Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden is one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands in the world. Founded in London in 1975 by bassist and main songwriter Steve Harris, the band played a key role in shaping the genre of classic heavy metal. Their debut album *Iron Maiden* (1980) marked the beginning of an impressive career that spanned several decades. In the 1980s in particular, the band achieved worldwide fame with albums such as *The Number of the Beast* (1982) and *Powerslave* (1984) and set new standards in terms of songwriting, technical ability and epic live performances.

One of Iron Maiden's trademarks is their melodic, often complex guitar riffs, which are underpinned by Harris' distinctive bass playing. Singer Bruce Dickinson, who joined the band in 1981, is known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. The band created iconic songs such as "Run to the Hills", "The Trooper" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name", which remain heavy metal classics to this day. Iron Maiden are also characterised by their elaborate stage shows and their mascot "Eddie", which has been an integral part of the band's visual identity since the early days.

Despite numerous changes in the musical landscape and the band's line-up, Iron Maiden have maintained their creative integrity. They have continued to release successful albums, including *Brave New World* (2000) and *Senjutsu* (2021), and regularly tour to sold-out stadiums worldwide. Their influence on the metal scene is immense, and they are often referred to as one of the 'big four' of classic heavy metal. Iron Maiden remains an indispensable force in metal, impressing with their consistency, musical innovation and passionate fanbase.