Iron Maiden
Biography
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Harris, formerly of the band Smiler, is the only original member still with the band today. The group's early lineup was volatile, but by 1978 it settled with Harris, guitarist Dave Murray, drummer Doug Sampson, and vocalist Paul Di'Anno. After the success of a self-released EP, the band signed with EMI Records in 1979. Their debut album, "Iron Maiden," was released in 1980 and reached number four on the UK Albums Chart.
The Arrival of Bruce Dickinson and Rise to Fame
In 1981, Paul Di'Anno was replaced by former Samson singer Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson's operatic vocal style and energetic stage presence became a hallmark of the band's sound. The following year, they released their third album, "The Number of the Beast," which became a worldwide success and is considered one of the most important albums in heavy metal history. It was their first album to reach number one in the UK. Throughout the 1980s, Iron Maiden released a series of platinum-selling albums, including "Piece of Mind" (1983), "Powerslave" (1984), "Somewhere in Time" (1986), and "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son" (1988), solidifying their status as one of the world's biggest heavy metal bands. This era also saw the recruitment of drummer Nicko McBrain in 1983.
Musical Style and Themes
Iron Maiden are pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal. Their sound is characterized by dual-lead guitar harmonies, ambitious songwriting, and Dickinson's powerful vocals. The band's lyrics often explore themes of history, literature, war, and mythology. A key part of their image is their famous mascot, "Eddie," who has appeared on almost all of their album covers.
Later Years and Reunion
Bruce Dickinson left Iron Maiden in 1993 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Blaze Bayley. Bayley recorded two albums with the band, "The X Factor" and "Virtual XI". In 1999, both Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith, who had left in 1990, rejoined the band, creating a three-guitar lineup with Dave Murray and Janick Gers. This reunion sparked a resurgence in the band's popularity. They embarked on successful world tours and released new studio albums, including "Brave New World" (2000), "A Matter of Life and Death" (2006), "The Final Frontier" (2010), "The Book of Souls" (2015), and "Senjutsu" (2021).
Legacy
With a career spanning over four decades, Iron Maiden have sold over 130 million albums worldwide. They are considered one of the most influential and revered heavy metal bands of all time, inspiring countless other artists. The band has released 17 studio albums, numerous live albums and compilations, and continues to tour globally to a dedicated fanbase.