1975 to 1978

Emanating from the mid 70's Punk ridden East End of London, IRON MAIDEN challenged the New Wave by delivering highly charged, no compromise Heavy Metal. Within a few short years IRON MAIDEN had eclipsed all others to gain the undisputed title of the biggest British Heavy Metal band. IRON MAIDEN would reign unchallenged until an unwelcome change of frontman in the mid 90's.

Formed by bassist Steve Harris and taking their name from a spiked coffin torture device IRON MAIDEN underwent many personnel changes from their initial 1975 line-up. Harris started out as part of INFLUENCE, a band that soon adopted the title of GYPSY'S KISS in time for their debut Poplar, East London gig in 1973 performed by the band line-up comprising of vocalist Bob Verschoyle, guitarist Dave Smith, bassist Harris and drummer Paul Sears. In the main, GYPSY'S KISS gigs were centred around the London pub circuit and the band featured many covers in their set from the likes of DEEP PURPLE and FREE.

After a handful of gigs, Harris joined Boogie merchants SMILER joining vocalist Dennis Wilcock, guitarists Mick and Tony Clee and drummer Doug Sampson. Harris departed in 1975 to form IRON MAIDEN roping in vocalist Paul Mario Day, guitarists Terry Rance and Dave Sullivan and drummer Ron 'Rebel' Matthews.

Paul Mario Day was soon ousted in favour of ex-SMILER and WARLOCK vocalist Dennis Wilcock who added lurid stage theatrics, such as garish make-up and blood spurting to the act. Rance and Sullivan also lost their positions to guitarists Dave Murray, previously with EVIL WAY, and Bob 'Angelo' Sawyer. Mario Day later fronted MORE, WILDFIRE and the SWEET.

A matter of months passed before Sawyer was out and Murray's initial tenure was also short-lived as within six months he had joined URCHIN and IRON MAIDEN became a single guitar band recruiting ex-HOOKER musician Terry Wapram and also adding keyboardist Tony Moore. However, Ron Matthews left, later turning up with WEAPON in 1983, in TORMÉ for a live album in 1984 and much later in 1999 as part of ATOMIC ROOSTER. In his stead came Barry Purkis. IRON MAIDEN's new drummer had a heritage with numerous acts dating back to INOMINE PATRIS in 1972 but this revised line-up only completed one gig.

With both Moore and Wapram leaving for pastures new, Dave Murray was enticed back from URCHIN, although the line-up ructions were far from over as Wilcock quit followed by Purkis. The latter adopted the stage name of THUNDERSTICK and joined Blues Rock orientated competitors SAMSON, whilst Wilcock united with ex IRON MAIDEN guitarist Terry Wapram to form VI. IRON MAIDEN was re-assembled during 1978 bringing in ex-SMILER drummer Doug Sampson and adding former BIRD OF PREY vocalist PAUL DIANNO for a stable group.

On the very last day of 1978 IRON MAIDEN recorded the now legendary EP 'The Soundhouse Tapes' at Spaceward Studios in Cambridge, taking the title from Neal Kay's club at the Prince of Wales public house in Kingsbury, North West London. The group recorded four tracks originally, 'Iron Maiden', 'Invasion', 'Prowler' and 'Strange World' but time constraints prevented the latter track being fully produced and so the EP emerged as a three tracker. It is worth noting that although Paul Cairns was still installed on second guitar, it was Dave Murray that in fact recorded all the guitar parts on 'The Soundhouse Tapes'.

1979 to 1980

IRON MAIDEN employed a variety of second guitarists throughout 1979. Paul Cairns, who was a member at the time of recording 'The Soundhouse Tapes', although had not performed on these tracks, was replaced by Paul Todd. This candidate was featured in a band photograph but his entire band tenure lasted a mere two days. Dave Mac was next in line, but his supposed timid nature onstage led to his rapid departure after just a handful of concerts.

Promoting 'The Soundhouse Tapes' EP, live shows at this point included a debut headliner at London's Marquee club, on October 19th 1979, with PRAYING MANTIS as support, plus a valuable support to MOTÖRHEAD. The 7" vinyl version of 'The Soundhouse Tapes' was officially released on November 9th. Interest was such that IRON MAIDEN began what was to be a lengthy relationship with EMI Records when the band, with Tony Parsons on second guitar at this point, scored two tracks on the 1979 NWoBHM compilation album 'Metal For Muthas'.

EMI Records signed the band in December 1979 following a further batch of sold out Marquee headliners, having by now enjoyed being championed by 'Sounds' and London based Rock Club DJ Neil Kay. IRON MAIDEN immediately entered EMI's Manchester Square Studios to cut tracks, 'Sanctuary' and 'Wrathchild', for inclusion on the 'Metal For Muthas' compilation album. However, in early 1980 Parsons was asked to leave and in came Dennis Stratton. And a further change came when Sampson left to be replaced by ex-SAMSON drummer Clive Burr.

Stratton pre-IRON MAIDEN had been involved with UNITED. This 1978 act, fronted by Stratton, featured the veteran Andy Pyle on bass (of THE KINKS, SAVOY BROWN, ALVIN LEE and JUICY LUCY), John Gosling on keyboards (THE KINKS) and drummer Ron Berg (SAVOY BROWN). When Stratton quit to join IRON MAIDEN Pyle, Berg and Gosling stuck together to create NETWORK. Previous to UNITED, Stratton was also playing the London clubs with REMUS DOWN BOULEVARD, this band including two live tracks on the 1978 album 'Live- A Week At The Bridge E16'.

IRON MAIDEN began their live action for the year by headlining the 'Metal For Muthas' tour, which comprised a bill featuring PRAYING MANTIS and local supports. These dates kicked off on February 1st at Aberdeen University running right through until March 2nd at Birmingham's Top Rank Club. Their 'Running Free' debut single charted and IRON MAIDEN entered the history books by becoming the first band to perform live on 'Top Of The Pops' since THE WHO in 1973.

On March 7th 1980 IRON MAIDEN opened for JUDAS PRIEST's British tour at Cardiff University. Opinion during the tour was divided as to whether IRON MAIDEN were merely JUDAS PRIEST copyists or bona fide contenders, both Dianno and Murray in particular seemingly emulating their counterparts, Rob Halford and KK Downing, in the headline band in their choice of stage gear. However, enough fans were impressed to launch the debut IRON MAIDEN album. The self-titled outing, produced by Will Malone at Kingsway Studios in London was released in the aftermath of the JUDAS PRIEST dates on the 11th April and entered at number 4 in the British charts.

Leading up to 'Iron Maiden's release, the group had performed their inaugural major headlining show at London's Rainbow Theatre on April 1st, supported by PRAYING MANTIS once again. A brace of Marquee Club shows ensued on the 2nd and 3rd as a precursor to another landmark concert, Iron Maiden's debut outside of the UK at the Wheel Pop festival in Kotrjik, Belgium on the 5th.

American editions of the album came with an extra track 'Sanctuary'. The band had re-recorded both 'Metal For Muthas' tracks for the debut album, 'Sanctuary' subsequently featuring a differently composed guitar solo from Dennis Stratton and adding a police siren effect. However, 'Sanctuary's supposed objectionable lyrics meant it would not see the light of day in the UK until a 1990 CD re-issue.

Flushed with success the band undertook a well attended 42 date headline British tour, once again with PRAYING MANTIS plus staunch disciple DJ Neal Kay as guests, commencing May 15th at Lincoln's Drill Hall. A batch of early July Marquee Club stands saw support from RAVEN and FIST. Another first took place on July 19th, IRON MAIDEN performing in Scandinavia for the first time on a BAD MANNERS headed bill at the 'Kuusrock' festival in Oulu, Finland. IRON MAIDEN also put in a scorching performance at the annual Reading Rock Festival on August 23rd headlined by UFO before setting off on a tour of Europe opening for KISS, on the US outfit's 'Unmasked' tour. This trek debuted the band into many more countries, such principal occasions including Castle St. Angelo in Rome, Italy on August 29th, the Messehalle in Nuremburg, Germany on September 11th, the Parc des Expositions in Avignon, France on the 23rd, Sankt Jacobshalle in Basel, Switzerland on the 29th, the Groenoordhal in Lieden, Holland on October 5th, the Eriksdalshallen in Stockholm, Sweden on the 9th, the Brøndbyhallen in Copenhagen, Denmark on the 9th and the Drammenshallen in Drammen, Norway on the 13th, the last concert by the band in this formation.

With little knowledge of IRON MAIDEN's turbulent past, it came as something of a surprise to many fans when the announcement came that Dennis Stratton had quit upon the KISS tour's completion and was replaced by ex-URCHIN and BROADWAY BRATS guitarist Adrian Smith. The new look Iron Maiden's first performance came on November 8th for the 'Rock Pop' television show filmed in Munich, Germany. This change in the roster didn't stop the crowds from filling out a British headline tour, gearing up on November 21st at Uxbridge Brunel University, and sending another single. In a rare excursion for the band they had covered 'Women In Uniform', a track from the legendary Australian band SKYHOOKS.

'Women In Uniform' was also the sole studio track on the Japanese import 'Live!! + One' EP, the three live tracks ('Sanctuary', 'Phantom Of The Opera' and 'Drifter') having been recorded at a London Marquee show in July 1980.

IRON MAIDEN rounded off an eventful year in celebratory with a gig at London's Rainbow Theatre on December 21st. This show was filmed for the 'Iron Maiden' video, released in May 1981. However, technical difficulties onstage meant lucky fans attending on the night witnessed the group running through the set twice over in order to get a good take.

1981

With second album 'Killers', the group took on board producer Martin Birch, known for his catalogue of work with DEEP PURPLE and BLACK SABBATH. 'Killers', laid down at Battery Studios, was released in February 1981. The instrumental album opener, 'The Ides Of March', was in fact a re-work of a former track co-written by ex-drummer Thunderstick. The ousted sticksman took the track to his next band, SAMSON, who recorded a version of 'Thunderburst' on their 1980 'Head On' album. IRON MAIDEN also re-recorded 'Wrathchild', originally found on the 'Metal For Muthas' compilation. Another early track, 'Floating', was re-constructed into 'Purgatory'. Short on material, the group also threw in a last minute instrumental entitled 'Genghis Kahn'. Yet again, North American editions came complete with an extra track in 'Twilight Zone'. 'Killers' gained a number 12 position on the UK charts and would peak at number 78 in the USA.

IRON MAIDEN succeeded in grinding through a mammoth world tour, kicking off at the Gaumont Hall, Ipswich on February 17th with a British headline tour supported by French veterans TRUST. These shows closed at London's Hammersmith Odeon on March 15th. The first single offering from the album, 'Twilight Zone', gave IRON MAIDEN a number 31 position on the UK charts. Hopping over the English Channel, the band allied themselves with MORE and OCEAN for European dates commencing three days later at the Palais St. Sauveur in Lille, France. With the French run completed, MORE stayed on as running mates right through Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland and Germany. However, a set of German and Scandinavian shows scheduled for May was cancelled.

IRON MAIDEN's Far Eastern debut took place on May 21st at the Kosei Nenkin Hall in Toko, Japan. The band played five shows, including a matinee show and evening gig on the 24th at the Tokyo Nakano Sun Plaza Hall. These concerts were taped for release as the 'Maiden Japan' EP.

Next on the agenda was IRON MAIDEN's opening opportunity to impress what was to become their biggest market. IRON MAIDEN's intro tape to 'The Ides Of March' gave US audiences their first taste of the band as they supported JUDAS PRIEST once again on their 'Point Of Entry' tour at the Las Vegas Aladdin Hotel on June 3rd. The band stuck with JUDAS PRIEST through Arizona and Texas before jumping off for a batch of headline shows, including their debut in Canada on the 19th at the Toronto Concert Hall. Back opening for JUDAS PRIEST, the group stayed with this package until July 30th at the Tower Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before undertaking a brace of Californian gigs, at the Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino and the Long Beach Arena in Los Angeles, guesting for UFO.

The b and returned to Europe to perform 'Sunrise' festival dates alongside KANSAS, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT and MOTÖRHEAD. Other notable concerts included a support to FOREIGNER at the Sport Park in Barloo, Holland on August 22nd, brief burst of French concerts opening for TRUST and IRON MAIDEN's live inauguration into Yugoslavia on September 6th, guesting for BJELE DUGME at the Belgrade Hippodrome. The previously cancelled concerts from May were re-scheduled and IRON MAIDEN's final blast supporting 'Killers' took place on September 10th at the Odd Fellow in Copenhagen, Denmark. Needless to say, such incessant touring had made 'Killers' a gold album in Britain, France and Japan. The live 'Maiden Japan' EP saw release in September, giving the band a number 43 chart placing at home and also importantly making an impression in the USA too, where it hit number 89. In Japan the EP was titled 'Heavy Metal Army'.

On the peak of this success, fans were rightly stunned when PAUL DIANNO announced he was quitting, apparently due to the strains of touring and rumours quickly began circulating as to the identity of his replacement. Indeed word alleged that IRON MAIDEN had secretly been auditioning singers whilst on tour in the America.

Still, the smart money was on SAMSON vocalist Paul Bruce 'Bruce' Dickinson and, indeed, the man was announced as IRON MAIDEN's new vocalist shortly after SAMSON appeared at the Reading Rock Festival and BRUCE DICKINSON promptly made his live debut with IRON MAIDEN at the Bologna Palasport in Italy during on October 26th 1981. Four more Italian shows were taken on before IRON MAIDEN introduced their new frontman to English fans at London's Rainbow Theatre on November 15th. The band then hastily got back to assembling songs for their next record. They did though close the year with a return to their former stomping ground at The Ruskin Arms pub, playing an unannounced gig to celebrate Dave Murray's birthday on December 23rd.

Meantime, the ousted Dianno created LONEWOLF then DIANNO for a far mellower outing than fans really desired. The man would later toughen up considerably over the years with BATTLEZONE and KILLERS but would always remain reliant on IRON MAIDEN material.

1982

IRON MAIDEN's third album, 'The Number Of The Beast', released in March 1982 proved a milestone, breaking the band internationally and giving the band numerous hit singles, including their first top ten smash with 'Run To The Hills', in Britain. As with 'Killers', IRON MAIDEN retained Martin Birch as producer, also employing Battery Studios once again. Due to contractual obligations with his previous management Dickinson was unable to officially assist in the songwriting.

Valuable profile building controversy was stoked by the title track, although in reality 'The Number Of The Beast' had been inspired by a Steve Harris nightmare. Nonetheless, with it's focus on the "666" chorus, a fair degree of stirring up tales of devil worship were to follow the band, particularly in the USA, for quite some time. Vincent Price had been approached to provide the opening narrative, a Biblical quotation from Revelations 13:18, but his price was deemed too high so an imitator was drafted.

The track 'The Prisoner' provided the band with some degree of publicity too. The songs lyrics dealt with the cult 60s television show of the same name and starring actor Patrick McGoohan donated his famous line "I am not a number, I am a free man!" as the intro. Other notable inclusions were highlighted by a return of the debut album's 'Charlotte the Harlot' character in '22, Acacia Avenue' and the sprawling 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', this track cited by many ardent fans as the group's finest achievement.

The galloping 'Run To The Hills', a tale of native American Indians, charged its way into the charts, hitting number 7, and remained entrenched in the rankings for a considerable time. Recognised as one of the band's finest moments, it would also stay lodged in the band's live set for perpetuity.

Lead off date on the 'Beast On The Road' tour was at Queensway Hall in Dunstable on February 25th, the band's first UK headline tour, closing on March 20th at London's Hammersmith Odeon, seeing THE RODS as support act. The band crossed the North Sea for a European tour packaged with BLACKFOOT commencing at the Palais des Sports in Reims, France on March 22nd. These concerts would through France, Spain and Switzerland prior to hooking up with TRUST on April 18th at the Forêt Nationale in Brussels, Belgium. The French band stuck with IRON MAIDEN until the close of the month in Germany. A one off show on May 1st at the Amsterdam Jaap Edenhall paired BLACKFOOT and IRON MAIDEN with headliners the SCORPIONS.

Journeying to the USA, IRON MAIDEN guested for RAINBOW's 'Straight Between The Eyes' tour with an opening gig at the IMA Auditorium in Flint, Michigan on May 11th. Concerts in June were conducted as opening act for 38 SPECIAL. A brief burst of Canadian headliners, in Ottawa, Toronto, Kingstown, Quebec City and Montréal, preceded a valuable radio broadcast show at the New York Palladium on June 29th. The campaign continued by forming up a treble billing with GIRLSCHOOL and the SCORPIONS kicking off on July 2nd at the Circus Pavilion in Chicago.

IRON MAIDEN returned to the UK in August to play the Reading festival on August 28th. Beforehand a brace of warm up gigs took place at Chippenham Gold Diggers Club on the 25th and Poole Arts Centre on the 26th. Flying straight back to the USA, IRON MAIDEN rejoined the SCORPIONS for a further run at the Long Beach Arena in Los Angeles, California on September 1st. The SCORPIONS shows ended in Portland, Oregon on the 12th and two days later IRON MAIDEN adopted the role of opening band for JUDAS PRIEST's 'Screaming For Vengeance' tour at the Kiel Auditorium in Saint Louis, Missouri, staying with the Birmingham Metal Gods until October 23rd at the Rochester, New York War Memorial.

'The Beast On The Road' reached down as far as Australia in November, sharing stages with HEAVEN, prior to Japanese concerts. Clive Burr's final concert behind the IRON MAIDEN drum kit took place in Niggata on December 10th.

1983

Prior to the recording of the group's fourth album, May 1983's 'Piece Of Mind', drummer Clive Burr was replaced by former PAT TRAVERS and TRUST man Nicko McBrain. Ironically, after a brief spell with ALCATRAZ, Burr joined TRUST for a short-lived stay before forming the more melodically inclined STRATUS and PRAYING MANTIS. McBrain had earlier in his career been a member of AXE, an outfit that included now noted producer and CHARLIE guitarist Terry Thomas, and also appears on albums by STREETWALKERS and STRETCH. Just prior to joining up with MAIDEN McBrain had been involved with INFORMER, a band comprising of erstwhile HIGHWAY vocalist John Elstar, ex SIDEWINDER and STALLION guitarist STUART SMITH and WHITESNAKE bassist Neil Murray.

'Piece Of Mind' would be Martin Birch's third engagement behind the desk for IRON MAIDEN, although the group's success had prompted a change of recording location to Compass Point Studios, Nassau in the Bahamas. A passage from the Bible's Revelations was again utilised as with 'The Number Of The Beast', the inner sleeve including text from Revelations XXI V. 1. The Derek Riggs album sleeve itself sported a lobotomised Eddie incarcerated in a padded cell. Musically, the album's inception piece was a dramatic drum flourish to herald the arrival of McBrain leading into 'Where Eagles Dare', themed on the Alistair Maclean novel of the same title. The album contained another two epics, the Bruce Dickinson penned 'Revelations', a song with much of its content alluding to the works of occultist Aleister Crowley, and Steve Harris' To Tame A Land', this rooted in Frank Herbert's 'Dune' Sci-Fi classics. IRON MAIDEN put in a formal request to title the song 'Dune' but this was declined.

A preceding single, 'Flight Of Icarus', racked up a number 11 UK chart position. Following the album's release IRON MAIDEN launched into the by now obligatory, mammoth world tour preceded by 'Piece Of Mind' entering the UK chart listings at number 3 and the American Billboard charts at number 127.

Nicko McBrain's first public live airing with IRON MAIDEN came on May 2nd at Hull City Hall, the first date on the 'World Piece' tour. This set of UK shows, concluding with four sold out shows at London's Hammersmith Odeon, was supported by GRAND PRIX. Europe and Scandinavia opened up on June 1st at the Helsinki Ishallen in Finland, concerts in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, a first ever stop in Luxembourg, and Holland with guests ROCK GODDESS. To coincide, the second single from the album, 'The Trooper', based upon the 1854 Balaclava cavalry charge, hit number 12 on the UK charts.

The American tour started off on June 21st at the Events Center in Casper, Wyoming with support acts FASTWAY and SAXON with Canadians CONEY HATCH, a particular favourite of Steve Harris, later replacing SAXON at the East Troy, Wisconsin Alpine Valley Music Theater on August 6th. The next day, at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, the group celebrated Bruce Dickinson's birthday by bringing onstage "Miss Metal". This model paraded in front of the crowd quite happily in bikini with whip and handcuff accessories until Dickinson ripped her top off. The disgruntled female took legal action, but this was settled out of court. Later guests, hooking up with the band on September 30th at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois, were QUIET RIOT. The final three shows, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Kansas City, Missouri and St. Louis, Missouri were opened up by CONEY HATCH and AXE to close this US expedition on October 25th.

In November 1983 the quintet travelled to Europe, where MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP opened, before appearing at one of the biggest Heavy Metal festivals ever. A TV special in Dortmund as part of the 'Rock Pop' televised concert series held on December 18th, the awesome bill also included SCORPIONS, JUDAS PRIEST, KROKUS, DEF LEPPARD, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT and MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP over two days.

1984

With 'World Piece' touring having been fulfilled, IRON MAIDEN, with producer Martin Birch in tow, again retired to Compass Point Studios in Nassau to craft a follow up. IRON MAIDEN launched their brand new album, the Ancient Egyptian flavoured 'Powerslave', in September 1984. The album just missed out on grabbing the top spot on the UK charts and scored an impressive number 21 in the USA. Lead single, the immensely catchy '2 Minutes To Midnight', hit number 11 in the UK. B side track 'A Rainbow's Gold' was a cover of a BECKETT track.

To promote 'Powerslave' IRON MAIDEN embarked upon their biggest ever world tour, dubbed 'World Slavery'. Not only would this mighty expedition eclipse previous treks in terms of duration but it also beat all prior statistics in terms of set length, stage presentation, use of pyrotechnics and countries visited, delivering the decibels to 26 countries over 200 shows. Patriotically, IRON MAIDEN chose a defiant Dunkirk speech from Winston Churchill and the sound of aero engines to open proceedings each night. To manifest the 'Powerslave' concept in the flesh, Eddie was now transformed into a gigantic mummified leviathan.

The ensuing world tour saw the quintet performing their first dates in Poland during the autumn of 1984, providing the kick off date for the tour at the Torwar Sports Hall in Warsaw on August 9th. After four more Polish gigs another first occurred on the 16th as IRON MAIDEN put on their debut Austrian show at the Aichfeldhall Sportzentrum in Zeltweg. They also played a Hungarian inauguration the day after at the Budapest Sports Hall. Hitting Italy at the Caserna Rivelli in Arma di Taggia on the 22nd the band picked up tour partners ACCEPT.

IRON MAIDEN swung into their homeland with a date at the Glasgow Apollo Theatre on September 11th. For this British run, closing with a four night sold out stand at London's Hammersmith Odeon, the renowned WAYSTED provided opening honours. A second single was issued to coincide with this activity, the Battle of Britain themed 'Aces High' reaching number 20. They then returned to Europe to conduct a second round of touring on the continent, this time with MÖTLEY CRÜE as guests. This leg was concluded in Switzerland on November 14th but only a very short respite was allowed until the US and Canadian part of the tour commenced on the 24th at the Metro Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. TWISTED SISTER were taken onboard as guests until January 7th 1985.

1985

IRON MAIDEN's mammoth 'World Slavery' dates, having first fired up in August 1984, were still going strong into 1985. TWISTED SISTER were taken onboard as guests on US dates until January 7th 1985. IRON MAIDEN's next concert appearance gave the band another first, appearing in Brazil at the mammoth 'Rock In Rio' festival. Over 1.4 million people attended the ten day long festival, which also featured QUEEN, AC/DC, OZZY OSBOURNE, SCORPIONS, WHITESNAKE and YES. Fittingly, IRON MAIDEN's show began at precisely two minutes to midnight. Unfortunately, Bruce Dickinson sustained a nasty injury when, during the song 'Revelations', he threw a guitar into the air, which then hit him on the forehead. His face covered in blood from a deep cut, Dickinson stoically soldiered on until the end.

Back on US soil, IRON MAIDEN resumed touring, playing two further shows with TWISTED SISTER, at Hartford, Connecticut on the 14th and Worcester, Massachusetts on the 15th, before QUEENSRYCHE took over the support position. The band performed a set of five sold out shows at the prestigious New York Radio City Music Hall venue on the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st. TWISTED SISTER then adopted the opening slot again for dates deeper into the USA, although spot concerts did also see both WARRIOR and W.A.S.P. as guests. IRON MAIDEN sold out four back to back shows at the Los Angeles Long Beach Arena.

Eight concerts were undertaken in Japan during April upfront of Australian gigs in May supported by BOSS. The USA beckoned once again and on May 23rd at the Portland, Maine Civic Center, with ACCEPT as backing band, IRON MAIDEN set out on another exhaustive schedule. 'World Slavery' eventually ground to a halt on July 5th at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in Laguna Hills, California.

The 'World Slavery' tour spawned a hit live video and album 'Live After Death' in October 1985. This lavishly packaged double gatefold album again just fell shy of giving IRON MAIDEN a UK number one. Tracks were captured at a four night stand held at the Hammersmith Odeon in London during October of 1984 and Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California in March 1985. So successful was 'Live After Death', now generally acknowledged as being one of the greatest Heavy Metal live albums, that two singles were also spun off, 'Running Free', a number 19 hit which donated sales proceeds to anti-heroin organisations City Roads, Kick The Habit and Still Waters, plus 'Run To The Hills', reaching number 26. The Derek Riggs artwork for this album, featuring Eddie breaking out of a tomb, notably mis-quoted a passage from H. P. Lovecraft's 'The Nameless City' on the gravestone.

Adrian Smith and Nicko McBrain assembled an ad hoc band for a December 19th London Marquee Club concert under the banner THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF HACKNEY. They would be joined onstage by FM guitarist Andy Barnett and BAD COMPANY guitarist Dave 'Bucket' Colwell plus Richard Young on keyboards. BRUCE DICKINSON joined them for encores of IRON MAIDEN's 'Two Minutes To Midnight', THIN LIZZY's 'Rosalie' and ZZ TOP's 'Tush'.

1986 to 1987

During 1986 the band and producer Martin Birch were ready to try a more creative approach and, after recording at Compass Point Studios, Nassau in the Bahamas and Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum in Holland, released the Sci-Fi inspired 'Somewhere In Time' album heavily tinged with keyboard guitar workouts. Although the album, arriving in June, was an undoubted success the refined approach was to suffer some degree of critique. The massively detailed album sleeve, executed by Derek Riggs, involved a futuristic city-scape referencing a myriad of prior IRON MAIDEN albums and song titles. 'Somewhere In Time' gained a number 3 chart position in the UK and number 11 in the USA.

Naturally a set of impressively packaged singles also made their mark, with the Adrian Smith composed 'Wasted Years' attaining a number 19 UK chart position in September. This single was notable for its B sides. 'Reach Out' was recorded by THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF HACKNEY, this ad hoc unit comprising Nicko McBrain, Adrian Smith, on guitar and lead vocals, BAD COMPANY guitarist Dave 'Bucket' Colwell plus FM guitarist Andy Barnett. For the 'Sheriff Of Huddersfield', IRON MAIDEN re-worked an old URCHIN song, 'Life In The City', to play a prank on band manager Rod Smallwood. The lyrics detailed Smallwood's mitherings about his cultural roots in England, he had just relocated to Los Angeles, performed by Bruce Dickinson in a mimicking northern accent. Apparently Smallwood had no idea the song had been recorded until he received his copy of the single.

Taking 'Somewhere In Time' on the road, IRON MAIDEN employed Steve Harris' tech Michael Kenny to handle the keyboard parts of the new album. The stage set portrayed the futuristic backdrop of the album cover, with Nicko McBrain's drums atop a lobotomised Eddie head with two extended hands either side of the stage whilst the more mobile version of Eddie had been transformed into a robotic cyborg. Bruce Dickinson took the Sci-Fi theme to new heights by parading onstage in specially designed trousers decked out in flashing tube lighting.

'Somewhere In Time' was first delivered to the masses on September 10th at the Belgrade Pioneer Hall in Yugoslavia. For this opening leg of dates WAYSTED provided support, although a string of Polish shows was conducted without an opening act. A traditionally expansive UK tour arrived at the Oxford Apollo Theatre on October 3rd. Guests for the duration would be PAUL SAMSON's band EMPIRE. The band performed a succession of back to back sell out double night stands at the St. David's Hall in Cardiff, the Manchester Apollo Theatre, Sheffield's City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne's City Hall and the Birmingham Odeon before a six night residence at London's Hammersmith Odeon. The last show, held on November 9th, was preceded by a special matinee performance to benefit the N.S.P.C.C. The spoof Rock band BAD NEWS also joined IRON MAIDEN for this one off event.

Second album single 'Stranger In A Strange Land', another Smith credit, hit number 22 in November. Again B sides provided collectability for staunch fans. 'That Girl' was an FM cover version performed by Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain and FM bassist Andy Barnett. Another cover song, 'Juanita' originally by MARSHALL FURY written by Steve Barnacle and Derek O'Neil, made up the numbers, recorded by just Smith, Dickinson and McBrain.

The band then set on Scandinavian shows, taking W.A.S.P. along with them for gigs commencing on November 12th at the Helsinki Jäähalli in Finland. Shows took place across Sweden, Norway, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Holland and finally Italy. The Civic Center in Hampton, Virginia played host to the inaugural date of IRON MAIDEN's US campaign on January 7th. Support initially came courtesy of YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, until January 20th when VINNIE VINCENT'S INVASION took over at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas on the 22nd. This partnership's run lasted through until March 6th at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri, after which WAYSTED once more took on opening duties. North American duties closed on May 2nd at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in Laguna Hills, California before seven concerts in Japan beckoned.

The last time IRON MAIDEN members were seen onstage during 1987 was as gatecrashers to MARILLION's November 5th concert at London's Wembley Arena. Janick Gers, Nicko McBrain and DIO's Jimmy Bain guested on a cover of THIN LIZZY's 'The Boys Are Back In Town' whilst Bruce Dickinson guested on a take off the MOTT THE HOOPLE classic 'All The Young Dudes'.

1988 to 1989

Inaugural product of 1988 was the single 'Can I Play With Madness', issued on March 20th and reaching an impressive number 3 in the UK. Exclusive B sides comprised 'Black Bart Blues', an ode to Bruce Dickinson's travelling suit of armour mascot, and a rousing cover version of THIN LIZZY's 'Massacre'. IRON MAIDEN's April 1988 album 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son' came the closest the band ever came to producing a full blown concept album. The band was well known for overblown epics, but this time the theme held together an entire album. The guitar synth experiment was still in evidence, albeit less intrusive. Martin Birch still retained control of the faders although this time around IRON MAIDEN cut the album at Musicland Studios in Munich. 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son' bowed in on the British charts at number one and peaked at number 12 in the USA.

The inevitable world tour shied away from the systematic city by city tour schedule and IRON MAIDEN blitzed their way through America and Europe by hopping from one major festival to another. Echoing the album cover, the new stage set was constructed from towering icebergs. The band readied itself for global operations with a trio of "secret" club gigs branded CHARLOTTE AND THE HARLOTS, playing Cologne's Empire Club on the 28th and 29th April then Club L'Amour, Brooklyn in New York on May 8th.

Unusually, the world tour concentrated on North America first, opening proceedings on May 13th at the Coliseum in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada famously supported by GUNS N' ROSES. Taking over as support on June 21st would be MEGADETH at the Metro Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ACE FREHLEY'S COMET then provided support from the July 1st Saginaw, Michigan date onwards.

In the UK, IRON MAIDEN's second 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son' single, 'The Evil That Men Do', was ushered out on August 1st, debuting at number six and rising to number five. Distinctive B sides were made up of newly re-recorded versions of 'Prowler' and 'Charlotte The Harlot'. KILLER DWARFS finished the US run as openers in Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, IRON MAIDEN concluding US action at the Hampton Coliseum on August 10th.

The schedule's highlight was IRON MAIDEN headlining the August 20th "Monsters Of Rock' festival above KISS, IRON MAIDEN being the only band KISS has ever agreed to play beneath since 1974. DAVID LEE ROTH, MEGADETH, GUNS N' ROSES and HELLOWEEN made up the billing for a record breaking crowd of over 100,000. Tragically, two fans were crushed to death at this event. A warm up show on the 17th, again under the pseudonym CHARLOTTE AND THE HARLOTS, had taken place at London Queen Mary's College.

Further 'Monsters Of Rock' dates in Europe witnessed headliners in Schweinfurt and Bochum, Germany, Budapest in Hungary, Innsbruck in Austria, Tilburg in Holland, Lausanne in Switzerland, Modena in Italy, Athens in Greece, Pamplona, Barcelona and Madrid in Spain, Cascais in Portugal and Paris. France. Regular touring would then resume across Europe with HELLOWEEN in tow into October. IRON MAIDEN put in a UK tour kicking off at the Newport Centre on November 18th supported by KILLER DWARFS. A massive assault on London saw three Hammersmith Odeon concerts and two Wembley Arena gigs, all naturally sold out. As it transpired, the December 12th Hammersmith Odeon gig would prove to be Adrian Smith's last appearance with the band for over a decade.

1989 proved a quiet year for the band but an extremely busy time for its individual members. Both Smith and Dickinson released solo albums. BRUCE DICKINSON's 'Tattooed Millionaire' album had been initiated when the singer had been approached to record a song for the fifth in the 'Nightmare On Elm Street' horror movie series. The singer, working with producer Chris Tsangarides, came up with 'Bring Your Daughter...To The Slaughter', although this track never made it to the album's running order due to Steve Harris insisting it be reserved for the next IRON MAIDEN record. For recording of the album, completed in just two weeks in 1989, Dickinson employed former WHITE SPIRIT and GILLAN guitarist Janick Gers, bass player Andy Carr and drummer Fabio Del Rio.

Adrian Smith's A.S.A.P. (Adrian Smith And Project) released a well received AOR influenced Rock album, 1989's Stephen Stewart-Short produced 'Silver And Gold', that had many critics commentating favourably on Smith's songwriting prowess. For these recordings he would be joined by his colleagues from THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF HACKNEY, guitarists Andy Barnett and Dave Colwell with Keyboards on keyboards, Robin Clayton on bass and Zak Starkey, son of THE BEATLES Ringo Starr, on drums. However, although A.S.A.P. charted moderately and the band's press profile was high, the project soon folded.

1990 to 1991

IRON MAIDEN reassembled at Harris' own in-house Barnyard Studios in early 1990 with Martin Birch to record 'No Prayer For The Dying'. For the first time in seven years the band line-up changed, with guitarist Adrian Smith having departing to concentrate on solo work. Ex-GILLAN and WHITE SPIRIT guitarist Janick Gers, who had toured with BRUCE DICKINSON as part of his solo 'Tattooed Millionaire' band, soon landed the job.

Whilst efforts were being directed towards fresh material, the group adopted a strategic move to re-affirm their status on the British market as their entire singles catalogue was re-launched. Cleverly, these re-issues were bolstered by bonus tracks and released in staggered weekly formation so as to maximise the impact on the national charts. On February 12th 'Running Free' made its way to number 10. 'Women in Uniform' gained a number 10 position on February 19th. 'Purgatory' saw release on February 26th, charting at number 5. 'Run To The Hills' emerged on March 5th, hitting number 3. 'Flight Of Icarus' on March 12th hit number 7. '2 Minutes To Midnight' entered at number 11 on March 19th. A live cut of 'Running Free' arrived on March 26th at number 9. 'Wasted Years' released on April 2nd bowed in at number 9. 'Can I Play With Madness', issued on April 9th scored a number 10. A live version of 'The Clairvoyant' entered the charts at number 11 on April 16th.

Steve Harris paid homage to two of his influences by having IRON MAIDEN covering the STRAY track 'All In Your Mind' and GOLDEN EARRING's 'Kill Me (Ce Soir)' as the B side to the September released 'Holy Smoke' single, which scored a number 3 UK chart position. The album displayed a rougher hewn stance than previous efforts, although the guitar synths were still in evidence on 'No Prayer For The Dying', 'Fates Warning' and 'Mother Russia'. 'No Prayer For The Dying' featured one lay over from the previous line-up, 'Hooks In You' being an Adrian Smith co-composition.

Yet again the new album, debuting at number 2 in the British charts that October, paved the way for a mammoth global tour. IRON MAIDEN, using the famous '633 Squadron' movie them music as an inceptor into set opener 'Tailgunner', chose to adopt a stripped down approach, eschewing the expected gargantuan stage show for a back to basics affair. Even Bruce Dickinson's penchant for outrageous trousers and the group's reliance on multi-coloured spandex had been tempered down to just jeans and T-shirts.

Opening with a low key "secret" club gig at Milton Keynes Woughton Centre Pitz rock club on September 19th, the tour, commencing officially at the Southampton Mayflower on the 20th, sped through the 'Intercity Express' tour of the UK. Support came from WOLFSBANE, featuring one Blaze Bayley as lead singer. Notably, IRON MAIDEN's first ever concert in Ireland took place at The Point in Dublin on the 23rd followed up by a debut in Northern Ireland at Belfast's King's Hall the next day.

The European continent was traversed with road partners ANTHRAX, kicking off at the Sports Palace in Barcelona, Spain on October 21st. KING'S X joined this package at the Sedlmayerhalle in Munich, Germany on December 3rd before the trek closed out with a Frankfurt show on the 22nd.

During 1990 guitarist Dave Murray also revealed he had toyed with the idea of creating a solo project with American guitarist Nancy Chandler. Songs credited to Murray would turn up on Chandler's 1993 album by the band CHEYENNE.

Christmas of that year saw IRON MAIDEN leap into the record books when their latest single, 'Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter' became the first Heavy Metal song to go straight into the British singles charts at number 1. This track had first been recorded as a solo effort by BRUCE DICKINSON but left off his 'Tattooed Millionaire' solo album upon Steve Harris' insistence it be reserved for IRON MAIDEN. Quite unbelievably, national station Radio One refused to play list the single, much to the band's indignation. Single B sides were takes on FREE's 'I'm A Mover' and LED ZEPPELIN's 'Communication Breakdown'.

The tour entered North America, starting on January 13th 1991 at the Metro Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada again with ANTHRAX on the bill before Japanese dates in March. However, the campaign was brought to an unforeseen close by the eruption of the Gulf war, making planned dates in Australia and Japan unfeasible. The band did manage to headline the Roskilde festival in Denmark in June appearing on a bill with WINGER, PRIMUS and THE ALMIGHTY.

1992 to 1993

The 'Fear Of The Dark' album, cut again at Steve Harris's own Barnyard Studios in Essex and released in May 1992, heralded another change for the band as, for the first time, sleeve artist Derek Riggs was not used. In came noted sci-fi artist Melvyn Grant who lent the album cover, depicting Eddie as a tree wraith, a more up to date feel. Once more IRON MAIDEN reached the British number 1 position in the album charts. The album had been preceded by the single 'Be Quick Or Be Dead' in April. The traditional exclusive B sides involved 'Nodding Donkey Blues', a tongue in cheek Blues song, and a cover version of MONTROSE's 'Space Station no.5', complete with additional expletives courtesy of Bruce Dickinson. 'Be Quick Or Be Dead' only just fell short of giving the band it's second UK number one single.

Taking on the title THE NODDING DONKEYS, the group performed a warm up at the Norwich Oval pub on June 3rd before flying to Iceland for the very first time to play at the Laugadallshollin in the capitol Reykjavik on the 5th. A US tour started somewhat unusually in New York at The Ritz, seeing DREAM THEATER as guests on the 8th. The North American tour proper, running through until July 17th at the Sunrise Theater in Miami, Florida, saw CORROSION OF CONFORMITY and TESTAMENT as backing bands.

Whilst in the USA, EMI Records issued the album's second single, 'From Here To Eternity', on June 28th, this reaching number 21 on the UK charts. Naturally a crop of unique B sides kept ardent fans happy. IRON MAIDEN re-worked CHUCK BERRY's immortal 'Roll Over Beethoven' into 'Roll Over Vic Vella' in tribute to the band's former road manager. Also included were live takes on 'Public Enema Number One' and 'No Prayer For The Dying', both recorded at the Wembley Arena on December 17th 1990.

Fellow Londoners THUNDER joined the band for South American shows, in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. Shows in these first two territories, at the Ferro Carril Oeste Stadium in Buenos Aires on July 25th and Estacion General Artigas, Montevideo on the 28th, gave the band two more firsts. Throughout August and September a series of European dates were conducted with a variety of support acts including W.A.S.P., WARRANT, FACE TO FACE and TESTAMENT. In the midst of these shows, on August 22nd, IRON MAIDEN headlined the Castle Donington 'Monsters Of Rock' festival, in front of 70,000 fans alongside SLAYER, THUNDER, SKID ROW, W.A.S.P. and THE ALMIGHTY, for the second time. This concert, which included a highlight when former guitarist Adrian Smith joined the band onstage for 'Running Free', would be taped for a live album release.

A third single lifted from the album, 'Wasting Love', arrived on September 1st. Again tapes from the Wembley Arena gig on December 17th 1990 were used for live B sides 'Tailgunner', 'Holy Smoke' and 'The Assassin'.

IRON MAIDEN still had territories yet to conquer and played Puerto Rico, the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel in San Juan on September 26th, Mexico, the Mexico City's Sports Palace on October 1st, and Venezuela, the Poliedro in Caracas on October 9th and 10th, all for the first occasion. Crossing the Pacific Ocean, IRON MAIDEN racked up another first in New Zealand, performing at the Auckland Logan Campbell Centre supported by New Plymouth band THE NOD on October 20th. Concerts in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia followed with guests JUDGE MERCY. 'Fear Of The Dark' touring was finalised with seven shows in Japan in early November.

However, fans were beginning to learn of disquiet in the camp. Throughout the tour rumours flew of BRUCE DICKINSON's discontent within the band. The vocalist had been strenuously pursuing his solo career as well as his new found additional career as a novelist.

IRON MAIDEN performed their final gig with Dickinson at Pinewood Studios in front of an audience of lucky members of the band's fan club. This turned out to be no ordinary gig either, as magician Simon Drake, noted for his gory stunts, put paid to members of the band prior to the finale of Dickinson being ritually slain by Drake at the end of the televised show.

This period of IRON MAIDEN's career was capped with the 1993 release of two live albums, 'A Real Live One', in March, and 'A Real Dead One', in October. The two sets, divided into old and new material, were recorded over a wide range of venues throughout 1992. Also arriving, in November, would be a limited edition live opus 'Live At Donington'. Clad in a plain white printed sleeve, the record captured Dickinson's last major festival performance when IRON MAIDEN headlined the 'Monsters Of Rock' festival on 22nd August 1992.

1994 to 1998

With singer BRUCE DICKINSON having embarked on the solo trail, IRON MAIDEN fans faced uncertain times. Many rumours followed that HELLOWEEN vocalist MICHAEL KISKE had landed the job and it was known that erstwhile LA PAZ, MIDNIGHT BLUE and PRAYING MANTIS singer Doogie White had been asked back to audition twice. In the end though, and much to many fans incredulity, IRON MAIDEN recruited ex-WOLFSBANE vocalist Blaze Bayley (a.k.a. Bayley Cook) in 1994. Although having fostered a reputation as media darlings, the unsophisticated WOLFSBANE had failed to generate significant sales and IRON MAIDEN's choice, bearing in mind the possible options available to them, gave hardened fans cause for concern.

With this sizeable question mark hanging over them, recording for the band's tenth studio album was slightly delayed when Bayley seriously injured his knee in a motorbike accident. During this enforced lay-off Nicko McBrain took time out to gig with pub rockers the PHIL HILBORNE BAND.

Although IRON MAIDEN lost their deal with EMI Records in North America during 1995 they remained signed to the London office. For the USA, the group switched to the newly formed imprint CMC International. The introspective and dark album 'The X Factor', issued in October 1995, was widely acknowledged as being a radical step for many IRON MAIDEN fans to follow. Bayley's vocals came in for some vicious criticism and swathes of hardcore fans lost faith. Rather interestingly the 'Lord Of The Flies' single featured a cover of UFO's 'Doctor Doctor' as a B-side.

Blaze debuted onstage with IRON MAIDEN's 'The X Factour' in Israel, the new look band's first test of fire being at Jerusalem's Sing Sing Club on 28th September 1995. Two more Israeli gigs, in Haifa and Tel Aviv, followed. Another new territory opened up in October, as a show at Standard Bank Arena on the 5th, in Johannesburg preceded further South African concerts in Durban and Cape Town, all opened by LITHIUM. IRON MAIDEN toured heavily throughout the end of 1995, although a planned Beirut, Lebanon show was cancelled by the authorities who insisted the show was likely to incite riots.

The European leg opened at the Peristeri Municipal in Athens, Greece on October 14th. IRON MAIDEN's British and European shows saw Doom Metal act MY DYING BRIDE supporting as Steve Harris and Co were also able to perform a full blown tour of the former eastern bloc territories, embracing Bulgaria, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Rumania. THE ALMIGHTY joined this package to make up a three band bill from the November 16th gig at Le Zénith in Paris, France. 1995 was capped on December 23rd with a concert at the Ijsselhallen in Zwolle, Holland.

IRON MAIDEN's touring strategy extended deep into 1996. Italian shows in January once again had DIRTY DEEDS as support. On February 2nd the group opted to play a one off club show at Nottingham's Rock City venue, a date that saw PSYCHO MOTEL, the latest band featuring Adrian Smith, supporting. 'The X Factour' reached North America on February 8th at Pavillon de la Jeunesse in Quebec City, Canada with tour guests FEAR FACTORY. This trek was scheduled to extend into April but was curtailed on March 23rd, IRON MAIDEN playing a last concert at the Off Ramp Café in Seattle, Washington. For the first time the group was not packing the venues and touring was cut short. The official explanation stated Blaze had suffered a violent allergic reaction to certain elements used on the stages. The group did play a brace of Los Angeles gigs at The Palace on April 4th and 5th to close proceedings.

Japan beckoned, with a first concert held on April 11th at the Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Tokyo upfront of concerts in Nagoya, Fukuoka, Osaka and a return to Tokyo.

A mammoth 'Best Of The Beast' compilation arrived in September 1996, the most impressive variant being a gargantuan quadruple vinyl set complete with lavish gatefold artwork and a limited edition book. A single, new song 'Virus', would accompany the album, various B sides of which offered fans a chance to hear archive IRON MAIDEN recordings of 'Sanctuary' and 'Wrathchild' from the 'Metal For Muthas' compilation and 'Prowler' and 'Invasion' lifted from 'The Soundhouse Tapes'.

Throughout 1997 IRON MAIDEN kept a low profile as they worked on a brand new album for release in 1998, although Harris did announce plans for his own record label, Beast Records. Steve's first signings were DIRTY DEEDS, the London based group fronted by ex CHARIOT main man Pete Franklin.

'Virtual XI', co-produced by Steve Harris and Nigel Green, presented a far more straight forward sound than the usual Maiden fare. Both 'The Angel And The Gambler' and 'Futureal' saw issue as single but sales were flagging. The album put in a humble number 16 showing in the UK whilst in the USA it could only manage a lowly number 124. IRON MAIDEN chose the grandiose Prokofiev 'Dance Of The Knights' classical piece to open shows on the tour but ultimately their ambitions were to be found wanting. The band set out on tour once again during 1998 although attendance wise their star was definitely waning, the band's loyal audience drifting away in obvious dissatisfaction at Bayley's abilities.

The group used the familiar haunt of Norwich's Oval public house for an unannounced warm up concert on April 22nd 1998. The tour proper commenced four days later at Le Zénith in Lille, this European run, finalised on May 30th at Ta Qali on the isle of Malta, supported by HELLOWEEN and DIRTY DEEDS. Crossing the Atlantic, the group's first scheduled US stop proved to be an unsavoury taste of things to come. The June 26th scheduled concert at the 3,500 capacity Aragon Ballroom in Chicago was moved to the smaller Riviera Theater due to passive ticket sales. Nevertheless, the band persevered, traversing the USA with DIO and DIRTY DEEDS in tow. A total of thirteen shows were cancelled though, an official statement claiming Bayley had suffered an allergic reaction to pollen. The band fared better with a brace of Mexican shows opened by ANGELES DE INFIERNO on 7th and 9th August. Europe welcomed the band back for a second leg of shows in September, including a debut in Turkey, again seeing HELLOWEEN and DIRTY DEEDS as guests. UK concerts took place in October then Japanese dates the following month.

South American shows had the band playing to capacity arena crowds though but with the political situation between Chile and Britain aggravated by the General Pinochet affair IRON MAIDEN wisely pulled out of shows there, ANTHRAX taking their stead. Blaze Bayley last fronted the band onstage at the 'Monsters Of Rock' festival at the Vélez Sársfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 12th. Meanwhile, BRUCE DICKINSON's album 'Chemical Wedding' and tour was going great guns.

1999

By early 1999 press speculation and the overwhelming wish of the band's fans to see the band back in the top league finally won the day as Bayley was ousted by a returning BRUCE DICKINSON. The timing of this union had been forced not only by exploiting a downturn in IRON MAIDEN's fortunes but Dickinson by critically having issued his September 1998 solo opus 'The Chemical Wedding' to massive acclaim. Guitarist Adrian Smith also rejoined, giving IRON MAIDEN an unexpected if welcome three guitar assault. Bayley would later make a return with his new Metal act BLAZE and the resulting 'Silicon Messiah' album still retaining management links with the Sanctuary stable.

The rejuvenated IRON MAIDEN wowed North America with a sold out 17 date tour, these dates in support of their compilation album and computer game 'Ed Hunter'. This lavish three disc set, issued in late May, hosted a 14 song audio compilation album, a second CD of a further 6 songs and the installation program for the game plus the third CD containing the game data. The 20 tracks had been voted for inclusion by fans through the group's official website. It was soon learned that US editions of 'Ed Hunter' also featured a hidden new version of 'Wrathchild' with Bruce Dickinson on lead vocals. The game itself involved a private investigator chase through an imaginary world inspired by classic IRON MAIDEN album covers.

The trek commenced July 11th at the Harbour Station in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada supported by VOIVOD. Unfortunately Adrian Smith missed out on shows in New York on the 17th, where CLUTCH took over support duties, Boston on the 18th and Toronto on the 20th, attending his father's funeral. MONSTER MAGNET joined CLUTCH as openers on July 21st in Cleveland, Ohio. A mishap occurred on July 30th when, towards the close of a concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Dave Murray broke a finger. This injury forced the cancellation of shows in San Jose, Las Vegas and Phoenix. IRON MAIDEN resumed action on August 5th, at the County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas with SYSTEM OF A DOWN and PUYA guesting, although Murray carefully delegated out his solo chores to Smith and Gers. The US tour concluded on the 8th in Dallas.

The band then took on European venues, kicking off at the Palais Omnisport de Bercy in Paris, France with special guests MEGADETH, subsequently bootlegged as 'Episode XIII: The Beast Strikes Back'. Concerts in Holland, Germany, Finland, Italy, Spain and Greece took the band into October.

Meantime, a whole slew of tribute albums arrived in the stores such as Swedish efforts 'Made In Tribute' and 'Maiden Scandinavia', the American Meteor City 'Slave To The Power' release as well as PAUL DIANNO cropping up on '666 The Number One Beast'.

2000

The reunion 'Brave New World' album (internet reports of an album title of 'Majesty Of Gaia' would be proved false), arriving in May 2000, vindicated the return of Dickinson with a vengeance, this despite tracks such as 'Nomad', 'Dream Of Mirrors' and 'Mercenary' being re-worked versions of tracks originally demoed for the 'Virtual XI' sessions. IRON MAIDEN scored a number 3 album in Germany with the 'Wicker Man' single going top ten in Britain. The album would blaze a trail across the international charts landing at number 7 in their homeland, 39 in the USA and even scoring a number one in the Heavy Metal strongholds both Sweden and Greece. Generally, the European continent's national charts found 'Brave New World' inhabiting the upper reaches, a definitive renewal of fortunes.

Courageously, IRON MAIDEN opened the set on their 'Brave New World' tour with three brand new album tracks back to back - 'The Wicker Man', 'Ghost Of The Navigator' and 'Brave New World'. The theatrics accompanying the band harked back to the glory years, with an elaborate array of props, special effects and an updated wicker Eddie. This global steamroller first bared its teeth at the Festival des Artéfacts in Strasbourg, France on June 2nd. Following a next day headline performance at the 'Dynamo' festival in Nijmegen's Goffert Park in Holland IRON MAIDEN hooked up with Steve Harris protégés DIRTY DEEDS to blaze across Europe. Support was switched to THE ALMIGHTY for June 13th's show at the Palais des Spectacles in Saint-Étienne, France whilst SLAYER took on a special guest role in Paris and London. Notably the Song Festival show in Tallinn on July 2nd gave IRON MAIDEN their first ever show in Estonia.

A batch of European festival performances, in Germany, Bulgaria and Greece, were cancelled when Janick Gers sustained injuries after falling offstage during 'Number Of The Beast' in Mannheim on July 8th. The guitarist had recovered in time for the Vilar de Mouros festival in Portugal on July 16th supported by SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, ENTOMBED, ROLLINS BAND and RAMP. For the ensuing Spanish concerts SPIRITUAL BEGGARS followed in tow.

IRON MAIDEN were back in action touring North America at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario on August 1st with support from HALFORD and ENTOMBED. After three Canadian concerts the package was re-jigged to see IRON MAIDEN and HALFORD joined by QUEENSRYCHE for a US re-debut at New York's Madison Square Garden on August 5th. Although back in demand and pulling strong crowds IRON MAIDEN's resurgence was unfortunately marred by the stabbing of four fans at their Los Angeles Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre gig on September 13th. A mammoth, and hugely successful, series of dates finally closed on September 20th at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, Canada.

In October the 'Brave New World' tour landed in Japan, with concerts held in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai, Fukuoka and Yokohama. They then partnered with HALFORD once again for November shows in the UK, Germany and Greece.

Quite bizarrely news emerged in 2000 that one of IRON MAIDEN's earliest guitarists Tony Parsons had created an IRON MAIDEN tribute band named METALWORKS 2000 including ex-ALICE COOPER and THE ALMIGHTY guitarist Pete Friezin and ex-JUDAS PRIEST drummer Les Binks.

A more surreal addition to the family came with the emergence of Californian act IRON MAIDENS. A quite unique tribute band being the first all female homage to IRON MAIDEN. The act includes some highly respected players in their own right featuring the PHANTOM BLUE duo of guitarist Josephine and drummer Linda McDonald, PROZACT PRINCESS singer Jenny, ex-BANDIT guitarist Sara and NEW EDEN bassist Melanie Sisneros (a.k.a. "Stephanie Harris").

2001 to 2005

'Brave New World' was still to be promoted into 2001, IRON MAIDEN and HALFORD gearing up for action once again on January 9th at the Foro Sol venue in Mexico City. The same pairing played the Vélez Sársfield Stadium in Buenos Aires on the 13th and the Estadio Chile in Santiago, Chile on the 15th prior to an appearance at the gargantuan 'Rock In Rio' festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on the 19th alongside QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and SEPULTURA.

Ex-IRON MAIDEN man, singer PAUL DIANNO, billed as PAUL DIANNO AND THE BEAST, would fan the flames in early 2001 issuing a live album, 'The Beast Live', comprising entirely of IRON MAIDEN songs.

IRON MAIDEN themselves would bounce back in the expected spectacular with the mammoth 'Live At The Rock In Rio' album in March 2002. The same month the band would announce two benefit shows at the Brixton Academy in London in aid of former drummer Clive Burr who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Demand was such the run was extended to three sold out nights and in a further move the band informed fans that all proceeds from the next single, 'Run To The Hills', would be devoted to the MS fund. The single proved to be eminently collectable in three formats boasting exclusive tracks on each including archive 1982 live tracks featuring Burr on drums. The DVD version of 'Rock In Rio' would top the UK music video charts on it's first week of release. Later in the year IRON MAIDEN would pitch in further to aid the Clive Burr Trust auctioning off a mammoth selection of band rarities including a full Nicko McBrain drum kit, autographed guitars and even an Eddie stage prop from the 'No Prayer For The Dying' tour.

As BRUCE DICKINSON unveiled plans for a further solo album and his intention to master the art of flying large passenger aircraft rumours also surfaced that NICKO McBRAIN had recently united with erstwhile ANTHRAX guitarist Dan Spitz for an undisclosed band project. This revelation would come as unexpectedly as Spitz had been out of the Rock n' Roll limelight for many years, becoming a vocal Christian since his departure from the band and devoting himself to gaining qualifications in the art of watchmaking. By late December MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson was also seemingly involved in this venture.

On September 7th a trio of IRON MAIDEN players - drummer Nicko McBrain, guitarist Janick Gers, and vocalist Bruce Dickinson - surprised DEEP PURPLE fans by joining the Rock veterans on stage during their London Hammersmith Apollo gig for a rendition of the classic 'Smoke On The Water'. A further treat came on October 21st when famed American Progressive Metal outfit DREAM THEATER gave privileged fans at their second night at the London Astoria by performing the entirety of the 'Number Of The Beast' album live. The band, who faithfully represented the album with the exception of a Jazz flavoured 'Gangland', even rigged up a DREAM THEATER logo backdrop executed in the classic Maiden logo script.

November proved of great importance to fans as the band launched the leviathan 3 CD box set 'Eddies Archives', a collection of rare live material issued through Columbia Records dating from 1979 tracks right through until the band's headline show at Castle Donington in 1988. Incorporated would be 'Friday Rock Show' sessions from 1979, material pulled from the Reading Festival in 1980 and 1982 plus a compilation of B sides. In keeping with tradition the whole affair was lavishly packaged coming clad in a limited edition silver Eddie embossed casket. Besides the music the collection added an Eddie head shot glass and a family tree on parchment scroll. A further album, 'Edward The Great', would be released in North America the same day as 'Eddie's Archives' on 4th November.

The band would spend early 2003 in production of a new studio album 'Dance Of Death' working with producer Kevin Shirley. This outing would mark the band's first studio effort to be mixed in 5.1 surround sound. A mammoth DVD package 'Visions Of The Beast' emerged that July, chronicling over three hours of music and comprising more than 30 promotional videos. IRON MAIDEN would be confirmed as the headline act at the Castle Donington 'Download' festival in June, the only UK date on their 'Give Me Ed ... 'Til I'm Dead' world tour. Oddly, US band MURDERDOLLS would be confirmed as main support for the entire European leg. US dates commencing in July saw IRON MAIDEN headlining a strong package tour allied with DIO and MOTÖRHEAD. UK gigs had rising Welsh act FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND as support. October European shows saw German act GAMMA RAY acting as openers. However, progress was marred when Bruce Dickinson came down with influenza and severe laryngitis, necessitating the cancellation of shows in Rotterdam, Holland, Wroclaw, Poland and Helsinki in Finland.

When 'Dance Of Death' was delivered to the public the album garnered the by now customary score of top ten global chart positions with number 1's achieved in Iceland, Sweden, Greece and Italy. In the USA the record debuted at number 18, selling over 40,000 copies in its first week of sale. Live dates into 2004 saw South American dates in January - visiting Argentina, Brazil and Chile, a further burst of US and Canadian shows with Sweden's rising stars ARCH ENEMY lending support to the British veterans four show run at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom then Japanese gigs in February.

By February IRON MAIDEN had performed to over one and a half million people in 28 countries. In celebration the band issued a special release entitled 'No More Lies: The Dance Of Death Souvenir EP'. This included remixed versions of 'Journeyman' and the epic 'Paschendale' along with live video of the title track. 'Dance Of Death' itself would be given some very special treatment, issued in DVDA format with Hi-definition 24-bit/96 Khz 5.1 surround sound. The upgraded version of the album also added promotional videos for 'Wildest Dreams' and 'Rainmaker'.

Early May found BRUCE DICKINSON providing some notable sounds on his BBC radio 'Rock Show' programme, guesting on a cover of DEEP PURPLE's 'Black Night' with THERAPY? and on a rendition of BLACK SABBATH's 'Black Sabbath' with FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND. He would also turn his hand to narration, providing the voice for the BBC world service documentaries 'Legends Of Rock'. Later that same month ex-IRON MAIDEN guitarist Dennis Stratton announced a new band formation dubbed THE DENIAL, in union with original JUDAS PRIEST singer AL ATKINS.

NICKO McBRAIN stepped out of IRON MAIDEN activities briefly for a one off show in South Florida to celebrate his 52nd birthday on 5th June. McBrain would unite with members of DEEPSET, Jonathan Murphy on vocals and Rick Baum on guitar, with the BLACK SABBATH, WHITE LION and GREAT WHITE credited Dave 'The Beast' Spitz on bass to perform a set of covers billed as WRATH CHILD. By July this band unit, adding FAILSAFE's Chris Proano on second guitar, had evolved into McBRAIN DAMAGE, booking US shows throughout the Summer.

IRON MAIDEN's Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith and Nicko McBrain would be included on the special guest roll call for the 'Miller Strat Pack' concert on 24th September at London's Wembley Arena. Held in aid of the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy the concert celebrated 50 years of the famous Fender Stratocaster guitar.

In the absence of a new album, and delays in BRUCE DICKINSON's next solo outing, IRON MAIDEN plugged the gap somewhat with a 'Powerslave' tin lunchbox, a 'Somewhere In Time' 18" action figure with glowing red eyes, motion-activated lights and movement and an official 2005 calendar. Further IRON MAIDEN product would be delivered in October, with 'The History Of IRON MAIDEN - Part 1; The Early Days' DVD. This package comprised the 'Live at The Rainbow' and 'The Beast Over Hammersmith' concert films, seven songs recorded at the 1983 Dortmund 'Rock & Pop' festival, nine tracks captured at The Ruskin Arms in 1980, a previously unreleased 'Live At Donington' shoot, a newly filmed history of the band, 1981 'Top Of The Pops' performances of both 'Women In Uniform' and 'Sanctuary' plus documentary footage from 'Rock & Pop' German television and Granada TV's 'Colourbox'.

On the television front, BRUCE DICKINSON featured as presenter for a documentary 'Flying Heavy Metal', charting the evolution of the passenger aeroplane, and guested on Discovery Home channel's 'Trainspotting'.

IRON MAIDEN announced plans for a huge live campaign throughout the Summer of 2005. A gig at the 51,000 capacity Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg would sell out completely in less than two and a half hours. Another major gig saw the band performing at the 55,000 capacity Parc de Princes Stadium in Paris. The 6th July concert at the 12,000 capacity Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland sold out within 30 minutes of tickets going on sale, the promoters swiftly adding another show for the following day.

IRON MAIDEN issued a special 25th anniversary single of 'The Number Of The Beast' in January of 2005. Various formats, including enhanced CD, a limited 7-Inch coloured vinyl with free poster, and 12-Inch picture disc, carried live recordings from the Clive Burr charity shows at Brixton Academy in March 2002. 'The Number Of The Beast' debuted at no. 3. In Finland it went one better, landing at no.2. 'The Number Of The Beast' would prove to be the UK's top selling 7" vinyl single of the entire year.

IRON MAIDEN's 2005 touring plans extended into the USA for the Summer, the band taking on the special guest slot to BLACK SABBATH at the roving 'Ozzfest' events. Due to commitments in Europe, the band missed the last seven 'Ozzfest' gigs, their position being taken by VELVET REVOLVER. A headline gig at Reykjavik in Iceland on 7th June would be made extra special as fans were to be flown to the event in a Boeing 757 piloted by BRUCE DICKINSON himself. These concerts would mark the group's anniversary celebrations by comprising only tracks culled from the first four albums.

June would also see the range of official IRON MAIDEN merchandising expanding, with the National Entertainment Collectibles Association releasing 'Somewhere In Time' and 'Piece Of Mind' fully poseable Eddie action figures. Maintaining the momentum on the DVD front, a brand new release entitled 'Death On The Road' saw issue through EMI, being a show filmed originally by German Viva TV at the Westfalenhalle Arena in Dortmund during the 'Dance Of Death' European tour in December 2003. The double DVD package also included a 70 minute documentary directed by Matthew Amos.

Quite sensationally, following IRON MAIDEN's gig in Prague, no less than eleven albums re-charted in the national Czech charts with 'Live At Donington' at 17, 'The Number Of The Beast' at 26, 'Real Live Dead One' at 33, 'Piece Of Mind' at 36, 'Fear Of The Dark' at 37, 'Somewhere in Time' at 38, 'Edward The Great' at 39, 'Powerslave' at 40, 'Seventh Son of A Seventh Son' at 42, 'Killers' at 46, 'Brave New World' at 50 , 'Iron Maiden' at 59 and 'X Factor' at number 70. Oddly, 'No Prayer For The Dying' missed out on the week's tally, although did re-chart at number 58 the following week. Another less obvious release would be the Vitamin Records piano tribute offering 'The Piano Tribute to Iron Maiden'.

The band peppered their 'Ozzfest' run with selected headline dates. IRON MAIDEN also extended their live set into that of impromptu headliner at 'Ozzfest' on the July Holmdel, New Jersey PNC Arts Center and Noblesville, Indiana Verizon Wireless Music Center shows when BLACK SABBATH withdrew due to illness.

To coincide with th band's headline appearances at the August Reading and Leeds Festivals IRON MAIDEN re-issued their classic 'The Trooper' single, various formats hosting live material recorded at the 7th June Icelandic gig in Reykjavik's Egishorllin Stadium. To coincide with this release IRON MAIDEN, for the first time ever, released an exclusive download, a live version of 'The Trooper' recorded in Iceland.

Quite surreally, IRON MAIDEN closed out their 'Ozzfest' stint at the Hyundai Pavillion in Devore, San Bernadino in California on 20th August with a show that would go down in history for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the band's set they were pelted by objects, including eggs, thrown by the crowd and had their power cut. To cap it all, during 'The Trooper' Dickinson's familiar onstage theatric of waving a union jack flag was countered by an intruder waving an American stars n' stripes with the words "Don't fuck with Ozzy" painted on his back. These actions prompted BRUCE DICKINSON to launch into an anti-Ozzfest and Sharon Osbourne diatribe. With the band's show completed, Sharon Osbourne then appeared onstage to publiclly brand Dickinson "a prick".

IRON MAIDEN put in another Clive Burr Multiple Sclerosis Trust Fund benefit concert at London's Hammersmith Apollo on 2nd September. In related news, keeping the Rock tradition in the family, Steve Harris' 21 year old daughter LAUREN HARRIS launched her solo career with a solo album in 2005. Meantime, in November Dickinson appeared live with RENATO TRIBUZY at two back to back gigs at Sao Paulo's Credicard Hall in an all star band alongside MASTERPLAN guitarist ROLAND GRAPOW, PRIMAL FEAR's Mat Sinner and Ralph Sceepers, ANGRA's Kiko Loureiro and Roy Z.

2006 to 2007

2006 opened in fine as the 'Death On The Road' DVD topped the UK and Swedish charts upon release in February. Shortly afterward the group announced touring plans, projecting ahead to November gigs in Scandinavia supported by TRIVIUM, a territory that had provided a staunch bastion of support for IRON MAIDEN.

IRON MAIDEN, along with producer Kevin Shirley, entered the Sarm West Studios in London to commence work on a new studio album in early March 2006. Alongside the album tracks the group also recorded a clutch of cover versions for use as B sides, including ZZ TOP's 'Tush', DEEP PURPLE's 'Space Truckin', FOCUS' 'Hocus Pocus' and THIN LIZZY's 'Angel Of Death'.

Once tickets went on sale for the Scandinavian shows, once again the band broke all records, with all 9,000 tickets to the November 20th concert at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg being sold within an hour of going on sale whilst the two shows at Stockholm's Globen, held on 17th and 18th November, some 28,000 tickets, were completely sold out within two and a half hours of going on sale. The November 23rd 2006 concert at the 8,000-capacity Vestlandshallen in Bergen, Norway sold out just 20 minutes after tickets were made available whilst the Copenhagen gig also cleared all tickets within 24 hours.

Sky One television used BRUCE DICKINSON to narrate a television special 'Inside Spontaneous Human Combustion' broadcast on May 29th. To tide fans over in anticipation for the IRON MAIDEN opus, BRUCE DICKINSON issued a three disc DVD retrospective of his solo works entitled 'Anthology' in June. This collection comprised a August 14th 1990 live concert recorded at the Town and Country Club, Los Angeles, two dates on the 'Skunkworks' tour in Pamplona and Gerona, Spain on May 31st and June 1st 1996, 'Scream For Me Brazil' 1999 footage, all of Dickinson's promotional videos and even a SAMSON promotional film entitled 'Biceps Of Steel'.

Upon release IRON MAIDEN's first album single 'The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg' hit number 1 in Spain, Sweden and Finland. Unfortunately though it was excluded from the UK charts due to duration regulations on single formats. A novel twist on marketing saw the group somewhat furtively positioning an internet site online, purporting to be a record of a distant relatives attempts to discover information on his antecedent - the occult painter Benjamin Breeg. As the story unfolded the conclusion, a discovery of a painting depicting a very Eddie like visage, left nobody in any doubt as to its historic authenticity. 'A Matter Of Life And Death' hit number 1 in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Greece, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland and Brazil. In the UK it reached number 4. The album sold 56,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release to hit number 9 on the Billboard album charts.

On October 4th the band launched into their world tour with a show at the New England Dodge Music Center in Hartford, Connecticut. Breaking convention yet again, IRON MAIDEN performed its new album, 'A Matter of Life and Death', in its entirety. After just eleven shows in the USA and Canada, supported by BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, IRON MAIDEN then hit Japan, performing in Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and Nagoya, supported by LAUREN HARRIS. IRON MAIDEN's touring upon conclusion of Scandinavian concerts wound through Holland, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Ireland and the UK, taking them up to a two night stand at London Earls Court on December 23rd and 24th. Many of these dates had sold out months beforehand. In addition, fans were offered the unique experience of having IRON MAIDEN frontman BRUCE DICKINSON fly them to concerts in Stockholm and Milan. The single 'Different World' entered the Uk charts at number 3 in the last week of 2006.

The March 2007 edition of Japan's highest status Rock magazine 'Burnn!' confirmed IRON MAIDEN's continuing dominance in the Far East as the group scored an impressive tally of reader voted awards including 'Best Group Of 2006', 'Best Abum Of 2006' for 'A Matter of Life and Death', 'Best Tune Of 2006', scoring both number 1 with 'Different World' and number 2 with 'Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg', 'Best Artwork Of 2006', 'Best Live Performance Of 2006', 'Best Vocalist Of 2006' (Bruce Dickinson), 'Best Bass Player Of 2006' (Steve Harris) and 'Best Songwriter of 2006' (Steve Harris).

IRON MAIDEN put in a record breaking fourth headline performance at the Castle Donington festival on June 10th.

IRON MAIDEN's performance on Sunday, June 15th 2008 at Madison Square Garden in New York City was to prove memorable due to a power outtage mid set during the song 'Powerslave'. The band responded by producing a soccer ball on stage and began playing football, Bruce Dickinson using one of the Egyptian sarcophagi stage props as a shield. As soon as power was restored Dickinson announced "The revenge of Sharon...the wicked witch of the west rises again!". 

The band cancelled their headlining performance at Saturday 12th July's 'Metalway' festival in Zaragoza, Spain, stating this was "Due to massive storm damage to the staging and PA and lights".