When 1999 began, Iron Maiden had decided to fire singer Blaze Bayley and reunite with Bruce Dickinson. This was one of the most important turns in the band’s history. The major question is how Steve Harris came to the conclusion, and how the new line-up of Maiden would secure their longevity in the new millennium.
If anyone thought that Iron Maiden’s massive comeback in 2000 had been a one-off cash-in, they were wrong. Dance Of Death was the album that made it much clearer that Maiden were in it for the long haul. Continue reading
Iron Maiden’s first proper box set is a mixed bag, or box, as it should be. It runs the gamut from throwaway B-sides to essential live recordings, and a long lost concert from 1982 is the most precious jewel in the package. When Maiden opened their vault there was much to enjoy. Continue reading
The first Iron Maiden live album of the new millennium underlined the major changes that the band had gone through at the tail end of the 1990s. Three guitars, a certain duo back in the band, and for the first time since Martin Birch there is a producer at hand that makes it all sound really good.
It is not without flaws, but Brave New World has gained the status of classic album in Iron Maiden’s catalog. The return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith marked the start of the band’s second golden age. Continue reading
It is one of the all-time greatest Iron Maiden classics, and there has been no less than seven official live versions. To celebrate Maiden’s new live album, here is the best and worst of 2 Minutes To Midnight. Continue reading
By the mid-1990s Iron Maiden had clearly become a diminished force, but they would gamely take another crack at rebuilding their house. With this chapter in our study of Maiden History we take a look at the making of Virtual XI and the events that led to the end of the Blaze era.
In trying to build the new Iron Maiden with their second Blaze Bayley album, the band unfortunately reaches the nadir of their recording history. Continue reading
For five years in the 1990s Iron Maiden would sound and look different, lose old fans and make new ones, as they struggled to reestablish themselves with a new frontman: Blaze Bayley. With this chapter in our study of Maiden History we discuss the coming of Blaze and the making of The X Factor. Continue reading
Two years after the departure of Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden finally returned with Blaze Bayley and The X Factor. How did Maiden adapt to one of the biggest changes and challenges of their career? Continue reading
