Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band that was formed in London in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris. The band has been influential in the development of the genre and is considered one of the "big four" of the 1980s alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. Iron Maiden has released a total of 18 studio albums, with the most recent, "The Book of Souls," being released in 2015. The band has sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands in the world.
Fact 1 - The band's name was inspired by a medieval torture device called the "Iron Maiden," which was a coffin-like contraption lined with spikes. The band's bassist, Steve Harris, came up with the name after seeing the device in a history book.
Iron Maiden's music is known for its fast tempos, powerful guitar riffs, and the distinctive voice of lead singer Bruce Dickinson. The band's mascot, Eddie the Head, is a zombie-like creature that appears on many of their album covers and merchandise. Eddie has become an iconic symbol of the band and is recognized by fans all over the world.
Fact 2 - Iron Maiden's lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, is a trained pilot and owns a fleet of planes. He has flown Iron Maiden's tour planes on several occasions and even flew the band's 747 jumbo jet on their "Book of Souls" tour.
Iron Maiden has toured extensively throughout their career, playing in front of millions of fans in countries all over the globe. The band's live performances are known for their energetic stage shows, which often feature pyrotechnics and elaborate sets.
Fact 3 - Iron Maiden's song "Hallowed Be Thy Name" was originally written for the band's 1982 album "The Number of the Beast," but was not included on the final track list. The song was eventually released as a B-side on the single for "Run to the Hills" and has since become one of the band's most popular and enduring tracks.
In addition to their music, Iron Maiden has also been involved in various charitable efforts. In 2002, the band founded the Iron Maiden Census, a project that aims to help children in need through education and medical assistance. The band has also been involved in the fight against malaria, and has donated money to various charities over the years.
Fact 4 - In addition to his music career, Iron Maiden's bassist Steve Harris is also a trained chiropractor. He received his degree in chiropractic in 1998 and has since practiced at a clinic in London.
Iron Maiden has been a major influence on the heavy metal genre and has inspired countless other musicians. The band's unique sound and energetic live performances have made them a beloved act among fans for decades, and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Fact 5 - Iron Maiden has released a series of beers under the "Trooper" brand, which is named after the band's song "The Trooper." The beers are brewed in collaboration with the Robinsons Brewery in Stockport, England and are sold in over 50 countries worldwide.
Fact 6 - In 2003, Iron Maiden was inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk, a sidewalk in Hollywood, California that honors musicians who have made a significant impact on the music industry. The band's handprints and signatures are etched into the sidewalk, alongside those of other rock legends such as Led Zeppelin and Metallica.