More than tours that have encircled the globe or chart-smashing records that have inspired a fan base that can be found in every time zone, the near mythical status and undeniable cultural impact of Iron Maiden cannot be overstated. Yet it’s the fact that theirs is a tale which is still unfolding to this day which is truly worthy of note. Maiden, simply, take no prisoners – not then, and not now, and in the decades since they cut their teeth they’ve grown to embody a spirit of fearless creative independence, unswerving dedication to their fans, and a cheerful indifference to their critics that can only be described as legendary. By 1980 Iron Maiden had already earned themselves a cast-iron reputation for ferocious live-shows and a fiercely loyal following to match. Inspired by heavy rock and tempered by the heat of the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal, theirs was an upward ascent that would culminate in a landmark self-titled album debut which would immediately elevate them above their peers and serve as the prologue to a truly remarkable story that has captured the imagination of music lovers of every country, colour and creed. Emblazoned with the totemic image of Eddie, a ghoulish yet undeniably handsome and mysterious figure whose tantalizing image would go on to feature on every album and countless t-shirts hence, it was nothing less than a groundbreaking statement of intent. Many more would follow. The rapturous response to 1981 follow-up Killers would confirm the growing suspicion that this was a band in a class of its own, and ensuing tours of Japan and the States as well as the UK and Europe would affirm both Maiden’s international appeal and their relentless commitment to reach fans wherever, wherever they are. However it was really the release of their third album – 1982’s incendiary The Number Of The Beast – and a bold line-up change which would see original singer Paul Di’Anno replaced by ex-Samson frontman Bruce Dickinson that would set the scene for the epic chapters to come. A chart-smashing success, it would kick off a decade of now classic releases and dogged touring that would come to epitomise the indefatigable gallop that Maiden are so well known for. That marvellous decade would also yield seven new studio albums, seven world tours and one of the most revered and influential concert albums of all time; the seminal Live After Death. What makes these qualities even more notable is that they developed almost entirely without the acknowledgement of mainstream media. While celebrity culture and the next-big-thing occupied the airwaves, Iron Maiden were embarking on the marathon 192-date 1984/5 World Slavery Tour, playing at Rock In Rio in 1985, and mounting a command performance at the biggest-ever Monsters Of Rock festival at Donington in 1988 with 107,000 fans in attendance. But it’s really Iron Maiden’s gritty resolve to always push the boundaries that gives their career such astonishing distinction. From historically groundbreaking performances in Poland behind the Iron Curtain in 1984 at the height of the Cold War, around South America in 1991, through the Middle East and India in 2007, and Indonesia in 2011 among many others, Iron Maiden’s relentless forward momentum has left an indelible impression on the globe. The changing landscape of the ‘90s proved to be a difficult time for heavy metal bands in general, but Iron Maiden pressed ever-forward, notching up yet more success with albums like 1992’s acclaimed Fear Of The Dark and even weathering the departure of Bruce Dickinson in 1993. The band made two strong albums with new singer Blaze Bayley and continued to honour their commitment to intensive touring. However, it was the return of Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith (who originally left the band in 1990) in 1999 when Iron Maiden became a six-piece, that established the ultimate Iron Maiden line-up of Bruce Dickinson on vocals, Steve Harris on bass, Nicko McBrain on drums and “the three amigos” – Adrian Smith, Dave Murray and Janick Gers - on guitar, and heralded a new golden age of Maiden and the band’s monumental third act. It began with the release of the landmark Brave New World album in 2000, swiftly followed by 2003’s diverse and ingenious Dance Of Death album and its dark and daring follow-up, 2006’s A Matter Of Life And Death...
