Iron Maiden

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Contents 1 History 2 Fact File 3 Discography 3.1 Studio Albums 3.2 Live Albums 3.3 Collection Albums 4 Tour Dates

[edit] History

The first incarnation founded in 1975 at the time of punk, many in the record business thought that Iron Maiden would never make it big unless they became more mainstream and commercialised (Oh, and cut their hair). However, that never stopped Steve Harris and his band mates from pursuing their dreams, and I for one am extremely glad for that.

From humble beginnings in the East End of London, Maiden have progressed to become one of the biggest heavy metal bands of all time. They pioneered the NWOBHM, they conquered the U.S; a massive achievement for any British rock band. They achieved number one singles in the charts around the world, and in particular, they have managed Uk chart success, a feat which seems impossible to any rock band nowadays, judging from the sheer amount of crap in the top ten. And more over they have sold more than 100 million albums world-wide, and have had 11 Top ten albums.

The sound is best described as loud, melodic and varied. Iron Maiden still play 'old school' melodic heavy metal, with a fiery, treble lead guitar assault wonderfully backed by thumping drum beats and steady bass. Bruce's voice would be described by some as a 'shrieking siren' (he has affectionately been dubbed the air raid siren!) but others would argue that it is the voice of heavy metal. Basically his voice is powerful, and moving but yet can be softer and emotional when necessary, a truely versatile singer.

The current 6 piece line-up (another interesting feature) are; Steve Harris and David Murray (the only two original members of the band) on base and guitar respectively; Adrian Smith and Janick Gers on guitars, Nicko McBrain on drums, and vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

If you've never heard Iron Maiden, then you should definitely try them if you're into the whole heavy rock scene. Arguably for fans of Manowar, Hammerfall, Judas Priest and even Megadeath, but take a look if your a fan of newer, speed/power metal bands Dragonforce or Rhapsody. Iron Maiden also still put on a great live show and are well worth seeing.

[edit] Fact File

Band Name: Iron Maiden

Nationality: British.

Year Founded: 1975.

Founder: Steve Harris.

Members: Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain, Bruce Dickinson, David Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers.

First Major Chart Success:

• Album: Iron Maiden (chart position 4 in UK)
• Single: Run to the Hills, from album The Number of the Beast (chart position 7 in UK)

Current Album: Dance of Death. Also out now, new "The Early Days" DVD.

Best Introductory Albums:

• Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
• Best of the Beast
• Number of the Beast
• Brave New World

Current/Next Tour: 2005 European Tour Promoting DVD.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio Albums

• Iron Maiden (1980)
• Killers (1981)
• The Number of the Beast (1982)
• Piece of Mind (1983)
• Powerslave (1984)
• Somewhere in Time (1986)
• Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
• No Prayer for the Dying (1990)
• Fear of the Dark (1992)
• The X-Factor (1995)
• Virtual XI (1998)
• Brave New World (2000)
• Dance of Death (2003)

[edit] Live Albums

• Maiden Japan (1981)
• Live After Death (1985)
• A Real Live One (1993)
• A Real Dead One (1993)
• Live at Donington '92 (1994)
• A Real Live Dead One (1998)
• Rock in Rio (2002)

[edit] Collection Albums

• Best of the Beast (1996)
• Edward the Great (2002)

[edit] Tour Dates

• France: Paris, Parc De Princes (25/06/2005) - Tickets still available for 45 Euros (see the official site for more information)
• Norway: Oslo Spektrum (28/06/2005, 29/06/2005)
• Finland: Helsink, Hartwall Arena (06/07/2005, 07/07/2005)
• Sweden: Gothenburg, Ullevi Stadium (09/07/2005)