Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. They became pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal movement and released many successful albums, including their 1980 debut album, 1981's Killers, and 1982's The Number of the Beast. This last album was their first with lead singer Bruce Dickinson, who joined in 1981, and it became one of the most popular heavy metal albums ever, selling almost 20 million copies around the world.

After some difficult years in the 1990s, the band grew popular again when Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith returned in 1999. Since then, they have released many new albums and gone on successful tours. Their three most recent albums — The Final Frontier (2010), The Book of Souls (2015), and Senjutsu (2021) — all reached number 1 in more than 25 countries. Iron Maiden have sold over 130 million copies of their albums worldwide and are considered one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time.

The band has released 41 albums in total, including 17 studio albums, 13 live albums, and several others. They have also made videos, games, and singles. Their songs often talk about history, stories, wars, myths, imagination, science fiction, and more. For over 40 years, Iron Maiden have used their famous mascot, "Eddie", on almost every album cover.

History

Iron Maiden, formed in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris in Leyton, East London, became pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal. The band's lineup has mostly included Harris, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers.

They released several successful albums, starting with their self-titled debut in 1980, followed by Killers in 1981, and The Number of the Beast in 1982—their first album with Dickinson, who replaced Paul Di'Anno as lead singer. These albums helped establish Iron Maiden as a major force in heavy metal, earning Platinum and Gold certifications in both the UK and US.

Image and legacy

Iron Maiden have received many awards and honors, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, Ivor Novello Awards, and Juno Awards. In 2012, their album The Number of the Beast was voted the Best British Album Ever by the British public during Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The band has an exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rock in Rio Wall of Fame. In 2016, staff at Loudwire named them the second-best metal band of all time.

Iron Maiden’s mascot, Eddie the Head, has been a key part of their image since 1979. Originally a mask that squirted fake blood during shows, Eddie has appeared on album covers and in many celebrations around the world. The band’s logo, used since their first release in 1979, was inspired by a poster for the science fiction film The Man Who Fell to Earth.

Iron Maiden have inspired many other music artists across many genres. Bands like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, and Dream Theater have all said Iron Maiden influenced their music. The band’s live shows and style have had a big impact on heavy metal.

Iron Maiden’s music and videos were some of the first heavy metal clips shown on MTV. They have had many tribute albums made in their honor by other artists. In 2025, a feature documentary about the band is set to be released in cinemas worldwide. Their song “The Trooper” appeared in the TV show Stranger Things season 5.

Musical style and influences

Steve Harris, Iron Maiden's bassist and main songwriter, drew inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin. He combined these influences with his own unique bass style, creating the band's famous galloping sound in songs like "The Trooper".

The guitarists each bring their own flair: Dave Murray uses a legato technique inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Adrian Smith plays melodic tunes influenced by Johnny Winter, and Janick Gers adds improvised solos inspired by Ritchie Blackmore. Singer Bruce Dickinson’s operatic voice, inspired by artists like Arthur Brown and Ian Gillan, makes him one of the most famous heavy metal vocalists.

Band members

Main article: List of Iron Maiden band members

Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band that was formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by Steve Harris, the bassist and main songwriter. Over the years, the band's lineup has changed, but for much of its history, it has included Harris, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers.

The band became famous for their music, especially during the new wave of British heavy metal. Some of their most popular albums include their 1980 debut album, Killers from 1981, and The Number of the Beast in 1982. Bruce Dickinson joined as the lead singer in 1981, replacing Paul Di’Anno.

Discography

Iron Maiden has released many popular albums since they began. Some of their most well-known studio albums include Iron Maiden from 1980, Killers from 1981, and The Number of the Beast from 1982. They continued making music for many years, with later albums such as The Final Frontier in 2010, The Book of Souls in 2015, and Senjutsu in 2021. Their music has been enjoyed by fans all over the world.

Concert tours

Main article: List of Iron Maiden concert tours

Iron Maiden has gone on many exciting tours around the world since they started in 1975. Some of their most famous tours include the Metal for Muthas Tour 1980, Iron Maiden Tour 1980, Killer World Tour 1981, and World Slavery Tour 1984–1985. They’ve continued to perform with tours like the Legacy of the Beast World Tour 2018–2022 and the Run for Your Lives World Tour 2025–2026. Each tour brings their powerful music and energetic shows to fans everywhere.

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden has been recognised with many awards and nominations throughout their long career. As a leading band in the heavy metal music scene, they have received several prestigious honours that highlight their impact on the industry. Their achievements include notable awards that celebrate their contributions to music and their popularity among fans worldwide.