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.
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
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
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
Iron Maiden released their first compilation album in 1996. But did Best Of The Beast serve to capture new fans, or did it simply shed a harsh light on the state of the band in the mid-1990s? 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
Eight years after the colossal Live After Death, Iron Maiden have another four studio albums to plunder for their setlist. And so they decide it is time for another live album. Here is a look back at Maiden’s controversial second concert record. Continue reading
Here we go again. Iron Maiden will be back on the road in two months, and Maiden Revelations takes a peek in the crystal ball to see what might be coming our way this time. Continue reading
As Iron Maiden struggled to stay on top of their game at the start of the 1990s, they suddenly faced the monumental blow of losing their classic lead singer. With this chapter of our in-depth series on Maiden History we look into Fear Of The Dark and the breaking of another line-up. Continue reading
