Iron Maiden- Masters of Heavy Metal
February 21st, 2011
It isn’t an understatement to say that Iron Maiden is now on a pedestal of its own. After more than three decades as a band, the group still manages to sell albums and music merch and inspire numerous novice bands and performers.
As of today, the group has sold 75 million records worldwide. For this accomplishment and for their work, they have been included in the Hollywood RockWalk. To further illustrate the wide and enduring influence of this band, one only has to look at the various films, video games and songs in which the group is mentioned. The continuing popularity of Iron Maiden simply can’t be stopped.
Band Past
Despite their near legend status, the group has had some experience in changing lineups. It was Steve Harris who founded the first group in December of 1975. The band’s name is taken from the torture tool called iron maiden used in the film The Man in the Iron Mask. Other than Harris who is the band’s bassist, backup vocals and studio keyboardist, guitarist David Murray shares the distinction of being the member who has been with the group the longest.
Other current members include Bruce Dickinson on lead vocals, Adrian Smith on guitar and backing vocals; Janick Gers on guitar; and Nicko McBrain on drums and percussion while Michael Kenney performs with the group during live performances as the keyboardist. The former members were either fired from or left the group due to personal and professional differences. These former members were Doug Sampson and Clive Burr on drums and percussions; Paul Di’Anno, Paul Day and Dennis Wilcock on lead vocals; and Dennis Stratton on guitars and backing vocals.
Albums Out
From 1975 to 2010, Iron Maiden has generated thirty different pieces of work. These are made up of fourteen Iron Maiden albums, four extended plays, five compilations and seven live albums. Because of the band’s outstanding music and work, the group has firmly established itself in numerous recognition lists. Among the many recognitions that the group has received are the MTV Top 10 Greatest Heavy Metal Bands of All Time, the VH1 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and the Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.
It’s impossible to describe here in detail all of Iron Maiden’s significant works. Here are among the most notable:
• Iron Maiden (1980)- This is the eponymous debut album of the band, which contains classics like The Phantom of the Opera, Sanctuary and, of course, Iron Maiden
• The Number of the Beast (1982)- Widely considered as one of the most influential albums in the heavy metal genre, it is also the band’s highest-selling album with worldwide sales of over 14 million, not to mention that this is also the debut of Bruce Dickinson as lead vocalist
• Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)- Probably the most lyrical of the group’s body of work, it centers on topics like mysticism, prophecy, reincarnation and the afterlife
• The Final Frontier (2010)- This is the band’s latest and fifteenth album slated for release in late summer and is gearing up to be yet another reason to worship at the altar of the Iron Maiden
There is simply no way to sink Iron Maiden. With their outstanding work and huge following, it’s likely they will get enshrined in music immortality or at least in thousands of band posters.
Categories: Music and Gadget
