# Iron Maiden > English band **Wikidata**: [Q42482](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q42482) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iron-maiden ## Summary Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band formed on December 25, 1975, in Leyton, United Kingdom. The band is one of the most influential heavy metal acts in music history, known for pioneering the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Iron Maiden has been signed to major record labels such as Capitol Records and has achieved global recognition with over 100 million records sold. ## Key Facts - **Founded:** December 25, 1975 - **Origin:** Leyton, United Kingdom - **Genre:** Heavy metal, traditional heavy metal - **Notable eras:** New Wave of British Heavy Metal - **Website:** [https://www.ironmaiden.com](https://www.ironmaiden.com) - **Labels:** Capitol Records, EMI Records - **Key members:** Steve Harris (founder, bassist), Bruce Dickinson (vocalist), Dave Murray (guitarist), Adrian Smith (guitarist), Janick Gers (guitarist), Nicko McBrain (drummer) - **Former members:** Paul Di'Anno (original vocalist, 1975–1981), Clive Burr (drummer, 1977–2013) - **Influences:** Traditional heavy metal, hard rock, progressive rock - **Achievements:** Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance (2014), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2023) - **Notable albums:** *The Number of the Beast* (1982), *Piece of Mind* (1983), *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* (1988) - **Notable songs:** "The Number of the Beast," "Run to the Hills," "Hallowed Be Thy Name" - **Awards:** Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance ## FAQs **What is Iron Maiden?** Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band formed in 1975, known for their influential role in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. They are recognized for their complex compositions, theatrical stage shows, and literary themes in their music. **Who are the current members of Iron Maiden?** The current lineup includes Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Steve Harris (bass), Dave Murray (guitar), Adrian Smith (guitar), Janick Gers (guitar), and Nicko McBrain (drums). Former members like Paul Di'Anno (original vocalist) and Clive Burr (drummer) also played key roles in the band's history. **What genres is Iron Maiden associated with?** Iron Maiden is primarily associated with heavy metal music, traditional heavy metal, and hard rock. Their sound has evolved to incorporate progressive rock elements and storytelling themes, especially during their golden era of the 1980s. **What albums is Iron Maiden known for?** Iron Maiden is known for albums such as *Iron Maiden* (1980), *Killers* (1981), *The Number of the Beast* (1982), *Piece of Mind* (1983), and *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* (1988). These works helped define the sound of traditional heavy metal and established the band's global influence. **What awards has Iron Maiden won?** Iron Maiden has received a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance (2014) and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. Their music has inspired countless musicians and continues to influence the heavy metal genre. **What is Iron Maiden's legacy in music?** Iron Maiden's legacy includes defining the sound of traditional heavy metal, contributing to the NWOBHM movement, and maintaining a consistent touring and recording schedule since the late 1970s. Their influence is evident in the global reach of heavy metal and the inspiration they provided to bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Coheed and Cambria, and Slayer. ## Why It Matters Iron Maiden is one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history, having played a pivotal role in shaping the genre since the late 1970s. Their music, characterized by complex compositions, twin-guitar harmonies, and literary themes, has inspired generations of musicians. The band's longevity, with Steve Harris maintaining a continuous role since 1975, and their global success, including over 100 million records sold, underscores their cultural and musical impact. ## Notable For - Pioneering the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement - Being one of the first heavy metal bands to achieve global success - Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 - Winning a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2014 - Consistent touring and recording since 1975 - Influential albums like *The Number of the Beast* and *Piece of Mind* - Theatrical and literary themes in their music - Long-standing lineup with Steve Harris as a constant member ## Body ### History Iron Maiden was formed on December 25, 1975, in Leyton, United Kingdom. The band emerged from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a movement that began in the late 1970s. Iron Maiden's early years were defined by Paul Di'Anno as the lead vocalist, with Steve Harris playing a foundational role since the band's inception. The band's name, derived from a childhood horror film, reflects their early commitment to dark, theatrical themes. ### Genre and Influence Iron Maiden is associated with heavy metal music, traditional heavy metal, and hard rock. Their music incorporates progressive rock elements and complex compositions, especially evident in concept albums like *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* (1988). The band's influence on the genre includes defining the sound of traditional heavy metal and inspiring bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Coheed and Cambria, and Slayer. ### Key People - **Steve Harris** – Founder, bassist, primary songwriter - **Bruce Dickinson** – Lead vocalist (1981–1993, 1994–present) - **Dave Murray** – Lead guitarist (1975–present) - **Adrian Smith** – Guitarist, songwriter - **Janick Gers** – Lead guitarist - **Nicko McBrain** – Drummer (1975–present) - **Paul Di'Anno** – Original vocalist (1975–1981) - **Clive Burr** – Drummer (1977–2013) ### Notable Achievements - Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance (2014) - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (2023) - Over 100 million records sold worldwide - Influential albums: *Iron Maiden* (1980), *Killers* (1981), *The Number of the Beast* (1982), *Piece of Mind* (1983), *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* (1988) ### Musical Style and Legacy Iron Maiden's music is characterized by twin-guitar harmonies, progressive rock influences, and literary themes. The band's longevity and global influence have made them a cornerstone of traditional heavy metal. Their sound has inspired bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Coheed and Cambria, and Slayer. ### Record Labels and Distribution Iron Maiden has been associated with major record labels such as Capitol Records and EMI Records. Their global success and influence have been supported by consistent touring and recording since 1975. ### Cultural Impact Iron Maiden's cultural impact includes their theatrical themes, literary references, and influence on the heavy metal genre. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, and their legacy is recognized through awards like the Grammy and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ### Related Projects and Collaborations - **Avenged Sevenfold** – Influenced by Iron Maiden - **Coheed and Cambria** – Progressive rock elements - **Slayer** – Thrash metal band influenced by Iron Maiden - **Funeral for a Friend** – Post-hardcore band - **Shadows Fall** – Metalcore band - **Sum 41** – Punk rock band ### Members and Lineups - **Steve Harris** – Founder, bassist, and primary songwriter - **Bruce Dickinson** – Lead vocalist (1981–1993, 1994–present) - **Dave Murray** – Lead guitarist (1975–present) - **Adrian Smith** – Guitarist and songwriter - **Janick Gers** – Lead guitarist - **Nicko McBrain** – Drummer (1975–present) - **Paul Di'Anno** – Original vocalist (1975–1981) - **Clive Burr** – Drummer (1977–2013) ### Tours and Performances Iron Maiden is known for their theatrical stage shows, elaborate costumes, and consistent global tours. Their performances often include references to horror films and literary themes, reinforcing their influence on the heavy metal genre. ### Awards and Recognition Iron Maiden's awards include a Grammy for Best Metal Performance (2014) and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2023). Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, and their influence is evident in the global reach of heavy metal. ### Legacy and Influence Iron Maiden's legacy includes defining the sound of traditional heavy metal, contributing to the NWOBHM movement, and maintaining a consistent touring and recording schedule since the late 1970s. Their influence is evident in the global reach of heavy metal and the inspiration they provided to bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Coheed and Cambria, and Slayer. ## References 1. Metal Evolution 2. [Songlexikon. Encyclopedia of Songs](http://www.songlexikon.de/songs/numberofthebeast) 3. BnF authorities 4. MusicBrainz 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. [Source](https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/news-steve-harris-forms-iron-maiden/) 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. Czech National Authority Database 9. BBC Things 10. Discogs 11. Google Knowledge Graph 12. The Guardian 13. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Iron-Maiden;3915442.html) 14. YouTube API