Iron Maiden Tickets

IRON MAIDEN: The Highlights

The legend of Iron Maiden is one that has come and gone, filled with classic tracks and epic albums. Undeniably one of the most important and popular heavy metal bands of all time, Iron Maiden is best known for their distinct sound, intense live performances, and multi-generational fan base. Here we explore the highlights of Iron Maiden's career up until 2021 and show why this iconic band deserves its rightful place in heavy metal hall of fame.

Origins

Iron Maiden burst onto the scene in 1975, formed by bassist Steve Harris. Harris already had a cult following due to his past band, Smiler, and welcomed several additional members to the Iron Maiden lineup, including singer and future music icon Paul Di'Anno, who stayed with the band until 1982. His overtly powerful energy, unique vocal delivery, and surprisingly powerful stage presence set the stage for Iron Maiden's development. Iron Maiden's first self-titled album was released in 1980, and was quickly recognized as an important piece of hard rock and heavy metal.

The Classic Albums

The early 80s saw Iron Maiden at the peak of their fame. Their second album, "Killers" (1981) was the band's highest charting album in the U.K., and featured classic tracks like "Wrathchild" and the eponymous "Killers". These tracks became staples of the Iron Maiden set list, and helped make the band known throughout the U.K. Their third album, "The Number of the Beast" (1982), is probably the band's most famous, and solidified Iron Maiden's fame. With tracks like "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "Run to the Hills", Iron Maiden created a legacy of powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and incredible energy that they are known for to this day.

Band Members Chronology

Iron Maiden has seen a large turnover of members in their near-50 year career. Some of their members have gone on to become icons in their own right, such as singer Bruce Dickinson, who is known for his solo career and in-depth knowledge of heavy metal history. During the Paul Di'Anno era, the band also featured lead guitarist Dave Murray and drummer Clive Burr, who stayed with the band until the release of "Piece of Mind" (1983). With the release of "Powerslave" (1984) the band welcomed drummer Nicko McBrain, who ended up staying with the band until 2021. In between these two eras, several members left and joined, but Iron Maiden always retained the sound and intensity for which they are renowned.

Influences and Similar Artists

Iron Maiden has also inspired and influenced a wide variety of other metal bands, as well as incorporating elements of classical, progressive, and blues rock. Notable influences include Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, and Deep Purple. One of the most famous and successful bands to draw from Iron Maiden's sound is Metallica, who cite the band as a major inspiration. Other bands who draw from Iron Maiden's sound include Megadeth, Iron Reagan, and Ghost.

Famous Songs

Iron Maiden's career is filled with memorable and iconic tracks. In addition to their early singles already mentioned, some of Iron Maiden's most famous songs include "The Trooper" (1983), "Aces High" (1984), "Stranger in a Strange Land" (1986) and "Fear of the Dark" (1992). All of these tracks remain staples of the Iron Maiden setlist, and demonstrate why the band has been around for so long and why they remain one of the most influential in heavy metal.

This is just the highlights of Iron Maiden's career; this veteran heavy metal band has many more stories to tell than what we've detailed here. With a rich history saturating the heavy metal genre, Iron Maiden continues to be one of the most popular and influential bands of all time.