News emerged in 2000 that one of IRON MAIDEN's earliest guitarists, Tony Parsons, had created an IRON MAIDEN tribute band named METALWORKS 2000. Active on the London club circuit, the band also included other high profile musicians such ex-ALICE COOPER and THE ALMIGHTY guitarist Pete 'Freezin' Friezin and former FANCY, AXIS POINT, TYTAN, LIONHEART and JUDAS PRIEST drummer Les Binks.

Friesen and Binks also operated another Rock covers outfit dubbed THE SHAKERS alongside vocalist / guitarist Tom Lundy of THE POORMOUTH and bassist Eamonn Doyle. The drummer would also maintain a position with Country Folk unit FAINTIN' GOATS.