK, but I thought, ‘I could really company with a buy-out clause of £250,000. “It would trip over them, and he went fucking spare!”
do something with that band!’” was a ludicrous sum,” Dickinson says. “We’d only Harris now plays down the incident: “It might
Dickinson didn’t have to wait long for his ever had about 30 quid a week out of the band. But have put my nose out of joint for five minutes,” he
chance. In the summer of 1981, he was approached we were bonkers, completely out of our gourds, admits,” but then I thought to myself, ‘That’s
by Iron Maiden behind Di’Anno’s back. Dickinson and we’d signed the document.” bloody good, it’s exactly the attitude you want
claims he “felt sorry” for Di’Anno, but he also Smallwood disputes the figure of £250,000, from a frontman’.” But as Bruce remembers it:
sensed that Samson’s career was stalling. The dismissing Dickinson’s arithmetic by laughing, “a “Steve was shouting, ‘I want him fucking gone, I
band’s 1980 album Head On had reached the UK little knowledge is a dangerous thing!” But it was can’t stand him!’ And Rod, to be fair, said: ‘He’s not
top 40, but the follow-up Shock Tactics, released in Smallwood and Dickinson’s negotiating skill that fucking going! So get used it.’ And then we all
May 1981, had not even charted. On calmed down.” Both men laugh about
August 29, Dickinson met Harris and
Smallwood backstage at the Reading
“6WHYHZDVVKRXWLQJ¶,ZDQWKLPJRQH this story now, but this was the
beginning of an intense rivalry between
Festival after Samson had played. A ,FDQ·WVWDQGKLP·5RGVDLG¶+H·VQRW them. “Yes, it was Steve’s band,”
few days later he went into the studio Dickinson says. “But I had my own ideas.
with Harris and laid down some vocals
JRLQJ*HWXVHGWRLW·” And I did warn everybody about it
on a couple of key Maiden tracks so see Dickinson on his first serious disagreement with Harris before I joined.”
how they sounded. He was a perfect fit. However, if Dickinson was a pain in
Maiden had two Swedish shows lined up in resulted in a final settlement of £30,000, paid by the arse, it was for Harris a price worth paying. The
September (Dickinson: “It must have been like Sanctuary Management on the understanding it Number Of The Beast represented a huge leap
having bad sex with the missus and then having a would be repaid later. forward for Iron Maiden. On songs like Run To The
great shag with somebody else and then going It was still a lot of money, a daunting amount for Hills, Children Of The Damned, 22 Acacia Avenue,
back to the missus”) and after these Di’Anno met the then 23 year-old. But Dickinson had never Hallowed Be Thy Name and the title track, Iron
with Smallwood and was dismissed. The very next lacked confidence. He’d always believed that Iron Maiden finally sounded as Steve Harris had always
day Dickinson became part of Iron Maiden, Maiden, with him, would sell millions of records. envisaged. In April 1982, The Number Of The Beast
changing back to his real name Bruce Dickinson And this was an opinion shared by the band’s hit No.1 in the UK.
(rather than the ‘Bruce Bruce’ of Samson). producer, Martin Birch. During the recording of The album had been recorded in just four weeks
Rod Smallwood says of Di’Anno: “He couldn’t Iron Maiden’s third album, The Number Of The Beast, at a cost of £28,000. “We had no record company
handle the success. It was never much fun telling Birch told them, “This is going to be a big, big advance whatsoever,” Smallwood reiterates. “So
people they weren’t in the band anymore, but you album. This is going to transform your career.” EMI’s total investment in that album was 28 grand,
don’t change singer at that point if there’s any In February 1982, six weeks before the album’s and in the first six months it sold 1.5 million.” As
doubt. Of course we’d prevail – the band was so release, the single Run To The Hills entered the UK Dickinson recalls, “What happened with The
good.” At the time, however, Steve Harris wasn’t so top 10. But on March 16, when Maiden’s Beast On Number Of The Beast was beyond all our wildest
sure. Dickinson was technically a better singer, but The Road tour reached Newcastle City Hall, came dreams.” On the day the album went to No.1, the
Di’Anno was a hero to Maiden fans. “We knew the first serious argument between Harris and band went to the Marquee to celebrate, where
Bruce was good,” Harris says, “but he was very Dickinson. Prior to that evening’s gig, the band had Harris had to ask Smallwood for extra cash to buy
different to Paul, so you’re thinking, ‘Are people been at the venue for 12 hours, shooting a video for drinks for their friends. Only then did he increase
going to accept this? Well, they’ll have to!’” the new album’s title track. “We hadn’t had much their wages to £100 a week.
Bruce Dickinson was officially announced as sleep,” Dickinson says, “and we were all full of piss The band didn’t need much money. They were
Steve Harris: “14 year
ROSS HALFIN
olds must think we look

like bloody Gandalf”.
on tour until the end of that year, living out of reflects: “We did an album every year and a world claims that he alone sensed that the band’s next
hotels, subsisting on tour catering. But when they tour. Fuck knows how we did it!” And it was after album, No Prayer For The Dying, was lazily executed.
returned home at Christmas, they received their the aptly named World Slavery Tour – comprising “We had a laugh making that album,” he says, “but
first big paycheck. During the summer Andy 192 dates, begun in August 1984 and ending in July I had this needling feeling: ‘Shouldn’t we be taking
Taylor rejoined Smallwood to oversee Sanctuary 1985 – that an exhausted Bruce Dickinson again this just a bit more seriously?’”
and band’s business affairs. He and Smallwood had succumbed to depression. “I came very close to Ironically, the least serious track on that album
effectively become business partners at Trinity, quitting,” he says. was Dickinson’s own Bring Your Daughter… To The
Cambridge in 1969, Smallwood taking care of the Steve Harris Slaughter, which gave
creative side and Taylor the business. With the remembers that tour as Maiden a No.1 hit in
original three-album contract with EMI expired, tough, and especially so January 1991. The
Taylor soon secured a much improved deal with on Dickinson. “Two follow-up album, Fear Of
future advance royalties and royalty percentages hours of Maiden five The Dark, also topped the
based on the very healthy sales of The Number Of nights a week for 12 UK chart in 1992. But in
The Beast. “We were always careful that we were set months – that’s enough an era when grunge was
up properly financially,” says Taylor. “You get a big to put anyone in the threatening rock’s old
cheque, but at that point income tax was 60 per funny farm! And Bruce, guard, and when
cent.” Smallwood finally claimed his commission. because he was singing, Metallica were
“The band,” he says, “owed me a lot of money was completely fried.” But redefining metal with
when we renegotiated.” All of the band members it was only when the ‘The Black Album’,
bought houses. Dickinson put down a 50 per cent band began writing for Dickinson felt that
deposit on a place in Chiswick and cleared his debt their 1986 album Maiden had lost their
to Sanctuary. But after a few days at home, Somewhere In Time that edge. “I thought we
Dickinson’s mood had taken an unexpected turn. Harris realized just how should be a bit more
“To be honest, I was actually quite depressed,” he much that tour had taken dangerous,” he says.
says. “I was in a great band, I’ve got a number one out of the singer. “The Dickinson found an
album, I’ve just done a world tour… What do I do stuff Bruce was coming outlet for his frustrations
with the rest of my life?” up with wasn’t us at all,” in making a second solo
Steve Harris felt quite the opposite. “I never Harris says. “He was away album. “It was about
Another day,
thought, ‘Oh well, we’re at the top, this is it’. I with the fairies, really.” another stadium needing a challenge. But
wanted more and more.” None of Dickinson’s as I tried to make that
songs would be included album I wasn’t quite sure
A
S IRON Maiden’s popularity rose via a on the album. “I did feel slapped down,” Dickinson what I wanted to do.” He was at a crossroads. “I
series of hit albums, so Smallwood and admits. “I thought, ‘Well, I’ll take my paycheck and wasn’t happy with the idea of being a cog in a
Taylor started building a music just do a good job singing’. But I wasn’t happy. I successful, well-oiled machine. My life was like
industry empire on their proceeds. In needed more. I wanted to be creating.” Groundhog Day, albeit gold-plated Groundhog
1984, Sanctuary began managing other artists With the following album, 1988’s Seventh Son Of Day. And I realised that the only way I’d find out
– first W.A.S.P., later Helloween and Skin – and A Seventh Son, Dickinson had far greater input, whether or not I was any good was if I stepped
expanded into other areas of the music business co-writing four songs. He recalls: “When Steve said outside my comfort zone. And the only way I
with booking agency Fair Warning (with agent he had an idea for a concept album I went, ‘Yeah!’ It could do that was by leaving the band.”
John Jackson), business management, licensing, was brilliant. We were back and firing on all six –
T
merchandise and Platinum Travel. As Smallwood: kerpow!” Revitalised, Dickinson then recorded a HE SINGER exited Iron Maiden on
puts it: “Andy Taylor later invented the ‘360-degree’ solo album, Tattooed Millionaire, featuring former August 28, 1993, at the end of a
business model, effectively creating the mould used Gillan guitarist Janick Gers, who would European tour. Rod Smallwood, with
by the music industry today. This was the start.” subsequently join Iron Maiden in place of Adrian typical bravado, now puts a positive spin
Iron Maiden was the engine that drove the Smith. He also had his first novel published in on Dickinson’s departure. “When he told me I
expansion of the Sanctuary Group. But the band’s 1990: a comic caper, The Adventures Of Lord Iffy didn’t argue that much. It was good for us. It
success created its own problems. Their working Boatrace, but he denies that he was losing interest in refocused things. Metal was heading towards
schedule was punishing. As Smallwood now Iron Maiden at that stage. On the contrary, he another downturn with the advent of grunge, É
From fear to here: “We
still have the odd
argument, but we’re
older and wiser”.
and all the hair bands on MTV had given real metal office. He recalled: “I was told my services were no were unlucky – things hit at a bad time in the US.”
a bad name.” Steve Harris remembers it differently. longer required.” Bayley remains diplomatic. “I Bruce: “The tragedy was that in actual fact the
“It was a real downer when Bruce left. But then the have no bad feelings about it. I liked Iron Maiden ideas that they had were 100 per cent correct. I
attitude was: ‘Bollocks – we’ll pick ourselves up and before I was in the band, and I still like them now.” hate to use this business jargon, but their
get on with it’. That’s all you can do.” 360-degree model was absolutely the right thing to
F
Dickinson’s replacement was Blaze Bayley, OR BRUCE Dickinson to rejoin Iron do. You can’t rely on record sales anymore to
formerly of British metal band Wolfsbane. For Maiden in 1998, Steve Harris had to be sustain a band. So if you’re signing a band, you
Bayley, joining Iron Maiden was a godsend: he was persuaded that he and the singer could have to be able to use everything at your disposal
broke, and Wolfsbane had struggled since being reconcile their differences. Says – including live, merchandising, everything. The
dropped by Rick Rubin’s Def American label. But Smallwood: “You cannot convince Steve of idea of Sanctuary was that it contained all of that.”
in truth, Bayley was never cut out for a big-league anything he’s unhappy with.” Trading losses and write-offs in 2005 led to a
band such as Maiden. A great frontman, and a Smallwood chaired a meeting at his home in major restructuring of the Sanctuary Group. By
hugely likeable personality, Bayley just didn’t have Brighton, attended by Harris, Murray, Gers, the end of 2006, Smallwood and Taylor had left the
the range to sing the classic Maiden material. And McBrain and Dickinson. As the latter recalls, “Steve company, both men subsequently forming a new
the two albums he recorded with the band – The X was very defensive at first. ‘Why are you doing company, Phantom Music, with the intention of
Factor in 1995, and Virtual XI in 1998 – are the this?’ I said, ‘Because we could make a bloody great managing only Maiden. Rod says: “My priority
weakest in the Maiden catalogue. comeback album that knocks people’s socks off, before and during the time Sanctuary was a public
In Dickinson’s absence, Iron Maiden endured a and I know we can do that.’” Harris was cautious. “I company was always Maiden.”
long lean period. Smallwood concedes: “People didn’t want him coming back and just going
I
were looking elsewhere. Nirvana and Pearl Jam through the motions,” he says. “But my gut instinct N 2011, Iron Maiden remains one of the
were in. We just got on with the job.” Harris claims, was that it was the right thing to do.” Tellingly, he biggest rock acts in the world. The band’s
“We still did really well, fantastically well in the adds: “Bruce was really irreplaceable.” Says career sales now top 80 million. But record
circumstances.” But this is really his pride talking. Smallwood: “Sense prevailed.” sales are no longer the major revenue stream
With Blaze Bayley, Iron Maiden went into a steep It was the shortest meeting of Iron Maiden’s – it is as a touring band, with a huge
decline. entire career. Three minutes in total, then off to the merchandising range, that Iron Maiden remains
In contrast, the Sanctuary profitable. As Rod Smallwood
Group was thriving. Taylor’s says, “With the huge decline in
‘360-degree’ model had captured ´<RXFDQ·WUHO\RQUHFRUGVDOHVWR record sales globally, it’s ticket
the City’s imagination, leading to sales and merch which form the
a full listing of the entire group sustain a band anymore, you need tickets, major part of most bands’
on the London Stock Exchange incomes.”
in 1998. After the sale, Taylor and
merch, everything…” Both partners are still as
Smallwood each owned 20 per 'LFNLQVRQRQKRZ6DQFWXDU\LQYHQWHGWKH¶ÝPRGHO· hands-on as ever. “Everything
cent of the firm. Taylor was that comes out of Iron Maiden
named Chairman and CEO goes across either Andy’s or my
dealing with the City, and Smallwood was head of local boozer, where it was agreed that Adrian desk one way or another,” he says. “This includes
music management. Smith would also rejoin the band in a new three- the various legal actions against copyright
But Iron Maiden remained Smallwood’s priority, guitar line-up. Maiden toured in 1999, to bigger infringement – ie bootlegging. Andy registered the
and in late 1998, with the band’s career stagnating, audiences than in the previous four years, and in band’s trademarks and copyrights – especially the
he delivered an ultimatum to Steve Harris. “At the 2000 came Brave New World, which went gold in logo and Eddie – and at any one time he has got
end of the day, Blaze wasn’t what was required for eight countries, by far outselling The X-Factor and close to 100 actions going. It’s zero tolerance,
Iron Maiden,” Smallwood says. “If you build a Virtual XI. Iron Maiden’s career was reignited. really. We’re not having people fucking the band
legend like Maiden, you’ve got to keep it a legend. But a couple of years after Dance Of Death’s 2003 over and flogging inferior products to our fans.”
It’s my job as manager to make sure everything’s release, the Sanctuary Group was running into According to Smallwood, Iron Maiden’s future
the best it can be in every possible way. And in the problems. Matthew Knowles, father of Beyoncé is undecided beyond touring commitments till the
end, Steve accepted that.” and manager of Destiny’s Child/Beyoncé, was end of 2011. Steve Harris says Maiden will
Smallwood and Harris recall that discussion made an executive of Sanctuary Records following continue “as long as possible, as long as we’re still
differently. According to Smallwood, Harris was at the purchase of his management company. But cutting it”. He was always determined, he says, that
first resistant to the idea of bringing Dickinson when albums by Urban acts like De La Soul and Iron Maiden should finish their career at the top.
back into the band. “Steve’s a very strong character D-12 were delayed, the parent company incurred Steve Harris and Bruce Dickinson have learned
and he takes things personally,” Smallwood says. heavy losses. US expansion was difficult and costly. to live with each other for the greater good. “We
“He needed time to think about that.” Rod: “Most parts of the company did extremely still have had the odd argument,” Harris says, “but
After all, Dickinson had walked out on Iron well – the Agency and Merchandising were people grow up. We’re wiser.” And recent Maiden
Maiden and left the other band members feeling thriving and the management group oversaw the tours have borne this out. After a show in Sofia,
betrayed. Nicko McBrain, the drummer who careers of some of the biggest acts on the planet at Bulgaria in June 2007, Harris and Dickinson
replaced Clive Burr in Maiden in 1983, noted on the time [Elton John, The Who, Beyonce, Guns N’ remained in a hotel bar for hours with this writer,
Dickinson’s departure: “He’s said, ‘Fuck you, I’m Roses, Slipknot, Robert Plant, James Blunt] and drunkenly and happily reminiscing about 70s rock
off’. If that ain’t shitting on you, then what the fuck Sanctuary Records UK via Rough Trade had signed and, in particular, one of their favourite albums,
is?” But after five long, hard years with Blaze Bayley, new acts like The Strokes, The Libertines and Rainbow Rising. As Harris says now: “With Bruce
the simple truth remained: Iron Maiden needed Arcade Fire. The acquisition of Castle [and other being in and out of the band, I think he appreciates
Bruce Dickinson. And he needed Iron Maiden. labels brought] a huge catalogue of classic rock and it now more than ever. Maybe we all do. And while
Since 1994, when he released Balls To Picasso, the reggae. The trouble is, when you’re a public we feel like this, we’ll carry on.”
album he’d begun while still in Iron Maiden, company, if you have a bad period – which we did Having turned 55 in March 2011, Harris
Dickinson’s solo career had been prolific but in America with sales diminishing against concedes, “Age ain’t on our side. I remember
unspectacular. “I had what you could call a global expectations – we had to issue a profit warning. being 12 or 13 and thinking that sixth formers
cottage industry,” he says. “I’d sold a few hundred And once you get a profit warning, all your with beards looked really old. And I think to
thousand albums. I could have carried on, made a competitors are saying, ‘You can’t do a deal with myself, what do 14 year-old kids think of us now?
living out of it. But when I started getting smoke them because you never know if they’re going to They must think we look like bloody Gandalf!
signals from the Maiden camp, my guitar player be here tomorrow’. So it’s tough to do new deals.” But it doesn’t matter – not unless you’re in the
Roy Z said, ‘The world needs you back with Iron Taylor refutes the notion that Sanctuary over- first 10 rows! We’ve had a fantastic life and career.
Maiden.’ And I said, ‘By God, Z, you’re right!’” expanded. “With a PLC, you’ve got to expand If it stopped tomorrow, I’d die with a smile on
Blaze Bayley was summoned to Smallwood’s because the City expects to see growth. And we my face.”
As they celebrated their 40th anniversay, Iron Maiden
were in candid mood as they sat down with Classic Rock.
On the agenda: Bruce Dickinson’s cancer battle, their
Words: Paul Elliott
momentous new album, The Book Of Souls, and what the Portraits: John McMurtrie
future holds – if there is a future.
obody had seen it coming. At the end of 2014, just who have been the dominant figures in the group. It's Harris’s vision
a few weeks before Christmas, the six members of that defined the band, and it's his leadership that has driven them on
Iron Maiden should have been celebrating. In Paris, to huge success, and kept the group together through good times
they had just finished recording a new album, The and bad. Equally, it's with Dickinson that the band have reached
Book Of Souls. The consensus within the group their greatest heights: in his first tenure, from 1981 to 1993, and
was that this album would be one of the best they following his return to the band in 1999.
had ever made. It was also going to be a first for Maiden: a double The two men have had their battles: Harris the working-class
studio album. And for its grand finale, it had the longest and most hero with a quiet authority, Dickinson the outspoken former public
ambitious track this band has ever recorded, an 18-minute epic schoolboy. The split, when it came in ’93, was acrimonious, and in
named Empire Of The Clouds, written by singer Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson’s absence, the band struggled during the ensuing years
It was while mixing the album in Paris that Steve Harris said when Blaze Bayley was their singer. But when both parties bowed
something strangely prophetic. Harris, the founder, bassist and to the inevitable in 1999 – Dickinson rejoining Iron Maiden, along
leader of Iron Maiden, was with guitarist Adrian Smith. It was just with Adrian Smith – it led to a comeback that was astonishing for
the two of them in the studio. Harris turned to Smith and said: the scale of the band’s renewed popularity, and for how long it has
“If this was our last album, it would be a good one to go out on.” continued. This late-career renaissance has rolled on for 15 years,
It was only a few days later that Harris received a call from the completely untroubled, until Dickinson received his diagnosis.
band’s manager Rod Smallwood. He was told that Dickinson News of his condition was only made public in May, after he had
had been diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck. Only after been given the all-clear following a course of chemotherapy and
the initial sense of shock and disbelief had subsided did Harris radiotherapy treatment. His full recovery was confirmed on August
remember what he had said in Paris. “I was scared,” he says now. 25 with the announcement that Iron Maiden will embark on a world
“I mean, Christ, it was really scary for Bruce, obviously, but there were tour in 2016, on which the singer, a qualified airline pilot,
implications for all of us. First, you had to think about how Bruce will be flying the band’s chartered Boeing 747, a role he first
INSET: ROSS HALFIN
was feeling. But for the rest of us it was like, well, is this it then?” undertook in 2008 on the Somewhere Back In Time tour. For Bruce
It's exactly 40 years since Steve Harris formed Iron Maiden in the Dickinson and Iron Maiden, it marks the end of a period in which
East End of London, and in all those years, it is he and Dickinson nothing was certain.
“When it happened with Bruce, I started
to think, ‘Oh my God, this could be it.’”
STEVE HARRIS
t is four weeks before the announcement Steve Harris and
of Iron Maiden’s 2016 tour that Steve Harris a smoking Eddie
at the Rainbow.
speaks to Classic Rock. It is a warm evening
in Bristol, and Harris is at the Bierkeller,
one of the city’s many small venues. Here,
the entertainment mostly involves tribute
acts or oompah bands and the aroma of
stale beer permeates the place. “Nice here,
innit?” he says.
For the bassist, it’s a place that evokes memories
of the band’s early tours in the late 1970s. What
brings him here today is a tour with British Lion,
his other band, which he operates during his
downtime from Maiden.
Over the following eight days, all six members
of Iron Maiden will be interviewed separately:
Bruce Dickinson in London, the others calling
from their homes in the UK, Florida and Hawaii.
Harris chooses a quiet place to talk, away from
the noise in the Bierkeller. The tour bus in which
British Lion are travelling offers a degree of luxury
in contrast to the venues in which they're playing,
a luxury Harris can easily afford. For all that he is, a
rock star and multi-millionaire, he has no airs and
graces about him. He’s dressed down in T-shirt and
shorts. His East End accent hasn’t softened, nor the
straightforward manner in which he talks.
There's only one discernible difference between
Steve Harris now and in past interviews. For a
man who has never been easily given to speaking
of his personal life and emotions, Harris is now
more open, less guarded. This comes, in part at
least, from his experiences in the past year: not just
the fear that Bruce might not make it, but also the
realisation that the future of his band had to a great
extent been taken out of his hands.
Can you describe the moment when you were told

that Bruce had cancer?
THIS PAGE: ROSS HALFIN; INSET: GETTY

It was such a shock. It was a shock to him, a shock
to everybody.
You feared not only for Bruce but also for the future
of the band. Did you think it might be the end?
There was the realisation that it might be. It was
very depressing all round.
hadn’t been singing, but I know he was telling You and Bruce have had a difficult relationship
How soon did you contact Bruce? me porkies. Someone told me he’d been singing, in the past. In the 80s and early 90s there was an
I left him alone for a while. I sent him a couple and that it sounded okay. We don’t want him to intense rivalry between you and him.
of texts wishing him well, but I waited until he run before he can walk, and Bruce will be very There were a few… debates, let’s put it like that.
wanted to speak to me. He started the treatment impatient to get back to where he was, but he’s Since he came back, there’s been nothing that I can
very quickly, so I wasn’t going to call him asking not daft. That’s why we’re not touring this year. think of. He’s a lot more easy-going these days, and
how he is. I thought he probably wouldn’t be able He needs time to recuperate. so am I. At least I like to think so.
to talk anyway. I just sent him a text saying, “Call
me when you’re ready.” And eventually he did. Would Iron Maiden have committed to another Everybody changes over time.
tour even if Bruce had not fully recovered his voice? It’s something you learn. I’m not all peace and love
Was that a difficult conversation? It’s about whether the fans would accept it, and now, but you mellow out as you get older.
I was surprised, because his voice sounded the I think they would because Bruce, even at seventy
same as ever. He wasn’t groggy. But he told me he’d per cent, is still better than most people out there Has Bruce’s ordeal brought the two of you closer?
been through the hoop with the treatment. It was anyway. That’s how I feel about it. It doesn’t take something like that for us to be
tough for him to talk about it. close. Our relationship has been great for years. But
Is that your decision, or his? yeah, I think we’ll be even tighter after this.
And now, after Bruce’s treatment has proven It’s totally his decision. I can’t tell him he’s got to get
successful, what’s next? himself in shape and do a bloody tour! When you were in conflict, how did you manage
Hopefully I’m not talking out of turn, but the that situation? Did you simply ignore the problem?
biggest problem now is that his mucus membranes The orders of Führer Harris? The stiff upper lip, yeah. You get the hump
are really dried up. From what I’ve read, I don’t That’s probably what certain people think I’m for a few hours and you go quiet. That hasn’t
think they come back a hundred per cent. But going to do! [Laughs] But it’s not my decision happened for a long time. But it’s a weird thing,
knowing Bruce, I wouldn’t bet against it. to make. Maybe you can ask him that question being in a band. You’re together for long periods
because I haven’t spoken to him for about three of time and then you don’t see each other for ages.
When did he start singing again? or four weeks, and that’s a long time when Maybe that’s what has kept this band together,
The last time I spoke to him, he told me he you’re recuperating. because we all live in different parts of the world.
Harr
Dickinson is and
Hammers , live in
mith, ’83.
“I considered
breaking up Steve Harris:
Iron Maiden’s
driving force.
the band after

Bruce left the
first time.”
STEVE HARRIS
You’ve led Iron Maiden for 40 years now. Do

you remember the exact moment when you
realised: this is everything I ever dreamed of?
I’ve felt it several times. The first was when
we sold out The Marquee in 1978. When
we did Running Free on Top Of The Pops, that
was a big thing for a metal band at the
time. The most recent was when we had
our own plane on the Flight 666 tour.
I said, “Fuck me, it’s like being in Led
Zeppelin!” But I never lose sight of reality.
As the leader of the band, what’s the

hardest decision you’ve ever had to make?
When someone has to be told they’re not
in the band any more. That’s the toughest
thing. Especially when you like people –
that makes it even harder.
In all these years, have you ever seriously

considered breaking up the band?
I did after Bruce left the first time. I sulked
for two hours, then picked myself off the
floor and thought, “No, fuck this. This is a
challenge – I’m going to keep this together.”
But it was tough, because at the time I was
going through a divorce, so I was already at
a low ebb. I thought: “The rest of the guys will
look to me for strength now, and I’m not sure I
have it.” But I found something from somewhere.
Was that the lowest you’ve ever felt in your life?

Everybody has tough times. You just have to
get through these things. I’m not the only one
to go through a divorce. Bruce did, Nicko did.
And obviously there’s what Bruce has just been
through. But that’s what makes you stronger.
You mean as a band as well as individually?

Yeah. We’ve known when to give people space,
or when to help them out if they want it. Some
people want to talk about things and some
people don’t. You just have to learn how that is.
It’s something you learn together.
Maiden with
vocalist Paul
Di’Anno (centre)
.
Dave Murray:
Maiden’s ever-
reliable guitarist.
“Sometimes
personalities can
get in the way.
There are clashes
in any band.”
DAVE MURRAY
All of your adult life has been consumed by Iron
Maiden. Can you imagine your life without it?
Not really. I’ve always liked to think that maybe
I’d be able to take it on the chin, but when that
happened with Bruce, I started to think, “Oh my
God, this really could be it.” It wasn’t a nice feeling.
You’ve always said that you want the band to go out

at the top. Is that something you’ve given a lot of
thought to, even before recent events?
We know we’re not getting any younger, but before
the scare with Bruce, we were thinking we could
carry on for a bit longer yet. Then you get that
shock and it gives everyone a shake-up. I’ve said it
before: every gig is sacred. And from now on, it’s
going to be even more like that. You never know
what’s around the corner. But that’s life.
You must have played this out in your mind:

walking off stage at the end of Iron Maiden’s
final show…
Hey, you’re scaring me! [Laughs] Fuck off!
Do you know what you would do with your life

after Maiden?
I wouldn’t give up playing. I’ve got British Lion to
fall back on. I’ll play to a couple of hundred people
a night. I could produce other bands, or write with
other people. But the fact of there being no Maiden
any more, I don’t like the sound of that.
If it did transpire that The Book Of Souls was

Iron Maiden’s last album, could you live with that?
This is a bit strange. It’s not like we were
approaching this album thinking there was
a problem with Bruce. But when we were
finishing up, I actually said to Adrian: “If this was
the last one, it would be a good one to go out on.”
And so?
I’d still like to do another one. [Laughs] And so
would Bruce.
out. But it was done in the nicest possible way. And
after a few months I was back in.
You’ve been at Steve’s side ever since. What

has made this relationship work for so long?
Good question. I suppose it’s because I’m
a team player. For myself, it’s about being part
of something that’s way bigger than I am, way
bigger than any of us.
You’re also a very easy-going bloke. Is that

something Steve appreciates?
I’ve never had an argument with Steve, ever
– or with anybody in the band. I don’t like
confrontation. I steer clear of it. I’m just not
that way inclined.
Iron Maiden is Steve’s band and you respect that.

Is that the bottom line?
Yeah. Everything is channelled through Steve. He’s
the focus. The rest of us, collectively, add to what
makes the band. But Steve has given the band
its identity with his ideas, and his approach to
writing, which is totally unique and original.
What do you think has kept this band together for

so many years?
Sometimes personalities can get in the way, but
you have to go beyond that. There are going to be
clashes in any band. But we’re intelligent enough to
find a way to work harmoniously together.
That hasn’t always been the case – certainly not

with Steve and Bruce.
Well, you hear all that stuff about them fighting,
but it can’t be like that all the time or we wouldn’t
be here now. And after all we’ve been through,
EDDIE: ROSS HALFIN; LIVE: JOHN MCMURTRIE; GROUP: GETTY
this is, I think, the strongest line-up of Iron Maiden

– and definitely the last line-up. This is it!
And the future, for all of you, has been determined

Maiden’s mascot, by Bruce’s recovery.
Eddie the Head.
We’re just profoundly happy that he’s made a full
recovery. When I got the call, I was absolutely
devastated. You spend some time crying. We knew
that his prognosis was excellent, but there were
a few moments when, you know, it’s not certain.
I
n the long history of Iron Maiden, only It’s a landmark year for Iron Maiden: the band’s Bruce is okay now. He’s bounced back. I’m really
two men have appeared on every one of 40th anniversary. happy. But it makes you think. You’ve got to enjoy
the band’s albums: Steve Harris, of course, It doesn’t feel like forty years. Time flies when your life. You can’t take anything for granted.
and Dave Murray. The guitarist didn’t make you’re having fun. And that’s what keeps you in the
the best of starts with the band. Shortly after game. When you’re on stage, the adrenalin you get
T
joining Maiden in 1976, he was fired following an from the audience reaction, it’s such a great feeling. he longest friendship in Iron Maiden is
argument with original singer Dennis Wilcock. Nothing can beat that. And also, the creativity is that of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith,
But Murray was reinstated a few months later, still there. Doing a new album every few years, it a bond forged when they were at school
and he has remained as Steve Harris’s trusted makes the band relevant, and keeps your energy together in East London in the mid-70s.
lieutenant ever since. The reasons for this are flowing. It was Murray who recommended Smith as the
simple. As much as he’s a fine guitar player, Murray replacement for Dennis Stratton in Iron Maiden
has another quality rare among rock stars: a gentle, When you look back over those years, what were in 1980. He left the band in 1990, burned out from
even-tempered demeanour, completely devoid of the defining moments for the band? a decade of heavy touring. He returned to Maiden,
ego. There are so many. Headlining for the first time alongside Dickinson, in 1999.
He calls Classic Rock from his home on the island at Hammersmith Odeon, that was a beautiful Smith is the least talkative band member, and
of Maui in Hawaii. He’s softly spoken, with an easy moment. Playing Earls Court – I remember seeing the most difficult to read. At times he can be
laugh that punctuates many of his sentences, this Zeppelin there in ’75. Over the forty years there extremely candid, when discussing his life and
lightness of tone changing only when his thoughts have been lots of good moments. his position in Iron Maiden, past and present.
turn to Bruce Dickinson. There is, however, one subject he will not go into:
Considering you were sacked from Maiden in his exit from the band in 1990. The reasons for
Living in a tropical paradise, playing in one of the 1976, you’ve certainly managed to stick around his departure might in part be explained by a
biggest bands in the world – you’ve done okay for for a long time… few of the anecdotes he tells from the 80s, stories
a working-class kid from the East End. Hey, things like that happen. I had words with about hanging out with famous hedonists such
I’ve been very fortunate. Blessed. This band has the singer after a gig and it all got blown out of as Robert Palmer. “Partying,” he says. “That’s the
brought so many positive things to my life. proportion. I went over to Steve’s house and I was only way I can put it.”
“When we talked about me
coming back, I thought I’d do
a tour and that would be it.”
ADRIAN SMITH
It must feel strange now to know that you were first in Maiden, I struggled with that. I always felt
making the album while Bruce was seriously ill. like someone was going to find me out. I’m not
When I got the call about Bruce, it was just awful. a guitar hero – I’m just Aidy Smith from Hackney!
You think: “He’s too young for this.” The [Laughs] But after I came back, the first song we
band was secondary. I just wanted recorded was one of mine, Wicker Man. I felt so
the guy to get better. happy. And I felt different, having had a break.
Did you believe he would Did you think then that you’d still be in Iron
pull through? Maiden fifteen years later?
I think, with cancer, the Probably not. In fact, when we first talked about
mental attitude is very me coming back, I thought maybe I’d just do a tour
important. In the last few and that would be it. Steve said, “No, I want to have
years we’ve lost two people three guitarists. It’ll work.” And once Steve has an
from our crew – Steve Gadd idea, he doesn’t change his mind.
and Andy Matthews – both
of them to cancer. But with So what is the key to the band’s longevity?
Bruce, somehow I never We’re all a bit older, a bit wiser. You know what
doubted that he’d come the band’s about and you know what’s best for the
through. I couldn’t imagine band, so that’s what you do. We know each other
him letting this thing beat him. so well that it just works. It didn’t always work for
me. I spent nine years out of the band. But now
You and Bruce both left the band I appreciate it more. Of course there are egos.
at separate times in the early 90s and Everyone’s got an ego. But we’ve come through
returned together in 1999. In the years all the ups and downs, and here we are – still
when you were out of the band, did you a pretty strong unit.
keep in touch with the other guys?
A little. Everyone started having kids so we
N
saw each other mostly at the kids’ parties icko McBrain is the oldest member of
and because there was a kind of Maiden wives’ Iron Maiden. Now 63, the drummer
club! [Laughs] My family would visit Dave’s joined the band in 1982. “More
in Hawaii. When I left, there were no hard than half my life I’ve been with Iron
feelings. Maiden,” he laughs. “It’s part of my sinew.”
That booming laugh is emblematic of
It must have been a difficult decision for you a larger-than-life persona common among rock
to leave Maiden. Did you have any sleepless drummers. On this level, he is, along with Bruce
nights about it? Dickinson, the biggest personality in Iron Maiden.
Yes, of course. It was probably the best There is, though, a complexity to McBrain. In
decision for me and for the band. But 1999, he converted to Christianity following an
I wasn’t in a good state of mind back then. experience he described as “a calling”. He refers to
his faith as a private matter, and sees no conflict
Can you elaborate on that? between this and his life as a rock star. He says
Honestly, I’d rather not go there. What that he gave up smoking dope – “wonga”, as he
I’ll say is that the decision was mutual. calls it – in 1986. But only now is he seriously
I think they’d had enough of me as well. considering giving up alcohol as the rigours of
touring harden with age.
What changed, for you and them, when He calls from his home in Florida, near Fort
you rejoined the band? Lauderdale, where he has lived for more than 20
I’d grown a bit. It might sound years with his second wife, Rebecca. Unchanged
strange, but having had kids, having by all those years in America is his blunt working-
done my solo albums, I just felt a bit class London accent.
more confident about myself.
We all know what the two hardest jobs in a rock
It sounds strange that you would band are – Bruce’s and yours. How are you bearing
lack confidence, having written up these days?
Adrian Smith: a key some important songs for the band. I’ve got to be honest, the older I get, the harder
part of “a pretty Well, I never considered myself it becomes to do this. That’s one of the reasons
strong unit”. a virtuoso and still don’t. When I was I haven’t had a drink for three months.
“I prayed every day for Bruce. Nicko McBrain:
I believe in the good Lord, and Iron Maiden’s

life and soul.
my prayers were answered.”

NICKO MCBRAIN
And?
I feel fucking old! [Laughs] At least when I was
drinking I didn’t feel it, except for the hangovers.
Seriously?
I feel good, actually. But I needed to start looking
after my body a bit more. I’ve started to get a bit
of arthritis in my hands. There’s a gruelling tour When you’re not working with Maiden, what do
coming up next year and I’ve got to be fit. I’ve taken you do with your life?
a lot of inspiration from the way that Bruce has I go out and twat a golf ball. And I have another
fought his way back to health. He’s a strong man, band, The McBrainiacs. Funnily enough, it’s an
Bruce. Iron Maiden tribute band. We do a bit of AC/DC,
Purple, Hendrix, but primarily it’s Maiden songs.
Even so…
Well, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t feared the worst Do you think much about life after Maiden?
when they mentioned the C word. It was a very I’ve thought about it, I’ll admit that. But I can’t see
heavy time. For his family it must have been us hanging it up any time soon. Let’s get one thing
unbearable. But my feeling in my heart was, he’s straight: we would never become a parody of
such a strong guy, not just physically but mentally. ourselves. But it’s my job to drive Maiden, and one
day I’m not going to be able to do it any more.
As a practising Christian, did you pray for Bruce?
I prayed every day for him. I believe in the good So, realistically, how long have you got?
Lord, and my prayers were answered, as well as the Ideally… ten years? Nah, don’t see that. Imagine
prayers of everybody else. me trying to play Run To The Hills at fucking
seventy-three years old! So I don’t know, mate.
Do you think the other guys in the band might But I’m planning on bowing out gracefully.
have said a few prayers for him too?
I’m sure they did. Bruce also told me he was singing
Heaven Can Wait in the shower, which is classic
Bruce humour.
When Bruce was going through this, did you

re-evaluate your own life?
J anick Gers is the one member of Iron
Maiden who was not present during
the band’s rise in the 1980s. Even so, the
guitarist has been a fixture for the last 25
years, having joined in 1990 as the replacement
We’re mortals, and you do question your mortality for Adrian Smith. Born in Hartlepool, Gers has
when something like this happens. But he’s over now settled close by, in Yarm, a small town near
the hurdle now. I understand Bruce is doing a bit Stockton-on-Tees. He's alone in his house when
of flying again now, so he’s got to be all right. he calls. His wife and two teenage children are on
holiday without him, on the Greek island of Kos.
Who in the band are you closest to? “I’m enjoying a little peace and quiet,” he says. “I’ve
At a pinch, I’d say Steve. He’s my confidante. If always been comfortable in my own company.”
I have things I need to talk about, it’s Steve I turn to. Gers was a member of White Spirit, NWOBHM-
era contemporaries of Maiden, before joining
I hate to betray his confidence, but Steve says you’re ex-Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan’s solo band,
the biggest moaner in the band… Gillan. With Iron Maiden he has enjoyed a level
Ha ha ha. You bastard! But I suppose Steve is right. of success far beyond anything he had previously
I’m the one that moans and groans and flies off experienced, yet he remains a man of simple
the handle. At the same time, I’ve always been the pleasures. “I like the nice things in life,” he says.
comedian of the band, the life and soul. But when “But it doesn’t take a lot to make me happy.”
I have an off day, yeah, I’m the moany one.
Steve lives in the Bahamas, Dave in
Steve and Bruce have had their differences in the Hawaii, and you live in a little place
past. What changed? in the North East of England…
It’s like when two people fall in love, get married, Where the north winds blow cold!
then separate, and end up getting married again. [Laughs] But I like it here. It’s half an
There’s a love affair going on, and the sex is the hour from where I was born. The people are great.
music. It’s not a gay thing, don’t get me wrong. It’s a I go out for a drink most nights and wander home
weird analogy! [Laughs] But that’s what I feel. by myself. I’m in my own little bubble here.
“I forget I’m in a band
until someone asks for an
autograph at half-one in the
morning in the pub.”
JANICK GERS
Is living in Yarm the perfect antidote to life in

a famous rock band?
Yeah. I forget I’m in a band until someone asks
for a photo at half-one in the morning when
I’m in the pub and my nose is bright red. I’m
comfortable in my own company, and I like
being in a place where nobody knows me.
When the band aren’t working, do you socialise

with the others?
When I’m in London I see Bruce, but he has
another clique of friends that talk about
aeroplanes, which I can’t handle for more than
a few minutes. We all live in different places, so
we don’t get much chance to meet. But they know (1980)
where to find me – in the pub round the corner. Steve Harris: “It’s all there – powerful songs,
loads of attitude, and as a singer, Paul [Di’Anno]
had real charisma. But everyone knows I wasn’t
Are there certain qualities that are required to be happy with the production. That album didn’t
a member of Iron Maiden, beyond musicianship? have enough of the fire and the anger that we
had in our playing. We used to laugh about the
A degree of humility perhaps? A sense of your place producer [Will Malone] sitting there with his feet
in the group? up on the desk, smoking a big cigar and reading
That’s it exactly. You have to be down to earth. Country Life – because he didn’t do fuck all else.
We all have our idiosyncrasies, but we seem to fit So in the end we would just ignore him. It was still
a good album, it just didn’t sound as ferocious as
together. There has to be give and take between we did when we played live.”
us. The Who, there was a negative atmosphere in
that band. Jagger and Richards had that negative/
positive energy. It’s part of the mechanics of
a band. But we get on tremendously well.
It wasn’t always so.

No. When Bruce left, everybody was hurt. (1981)
We all felt we’d been left high and dry. It Dave Murray: “On the first album we were playing
fast, almost like punk rock, but with more melody.
was a really difficult time. But we carried Martin [Birch]’s production on Killers gave us
on with Blaze, and we did okay. more polish, without losing our edge. The title
track on that album is still one of my favourites. It
has such a pure and raw energy, and we carried on
Did you have reservations about Bruce playing it live for years. This was the last album we
and Adrian coming back to the band? made with Paul. When Bruce came in, that was an
You’ve got to build bridges. I’m a big even bigger turning point for the band. But I think
fan of [Japanese director Akira] Paul sounded great on Killers. The whole album is
really powerful and atmospheric. And really, it was
Kurosawa’s movies: he’ll show Martin Birch who brought that out of us.”
you five different perspectives of
the same thing. And you’ve got
to understand that when you’re in
a band. After Bruce and Adrian came
back, we couldn’t have been happier.
(1982)
You’re close to Bruce. How did you deal with Bruce Dickinson: “I knew I had joined a great
the news that he had cancer? band. I also knew I could make it even better.
I had a vision for The Number Of The Beast: my
I’d been in hospital that week with my voice glued on to Maiden equals something much
brother-in-law, who had also been bigger. We did it fast – four or five weeks. We’d
diagnosed with cancer. So the call about be in the studio till five or six in the morning. The
one mistake we made was putting Gangland on
Bruce, it knocks you on your back. the album instead of Total Eclipse. We picked
Gangland because it was the first thing we ever
Did it bring a sense of your own mortality? recorded together properly. But the rest of the
album was fantastic. Hallowed Be Thy Name
Of course. Not long ago I lost both my was a precursor to Rime Of The Ancient Mariner.
parents when I was away on tour. Those That song, and the whole album, took Maiden to
things make you feel very deeply. a different level.
IRON MAIDEN
Birch, and there was a knock at the door. I opened Blaze [Bayley], we just felt that he had the right play the whole fucking album for the people who
it and Tom Jones was standing there. He said: attitude and that he had a really raucous voice. are about the here and now, the people who are
‘I heard the music, lads. Do you mind if I come As soon as we got him rehearsing with the band, it interested in the band going forward.’ You’ve got
in?’ He listened to the album, and as we talked felt good, and right from the start we wrote some to keep on making new music, and great new
(1983) I realised that what we do is pretty much the same: great stuff. Sign Of The Cross was such a powerful music, because without it you’re just the world’s
Nicko McBrain: “It was my first record with making records, doing shows. Except that with song, really dark and atmospheric. And I thought biggest karaoke band.”
Maiden, so it’s very special to me. The first time Maiden, it’s a bit louder.” Blaze really came into his own with Man On The
I ever saw them play live was in 1979, and I knew Edge. It was important to show people that we
they had it. Clive [Burr] was such a great drummer. could do it without Bruce.”
I certainly wasn’t out for his job, but I did think to
myself, ‘I could be in that band.’ And in the end,
it was meant to be, I suppose. For me, making (2010)
Piece Of Mind was one big adventure. We were Steve Harris: “Bruce had a bit of fun with that
recording in the Caribbean, and I’d never been title, joking as if it was our last album. We all knew
there before. And of course we had all these epic (1988) (1998) it wasn’t, that we’d do at least one more. Really,
tracks – The Trooper, Revelation, Flight Of Icarus Steve Harris: “It was a new challenge for us, Nicko McBrain: “Blaze did a great job on Virtual that title was just my science fiction thing coming
and best of all for me, Where Eagles Dare. The making a concept album. I’ve always loved prog XI. Steve wrote some really great stuff for Virtual into play. I’m fascinated by all the conspiracy
intro in that track – that drum riff – is right up there – Yes, Genesis, ELP – and this album’s title track XI – tracks like Futureal, The Clansman, The Angel theories about alien life. I’m not so sure I believe
with the likes of Phil Collins and Neil Peart. It’s still was a powerful song with that prog element to it. And The Gambler. It’s an album we’re all very that stuff, but I wouldn’t rule it out. That’s a pub
one of my favourite Maiden songs.” Not everyone liked the album at the time. Bruce proud of. But as it turned out, it was the last one debate right there. But that title gave us a great
even said to me that Queensrÿche had made with Blaze. We knew Bruce wanted to come back, concept for the artwork. And there’s certainly
a better concept album than ours, with Operation: and obviously there was a question mark: ‘Would quite a proggy feel to a few of the longer tracks on
Mindcrime. I said, ‘That’s a really good album, but it happen again? He’s shit on us once…’ There was the album.”
ours is a fucking great album!’ Not long after that, that hurdle to get over, but once we did that, by
(1984) Bruce did a solo album. He was struggling within talking to each other, it was like a new band.”
Adrian Smith: “We recorded the album at himself. We didn’t realise how much until later.”
Compass Point Studios in Nassau. And in those
days, some of us were easily distracted. One night
I was with Martin Birch, partying ‘til three in the
morning. The next day I turned up at the studio, (2015)
really hungover, and there’s Martin, still up from Steve Harris: “We knew that this, more than
the night before, and beside him is Robert Palmer, (2000) any other album, was going to be a long one.
who lived next door to the studio. I had to do my (1990) Adrian Smith: “For Bruce and myself, it felt like We don’t seem to write short songs any more.
solo for the track Powerslave and I had the shakes, Janick Gers: “I’d done Bruce’s solo album and tour, coming home. Maybe in the outside world, this I don’t know why. The title track is a big song.
but I just went, ‘Fuck it.’ I pulled off a solo and and we hadn’t played any Maiden songs live, but album was viewed as a comeback, but not for the And then Bruce brought in Empire Of The
Robert Palmer was going, ‘That’s fucking great!’” then Bruce asked me to learn four Maiden songs other fellas that had been in the band for all that Clouds. It was only when we started recording
and go down to Steve’s place. That was when they time while we were away. The 90s might have it that we realised: ‘Christ, this is ridiculously
told me that Adrian had left. The first song we been a bit of a low point for Maiden because of long!’ To me, it’s almost like a West End play.
jammed on was The Trooper, and it sounded so the emergence of Nirvana and the whole grunge I’ve told Bruce that I think it’s a masterpiece. He
tight, so powerful, they just said, ‘You’re in.’ I said thing, but Maiden were still out there with Blaze, might have thought I was winding him up, but
to myself: ‘I’ll last two weeks here. Once they playing in massive arenas in South America. So I wish I’d written it, and I can’t give someone
get to know me, they won’t like me!’ But it was if some people want to call Brave New World a better compliment.”
fantastic. The tour was a back-to-basics show, a comeback, that’s okay, but I think a better word
which was cool. Some people missed the plastic is ‘revitalisation’.”
(1985) pyramids, but I can take them or leave them!”
Bruce Dickinson: “It was a real statement, a live
double, like the ones we all loved when we were
growing up. My favourite live album is Deep
Purple’s Made In Japan. But I recall reading Ian
Gillan saying, ‘I thought it was a piece of shit, (2003)
I sounded crap on it.’ And I was like, ‘No, no, (1992) Janick Gers: “I loved the feel of this album.
no – you’re wrong!’ The funny thing is, I’m the Dave Murray: “It was a very different album for Everything about it felt big. And the song Dance
same with Live After Death. When Maiden fans Maiden. A lot of the music was more a classical Of Death is one that I’m really proud of. It was
tell me it’s our best live album, I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t kind of rock, with lots of time changes. I can still based on the Ingmar Bergman movie, The Seventh
know about that.’ But just recently I listened to remember the moment when we recorded the Seal. I saw it when I was a kid and just loved it. It’s
Live After Death and it sounded pretty good. And song Fear Of The Dark. We knew right away that about someone looking for hope in a world that’s
‘Scream for me, Long Beach!’ has become a part it was going to be a standout live track. Everything devastated. And at the end of the movie there
of Maiden folklore.” about it – the power, the melodies, the lyrics, the is this dance of death. The funny thing is, I was
pacing of the song and the way it changes – it on the Tube not long after we’d written it, and
really sums up what Maiden is all about. The way I saw this huge poster of The Seventh Seal. Such
the fans sing it when we’re playing live, it really a weird coincidence.”
has become an anthem for us.”
(1986)
Adrian Smith: “We went for a new kind of sound
on Somewhere In Time, using guitar synths, and
THE X FACTOR
(1995) (2006)
two of my songs for that album came out really Janick Gers: “When Bruce quit, I couldn’t believe Bruce Dickinson: “There’s a lot of great stuff
well, Stranger In A Strange Land and Wasted it. It felt like we’d been left high and dry, and we on this album. A lot of strange time signatures.
Years. When we were mixing in New York, I was in had to decide what to do: do we stop or carry on? It was a very brave move for us on that tour – to
my hotel room listening to the tracks with Martin We listened to so many tapes of singers. But with play the album from end to end: ‘We’re going to
LIVE: GETTY; BRUCE: JOHN MCMURTRIE
Dickinson on
1982’s Number Of
The Beast tour.
Bruce Dickinson: Since Bruce got the all-clear, have you celebrated
fighting fit. with him?
We had a night out recently, drinking, and he was
in fine form. He told my wife how much weight
he’d lost, and she said, “That’s not really the way
to do it, Bruce!” That put me at ease. And he was
buzzing. It was the old Bruce.
And so, going forward, what’s next?

The band can’t go on forever. We knew that before
Bruce was ill. We’ve talked about it. But the band
is still vital, still growing. The new album proves
it. I don’t know how long we can keep that up.
I still love it, we all do. But if the moment ever
came when we’d lost that energy, that desire to
keep pushing forward, I’d like to think we’d all
be man enough to say we’ll stop.
I
t’s a sunny morning when Bruce Dickinson
meets Classic Rock at a private members’ club
on Chiswick High Road. He’s lived in this part
of West London since 1981, with his family.
Clad in plain black T-shirt, baggy gym shorts
and trainers, Dickinson has arrived this morning
on a bicycle. He cycles most days, each time
a little further. He’s noticeably thinner, having lost
weight during his courses of chemotherapy and
radiotherapy. His face is a little pale and drawn.
Apart from that, his appearance is unchanged,
and in conversation, he is his usual ebullient self.
Typically of a man with an expensive private
education, Dickinson has always been a high
achiever, not only as the singer for a famous rock
band, but in his other interests. In the sport of
fencing, he competed for Great Britain. As an
author, he wrote two satirical novels. He worked as
a pilot on commercial flights for the now-defunct
airline Astraeus, and he’s in the process of setting
up his own airline. The Boeing 757 he piloted
during Maiden’s Somewhere Back In Time tour
has been upgraded to a bigger and more powerful
747 for next year’s tour.
At 57, Dickinson is the youngest member of
Iron Maiden. It’s one reason, he says, why he never
expected that he would be the one who would end
up staring death in the face…
Bruce, post cancer me’ and ‘why me?’ But a mate of mine had
treatment: waiting a better question: not ‘why me?’ but ‘why not
to sound the Air
Raid Siren again. me?’ This wasn’t the universe having its revenge
on me. It’s just random shit. It’s got to happen
to somebody and it’s happened to me. So, crack
on with it. If the outcome is bad, it won’t be for
want of trying.
What was your state of mind like in the days

that followed ?
All I noticed for three days after my diagnosis was
graveyards and hospitals. And when I sat at home
watching daytime TV, there were all these ads –
‘Cancer. We can beat it together’ – and ads for life
insurance. But after those three days, I thought,
“Stop it. Start noticing women’s legs and pubs
again. Get back to normality.”
Was there anything else you could do?

I started taking mushroom supplements. I asked
the oncologist if that was okay. He said, “That’s fine
– as long as you’re not taking any heavy metals.”
And I went, “Really?” He meant iron or whatever.
“This was not the universe That sounds like a line from a bad sitcom.
It is! But there’s a black humour in all of this. I got
all of the one-liners out of the way early. Like when
having its revenge on me – people ask, “Why aren’t you touring?” I say, “The
reasons are too tumourous to mention.”
it’s just random shit.” What treatment did you have?

I had nine weeks of chemotherapy. In that same
period I had thirty-three sessions of radiation. The
BRUCE DICKINSON effect of the chemo was… interesting. A lot of
strange sensations: like an out-of-body experience.
And the last two or three weeks was… yeah,
How did you discover you had cancer? How soon did you seek out qualified medical advice? rough. I’d get zapped, go home and just sit on the
We were in Paris, in the middle of making the Six weeks later. We were finishing the album and couch. My full-time job was just to try to get liquid
album, and… something wasn’t right. I knew I saw a doctor. He had a feel around my neck. and food down. Liquids only, oral morphine, and
it and I could feel it. I had earache. I thought, Then he went straight for the goolies. I thought, oral antibiotics, because your immune system is
“It’s November, maybe it’s a cold.” But I also “He’s either very friendly or very thorough.” on the floor. Milkshakes I could just about manage.
had this lump on my neck. So I went on Dr. He said, “You need a head and neck scan and My tongue hurt so much, I couldn’t speak –
Wikipedia and diagnosed myself. It seemed, a biopsy of that lump.” A few days later I saw my a blessing for the wife. My way of getting to sleep
in all probability, that I had the human doctor in London. at night was to put kitchen roll soaked in Bonjela
papillomavirus, a tumour on my tongue. In around my back teeth so it would anaesthetise my
layman’s terms, it’s cervical cancer of the gob. And your self-diagnosis proved to be correct? tongue. Then it would wear off and I’d wake up in
If a woman gets cervical cancer, it’s squamous Absolutely. I’d wondered how they tell you. Is it the middle of the night going, “Aaargh!”
cell carcinoma. This is squamous cell carcinoma over tea and biscuits? But the oncologist just said,
of the tongue. “Well, I have a letter here that says you have head So was this a psychological battle as much as
and neck cancer.” So that’s how they do it: straight a physical one?
So then what? between the eyes. I appreciate that. I was told It was. Because you had to drink so much fluid
I ignored it. I thought: “Internet hypochondriac. I had a golf ball-sized tumour on my tongue, and every day, I’d sit there with my head in the sink
Don’t be daft.” I didn’t go the doctor. another in my lymph node. But the oncologist also going, “Okay, one more gulp of water.” After the
said: “You’re an excellent candidate for a complete first diagnosis, they’d offered me a feeding tube.
Why not? cure.” He told me, “I’ll get rid of this for you and it I said, “Fuck right off. I’ll feed myself. I’ll get it down
Because I thought, “If I am right, I don’t want won’t come back.” somehow. If I can’t, you can shove a tube up my
to know. Not now. I want to know when I’ve nose, like they do with hunger strikers. But I will
finished the album. Then I’ll deal with it.” Did you believe that, or did you fear the worst? do it.” And the doc said, “Fair dues.”
I thought I would probably be okay, on the balance
Most people in that situation would rush to of probabilities. I’d gone quite heavily into the What would you say was your lowest point during
a doctor to make sure that if it was cancer, they medical research papers on the internet. I had this whole process?
would be treated immediately. nothing better to do. I’d looked at my odds. With The last three weeks were the worst. To be
I know. But I wanted to finish the album. my age and my profile, it was eighty per cent honest with you, you’re so flat-out knackered
in my favour. that you don’t have the energy to be enthusiastic
Did you tell anyone? Your wife? about anything.
No. I sort of mentioned it in passing, the lump on It’s the other twenty per cent that would put the
my neck. She said, “Oh it might be glandular fever.” fear of God into most people. Did they put you on the heavy stuff, morphine?
I didn’t see the point in being fearful. You know Ah, the old morphine! [Laughs] I was taking it by
How convinced were you that your self-diagnosis me – I’m quite bouncy anyway. the spoonful, and it was a bit disappointing, really.
was right? I wanted to see pink elephants! I was expecting
Fifty-fifty. Deep down, I knew there was Even so… to want to cut my ear off. But – nothing. It was all
something wrong. Well, I went through a couple of days of ‘poor rather underwhelming.
Maiden England: than ever.” And then, suddenly, it’s gone.
live at the O2, Steve thinks that Empire Of The Clouds is
August 3, 2013.
a masterpiece. Is it the most important song
you’ve ever written?
For me it was – and doubly so after I got
diagnosed. The story in that song is very
poignant. The R101 was this amazing airship,
the equivalent to Concorde and the QE2 rolled
into one, and it crashed on its maiden voyage.
There were only five survivors. As a kid I built
a big plastic model of the R101, and the story
stuck with me.
There are many epic Iron Maiden songs, but

none quite so epic as this.
Exactly! I wrote it on piano, and I’m a two-
fingered pianist. I thought at one point, “Ooh,
this is a bit Billy Joel.” And then I decided on a
little overture at the beginning, a nice bit of cello,
some horns. None of the instruments that I had
in my head was a guitar. It was written for Irish
“People ask: ‘Why aren’t you fiddles – diddle-de-diddle-de-diddle…
In fairness, diddle-de-diddle-de-diddle is very
touring?’ I say: ‘Reasons too Iron Maiden.

Totally Iron Maiden! It was designed for fiddles,
but I knew in reality it was going to be guitars.
tumourous to mention.’” And that would Maiden-ise it immediately.
And now the album is finally out, what next?

BRUCE DICKINSON I’ve got the most difficult period at the moment.
I’m running around doing all kinds of other
stuff, but with the voice, I just have to wait.
When all of this was happening to you, who After all you’ve been through, how has this I don’t like waiting. Last December, I asked the
knew about it? changed you? doc: “Assuming I get rid of this, how long before
Nobody except my immediate family, and Rod From a practical point of view, I take lots of I’m back to normal?” He said about a year. I said,
and the band. After I got the diagnosis, Rod said mushroom supplements [laughs]. “I’ll beat that.”
we should tell the press, and tell the promoters
why we’re cancelling the tour. I said, “Don’t And on a more profound level? Typical Bruce Dickinson.
fucking tell anybody! Can you just wait until at You mean the spiritual side of things? No great Absolutely. It’s a challenge.
least I’ve finished going to hospital every day? revelation on that score. There was a brief
Fucking hell!” So we timed the announcement moment of, oh, mortality might be cropping up When did you start singing again?
with the end of my treatment. a bit sooner than I expected. But I thought: “I’ll I had a little go in the kitchen, a little yell. It was
deal with that when they finally tell me you’ve interesting. The upper-mid register was a bit
Steve says that when he got the news, he sent only got a year or two left.” In which case, I’ll say, yodelly, a bit Von Trapp family. I sang a few
you texts because he didn’t think you’d be able to “Well, I’ll beat that.” notes, got it warmed up, so I thought I’d let rip. I
talk, or want to. tried one from the new album, If Eternity Should
He was right. But I’ll tell you what else he sent In all of this, has your relationship with the other Fail. Then I had a go with The Trooper. And I
me – three books on how to beat cancer, and guys in the band changed? thought, “It’s there.”
a trampoline! [Laughs] It was fucking brilliant. Yes, depending upon how people are. Some
A mini-trampoline, so when I was watching people are just, “Wow, I’m really glad you’re So that voice, the Air Raid Siren – will it sound
daytime telly I’d have something to do. okay.” Other people are: “I’m glad you’re okay the way it did before?
After the radiation, had you lost your hair? because it scared the life out of me that you It needs time, like Doctor Who, to regenerate.
No. But I grew a big, shaggy beard, like Captain might go and I might be next.” Some people It’s had a pretty good kicking from the radiation.
Haddock [from the children’s comic Tin Tin], project their own fear upon you. When they give The very top of the voice, that’s great. The low
and that fell out – all at once, from under my you a hug, what they’re actually hugging is this end is fine too. It’s only the only mid-range of
chin, in the pub. sense of: “I’m so relieved I’m still alive.” You can my voice that needs some work. I might have
detect that. to go to vocal rehab. I might have to take some
What were you doing in a pub? lessons.
Having a beer! Steve had said to Adrian, before they knew you
had cancer, that if the new Maiden album were And what does all this mean for the future – for
Ask a silly question… the last, it would be a good one to go out on… you and for Iron Maiden?
I couldn’t taste the beer. I lost all sense of taste as I felt the same thing going into the treatment. Well, the worst case scenario was: I have the
soon as I started chemo. But I had to get out into Before I could see there could be a positive treatment, I don’t get rid of it, and then the guy
the world at some point, so why not the pub? outcome, I thought, “If this was the last thing I says, “Sorry mate, you’re on your way out.”
ever recorded, with this voice, as it were, it’s a The best case scenario was: you get rid of it,
You’ve now had the all-clear. Is that definitive? pretty good way to bow out. It would be ironic.” everything gets back to normal, and there will
Yeah. be no difference at all in your voice. Well, that
In what way ironic? last bit hasn’t happened yet. But I’m absolutely
Could the cancer return? That you do this great double album, with this confident it will. Wild horses are not going to
In theory, yes, so I have a check-up every month amazing song Empire Of The Clouds, and people stop me from getting back on that stage. And
for the first year. are saying, “Oh my God, you’re singing better you know, I’m still here. I won.
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Pro pilot, fencer, cancer survivor, author… As his
2017 autobiography What Does This Button Do?
proved, there’s much more to Bruce Dickinson than
just fronting one of the biggest bands on the planet.
Words: Dave Everley
B I
ruce Dickinson would like you to It’s like the opening of the book says: everything n his late teens, Dickinson moved to London,
know that when it came to writing his moves in mysterious ways. You’ve got no idea ostensibly to study history at university but
autobiography, What Does This Button where you’re going to end up. You have to take in reality to pursue a career in music. After
Do?, he didn’t need any outside help. things as they come. The one thing I am, I suppose, a few false starts, most notably in pub-rockers
“People ask: ‘So who was your ghost is stubborn. I don’t fall over. Or if I do, I get back up. Speed, later called Shots (the highlight of their
writer?’ and I go: “Actually, I did it myself,’” he says career was Dracula, a homage to the literary
proudly. “I physically wrote 180,000 words, and all Some of the teachers you mention were vampire that was more Carry On Screaming than
of it was on WH Smith pads in actual handwriting, fairly despicable. You write about some of it was Bram Stoker), Dickinson ended up as
proper old-school.” the canings they dished out as if there was frontman with the NWOBHM band Samson,
Writing an entire book by hand is a very Bruce a sexual, S&M-like element to them. where he traded under the name Bruce Bruce
Dickinson thing to do. The Iron Maiden singer is The whole era was very strange. These were and sported an impressive moustache.
seemingly a man who can turn his hand to pretty creepy, dirty old men, and it was thought to be
much anything: flying aircraft, fencing, fronting normal and acceptable. The whole Jimmy Savile If you met the twenty-year-old Bruce
one of the most successful bands of the past 40 thing and the rest of it opened up a massive can of Dickinson in the pub, what would you think?
years. The exception is swimming: “I am one of worms, because that stuff was socially acceptable. Gosh. Light the blue touch-paper! I don’t know
nature’s sinkers,” he says. The sort of stuff you’d be banged up for now, and what’s going on with that kid, but something is
What Does This Button Do? is a genuinely quite rightly. You have to pinch yourself and go: going to happen. He’s either going to end up doing
fascinating and funny look back at Dickinson’s life. “I’m really not living in the seventies any more.” what he says he’s going to do or he’s going to end
From his early days growing up in jail. Or at the bottom of the river.
up in the Nottinghamshire Was there anything good
mining town of Worksop about that time? You make no secret of your spliff-smoking
(where he was raised by his “MY SCHOOL There were a lot of brilliant days in Samson, but then you stopped.
grandparents until the age of things about the seventies, cos Had Samson not been such a bunch of potheads,
six) to his roller-coaster 40-year
REPORTS WERE it was pretty disorganised and I wouldn’t have bothered at all. I was like: “I’ve
music career, it paints a candid ALWAYS SIMILAR: anarchic. But the flip side to done the cannabis now, I don’t see any point in
picture of a life well lived. that was that a lot of people got taking it further.” Nothing else happens. All that
Today Dickinson is in ‘WOULD DO away with doing things that does happen is that people seem to slow down
characteristically voluble BETTER IF HE really weren’t so pleasant. and eat a lot.
mood, expounding on
everything from the torrid DIDN’T PLAY THE There’s one teacher, John Did drugs get in the way of your ambition?
time he had in the British CLASS CLOWN 24 Worsley, that you speak No, not really. They just didn’t do anything for
educational system to his highly of. He introduced me creatively. The first time, you’re like: “Whoa,
successful battle with cancer. HOURS A DAY.’” you to fencing. Did you what’s all this about?!” But I soon realised I could
“Writing a book forces you stay in contact with him? get the same effect just by wandering around and
to look at yourself and what you’ve done,” he says. I didn’t, but funnily enough I met his brother using my imagination. I thought: “I don’t need to
“It’s an education.” years later. Maiden were doing something in smoke something to go and imagine that.” It was
Florida in the middle of the eighties. There was a nice awakening, but once your consciousness
Your parents were often absent during your this fencing competition in Fort Myers, and I is awake, you go: “I don’t need that any more.” It’s
early years – they were on the road with ended up driving out there. I met this bloke called like writing really trippy lyrics – I’ve never taken an
a performing dog act. Were you always Worsley. I went: “Worsley? John Worsley?” And acid trip in my life. I’ve never eaten a mushroom or
destined to follow them into show business? he went: “Yeah, that’s my brother.” Fencing is a had anything remotely hallucinogenic. Everything
Even before I knew properly who my parents very, very small world. comes out of my imagination.
were, I was after a pair of angel wings in the school
nativity play. I wanted to be the person wearing Do you still fence? You always avoided cocaine. Why? It must
them. My school reports were always depressingly Yes, but I hardly have any time to go near it. I keep have been freely available.
similar: “Has not fulfilled his good potential, would wandering around and looking at all my kit, going: I never got cocaine. I got speed, because it made
do better if he didn’t play the class clown 24 hours “It’s getting a bit rusty now.” [Laughs] Like me. you run around really fast. But then it also made
a day.” you feel absolutely shit. As far as cocaine is
Have you still got it in you, though? concerned, people get mashed and then sit there
You paint a vivid picture of your school days: Absolutely. If I had a good run up, where I didn’t with the most stupid gibberish coming out of
bullying, regular beatings from the teachers. have other stuff going on, I’d be good. I love it. It’s their gobs for hours and hours on end. It’s just
It sounds pretty horrific, but did it also make really good fun. It’s cathartic and you get out there tedious at best, and at worst it turns people into
you the man you are? and have a yell and a scream but nobody dies. paranoid nutcases. So I’ve got no time for
JOHN MCMURTRIE/PRESS
Samson, with
the moustachioed
Bruce Bruce (second left).
cocaine whatsoever. And obviously anything

SAMSON: GETTY MAIN: JOHN MCMURTRIE/PRESS
resembling depressives, I just don’t get. I don’t

get why someone would want to shut reality off.
Cos reality is brilliant.
You write about Iron Maiden’s success in the

eighties in the book, but also about the hard
work involved. What does the pie chart of
‘Fun’ versus ‘Not Fun’ in that period look like?
By and large we were working so hard, it was
Groundhog Day: the venues get bigger, the venues
get bigger, the venues get bigger. The roller coaster
never stopped going down. At one point, Rod “I’VE NEVER HAD ANYTHING REMOTELY
[Smallwood, manager] had us doing nine shows,
one day off, eight shows, one day off. I said: “You
HALLUCINOGENIC. EVERYTHING COMES OUT
can’t run human beings like that, they’ll fall over.” OF MY IMAGINATION.”
We were always arguing with Rod about making
life more comfortable for ourselves. At one point, Most bands have the luxury of doing that when I was quite sensitive to reviews, especially if
halfway through a tour, the stage manager literally nobody’s bothered about them, so they make all I thought they weren’t being fair. At the same
sleepwalked off the stage. We said: “Don’t you these really goofy mistakes. I just happened to go time, I was never afraid of a critical review
think it’s about time we got a tour bus?” And he and do the whole thing in public. In retrospect, if it was honest and laid out reasons why.
went [grudgingly]: “Yeah, alright then.” I didn’t do a bad job of it once I’d got things in focus.
When Blaze Bayley replaced you in Maiden,
But was the whole thing actually enjoyable? What do you mean? you sent him two bricks painted yellow.
Of course it was enjoyable. The only thing you There were some great songs on [Dickinson’s first I saw an interview with him, and there was a line
miss is any semblance of life outside it. That’s post-Maiden solo album] Balls To Picasso. The big at the end where he said: “I feel like Dorothy in
where it started to feel oppressive, especially Achilles heel was that there was no clear direction The Wizard Of Oz.” I thought: “That’s really sweet.
towards the end of the Powerslave tour. You think: – that’s what the listening audience want. But even I know exactly how you feel.” So I painted two
“What’s the point of all this?” And it turns into the if I had come out with a clear direction I don’t think bricks and sent them to him.
world’s biggest circular argument. “What’s the people were ready to listen anyway, because they
point?” “The point of it all is just to do it.” “Well, were so shell-shocked at me leaving. Did you ever see Maiden with Blaze singing?
there’s other things I want to do…” No. It was all a little bit fraught. The only time I’ve
What did you learn about yourself during the actually listened to the albums was when Steve
F
or Dickinson, there certainly were other years away from Maiden? [Harris] said: “We need to go and record one of
things to do. In the book, he doesn’t hold I actually learnt a lot more about other people. these songs.” I thought: “Oh, how does it go, then?
back when talking about his growing The one thing that happens when you’re in a big, I’d better go and have a listen to it.”
disillusion with Maiden during the early 90s, and powerful rock band – as in, powerful in the media
his subsequent solo career. The impression of that – is that you have all kinds of people who will Blaze gave it his best shot.
period, at least initially, is of a man who stepped protect you; all kinds of people who will hide bad He did. Absolutely. Hats off. Full-on respect to
out of a gilded cage, only to spend the next few reviews from you or make sure you don’t see that him for that. His voice is very different to mine,
years trying to escape his own shadow. paper because it didn’t say nice things about you. and there was a point when he got the job where
I don’t think that’s very helpful. But when you leave I thought: “How the hell is he going to manage to
What was it like to leave Iron Maiden? the fold and you’re suddenly on your own, outside do those songs? Maybe they just won’t do them.”
It was like being a wild animal in a cage. They the protective pentagram, you see all these people I said to someone at the time: “Why don’t
suddenly let you out and say: “There you go, off queuing up to give you a good kicking, because they really do something off the wall and really
you go into the jungle, feed yourself.” And you they couldn’t when you were in Maiden. And you outrageous? Get a woman! There’s some of
go: “I’ve forgotten how to do that.” When I quit, think: “Really? Wow.” these female Finnish vocalists kicking around,
everybody assumed I knew what to do, but I didn’t. and they’ve got the most outrageous voices! Do
It was a question of building it all up again. Did the negative reviews bother you? something to really, really knock people’s socks
GOING IT
Aces high: Dickinson
piloting Maiden’s
private plane on tour.
ALONE
The pick of Dickinson’s solo songs.
DRACULA
Neither one of his greatest songs nor even really
a solo number, this creaky slice of Hammer Horror
heavy metal by long-forgotten London band Shots
warrants inclusion as Dickinson’s very first recording.
A curio, but one that pointed to greater things.
SON OF A GUN
The Dickinson solo career got off to a flying start with
the glorious opening track of his debut solo album,
Tattooed Millionaire. A brooding takedown of religious
imperialism, it’s one of the finest things he’s
written, with or without Maiden.
TATTOOED MILLIONAIRE
The album itself was a stylistic grab-bag, but
Tattooed Millionaire’s title track was a brash
pop-metal gem with shades of Def Leppard’s
Photograph. Who was it about? Our
money’s on Nikki Sixx…
TEARS OF
THE DRAGON
Dickinson’s first post-Maiden album,
1994’s Balls To Picasso, was directionless
and unmemorable, but it did produce this
belter, featuring probably his best vocal
off.” But I’d have been fucked then. I’d never have How did your cancer diagnosis change your performance since Maiden’s Hallowed Be Thy Name.
come back. view of death?
I’m a bit more philosophical about it now. OCTAVIA
1996’s Skunkworks was the sound of a man trying
D
ickinson did return to Maiden, of Although I wasn’t at any stage… how can I put
course, in 1999, helping to usher in a to reinvent himself for the modern era. It
it… near death, I could certainly see it in the
largely fell flat, but it threw up a few lost
period of success that outstripped even rear-view mirror. Death doesn’t really cross your treasures, including this mini-classic.
that of the band’s 80s heyday. Since then he has mind much, unless someone has an accident or
diverted his energies into other areas, including falls under a bus. As human beings we brush it ROAD TO HELL
flying (he’s a qualified off, especially if you’re at a Dickinson’s reunion with Adrian Smith
commercial airline pilot, and relatively young age, full of on 1997’s Accident Of Birth found him
reconnecting with classic heavy
famously piloted Maiden’s Ed
Force One plane on several
“FENCING IS piss and vinegar, running
around like a lunatic. And
metal and brought Iron Maiden’s
CATHARTIC. YOU
greatest songwriting team back
tours) and beer-making (he then all of a sudden in comes together. With this galloping
had hands-on involvement
in launching Maiden’s GET OUT THERE, Mr Death with his scythe,
pointing and saying: “I have
anthem, they wrote the best
Maiden single of the 1990s.
signature Trooper beer). Even HAVE A YELL AND come for you.” And you go:
MAN OF SORROWS
a potentially life-threatening
diagnosis with head and A SCREAM BUT “Oh fuck. Really? I’ve got
things to do.” So suddenly you
Dickinson doesn’t do ballads, but
when it comes to stately epics, few can touch him,
neck cancer in 2014 was NOBODY DIES.” find yourself really getting on as this Aleister Crowley-inspired slow-burner from
seen off with a characteristic with that, living your life that Accident Of Birth proves.
combativeness. bit more, doing the things you’ve got to do. I find
I have less time for people who want to THE CHEMICAL WEDDING
1998’s The Chemical Wedding was inspired by
You steer clear of politics in the book. waste my time.
painter, poet and visionary William Blake, and
You’ve tried a lot of other things, but have the soaring title track flew on the wings of the
you ever thought of running for office? So what does the future hold? angels Blake once visualised.
[Emphatically] No, no, no, no, no, It’s madness. Maiden are having a bit of a rest. We’ve
No. I’ve got quite a few friends who are actually a lot of things going on at the moment, JERUSALEM
MPs of all shapes and sizes. And I’ve had my but nothing I can discuss in detail right Blake’s iconic poem (and English rugby
anthem) was the song Dickinson was
fair share of dealings with government agencies now. There’s half a solo album sitting in
born to sing. In his hands, it’s turned into
from the aviation side of things. And the one LA too. I’d love to go and finish it. something new: part mystical treatise,
thing I’ve realised is that if you want to get The other thing is, let’s see how the book part Celtic metal drinking anthem.
anything done, don’t be a politician. It’s the civil goes, because I really enjoyed writing it. I
servants who run the politicians, as they quickly wrote 180,000 words and obviously there was NAVIGATE THE
realise when they get into office. a bit of tweaking, and we had to take out big SEAS OF THE SUN
Bruce’s feet were back under the Maiden
We stand more chance of helping people out chunks for space. There’s about two-thirds of
table by the time of 2005’s Tyranny Of Souls, but he’d
in Maiden by brewing beer and creating jobs, a book on the cutting-room floor. I couldn’t do kept some classic tunes for himself, including this slice
or taking a hundred and fifty people out on the another autobiography because I’ve already done of part-acoustic, psychedelically tinged interstellar
road with us and giving them all jobs. We do a one of those. But who knows, it could possibly brilliance that sounded like nothing he’d written before.
huge amount with Maiden. turn into something else.
How do you top a double album and touring the world on your own jumbo
jet? If you’re Iron Maiden, you put together the Legacy Of The Beast tour,
the single biggest spectacle of your entire career. Welcome to…
NFI;JÛD<IC@EÛ8C;<IJC8;<ÛÝÛG@:KLI<JÛAF?EÛDcDLIKI@<
Janick engages the Bruce delights in his costume
crowd in a knees-up changes, now with all the frills
“A
Spitfire, for Christ’s things better. It’s a bit ambitious. Anything could abundance of extra props and costume changes,
sake.” Adrian Smith go wrong. It could all go a bit Spinal Tap!” pretty much for every song of the entire set – and
shoots a bemused “The show was even a surprise to me,” adds that’s just for Bruce Dickinson (more on that
smirk at the ceiling as Dave. “There’s more going on in this set than we’ve later). Oh, and then there’s that bloody plane.
the reality of the words had for a very long time. I had seen some photos in A lifesize Spitfire replica, spinning propellers and
coming out of his pre-production, but when you actually see it all, hovering over the opening part of the set as
mouth hit him, quite properly… holy shit. It’s amazing.” the band steam through Aces High. It really isn’t
possibly for the very first time. He pauses a an exaggeration to say that this is likely the
B
moment before looking back at Hammer and y now, unless you’ve not heard of something biggest show Iron Maiden have ever done. Bigger
saying it again: “A Spitfire.” called The Internet, or are simply a than Book Of Souls. Bigger than Powerslave.
Today, we join Iron Maiden’s no-nonsense spoiler-dodging pro (if it’s the latter, stop Bigger, even, than 2008’s legendary Somewhere
guitarist alongside two of his bandmates on a reading), you’ll have already heard tales and seen Back In Time.
sunny Friday afternoon, locked in the bowels of select snippets from Maiden’s latest stage “When I first saw the set I thought, ‘Jesus, this
Stockholm’s impressive, 40,000-capacity Tele2 spectacular. For starters, there’s a brand new, is a bit of a handful’, you know?” admits Adrian,
Arena. Most weeks the stadium is used as the big-ass Eddie, made especially for the tour. There’s who remains typically perplexed by the whole
home ground of Swedish top flight football teams more pyro and fire than they’ve had in years. There thing. “It’s pretty incredible. But then, our music’s
Hammarby and Djurgårdens. Today, though, its are moments where the entire look of the set itself always been dramatic and crying out for
purpose is just a little different. In just a short undergoes a dramatic makeover. There’s also an production, right from the days of Phantom Of The
while, the Tele2 will be playing host Opera, Iron Maiden and all that.
“JESUS, THIS IS A HANDFUL”

to what has been widely and loudly So as long as it doesn’t interfere
described as one of the single with my amp, they can do what
biggest shows in heavy metal they like. Although in the
history. Iron Maiden rarely do things 8;I@8EÛI<D<D9<IJÛK?<Û=@IJKÛK@D<Û?<ÛJ8NÛK?<ÛE<NÛJK8><ÛJ?FN run-through I did get a bit too
by halves, but even by their standards, this is close to Bruce’s flame gun…”
– pun very much intended – a different beast Wait, there’s a flame gun?
entirely. “Yeah, that’s right,” chuckles Dave, a man
As Killswitch Engage kick off their support slot who seems to have never been in a bad mood
somewhere above us, Adrian, forever-beaming in his entire life. “We have to keep on our toes
fellow axeman Dave Murray and bassist/Band a little bit. Bruce is playing with fire now, so
General Steve Harris, are taking some time to you don’t want to get in his way. He also came
reflect on the early stages of what is proving to be up with some great ideas for his costumes,
something of an historic tour for the metal too, and other little moody things here and
legends. On the face of it, the ‘Legacy Of The there. He’s having a blast.”
Beast’ moniker seemed to suggest little more than Indeed, the more that we find out about
another Greatest Hits jaunt – a chance to return (and, eventually, see of) the show, the more it
some standard Maiden classics to the set after two seems that the frontman’s knack for being a bit
years plugging new material. Except, that isn’t of a show-off is in full effect. While the guys
how it’s quite panned out. don’t want to spoil Bruce’s full involvement
The new Ed Fo
“We’ve pushed our boundaries,” says Steve with rc
smaller than e One was
before we see it for ourselves, they do all allude
a sly grin. “We’ve made things bigger, we’ve made pl anne d… to the singer having filled his wardrobe with new
The Maiden family
Steve Harris strikes his

oh-so-familiar pose
oddities, apparently spending an inordinate
amount of time in, as Steve puts it, “some weird
shops”.
“He’s put so much into the show,” adds the
bassist. “It’s fun, it’s atmospheric, it’s drama, it’s
theatre and he loves it. It’s great to see him that
excited.”
Being excited is one thing, but for a band who
have so little to prove, it speaks of Maiden’s
ambition that they’d decide that now, in between
album cycles, is the time to ramp up their show
more than ever. With no new record to plug, it’s a
serious statement of intent: when Maiden come to
town, you pay attention.
“It is a statement,” agrees Steve, matter-of-
factly. “We’ve had to spend more money for this,
but when you want to make things bigger and
better, it costs more. I suppose there could be
something we try one day where we’re like, ‘Oh my
god, what have we done here?’, but you have to be
ambitious. Plus, you can have all these ideas, but
to get them to actually work is another thing.”
Is it safe to say that we can probably guess
whose idea the Spitfire was, at least?
“Obviously, Bruce was the one who chose the
plane,” laughs Steve. “And that was fairly
ambitious, especially being in the opening song! A
lot of people would have just done that at the end.
But again, it’s a statement. We’re coming out with
that. And maybe we can’t really better it later on, The new stage set is
flaming awesome
but it’s an eye-opener.”
“PEOPLE HAVE
Dave and Adrian: dynamic duo
GOT TO PUSH THE

BOUNDARIES”
JK<M<ÛJ8PJÛ98E;JÛE<<;ÛKFÛK8B<ÛI@JBJÛKFÛD8B<Û@K
S
pitfires, flamethrowers, set changes,
costume changes and brand new Eddies are
reason enough to be excited about a new
Maiden show, and yet, true to form, they still had
some other surprises up their sleeves. When
Legacy Of The Beast officially took off at the tour’s
first show in Tallinn, Estonia, on May 26, Maiden
also unveiled their new setlist, song-by-song (and
prop by prop), on Instagram. Aces High kicking
things off is never a bad shout – has a better
set-opener ever been written? – but it was what
followed that really got the Internet losing its shit.
Put plainly: this is one of the most surprising,
varied, rarities-filled sets the buggers have ever Nicko: a man who clearly
loves his work
put together. You can usually expect at least one
sparsely played cut to make a reappearance in any
given Maiden tour, and dropping Where Eagles Dare
for the first time since 2005 would be enough to
tick that box.
But that’s just the start of it. The Wicker Man
makes a welcome return after the better part of a
decade on the bench. There’s also not one, but two
prime cuts from the Blaze Bayley era: The X Factor
epic Sign Of The Cross and Virtual XI’s The Clansman.
There’s a surprising dip into 2006’s vastly
undervalued A Matter Of Life And Death, courtesy of
For The Greater Good Of God. Want more? How about
a song they haven’t played in more than 30 years?
Hello, Flight Of Icarus. Sandwich all that between
iron-clad Hall Of Famers like 2 Minutes To Midnight,
The Evil That Men Do, Hallowed Be Thy Name and Run
To The Hills and you have a veritable smorgasbord
of heavy metal history. od
“It’s a good set,” allows Steve. “Bruce chose hell deemed it a go
Seriously, who the uce flamethrowers?!
most of it, actually. Normally it’s me and him that idea to give Br
choose it together, but this time he pretty much
“THIS BAND IS
A LIFESTYLE”
Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam D reveals what it’s like to be
on the road with Iron Maiden
B@CCJN@K:?ÛN<I<ÛG@:B<;ÛKFÛJLGGFIKÛ different, so it’s refreshing to see that
D8@;<EÛFEÛK?@JÛKFLIÛ;@;ÛPFLÛ<M<IÛ they’re all lovely individuals.”
K?@EBÛPFL¿;Û?<8IÛK?8KÛJ<EK<E:<
“Of course not. This band is like a lifestyle, ?FNÛ?8M<ÛD8@;<E¿JÛ:IFN;JÛ
one of the biggest metal acts out there, K8B<EÛKFÛPFLÛJFÛ=8I
so to be a part of it is incredible. Here we “It’s exactly what I expected. There
are: just this stupid hardcore-metal band are a couple of sour faces down in
from the North East, and now we’re the front, people who are like,
opening for Iron Maiden. That’s pretty ‘Will you hurry the fuck up? I
insane, man. We can tell our wanna see Maiden!’ But there’s
grandchildren that we did this.” been a few nights where there
are pockets of people that are
N?8K¿JÛ@KÛC@B<Û9<@E>ÛFEÛKFLIÛN@K?Û happy to see us, so that makes
D8@;<EÛK?<E all the difference. Also, playing
“The shocking thing was how incredibly Holy Diver is our one sweet
pleasant everyone is, right from day one. move at the end to win them
It’s a well-oiled machine, a group of very over. It’s like, ‘Hey, we enjoy
nice individuals. Even Bruce stopped in classic metal as well!’”
the first day just to say hi. We were like,
‘You don’t need to fucking do that!’” EFNÛK?8KÛPFL¿M<ÛJ<<EÛ8CCÛK?@JÛ
LGÛ:CFJ<Û8I<ÛPFLÛK<DGK<;ÛKFÛ
?8M<ÛPFLÛ?LE>ÛFLKÛN@K?Û8EPÛF=ÛK?<Û 8;;ÛJFD<ÛGPIFÛ8E;ÛGIFGJÛKFÛ
FK?<IÛD8@;<EÛ>LPJ 8ÛB@CCJN@K:?ÛJ?FN
“Yeah, I’ve chatted with Steve a bit, and “I would love it! Unfortunately,
Nicko [McBrain, drums] came in on the our wallets would not. Ha ha ha!
first day as well. Everybody’s so chilled, We’d probably owe money at the
it’s awesome! You never know what to end of the tour if we started
expect with people; everybody’s doing shit like Maiden do…”
chose it all. It’s an interesting set to play, and it’s great. It’s a good live song, so it’s nice to have that passing between The Final Frontier and 2015’s The
important for us to go out there and feel fresh and in there. And there’s Clansman, with the Book Of Souls. With the latter now approaching
not like we’re going through the motions. It’s a ‘Freedoooom!’ and all that. Sign Of The Cross…” three years in the can, is it safe to say that we
good balance of songs, and hopefully it’s “And then there’s For The Greater Good Of God, shouldn’t be waiting for album number 17(!) quite
interesting for the audience.” that’s a beautiful song to play,” chimes in Dave. “I yet?
Judging by the reactions so far, it’s probably love playing every single one of them. Some of “Yeah, it’ll be a while,” admits Steve. “We’ve got
fairly safe to say that Maiden’s audience are very them are challenging, and some of them you can this cycle going on. I’m pretty damn sure we will
much into it. just go for it, but I love them.” do another album, and then all well and good,
“I think Bruce made some great choices,” agrees It’s nice that Maiden are as excited to be playing we’ll go out on tour to back that up. How long that
Dave. “It showcases different eras, and we were these songs again as fans are to be hearing them. will go on for, I don’t know. We’ve been talking
really able to explore a lot of dynamics in about this kind of thing for the last 20 years,
these songs that transfer over to the best
production we’ve ever put out there. I just “THIS IS THE BEST but as time goes on, it becomes more of a
reality that one day we may not be able to
PRODUCTION WE’VE
love being able to play Flight Of Icarus again. tour any more. But I don’t want to think
It’s short and sweet, and the piece of about that. You’ve got to enjoy the moment.”
EVER DONE”
production that goes with that is Then let’s talk about the moment: are
pretty incredible.” there ideas coming together for the next
“God, I can’t remember the album, at least?
last time I’d played Flight Of ;8M<Û?8JÛJ<<EÛ¿<DÛ8CCÛJFÛ?<¿;ÛBEFN “Oh, I get ideas all the time. I couldn’t use them
Icarus,” adds Adrian. “But it’s all in three lifetimes, it’s ridiculous. I’m really
The fact that Bruce wanted two Blaze-era tracks in lucky that it’s never dried up.”
the set – songs which clock up a hefty 20 minutes “There are different hats you put on,” adds
between them – is also a reminder that it’s still Dave. “There’s the studio hat, the gig hat, and the
possible for ego to be left at the door when it’s in putting- a-few-ideas-together hat. So there’s a lot
the name of putting on a kickass show. of hats in this band. And a lot of heads to put them
“People go on about the ‘Blaze era’ and Bruce on, ha ha ha! But writing is always there, in the
doing those songs, but if we do anything from the background.”
first two albums, Bruce isn’t on those either, and I For Adrian, being out on the road and in front of
don’t really see that there’s that much difference,” a live crowd can be one of the most inspirational
replies Steve, a little wearied by people treating experiences a songwriter can have, and he’s
the Blaze albums like an oddity in the band’s already finding that this tour is no exception.
canon. “It’s all part of Iron Maiden, and he’s got a “There’s this crackle of energy,” he smiles.
good attitude towards that. He’s never forcing my “Because you’re close to the essence of it; you’re in
hand. Anyway, these days, we get right to the end the same building as the audience, so there’s this
of each tour and Bruce is already talking about the energy that you can just feed off of. You just pick it
set he wants to do on the next one! We’re like, up. Quite often it’ll be just before, when I’m sitting
‘Bloody hell.’ You can’t knock that enthusiasm.” in the tune-up room messing about. I’ll get my
phone out and get a few ideas down. Being on the
W
ith spirits in the fold at an all-time high, road definitely does inspire stuff. It’s great.”
it’s probably an easy bet that a new With Maiden’s music getting more progressively
album will be in Maiden’s sights ambitious with each passing album – The Book Of
somewhere down the line. That said, the 21st Souls boasting three songs that smashed through
century has seen increasingly long periods the 10-minute mark – is there ever a temptation to
between new records, with five long years just smash out 10 four-minute quickies and be
done with it? Eddie, you look different.
“No, I don’t think so,” shrugs Adrian. “I can’t see Have you had work done?
us doing that.”
“Yeah, that would be an easy option,” chuckles
Dave. “But we don’t like to take the easier way
out!”
“Writing longer songs is not really intentional,”
insists Steve. “I don’t know why that’s happening,
to be honest! Could I write a four- or five-minute
song? Maybe that’s a challenge I need to set
myself…”
Challenges, it appears, are something Iron
Maiden still thrive on. Whether it’s the scope of
their music, the sheer scale of their tours or the
grandeur of the shows themselves, they continue
to press forward, finding new ways to push
themselves onwards and upwards and carving out
“WE’RE MAKING
A STATEMENT”
JK<M<Û@JE¿KÛ:FEK<EKÛKFÛC<KÛD8@;<EÛ>F
K?IFL>?ÛK?<ÛDFK@FEJ
fresh cornerstones of a legacy that still,

inexplicably, shows little sign of drying up.
Spectacles like theirs are something of a rarity in
today’s metal scene, the likes of Avenged, Slipknot
and, most recently, Parkway Drive serving as the
few examples of modern metal bands able to
curate live shows truly fit to fill arenas. As the man
who has led Maiden to where they are today, does
Steve see a future for metal on the grand stage?
“Blimey, it’s taken us long enough to do a show
like this one!” he exhales. “It’s not easy these
days, especially for new bands. It’s harder than
ever to make a crust out of this. It’s different for
us, because we’ve taken a long, long time to build
up to this kind of level, but some bands will never
even get to this level, or any level. They don’t get
out of the pubs.”
So how does a metal band get out of the pub in
2018?
“People have just got to push the boundaries
and try and edge it up,” Steve replies, simply. “I
mean, we’ve never had songs that lend themselves
to radio play. We’ve worked really hard for where
we are.”
A
nd with that, one half of Iron Maiden take
their leave to rejoin their bandmates
and get ready for tonight’s show. And
oh, yes, what a show it is. Even before the
damn thing kicks off there are small, fun extra
details going on: roadies dressed in army
uniforms roaming the stage, making minor
adjustments, interacting with fans and offering
a small hint at how the stage itself is going to
look (well, for the first part of the show at least).
Sure enough, after UFO’s Doctor Doctor blares
through the arena and Winston Churchill’s famous
speech has finished booming over the speakers,
the curtain drops, off go the first of today’s many
fireworks and out comes that bloody plane,
propellers and all, as Maiden launch into a
rip-roaring Aces High and 40,000 Swedes proceed
to lose the plot. Is Bruce Dickinson bounding
onstage in a Biggles-esque pilot cap one of the
most ludicrous things we’ve ever seen? Yes, yes it
is. Is it brilliant? Obviously. Don’t be stupid.
What follows really is something that needs to
be seen to be believed, even by the most
well-weathered Maiden fanatic. Barely five
minutes go by without something popping up ’ shocker
‘s ta nding-still
worthy of an ‘oooh’ or an ‘aaaah’, and almost every Janick in ra re
THE FIRE
Iron Maiden don’t do understated
AND THE FURY

WE DISSECT THE MOST EPIC
MAIDEN SHOW EVER
K?<ÛJK8><¨J©
First unveiled as a fog-ridden, smokey battlefield
covered in army-grade camouflage netting, the stage
evolves as the show goes on – first into a luscious,
stained-glass chapel, and then an ancient, demonic
vision of Hell. Lovely.
K?<ÛGC8E<
The first and, arguably, biggest new addition to the
Maiden set. Coming flying out of the back of the set
and swerving over the stage for Aces High, this is one
you really have to see to believe. Dave insists it’s “so
big you can get in it”.
K?<ÛGPIF
Seriously, there’s enough fire and sparks going on
here to make Rammstein look twice. Stand too close
to this Maiden set and we promise you there will be
singed eyebrows come bedtime.
K?<ÛEFFJ<
Brought onstage by Bruce during Hallowed Be Thy
Name (when else?), this delightfully cheerful little
prop is so at home in the Maiden set it’s a wonder it
hasn’t made more appearances over the years.
K?<ÛKIFFG<IÛ<;;@<
Arguably the most iconic Eddie of all makes a
reappearance in the song of the same name, and
he’s looking particularly grim and battle-trodden
this time around. He still likes a good swear, though.
The cheeky fucker.
K?<Û:IFJJ
One of Bruce’s more cumbersome props, it looks
pretty damn badass as it lights up while he stalks the
stage with it during set highlight Sign Of The Cross.
K?<Û@:8ILJÛJK8KL<
Maybe the coolest extra detail in the whole set.
A towering, winged figure straight out of Greek
mythology looms over the band as they fly through
Flight Of Icarus. Though it’s very much in danger
throughout the song thanks to a marauding Mr
Dickinson, who happens to be packing…
K?<Û=C8D<K?IFN<IJ
Yup, you heard right. Someone decided to greenlight
the idea to let Bruce Dickinson bound around
onstage with two giant flamethrowers attached
It’s Trooper time! Amon Amarth hanging to his person. Well, we did say they’d gone Full
out with Maiden manager Rod Smallwood Rammstein with this one…
K?<Û9@>Û<;;@<
Best Eddie Ever? It’s got some stiff competition,
single song of the set has something unique to concentration than usual to nail them this early but our favourite definitely-not-a-zombie-mascot
has been given such an extreme, satanic makeover
accompany it. Flaming torches and stone in the tour. By the time a rip-roaring Run To The that he’s almost unrecognisable. It’s easily the most
gargoyles (The Number Of The Beast), a noose- Hills brings the set to a close,Bruce galloping metal Eddie ever, and it looks immense in the flesh.
wiedling frontman (Hallowed…), a light-up cross around the stage like a kidon a hobby horse, you
(Sign Of The Cross, obviously), a huge, winged really do wish you could do it all over again. This K?<Û:FJKLD<J
Honestly, start a drinking game based around every
statue and Bruce-powered flamethrowers show is a love letter to Iron Maiden fans, time Bruce has a costume change and you’ll be
(Icarus) and the new Big Eddie, who is easily the hand-delivered by the band themselves. Legacy bladdered by halfway in. We won’t spoil them all,
most demonic, metal-as-fuck-looking one Of The Beast’s UK leg kicks off later this month; but our favourite is his rather excellent, top-hatted
Fear Of The Dark set-up. Spooky.
they’ve ever done. And that’s before you get to this is your official warning to do anything you
the fancy dress escapades of a certain singer. can to get a ticket. You won’t regret it.
One minute a pilot, the next a swashbuckling “I never predicted that I’d end up playing
swordsman, soon after that a sinister, lantern- guitar under a Spitfire plane,” beams Dave
waving Victorian dandy. This isn’t just the Murray as the band come offstage, ready to do
Greatest Maiden Show Ever™ – it’s the Bruce it all over again in a couple days’ time. We can
Dickinson Special, and he’s loving every minute fully believe that, David. Where can you go from
of it. Even the set itself evolves, jumping from a this?!
war-torn battlefield to a stunning, stained glass “There’s always things to do,” cuts in Steve,
chapel to the smoking pits of hell as the show unflappable as ever. “When you get to my age,
goes on. there’s always going to be a bucket list. There
The returning songs, too, absolutely bang are things that are personal, there’s things with
from start to finish. The ‘Freedooooom!’s in The the band. There’s countries we still haven’t
Clansman are nothing less than spinetingling. played yet! There’s a lot we can still do. After
Flight Of Icarus sounds humongous, too, and both two or three months off, I always start getting
For The Greater Good Of God and Sign Of The Cross itchy feet…” Bruce gets sinister
carry real, emotional gravitas in the flesh, even We can only imagine what the hell they’re for Sign Of The Cross
if it’s obvious it’s taking a little more going to come up with next.
For the stories behind the best albums and
the bands that produced them…
has it covered.
Follow us at www.progmagazine.com.
Order your copy at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/PROG.
The Book Of Eddie With their acclaimed Legacy Of The Beast comic series, Iron Maiden
and manager Rod Smallwood have taken Eddie from album sleeves
and stage sets onto the printed page. This is how they did it…
Words: Dave Everley
N
ame the most iconic figure in metal. role of Eddie as he battled across across ancient worlds and
There’s only one answer: Eddie. Iron alien dimensions to recover the shards of his soul.
Maiden’s deathless mascot has been The success of the game has led on to a comic series
with them since the beginning, the only of the same name. Conceived by Maiden manager Rod
person – and we use that word loosely Smallwood and Phantom Music creative director Llexi
– to appear on every single one of the Leon and launched in November 2017, this epic story
band’s albums alongside Steve Harris and transforms the overarching plot of the game into a vivid
Dave Murray. and ambitious narrative that spans several universes.
In recent years, this eternal icon has made the jump “Eddie is this incredible cosmic entity, and essentially
from covers, stage sets and videos into other realms. In he’s ambushed in deep space and his soul is shattered
2016, he became the central figure in the acclaimed mobile across the galaxy,” explains Llexi Leon of the premise
game Legacy Of The Beast, which let players to take on the behind the comic. “All the different Eddies – be it The
Trooper or the tank commander from A Matter
Of Life And Death – are different aspects of this
character. And so the prime Eddie has to go on a
journey to fin out who attacked him , and reclaim
the lost shards of his soul and ultimately face the
Beast and even greater powers that lurk behind the
ultimate evil.”
Like the game, the comic book ties into the rich
mythology of Eddie that has been constructed over
the last 40 years. “A huge amount of exploratory
work was done with Rod and the band for the
game,” says Llexi. “And the game is fantastic, but
when you’re playing on a four inch screen, you
don’t get into the meat of the story. So we decided to
make a comic series out of the narrative.”
The diligence which defines everything
that Maiden put their name to is evident.
“Rod has a very clear vision of what Eddie’s
all about. A lot of the questions about
what’s tonally appropriate, what Eddie’s
motivations are, all that stuff, comes from
Rod: ‘Why would Eddie do that?’ From that
you can build this universe around him.”
Llexi himself devised the treatment for the
story, working with acclaimed comic book
writer Ian Edginton and artist Kevin West
to turn it from concept into reality. “Ian has
done Batman, Judge Dredd, 2000AD – he’s a
legend,” enthuses Llexi. “But the fact that he’s Eat your heart out Superman:
scenes from Iron Maiden’s Legacy
British lends a certain voicing to the work
Of The Beast comic series.
and of course he understands the worlds and
concepts of Iron Maiden. The characters had to have
a more British sensibility than a typical superhero
book. That was important to me.”
Of course, there’s the small matter that Eddie
doesn’t actually say anything – presumably a huge
challenge when he’s the focal point of the story.
“Oh, it’s definitely a challenge,” laughs Llexi. “Rod
is very passionate about the fact that Eddie doesn’t
talk – he’s all attitude, he speaks with his actions. But
he’s more like a primal force of nature – he’s not just
some undead zombie. There’s something more to it
than the supernatural – it becomes more than just
about his place in the universe.”
Each chapter of the comic takes Eddie to a
different world, which tie in to different Maiden
albums or songs – the Kingdom Of The Sands was
inspired by 1984’s Powerslave, while Battlefield
brings the martial atmosphere of 2006’s A Matter
Of Life And Death to life. His journeys also see
him encountering characters from Maiden songs.
including The Clairvoyant and The Beast. The latter
is the series’ Big Bad.
“If Eddie is this primal force of free will, than
the Beast is very authoritarian, almost Nazi-like
evil,” says Llexi. “That gives you a lot to work with
in terms of their motivation. The fun thing is that
Eddie’s unpredictable. Even if he’s out-manned and
out-gunned, he never gives up.”
The first five issues of Legacy Of The Beast were
collected in graphic novel form in October 2018,
while the next five issues continue the story with
Vol.2, which is out now. Llexi says there are plans for
a third volume to complete the story.
“The plan is for a three-volume story, which
will be circa 450 pages, then we’ll see where we go
from there. No one’s ever done anything like this in
music, which is where an entirely new universe has
been created from such an amazing body of work
as Iron Maiden’s. We’ve been able to dig deep into
the whole thing - it’s not just the hits or the obvious
stuff. For Maiden fans, there’s a lot to appreciate.”
Few bands have such an iconic back catalogue as Iron Maiden. So, picked by a panel of bands, readers, Metal
Hammer staff and Steve Harris himself, we are officially counting down the 50 greatest Maiden songs of all
time. No era is off-limits. No song is ineligible. By Maiden fans. For Maiden fans. Let’s get to it…
EMPIRE OF THE CLOUDS
GETTY
(THE BOOK OF SOULS, 2015)
As if writing a concept track about the doomed
R101 airship wasn’t grand enough, Bruce
Dickinson also opted to make this epic closer from
2015’s double-album Maiden’s longest song ever.
Clocking in at 18 minutes, it’s a triumphant,
progressive masterpiece.
BE QUICK OR BE DEAD
(FEAR OF THE DARK, 1992)
The opening track to Maiden’s most underrated
album is an absolute ripper, coming screaming out
of the gates with a snapping riff straddled by
Bruce wailing away like a banshee with her tits
caught in a car door.
MAN ON THE EDGE

(THE X FACTOR, 1995)
Maiden at 1992’s Monsters Of Rock, which
There are some absolute gems hidden away in the they were headlining for the second time
Blaze Bayley albums, not least this pacy, urgent
and claustrophobic single from the icons’ 10th
studio album. Based on the Michael Douglas-goes-
batshit classic Falling Down, it showed they still THE LONGEST DAY SEVENTH SON OF
had fangs. (A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, 2006) A SEVENTH SON
“Lots of Maiden songs gives me goosebumps, but (SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON, 1988)
ALEXANDER THE GREAT the first time I heard this gem from A Matter Of Life The title track of Maiden’s seventh (of course!)
(SOMEWHERE IN TIME, 1986) And Death, I nearly fell off my chair. Best played at wove together all its musical and lyrical strands
Nicko has remarked that he’d like the band to play excruciating volume, it’s a dark and devastating in nearly 10 head-spinning minutes of prog metal
this live one day – and you can hear why. Built paean to the horrors of D-Day.” glory. Of course, its batshit central concept didn’t
around a suitably brooding and militaristic DOM LAWSON, STAFF WRITER actually make much, y’know, sense but that
drumbeat that leads into a stirring chorus, ATG wasn’t the part. This was the sound of Maiden
also manages to make ‘Macedonia’ sound metal. OMING HOME laying the groundwork for the path they would
(THE FINAL FRONTIER, 2010) follow in the 00s.
MONTSÉGUR One of Maiden’s most earnest and uplifting tracks
(DANCE OF DEATH, 2003) ever, Coming Home perfectly encapsulates the
How this 100%, iron-clad rager got left off the feeling of touching back down on home turf after a
Dance Of Death-era setlists we’ll never know. A long time away. The ultimate, lighters-up,
thunderous, battle-ready banger, Montségur is the arms-loft heavy metal anthem.
fastest track Maiden have penned since Bruce’s
return – and it absolutely crushes.
TAILGUNNER
(NO PRAYER FOR THE DYING, 1990)
A highlight of Maiden’s no-strings-attached but
generally misfiring No Prayer For The Dying opus,
Tailgunner is a simplistic, fun and pacy spiritual
soulmate to Aces High. Admit it, you’re air-
machine-gunning as you read this.
WHERE EAGLES DARE

(PIECE OF MIND, 1983)
“The first Maiden song I ever heard. I bought Piece
Of Mind, and when Where Eagles Dare came in, it
just hooked me. That drum fill alone was more
than enough. What an album opener!”
BRANN DAILOR, MASTODON
SIGN OF THE CROSS

(THE X FACTOR, 1995)
How would Maiden officially kick off the Blaze era
following Bruce’s departure? With a dark and
lumbering 11-minute monster, that’s how. Rolling
along on a sinister, rumbling bassline, it gets
bonus metal points for those sweet sinister
monk chants.
STRANGER IN A STRANGE BRING YOUR THE CLAIRVOYANT
LAND DAUGHTER… TO (SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON, 1988)
(SOMEWHERE IN TIME, 1986) THE SLAUGHTER Practically bursting at the seams with outlandish
The sleeve of the second of the two Adrian (NO PRAYER FOR THE DYING, 1990) mischief, The Clairvoyant glides along a gleaming,
Smith-written singles from Somewhere In Time “It was the first Maiden song multilayered verse before melting into a
might have nodded to The Good, The Bad And I heard, when they played it thunderous, 4/4 chorus that was tailor-made for
The Ugly, but the track itself was pure Maiden: on Top Of The Pops. Pop and dance pogoing festival crowds. Also featuring Bruce
a thundering tale of arctic exploration and was big at that point, and all of a Dickinson at his prophetic best.
death that took its title from Robert A Heinlen’s sudden there were these dudes
sci-fi classic. with guitars and super-long REVELATIONS
hair, yelling about (PIECE OF MIND, 1983)
slaughtering daughters. It An understated but beautifully orchestrated
was pretty eye-opening!” number, Revelations is built on a determined,
MATT TUCK, BULLET plodding riff sprinkled with lurid imagery and
FOR MY VALENTINE impacted by a curiously melancholic midsection.
Truly, a song fit to present to the Gods themselves.
NO MORE LIES
FLIGHT OF ICARUS (DANCE OF DEATH, 2003)
(PIECE OF MIND, 1983) While Dance Of Death was a little top-heavy, when
“It gives me goosebumps. There are maybe 10 it slammed, it slammed hard, and rarely more than
songs that you hear in your whole life that when with this anthemic ditty. A live staple for the tour
you hear the intro, you just think, ‘What the fuck is that followed, No More Lies has held up as one of
this?!’ That was Flight Of Icarus for me.” Maiden’s finest modern songs.
JOAKIM BRODÉN, SABATON
PROWLER
HEAVEN CAN WAIT (IRON MAIDEN, 1980)
(SOMEWHERE IN TIME, 1986) The song that started it all. A frantic, punked-up
A particular highlight of Maiden’s synth- screamer, Prowler briefly dabbles in the kind of
straddling ’86 knockout, Heaven Can Wait switches twin harmonic gorgeousness and guitar-duelling
up pace and tone so much over seven breathless fun and games that came to signify Maiden’s
minutes that it’s hard to keep up. Plus, dem career, but is fundamentally all about speed and
woahs halfway through… yeah, you know the precision. A bullseye.
ones.
GHOST OF THE NAVIGATOR
WHEN THE WILD (BRAVE NEW WORLD, 2000)
WIND BLOWS A spooky, nautical voyage from Maiden’s
(THE FINAL FRONTIER, 2010) unstoppable comeback album with Bruce
Consolidating the fact that Maiden were back in the fold, this is Maiden at their eeriest,
taking an increasingly latitudinous with lyrics fit to fill a horror novel wrapped
approach to their songwriting in this in a tense, pounding riff. Worth getting
most fruitful of second golden ages, your swimmies on for.
When The Wild Wind Blows is a
gorgeous, meandering
denouement to an album RIME OF THE ANCIENT
absolutely stacked with MARINER
great ideas. (POWERSLAVE, 1984)
“…Ancient Mariner is so
epic! It’s that breakdown
section in the middle, that kind
of cool bass arpeggio thing.
It’s very eerie and
mysterious, and then
the way it builds up…
it’s just massive when it
finally hits you again. I just
love that approach to
songwriting.”
MYLES KENNEDY,
ALTER BRIDGE
KILLERS CHILDREN OF THE AFRAID TO SHOOT
(KILLERS, 1981) DAMNED STRANGERS
For Maiden connoisseurs, the Killers album is the (THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST, 1982) (FEAR OF THE DARK, 1992)
band’s cult classic, with a dark and heavy vibe “I really love this song because it shows An impassioned track detailing the plight of
typified by its sinister title track. Its visions of the sensitive side of Iron Maiden. That was soldiers fed into relentless government war
brutal murder, and Di’Anno’s chilling screams, their attempt t get pussy, machines, Afraid To Shoot Strangers made a
make it a truly nasty piece of work. and they pulled it off welcome return to their setlist in recent years.
– although they
probably didn’t get
MOONCHILD as much as MURDERS IN THE
(SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON, 1988) Van Halen.” RUE MORGUE
“Loosely based on the Aleister Crowley novel, this MICHAEL STARR, (KILLERS, 1981)
occult epic bristles with primal screams and STEEL PANTHER “On many of the Iron Maiden shows that
massively creepy lyrics about ritual infant murder. Mastodon was lucky enough to support, I
The perfect balance of Maiden’s metal thunder and happened to catch this song more than any
pure mysticism.” other song they played. If you’re a fan of
ELEANOR GOODMAN, FEATURES EDITOR guitars, it’s hard not to love this song.”
TROY SANDERS, MASTODON
INFINITE DREAMS
(SEVENTH SON OF A SEVENTH SON, 1988)
A gorgeous number from the absolutely
stacked Seventh Son… album, Infinite Dreams
ponders along musings of consciousness and the
afterlife, bubbling away on a soft opening guitar
line before reaching an almighty, urgent
crescendo. Curiously, it hasn’t been played
for decades.
IF ETERNITY SHOULD FAIL

(THE BOOK OF SOULS, 2015)
“It’s my favourite new Maiden song because it
really brought me in on the latest record. It’s
adventurous – I love the vocal melodies. The
way it’s arranged is brilliant; it takes you on an
adventure but you’re never bored of it. The vocal
melodies are a little out there, and I think
that’s cool.”
THE CLANSMAN
(VIRTUAL XI, 1998)
M SHADOWS, AVENGED SEVENFOLD
There may be Maiden fans for While much of the rest of allure when sung by everyone’s
whom 1998’s Virtual XI was a Virtual XI struggled to hold the favourite airline pilot. The
convenient entry point into the attention (not least the definitive version of the song
band’s world, but few would overlong The Angel And The can be found on 2002’s Rock In
claim that it is one of the band’s Gambler), The Clansman stood Rio live album, wherein Bruce
strongest records. But then, of out as a Maiden classic, one of injected fresh impetus into a
course, there is The Clansman. Blaze’s finest ever vocal song that sums up the band’s
Steve Harris has often performances and, more never-say-die spirit. The
expressed his love for epic importantly, firm evidence that Clansman also seems oddly
movies and cited film sound- Steve Harris was still more than pertinent in today’s Trump-
tracks as an enduring source of capable of writing songs that bothered world: ‘It’s a time
inspiration, so there was a could compel an entire arena full wrought with fear/It’s a land
certain inevitability to the news of fans to bellow along with wrought with change/If ancestors
that the Blaze Bayley-fronted maximum enthusiasm. When could hear what is happening
Maiden had recorded a song Maiden hit the road in support of now/They would turn in their
inspired by Mel Gibson’s Virtual XI, the song was greeted graves/They would all be
box-office triumph, Braveheart, like an old friend, as thousands ashamed/That the land of the
the story of William Wallace, roared “Freeeedoooooom!” and free has been written in chains.’
13th-century Scottish warrior Blaze revelled in the moment.
and kilt-sporting badass. The After the singer’s departure and STEVE SAYS: “It’s a song I really
movie itself was undoubtedly the return of Bruce and Adrian loved playing live. I’d love to do
overblown and historically Smith in 1999, Maiden were that again. It’s a real rabble-
suspect, but the essence of its somewhat excused from having rouser, I think. There’s a lot of
message – the victory of the to perform Blaze-era songs, but different emotions in that song
oppressed over their oppressors The Clansman remained in the and it has all that singalong
– was perfect for a heavy metal setlist for a good while and stuff. It’s a powerful song and
anthem. seemed to grow in power and a good choice!”
GETTY
Bruce blowing away Madison Square
Garden. “Scream for me, New York!”
THE WICKER MAN

(BRAVE NEW WORLD, 2000)
How do you inform the world that Bruce Dickinson
and Adrian Smith’s returns to the Maiden fold are a
success? By launching your new album with a
fucking grenade of a track. One of Maiden’s
all-time great opening songs.
RUN TO THE HILLS

(THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST, 1982)
“It’s a song that I have sung many times! I can hit
all of the notes in that one, but I’m not comparing
myself to Bruce – I’d never do that! It’s just a
fucking great song, an all-time classic. I don’t want
people to think of me as a weirdo who picked some
obscure B-side, so I’m going with one of the
greatest songs ever made.”
CRISTINA SCABBIA, LACUNA COIL
CAN I PLAY WITH MADNESS

“The first Maiden song I ever heard! The awesome
video was doing the rounds on MTV and teenaged
me was transfixed. Woe betide the ears of anyone
standing near me when they launch into it live!”
VANESSA THORPE, PRODUCTION EDITOR
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

(IRON MAIDEN, 1980)
“I first heard Phantom Of The Opera when that first
Maiden album came out in 1980, and it was so
different to anything else out there. The riffs, the
arrangement, the cycles it goes through… I love
it, man. It’s such a unique song, it’s my favourite
by them.”
KIRK HAMMETT, METALLICA
POWERSLAVE
(POWERSLAVE, 1984)
THESE COLOURS
DON’T RUN
(A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, 2006)
WASTED YEARS
(SOMEWHERE IN TIME, 1986)
Whether it’s the triumphant call to “I love the guitar line in the
Adorned with the most spectacular had been working on, and the end arms of the track itself or the fact its beginning. It’s just super-
artwork they had yet conceived, result is not just one of Bruce’s title references the infamous Maiden triumphant, man. One of those
Iron Maiden’s fifth album was an greatest ever songs, but one of vs Sharon Osbourne Ozzfest episode, songs where you can see people on
imperious statement made by a Maiden’s most iconic anthems. there’s something that resonates horses galloping into the night, but
band at the height of their powers As for Dave Murray’s mellifluous deeply about this cut from the ace A it isn’t corny. How can you have this
and (shortly thereafter) mid-song solo? Heavy metal Matter Of Life And Death album. song that sounds like these guys
popularity. Its title track may have has never been more joyously riding into the homes of the natives
been initially overshadowed by spinetingling. and not make it sound corny? It’s
Rime Of The Ancient Mariner’s WRATHCHILD so gratifying.”
colossal girth, but Powerslave is the STEVE SAYS: “Again, it’s a great (KILLERS, 1981) BEN WEINMAN,
album’s true high point: epic, song. Powerslave has become one “It’s like a picking a favourite child, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
atmospheric, dramatic and heavier of the great epics in the set over but the first one that springs to mind
than an iron pyramid, it deftly the years, and quite rightly so. is Wrathchild. The lyrics, the riffs, the
nailed the ancient Egyptian vibes Bruce was pleased as punch when drums… everything about that 2 MINUTES
presented by Derek Riggs’ he came up with that. It was three song. I think it speaks to all metal TO MIDNIGHT
incredible artwork (“Into the abyss different ideas he had and I fans. If you don’t like Wrathchild, (POWERSLAVE, 1984)
I’ll fall, the Eye of Horus!”) while suggested he made one fantastic you’re not an Iron Maiden fan! The “It combines the very best of
introducing a newly refined sense song instead of three different first record I ever bought was Killers. Maiden. There’s metal fury,
of dynamics and, dare we say it, ones. It’s a very powerful song. When I got that record, that song technicality… it’s a big metal
subtlety into Iron Maiden’s sound. When you think about it, we’ve just spoke to me and it still does.” banger! It became this huge MTV
According to Steve Harris, the song got loads of epics now. That’s JOEY JORDISON, VIMIC hit despite never going anywhere
was assembled from several great. Powerslave is definitely up near a major key, and it has one
distinct ideas that Bruce Dickinson there with the best of them.” THE NUMBER of the best ever Maiden riffs and
OF THE BEAST choruses.”
(THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST, 1982) TOM MORELLO, PROPHETS OF RAGE
“It’s got to be The Number Of
The Beast, for sure. We were
on at the same time as them at BLOOD BROTHERS
Graspop in Belgium, (BRAVE NEW WORLD, 2000)
so we had a pretty “As good as metal gets – an epic,
small crowd. We swaying, emotionally charged
went over to watch masterpiece from an album that can
them afterwards, and go toe-to-toe with any of Maiden’s
when they played 80s classics. It proved beyond a
The Number Of The shadow of a doubt that Maiden were
Beast it was back in business on a major level,
awesome!” and still stands as one of their
AHREN STRINGER, all-time-best tracks.”
THE AMITY MERLIN ALDERSLADE, EDITOR
AFFLICTION
RUNNING FREE
(IRON MAIDEN, 1980)
“I remember watching the Live At
THE RED AND Donington version as a kid. Bruce
THE BLACK really revs up the crowd and they
(THE BOOK OF SOULS, 2015) added cool new bits into the song.
Were it not for Empire Of The Clouds It’s just got so much energy. It’s such
hogging all the attention due to its a gutsy track.”
maddening length and curious JOEL O’KEEFFE, AIRBOURNE
concept, The Book Of Souls would
surely have been defined by this
absolute stunner. A 13+ minute,
emotionally driven voyage with
some stunning three-pronged guitar
work, this isn’t just one of Maiden’s
modern triumphs, but an un-fuck-
withable classic.
CLASSIC ROCK’S DEFINITIVE
GUIDE TO GUNS N’ ROSES
Covering the past and continuing adventures of Guns N’ Roses, this bookazine
from the makers of Classic Rock magazine reveals the true story of the band’s
hit-making and decade-spanning career by the people who were there
ON SALE
NOW

Adrian Smith, Steve Harris, Dave Murray
FEAR OF THE DARK and Janick Gers on Maiden’s frontline
(FEAR OF THE DARK, 1992)

“It encapsulates everything about the band – the
catchy riffs that the crowd can sing along to, the
energy that the band puts in… It’s gripping for
nearly seven and a half minutes and the best live
song in music!”
STUART ROSE
THE EVIL THAT MEN DO

“We’ve covered this one, and we had a really good
time working through that song and trying to
make it our own. And it’s collectively our favourite
Iron Maiden song. The chorus is really high and the
lyrics are ridiculous… although I guess you could
say that about any Maiden song! But what’s not
to like?!”
WILL GOULD, CREEPER
GETTY
ACES HIGH
(POWERSLAVE, 1984)
PASCHENDALE
(DANCE OF DEATH, 2003)
“I have been a fan of this band since 1990,
W
ever since they came to play my hometown of ar has always been a major thematic goosebump-inducing dynamics, as it lurches from
Warsaw, Poland, and it only recently struck me inspiration in metal, both as a metaphor restrained, unsettling quiet to eruptions of power
how great the onomatopoeic sounds created by for life’s struggles and to acknowledge and volume, all driven along by Nicko McBrain’s
the guitarists were. You can virtually hear the the heroism of those who fought to preserve our thrillingly expressive drumming. An instant
engines roar and the guns firing!” freedoms. Maiden’s knack for vivid storytelling show-stopper when Maiden hit the road to
MARCIN ZDYBICKI has never seemed more potent than when promote that new album, Paschendale also gave
wrapped around a genuine historical event, and Bruce an opportunity to throw himself bodily into
IRON MAIDEN with that in mind, no Maiden songs exerts more conveying the true drama inherent in the song’s
(IRON MAIDEN, 1980) emotional clout or unnerving intensity than meaning and delivery. As Bruce sang, the band’s
While there have been a couple of better songs Paschendale. stage set seemed to morph into a hazy,
produced in Maiden’s time together (more on that The Battle Of Passchendaele (its correct bloodsoaked battlefield and, by no means for the
in a second), this is surely still the anthem that Belgian spelling) took place in Belgium during first time, Iron Maiden’s legendarily spectacular
defines them. Perfectly melding the sparky punk WWI between July and November 1917. Allied live show seemed to transform into something
attack that is spread across their first album with a forces were seeking to wrestle control of the city beyond simple entertainment. Nostalgia may
heavy metal weight and sense of melody that of Ypres from the German Empire and to block the dictate that earlier Maiden songs are more
would hint at things to come, there’s a reason Iron German army’s supply lines. More than 400,000 regularly celebrated, but Paschendale stands as
Maiden remains the one track to never get dropped British and German soldiers were slaughtered in one of the band’s greatest ever creations.
from their sets. After all, what would Eddie do one of the war’s most senseless and gruesome
without it? campaigns. Once again, Maiden have long STEVE SAYS: “Adrian came up with the idea for
exhibited a knack for summing up the brutality of that one. I helped arrange and write and take it
conflict and Adrian Smith’s initial idea, to write a where I felt it needed to go. But yeah, it’s just a
THE TROOPER song about this most hideous of war stories, big, epic song. It was a very enjoyable song to
(PIECE OF MIND, 1983) could hardly have been more fitting. What is truly play, but you had to concentrate! I was really
“It’s got to be The Trooper. That riff. I was never a extraordinary about the resulting song is how happy with the way it came out. I’d like to play
massive Maiden fan when I was a kid – I was much elegantly the guitarist’s monumental musical it again, for sure.”
more into heavier bands like Pantera – but I went ideas meshed seamlessly with the bitter, bruised
back to them when I was a bit older and I just don’t poetry of the lyrics, meticulously
think you can fuck with them or songs like this. evoking the horror and
It’s a classic – and really heavy!” futility of what took
DANI WINTER-BATES, BURY TOMORROW place on that
battlefield:
‘In the smoke, in the
mud and lead/Smell the fear
and the feeling of dread/Soon be time to go over the
wall/Rapid fire and the end of us all…’
Iron Maiden’s musical progress in the
21st century has very much been about the
expanding and harnessing of more overtly
progressive ideals, resulting in longer songs,
more elaborate arrangements and ever more
absorbing lyrical conceits. When Dance Of Death
hit the shops in September 2003, Paschendale
seemed to represent the zenith of that approach.
Structurally inspired, it’s a masterclass in
HALLOWED
BE THY NAME
(NUMBER OF THE BEAST, 1982)
‘I
’m waiting in my symphony. Like all great
cold cell/When the stories, it has a beginning,
bell begins to a middle and an end, but
chime…’ like all great anthems, it
If writing immortal has several unforgettable
heavy metal anthems was hooks, too.
easy, everyone would be Beyond bringing their
doing it. breakthrough album to a
Iron Maiden mastered stunning close, Hallowed
the art of writing songs Be Thy Name has also been
that every fan wants to an incredibly important
scream along with early in live song for Maiden over
their career, with instant the decades. Traditionally
crowd-pleasers like a set closer, it was almost
Running Free and obligatory at the band’s
Wrathchild swiftly entering gigs from its first
the established metal canon. performance in 1982 until the conclusion of the
But it wasn’t until the band’s third album, their Final Frontier tour at the O2 Arena in London in
first with Bruce Dickinson and a record that August 2011. Many fans were distraught when the
would turn them into superstars, that the song disappeared from subsequent setlists –
finishing touches were put to Steve Harris’s although, it has to be said, Maiden have more
blueprint for the Maiden sound. The Number Of than enough great songs to distract us with – and
The Beast was full of definitive moments, from it’s no exaggeration to say that joy was
Run To The Hills’ chart-busting fury to Children Of unconfined when Hallowed… was reintroduced
The Damned’s dark melodrama, but it was the for the Book Of Souls tour.
final track on the album that had the greatest The song, and Bruce Dickinson’s high-energy
and most enduring impact. demands for crowd participation during it, have
Superficially, Hallowed Be Thy Name is a song become such a part of the Maiden live experience
about a man facing execution and his thoughts as over the years that it must now be pretty much
he awaits “the gallows pole”. An early example of inconceivable that they will ever drop it from
the existential uncertainty that Steve Harris has their sets again. Or, at least, we hope that’s the
since expressed regularly through his lyrics, the case.
song is plainly a lot deeper in theme and thought Considering its length and its complexity,
than it first appears. Hallowed Be Thy Name has defied the odds to
The doomed man’s terror of the unknown, his become one of the greatest metal anthems of all
regrets, his despair and, as the song draws to a time. It has been covered on countless occasions,
close, some degree of acceptance and surrender most notably by Machine Head, Cradle Of Filth,
to the void… well, let’s just say that Hallowed Be Iced Earth and Dream Theater (the latter having
Thy Name is no Party Hard. In some ways it was an performed The Number Of The Beast live in its
unexpectedly profound statement from a band entirety in 2002), but it is also one of very few
that had certainly touched upon big ideas before, songs that have transcended mere popularity and
but never with the precision and poetry that passed into the emotional fabric of the world of
Steve conjured for The Number Of The Beast’s heavy music.
explosive denouement. No wonder that Steve Harris himself cites the
While Hallowed’s lyrics are certainlypowerful song as his favourite Maiden song of all. Hallowed
and memorable, they would not have had the Be Thy Name sits at the top of this list because it’s
same effect on the Maiden faithful and the wider not just Iron Maiden’s greatest ever song – it
metal world beyond had the music underpinning might just be the greatest heavy metal song of all
them not been up to scratch. Luckily for time.
everyone, Steve’s singular vision enabled him to
attain his creative goal of bringing thunderous, STEVE SAYS: “If someone who’d never heard
melodic heavy rock and adventurous, progressive Maiden before – someone from another planet or
song structures together. From its ominous, something – asked you about Maiden, what would
restrained intro, with its tolling bells and Dave you play them? I think Hallowed… is the one. It’s
Murray’s classical guitar, to the numerous always nice to rest songs if you’ve been playing
gloriously fluid twists and turns, all drenched in them forever, because when you bring them back
Dave and Adrian Smith’s blissful harmonies, it’s exciting again. It’s always enjoyable to play
Hallowed Be Thy Name is an immaculate mini- that one.”
“I’D PLAY HALLOWED… TO SOMEONE

WHO’D NEVER HEARD MAIDEN”IT’S THEIR DEFINITIVE MOMENT, SAYS STEVE HARRIS
www.classicrockmagazine.com
148FROM
PAGES
THE
ARCHIVE
9001
IRON MAIDEN – THE COMPLETE STORY

From the Classic Rock & Metal Hammer archives
FRONT COVER COPYRIGHT: IRON MAIDEN LLP 2019, BACK COVER; BRUCE: JOHN McMURTRIE; MAIN IMAGE: GETTY
EXCLUSIVE THE STORIES BEHIND THEIR 50

INTERVIEWS THE ALBUMS GREATEST SONGS
9000
40 YEARS OF CHATS, SPATS AND EVERY MAIDEN ALBUM IN THE AS VOTED FOR BY YOU
ON-THE-ROAD ADVENTURES BAND’S OWN WORDS – AND THE STORIES BEHIND THEM

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NEW!

Future plc is a public company Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne

10 The Birth Of NWOBHM

20 The Number Of The Beast

36 Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son

44 The Steve Harris Interview

66 A Matter Of Life And Death

74 Somewhere Back In Time

96 The Story Of Maiden’s Success

104 The Book Of Souls

118 The Bruce Dickinson Interview

124 The Legacy Of The Beast

132 The Book Of Eddie

136 The 50 Greatest Iron Maiden

Ordering is easy. Go online at:

Paul Sears: We met

Steve ‘Loopy’ Newhouse: Bruce Dickinson,

Ashley Goodall: By June I had decided I wanted

Paul Mario Day Bob Sawyer

“I worked close to where “I was never auditioned

“I was in a band called Remus Down Boulevard.

“THE FIRST ALBUM DIDN’T

There was also a moment, during the recording

than life character.”

“PAUL DI’ANNO WAS READ THE RIOT ACT AND

Smith, second right.

THE ART OF THE BEAST

“The manager phoned me up and said they

H A R D GRAFT, DODGY TROUSERS AND GIANT

song that Maiden had released at that point.

Derek Riggs’ stunning artwork

Nicko is all white on the night

An incredible 107,000 fans turned out to watch

to another world and it’s very much

squall, most significant on 18-minute much great music around. Looking É

“Genesis were never the

Ha ha! Well, you’d probably be even

trying to be a Would it be fair to say that Maiden’s

The other great concept album of the

Okay, so as a huge Gabriel-era Genesis

Your own side-project, British Lion, is a

I don’t really know the reason for it.

Your new album The Book Of Souls is

Was there just the slightest twinge

As someone who seems almost Hammers of the gods: on

Ordering is easy. Go online at:

upgrade Eddie for the 90s,” Smallwood explained.

a song for which he wrote the lyrics and melody,

“My little girl is four,” he says. “So for me, leaving to

Ordering is easy. Go online at:

“HAVING THREE LEAD

forever,” Kevin explains. “But I could maturing as people or because this

Iron Maiden (left to right):

Iron Maiden (left to right):

Ordering is easy. Go online at:

SETLIS TAces High night

IRON MAIDEN are the greatest metal band on

FEEL A SENSE OF fuck did we agree to be in it?

ALL BEEN PART OF

We’ll stay this side of the