Iron Maiden: Did You Know?

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Stories About Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden is one of the most iconic and influential heavy metal bands of all time. Their mascot Eddie and epic anthems have solidified them in the pantheon of rock legends. But beneath the roaring guitars and headbanging anthems lie fascinating stories and fun facts that even die-hard fans might not know. Let’s dive into some lesser-known Iron Maiden tales!

1. The Origins of Eddie the Head

Eddie, the skeletal mascot of Iron Maiden, is as famous as the band itself. But did you know Eddie was initially just... a mask? In the band's early days, a papier-mâché head was placed above drummer Doug Sampson, with fake blood oozing out of it during performances. The name "Eddie" was inspired by an English joke about a disfigured baby. When artist Derek Riggs took over, he transformed Eddie into the fearsome figure we all know today. Eddie's debut as the full mascot occurred on the cover of their 1980 self-titled album, and he’s been terrorizing fans (in the best way) ever since.

2. Bruce Dickinson’s Almost Olympic Dream

Before Iron Maiden's legendary frontman, Bruce Dickinson, became known for his operatic vocals and dynamic stage presence, he had another ambition: to become an Olympic fencer! Bruce was a skilled fencer and even ranked 7th in Great Britain at one point. He continued to fence competitively while touring with the band, proving that heavy metal and swordplay go hand-in-hand!

3. The Air Raid Siren and World War II Connection

Iron Maiden is known for their historic and war-inspired songs, like "The Trooper" and "Aces High." But Bruce Dickinson, often referred to as "The Air Raid Siren" because of his piercing vocals, has a direct connection to World War II. Bruce's godfather, Douglas Lockwood, was a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot, which greatly inspired his interest in aviation and military history. This passion is reflected in many of Maiden's lyrics and Bruce’s own pilot career – yes, he’s also a licensed commercial airline pilot who has even flown the band on tour!

4. A Literal "Beast" on Tour

On their 1982 "The Number of the Beast" tour, the band faced serious controversy from religious groups who misunderstood the album’s title. Some believed the band was satanic, which led to protests and record burnings. During one concert in the US, fans claimed to have seen a strange figure resembling a “beast” running through the venue's rafters. It turned out to be a roadie in a costume, but it added to the album's eerie allure.

5. Steve Harris: The Soccer Star That Never Was

Steve Harris, the band's founder, bassist, and chief songwriter, didn’t start out dreaming of heavy metal fame. His first love was football (soccer), and he was once on track to become a professional player for West Ham United. However, the pull of music proved too strong, and he swapped the pitch for the stage. Interestingly, Harris's galloping bass style has been compared to the rhythm of a footballer running down the field – a little bit of his sports past still lives on in his playing.

6. Iron Maiden's Plane: Ed Force One

Iron Maiden doesn’t just tour; they take it to the next level with their own customized plane, known as "Ed Force One." The plane, a Boeing 747-400, is piloted by none other than Bruce Dickinson himself! Ed Force One first took flight in 2008, transporting the band, crew, and equipment around the globe in true metal fashion. The aircraft has become a symbol of their enduring global dominance, and yes, it features a giant image of Eddie on the tail.

7. The Longest Song Ever

You might think that Iron Maiden's classic anthems like "Run to the Hills" or "The Trooper" are epic, but they pale in comparison to one of their later tracks, "Empire of the Clouds." Clocking in at over 18 minutes, this song from the 2015 album The Book of Souls tells the tragic story of the R101 airship disaster. The orchestral complexity and cinematic nature of the song show that even after four decades, Maiden still pushes creative boundaries.

8. Ghost Stories and Spooky Studios

While recording The Number of the Beast, strange occurrences started happening in the studio. Lights flickered, equipment malfunctioned, and the band even claimed to have felt a supernatural presence. The eerie atmosphere reached its peak when the studio mysteriously caught fire. Some members jokingly wondered if they had accidentally summoned the devil while making the album!

9. The Song That Almost Never Was

Iron Maiden’s classic hit "The Number of the Beast" was almost left off the album. After finishing the track, Steve Harris felt it didn’t quite fit with the rest of the album. But after some persuasion, it was included – and went on to become one of the band’s most recognizable songs and the centerpiece of their live shows.

10. Maiden’s Charity Work: Beyond the Music

Iron Maiden might be synonymous with hard-edged, loud metal, but the band has a softer side when it comes to charity work. From helping raise money for cancer research to supporting young musicians and flying humanitarian missions with Bruce at the helm, the band has quietly done a great deal of good work over the years. In 2006, during the Israel-Lebanon conflict, Bruce flew a group of 200 UK citizens home from the war zone, showcasing his skills as both a pilot and a humanitarian.

Iron Maidens Legacy

Iron Maiden’s legacy is more than just a collection of albums and tours. Behind the music are quirky stories, near-miss disasters, and unique personal achievements. Whether it’s flying their own plane, fencing their way through life, or dealing with haunted studios, Iron Maiden’s journey continues to be a wild ride. So, next time you crank up “Run to the Hills” or “Fear of the Dark,” remember there’s always more to this legendary band than meets the eye!

Iron Maiden has many powerful lyrics, but one of their most meaningful lines comes from the song "Hallowed Be Thy Name":

"When you know that your time is close at hand / Maybe then you'll begin to understand / Life down here is just a strange illusion."

This line, from their classic album The Number of the Beast, encapsulates deep existential reflection. It addresses themes of mortality, the fear of death, and the contemplation of life’s meaning. In this song, the narrator faces his impending execution, pondering life's temporary nature and how human existence might just be an illusion.

It's considered one of the most profound and introspective moments in Iron Maiden’s discography, resonating with fans who appreciate both the philosophical depth and the emotional intensity of the lyrics.