British heavy metal pioneers, one of the central figures of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Known for their theatrical live shows, galloping bass lines, dual guitar harmonies, and their iconic mascot Eddie who appears on album covers. Founded by bassist Steve Harris, the band rose to international fame in the early 1980s and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide. Their musicianship, literary-inspired lyrics, and relentless touring have made them one of the most influential metal bands of all time.
Iron Maiden's sound is immediately recognizable: the galloping triplet rhythm driven by Harris's bass, the soaring operatic vocals of Bruce Dickinson, and the melodic twin-guitar attack of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. Their songs draw from history, mythology, literature, and film, tackling subjects from the Charge of the Light Brigade to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." This intellectual depth set them apart from many of their contemporaries and earned them a fiercely loyal global fanbase.
Across more than four decades, Iron Maiden have never stopped pushing forward. They've headlined festivals on every continent, flown their own custom Boeing 747 piloted by Dickinson himself, and continued to release ambitious albums well into the 21st century. Their influence can be heard in countless bands across the metal spectrum, and their legacy as one of heavy metal's greatest acts is beyond dispute.
Lead singer Bruce Dickinson — he's a fully trained and licensed commercial airline pilot. He flew the band's customized Boeing 747 on their world tours himself.
Bassist Steve Harris founded the band in Leyton, East London in 1975. He remains the only member who has been in every lineup throughout the band's history.
Eddie — a decaying, zombie-like figure who has appeared on every Iron Maiden album cover since the debut in 1980. His appearance changes dramatically for each record, from a punk zombie to a pharaoh to a cyborg.
The Battle of Britain in WWII. The song opens with a recording of Winston Churchill's famous "We shall fight them on the beaches" speech before launching into one of metal's most electrifying riffs.