Iron maiden

Diverse torture instruments

Muzeum Ziemi Lubuskiej - Muzeum Tortur - Żelazna dziewica

Eiserne Jungfrau von Nürnberg 15. od. 16. Jh. Rothenburg

Iron Maiden is a heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The band's discography includes 17 studio albums, 13 live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations. Iron Maiden are considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, with over 100 million albums sold worldwide.

The band's early days were marked by high turnover among its members, with Harris being the only constant. However, by 1982, the lineup stabilized with the addition of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, joining Harris, guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. This lineup is often cited as the classic Iron Maiden lineup. Bassist and keyboardist Janick Gers was added in 1990, following Smith's temporary departure, which turned into a permanent stay, making the band a six-piece.

Iron Maiden's music is characterized by complex guitar harmonies, epic lyrical themes including history, literature, and mythology, as well as Harris's galloping bass patterns. The band's mascot, Eddie, is a perennial fixture in the band's album cover art, as well as in live performances.

History

Early Years (1975–1981)

Iron Maiden was formed on Christmas Day, 1975, by Steve Harris, shortly after he left his previous band, Smiler. The band's name was inspired by the medieval torture device of the same name, and they played their first gig on May 1, 1976. The early years saw the band playing in small London clubs, and their lineup changed frequently.

Rise to Fame (1982–1989)

The release of The Number of the Beast in 1982 was a turning point for the band, marking their transition to international fame. It was their first album with Bruce Dickinson as the lead vocalist, and it reached number one in the UK Albums Chart. The album includes some of the band's most famous songs, such as the title track and "Run to the Hills."

Continued Success and Evolution (1990–present)

The 1990s saw the departure and later return of Adrian Smith, as well as the temporary departure of Bruce Dickinson. Despite these changes, the band continued to release successful albums, including Fear of the Dark (1992) and The X Factor (1995). Dickinson and Smith returned to the band in 1999, leading to a resurgence in popularity. The band has continued to tour and record, with their latest album, Senjutsu, released in 2021.

Musical Style and Influence

Iron Maiden's music is a blend of progressive rock, heavy metal, and hard rock, with a distinctive use of melodic guitar harmonies by Murray and Smith, and later Gers. Their lyrics often draw on historical events, literature, and mythology, setting them apart from their peers. The band has been influential in the heavy metal genre, inspiring numerous bands across various subgenres.

Band Members

• Steve Harris – bass, backing vocals (1975–present)
• Bruce Dickinson – lead vocals (1981–1993, 1999–present)
• Dave Murray – guitars (1976–present)
• Adrian Smith – guitars, backing vocals (1980–1990, 1999–present)
• Nicko McBrain – drums (1982–present)
• Janick Gers – guitars (1990–present)

Legacy

Iron Maiden's impact on heavy metal is immense, with the band being one of the genre's most revered and influential acts. Their commitment to their musical style and thematic content has earned them a dedicated fan base worldwide. The band's live performances are known for their theatricality, largely thanks to their mascot, Eddie, and their elaborate stage setups.