Iron Maiden

RE-RUN: Steph Honde – An Artist You Should Know!

No show tonight, as Harrison and I are busy working on 50 Years of Iron Maiden!  So, instead, we bring this 2020 interview with former Paul Di’Anno guitarist Steph Honde. It originally aired on my old show the LeBrain Train.  This newly edited interview with the friendly French fireball will run tonight at 7:00 PM EST at the usual places.  My writeup is below.

Steph Honde is a talented singer/guitarist from France who has performed with Paul Di’Anno, Sun Road, Chris Holmes, Hollywood Monsters, Jim Crean, Now or Never, and as a solo artist. In this wide-spanning interview, we discuss his favourite Canadian artists such as Max Webster, Wireless, VoiVod, Rock Candy, and Roch Voisine. We even touch on Celine Dion. We talk about his friendship with Paul Di’Anno, playing live with no rehearsal, and speeding up the songs. Steph talks about the rock scene in France, and going it alone without a label. Steph is a fan as much as musician too, so he gushes over Marillion, touring with DeepPurple, his signed Deep Purple 7″, and a private performance by a favourite musician. We talk about John Sykes, and other influences. Of course, we also had to talk about his epic cover of “Supper’s Ready” on his Ashes of Empire album. Steph’s defiance is refreshing. If he’s going to play without a label, then he’s going to play “Supper’s Ready”, because he wants to. Steph also did an acoustic cover of Deep Purple’s “Sail Away”, which he did to be different. Finally, we ask him what it’s like to open for AC/DC in front of 80,000 people.

This interview was conducted early in the pandemic, so of course that dominates part of the conversation. It’s weird to look back on with 2025 eyes.

Many of those old LeBrain Train shows were too long and could use some refreshing.  This one never got enough views back in 2020.  Let’s expose Steph Honde to a new audience!  You won’t regret giving him a listen.

Streaming Live at 7:00 PM EST on Friday March 28, on Youtube and Facebook.

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN bonus episode: Maiden Grail Acquired

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN bonus episode: Maiden Grail Acquired

 

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK bonus episode

Back in 2013, T-Rev and I hit up the Hamilton record show, where I first encountered Iron Maiden’s Live!! + One EP.  I held it in my hands.  I didn’t know what I was holding, and I put it back, assuming I had all the tracks already.  I did not.  It was $100.

A few weeks ago, John Clauser from My Music Corner was heading to a record store in Birmingham Alabama.  I asked, on a lark, if he would mind picking me up a Live!! +One and he said “sure”!  He packed it with care and send it to Canada.  A Holy Grail item for sure, I was thrilled to get it.  Now you can watch me open the record as all three of us (John, Harrison and I) take a solid look at the record.  There are different versions available of varying authenticity, so let’s take a good look at this record.

Would you have bought it?  Let us know in the comments.

Past episodes:

Please “like” and subscribe, and help us keep going this year with 50 Years of Iron Maiden, on Grab A Stack of Rock!

Monday March 24 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic.   Enjoy on YouTube.

MIX TAPE! Iron Maiden, KISS, Def Leppard and MORE! (You won’t believe your eyes!) on Grab A Stack of Rock

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK With Mike and the Mad Metal Man
Episode 96:  Mix Tape I

 

Recorded while I had Covid!  This special “Mix Tape” episode of Grab A Stack of Rock is a potpourri of metal:  there is something for everyone!  In particular, if you have been following us for Iron Maiden and KISS content, this episode is for you!

Topics:

  • Iron Maiden ReAction figures including the rare Maiden Japan #50yearsofironmaiden
  • A unique guitar carving from Kerras Jeffrey (RIP) from Prince Edward Island
  • Darth Vader cameo
  • KISS BstAxn 5″ action figures in box
  • KISS 24k Gold CD for Destroyer bought in 1998 at Carry On Books in Waterloo
  • Tee Bone Erickson’s poetic take on the Northern Lights
  • The best of “Ask Harrison” by Tee Bone
  • Soundtrack from the Video Historia (Def Leppard) with Tim’s Vinyl Confessions – an incredible LIVE coincidence from the LeBrain Train days

The Author Reads:

  • A chapter of Unspooled: An Adventure in 8-Tracks
  • The Rules: The First 10 Years of Iron Maiden
  • Record Store Tales Part 7: A Sh*tty Story

Video premieres at 7:00 PM Eastern.

Friday March 21 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic.   Enjoy on YouTube.

 

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN bonus episode: Run For Your Lives Dream Setlists

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN bonus episode: Run For Your Lives Dream Setlist

 

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK bonus episode

Welcome to our very first “bonus episode” of 50 Years of Iron Maiden!  These bonus episodes will feature shorter videos on a variety of topics.  With Maiden’s 2025 tour beginning in May, we wanted to get ahead of the pack and speculate on the setlist.

Harrison and I set two rules for these setlists, based on what we know from Iron Maiden themselves.  1) Each one of the first nine albums will be represented in the set, and 2) They will at least one song that has never been played live before.  From there we let our imaginations run wild!

What songs do you think Maiden will play this year?  What’s on your wishlist?  Tell us in the comments below, and UP THE IRONS in 2025!

Past episodes:

Please “like” and subscribe, and help us keep going this year with 50 Years of Iron Maiden, on Grab A Stack of Rock!

Monday March 17 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic.   Enjoy on YouTube.

 

 

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 8: Maiden Drummers with Glen “Archie” Gamble

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 8:  Drummer Spotlight

With Glen “Archie” Gamble

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #95

Do you want to know who almost replaced Nicko McBrain in Iron Maiden?  Stay tuned because Archie Gamble has the details in this special episode of 50 Years of Iron Maiden, on Grab A Stack of Rock!

Former Helix drummer Glen “Archie” Gamble joins us for this special drummer spotlight, bringing us insight as a touring musician.  In this episode, we discuss Archie’s fandom, each drummer’s approach, Nicko’s stance on double bass, a drummer’s retirement, what challenges the new guy Simon Dawson will face, and much more.

Archie’s perspective in this episode was invaluable, as we sat down to appreciate the drummers of Iron Maiden, and catch a glimpse of life on the road and in a band.

 

Past episodes:

Friday March 14 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic.   Enjoy on YouTube.

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 7: Piece of Mind with Melissa Nee

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 7:  Piece of Mind

With Melissa Nee

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #94

Here comes Melissa Nee, dropping knowledge bombs all over Piece of Mind!  Melissa is a long time fan, having seen the band on this actual tour.  Her insight, appreciation and multitude of knowledge make this a must-watch episode!

Flying over the valley, to the Eagles’ Nest, we cover the album album track by track from “Where Eagles Dare” to “To Tame A Land”.  Special attention is paid to the lyrics.  Four songs on this album have accompanying books or movies, and this is covered as well.  Most importantly, this album is the debut of Nicko McBrain, replacing the beloved Clive Burr on drums.

As usual, we cover the artwork, both single B-sides, and the tour.  Harrison and Melissa go deep on the live show, setlist and stories.  (There is one important story that happened on this tour, that we will save for the Powerslave episode.)

Please join Harrison, Melissa and I for this mission behind enemy lines:  Piece of Mind!

Past episodes:

Friday March 7 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic.   Enjoy on YouTube.

Beast Over Hammersmith: Harrison Hosts and Mike Learns!

Episode 6 of 50 Years of Iron Maiden (and episode 93 of Grab A Stack of Rock) was a learning experience as Harrison schooled us on the Beast On the Road Tour.

A fabulous live album recorded in 1982 but not released until 2002, Beast Over Hammersmith rivals Live After Death in metal mastery.  The lively comments section anticipated all of our praise for this album, which you can get on vinyl, but probably not on CD without buying the Eddie’s Archive box set.

Harrison Kopp was the master of ceremonies, and this episode was all his.  Hear about the unusual opener, the instrumental, the guitar solo, the B-side, and much more.  Several things came up multiple times in this episode:  1) Bruce Dickinson’s voice at this point in 1982.  2) Clive Burr’s masterful performances of these songs.  3) The band’s fresh take on the songs that would later be played hundreds of times.

This is episode is certain to go down as a favourite.  Join us next week with Melissa Nee, for Piece of Mind!

 

Past episodes:

 

Show notes:

Recorded 20 March 1982 – 2 days before album was out, released 2 November 2002.

Never released in full on video as the band were unhappy with the quality, but you can see part on the 2004 Early Days DVD.

Opener:  Murders in the Rue Morgue!  Starts slow, showcasing Steve’s bass harmonics.  Then goes breakneck!  What a strange opener!

Wrathchild is another great Steve bass opener.  This one is more along the lines of the album version, but with Bruce singing.

New song Run to the Hills is 3rd in the set!  Not as breakneck speed as some versions.

Another new song, Children of the Damned.  Bruce announces the album will be out March 22.  Tour de force vocals and some nice guitar harmonics added in.

Crowd is very quiet except for a few pockets of cheers to open Number of the Beast.  Bruce mentions the “problems” they had in the studio.

Great version of “Another Life”, with Clive absolutely on fire on the snares and cymbols.  Bruce’s vocals make the lyrics more clear:  “As I lay here lying on my bed.”  Amazing Davey soloing here.

Screaming version of Killers next.  Bruce at peak voice tackling this song.  Otherwise pretty faithful to album cut, especially the guitars and guitar tone.  We also learn Adrian had some bruised up ribs that night.

22 Acacia is introduced as an Adrian co-write.  Another perfect performance.  Bruce’s vocals are biting and growly during the intro.

Bruce says Total Eclipse isn’t really a B-side, but it is.  “Didn’t have enough room on the album.”  This song and Run to the Hills were on a vinyl single already.  The vocals are a little haggard toward the challenging ending high notes.

Leads into instrumental Transylvania, played as it should be by Clive.

Crowd is silent during the Prisoner opening.  Great hearing it like with Clive on drums.  The drums are fast, frenetic and flawless.  Tempo seems a bit faster in the latter part than the album.

Hallowed comes in with no intro from Bruce.  Better live version than Live After Death, as Bruce sings the opening a little more true to album.  Passionate singing from Bruce.

Phantom – Top performance from Bruce, expressive and soaring!  Tempo feels a little faster than album.

Iron Maiden – Breakneck version!

Sanctuary – Same with Sanctuary!

Drifter – Songs tend to flow one into another.  I don’t like when Bruce refers to some in the audience as a “fucking women,” but that was the 80s.  I doubt he’d say this today.

Running Free – A top Bruce version, with impassioned and wild vocals.

Prowler – Crazy to hear this album opener as a closer.

 

 

 

 

🅻🅸🆅🅴 50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 6: Beast Over Hammersmith

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 6:  Beast Over Hammersmith

A special 🅻🅸🆅🅴 episode

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #93

Good evening Hammersmith…or wherever you are!  Tonight on 50 Years of Iron Maiden, Harrison and I are appropriately tackling this live album with a live episode!

Beast Over Hammersmith is a double live album recorded just before The Number of the Beast was released.  The band played a rare mix of Di’Anno classics and deep cuts, along with new material, and one B-side!  Bruce explains to the crowd that it’s not “really” a B-side, which it was, but we’ll get into that, as well as “all the lazy bastards from EMI in the back.”

This episode is our sendoff to Clive Burr, and we’ll be talking about him, though not for the last time in this series.

Beast Over Hammersmith was first issued as a 2 CD set within the Eddie’s Archive box set, which we have taken brief looks at in the past.  Today you can get Beast Over Hammersmith on vinyl, so it is a significant enough release to warrant its own episode.

So give us a yo, yo yo yo! and see us tonight, live!

Past episodes:

LIVE on Friday February 28 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic.   Enjoy on YouTube or Facebook.

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 5: The Number of the Beast with Jex Russell

50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 5: The Number of the Beast

With Jex Russell 

GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #91

Enter:  The Air Raid Siren.  “Bruce Bruce”.  Paul Bruce Dickinson to his mum.  One of the greatest lead vocalists, frontmen, songwriters and lyricists in heavy metal:  Bruce Dickinson.  None of that is hyperbole.

It’s one of the greatest “replacement singer” success stories in heavy metal.  Not just anyone could replace the beloved Paul Di’Anno.  What Iron Maiden did with Bruce took the band to a whole new level.  They tightened the songwriting, sharpened the production and put out one of the best albums of their lives.  The Number of the Beast pushed Maiden to a new level, and hinted at how they would grow album by album in the future.

In this episode, Mike and Harrison discuss the full track listing, including “Total Eclipse” and the live B-side “Remember Tomorrow”.  We’ll talk about the different coloured covers, the different track listings, and of course the tour!  Also included, an interview clip with Bruce Dickinson on assumptions made about heavy metal at that time.  This in-depth episode is our longest to date at just over an hour.  It is filled with praise and critique, but by the end you will understand why this is considered by some to be “the” Maiden classic.

Jex Russell’s favourite Iron Maiden album is The Number of the Beast.  He was thrilled to find that no-one had snagged this slot yet.  Please welcome Jex back to the show!

Past episodes:

Friday February 21 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic.   Enjoy on YouTube.

🅻🅸🆅🅴 Grab A Stack of Chat: A Post-Show Chat with Mike and Harrison

Tonight’s episode of 50 Years of Iron Maiden was a shorty, so we’re having a LIVE post-show chat…right now (7:30)!  Forget Valentine’s Day!

Let’s catch up on the latest in Maiden and Grab A Stack of Rock!