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!
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 Beastpushed 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!
50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 4: Maiden Japan, Live!! + One, Live at the Rainbow
GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #90
Closing out the Di’Anno years, Harrison and I take a deep dive into the live releases that accompanied them. Live!! + One was an exclusive Japanese EP that featured “Women In Uniform” (covered in Episode 2), and three live tracks, two of which were exclusive (and awesome). Maiden Japan, of course, was the live EP that you know and love. Live at the Rainbow was an excellent home video that featured Paul on vocals. We tackle all this on tonight’s episode.
You will see our copies of these releases (but not Live!! + One since I didn’t buy it the one time I saw it), and hear about them in detail. This episode is our sendoff to Paul Di’Anno, and we discuss his reasons for leaving. And in came a young upstart named Bruce Bruce…
This short and energetic episode features just Harrison and myself, but we’ll be back next time with a new special guest, and a new lead singer!
Here is the episode we’ve all been waiting for: Author Martin Popoff (Iron Maiden: Album By Album) joins us to talk about record #2, Killers.
With Adrian Smith now in the fold, Maiden settled into the studio with legendary producer Martin Birch to lay down another series of tracks that the band had been working up for years. “Wrathchild”, “Killers”, “The Ides of March” and more will be broken down, track by track.
We will also discuss the singles, the B-sides, and the tour. Once again Harrison goes through the Killers tour and tells us the facts, figures and songs.
Don’t miss this awesome episode of 50 Years of Iron Maiden, tonight on Youtube.
50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode 2: Iron Maiden (1980) and “Women In Uniform”
With John Clauser (My Music Corner)
GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #86
Welcome to the big leagues, as Iron Maiden are signed to EMI and release their first singles and album! New members Clive Burr and Dennis Stratton are now on board with Steve Harris, Dave Murray, and Paul Di’Anno. We cover it all on this second episode of 50 Years of Iron Maiden.
Joining Harrison and I is John Clauser from My Music Corner! We bid you welcome to this special pre-recorded look at Iron Maiden’s self titled debut album. Because we always aim to go in depth as possible, we’ll discuss the entire album track by track, the artwork, and all the singles and B-sides. As an added bonus, we’ll also take a look at the standalone single “Women In Uniform”, a Skyhooks cover that the band have somewhat disowned.
A new feature to the series debuts tonight as well: Harrison Kopp will take the spotlight every time we talk about a studio album, to go over the tour in detail. Harrison will provide the facts, the figures, and the dates, while also analysing the setlists. This segment is a highlight of the show.
This episode premieres at 7 o’clock PM exclusively on YouTube. (Sorry Facebook – we are trying some new things with this Maiden series. The live episodes will still be streamed to Facebook, but not these recorded ones.)
One of us will try to be in the comments tonight, so if you want to take part in a discussion, please don’t miss the premiere!
A huge thank you to everyone who checked out our debut episode of 50 Years of Iron Maiden! In this episode, we covered in detail the early years of the band. From Steve’s first band Smiler, to a roundabout of guitarists and drummers, we broke everything down. First we covered the Paul Mario Day years and a great recent live version of “Running Free”. We moved on to the Dennis Wilcock era and the turmoil that ensued! From swords to keyboards, Iron Maiden were all but derailed! Finally we turn to Paul Di’Anno, the first officially recorded lead vocalist of Iron Maiden.
With Di’Anno, there are several official releases to talk about from this era: the legendary Soundhouse Tapes, BBC Archives, Metal For Muthas, and Axe Attack. There is a rare, little known demo version of “Running Free” on one edition of Axe Attack, and Harrison will tell you how to get it.
We hope you enjoy this fully immersive look at the early years of Iron Maiden. See you next week for the EMI debut, the singles, and Johnny Clauser from My Music Corner.
SHOW NOTES:
Steve Harris originally formed Smiler.
The first lineup of Iron Maiden:
Steve Harris
Paul Mario Day
Terry Rance
Dave Sulivan
Rob “Rebel” Matthews
Paul Day still performs songs today, with former members of early Maiden. A strong vocalist. Powerful voice. Sounds a bit like Di’Anno, with a growl. Can sing clean, but can also really growl. Powerhouse vocals – level 10. Absolutely awesome version of “Running Free”, as good as any Maiden versions with Paul?
Paul Day left – “not enough on stage charisma”
Replaced by Dennis Wilcock, not a great singer but had the bloody sword trick.
Maiden breaks up so Harris can be rid of Rance and Sulivan.
Got in Dave Murray and Bob Sawyer
1977, Matthews, Murray and Sawyer were all fired
Terry Wapram (guitar) and Tony Moore (keyboards) replace the guitarists. Barry Purkis/Thunderstick on drums with black leather mask.
This lineup played one show before Harris fired Moore. Keyboards didn’t fit.
There is a very slow, very different version of “Charlotte the Harlot” with this lineup. A bluesy rock n’ roll version of “Another Life” with a completely different kind of beat. Sounds more like Aerosmith.
Murray returns. Wapram leaves, down to one guitar again. Wilcock and Thunderstick leave and are replaced by Paul Di’Anno and Doug Samson who Steve had played with pre-Iron Maiden.
Rapid turnover of second guitarists:
Paul Cairns joins late 1978, plays on Soundhouse Tapes, lasts 3 months
Paul Todd – June 1979 – lasts one week. Girlfriend wouldn’t let him play shows. Later joined Paul Day in a band called More.
Tony Parsons joins Sep 1979 – Dec 1979, plays on BBC sessions. Fired due to lack of ability compared to Murray. Joined Dennis Wilcock in Gilbraltar.
Dennis Stratton comes aboard.
Doug Samson can’t handle touring schedule, and is replaced by Clive Burr, a friend of Dennis
– The Soundhouse Tapes
Iron Maiden – different, more straight ahead groove. Not as driving or ahead of the beat. Low end is more present. Vocal is more laid back.
Invasion – less frantic and speedy than the B-side version. Vocals on the chorus are heavily layered and produced. Can’t save the song for me.
Prowler – Brilliant version, with the high guitar part laying clean on the top. Great scream from Paul. More straightforward than the album version. Slower groove.
Strange World – Sounds unfinished compared to the other songs, a prototype of the skeleton without the atmosphere. Slow bluesy solo (Paul Cairns?)
– BBC Archives (four-song radio rock show)
Iron Maiden, Running Free, Transylvania, Sanctuary.
Tony Parsons on second guitar.
Strange to think they bothered with an instrumental for this recording session.
Really well recorded versions, with vocal overdubs. The drums really cut through and the guitars sound great. Of all the versions heard so far, these are closest to the final album.
Iron Maiden has really energetic, frantic drums lending it an extra punch. Vocals are nicely layered as on album.
Running Free is missing that pick scratching sound effect.
– Metal for Muthas (Sanctuary & Wrathchild)
Also with Tony Parsons.
Sanctuary – Very close to final version. Guitar solo is very different – similar to BBC Archives version. Tony Parsons lead – a little on the simpler side but very fast and catchy.
Wrathchild – Slower, more “heavy metal” groove. Vocal is double-tracked throughout. Nice impactful version, if less powerful.
– Axe Attack Running Free Demo – A really different sounding version. Doug Sampson on drums, a different feel. Guitars sound sharper. The middle section with the pick scratching is much better – a solid chug. Just overall more groovy. A little clean. Vocal harmonies intact. I love when Paul yelps. Snare drum could use more beef but it’s a demo.
50 Years of IRON MAIDEN episode one: The Soundhouse Tapes and more! 1975-1980
A special 🅻🅸🆅🅴 debut episode
GRAB A STACK OF ROCK #85
50 years ago, Steve Harris departed his previous band Smiler, and formed the first lineup or Iron Maiden: Steve Harris, Paul Mario Day, Terry Rance, Dave Sulivan and Ron “Rebel” Matthews.
Today, Harrison Kopp and Mike Ladano are proud to debut their new series, 50 Years of Iron Maiden.
We begin with their first lineup and run through all the changes. We cover every officially released recording available prior to their first releases on EMI, of which several exist. These include Metal For Muthas, the BBC Archives, The Soundhouse Tapes, and Axe Attack. There are also existent recordings of Iron Maiden with Dennis Wilcock on vocals, and Paul Mario Day playing Iron Maiden songs. Iron Maiden with a keyboardist instead of a second guitarist? Steve Harris on lead vocals? Tonight on this special live episode, we will cover it all.
While most episodes in this Maiden series will be recorded in advance, tonight’s debut will indeed be live. Grab A Stack of Rock is usually a live show, but in 2025 we have some very special guests lined up for this series. This requires scheduling, which makes recording in advance necessary. We will continue to release shows on Fridays at 7:00 PM eastern standard time, and there will be the occasional live one sprinkled in.
It’s 50 Years of Iron Maiden, and the celebrations commence tonight. Like and subscribe to Grab A Stack of Rock on YouTube, and hit that “notify” bell so you don’t miss a single episode. We will be discussing every studio album, and we won’t be neglecting the official – and unofficial – live releases either. From the compilations to box sets, you will see our entire collections throughout this comprehensive series. Hit the gas, and here we go!
Friday January 10 at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T. / 8:00 P.M. Atlantic. Enjoy on YouTube or onFacebook!
RECORD STORE TALES #1173: I Like Iron Maiden…A Lot
In 1984, I “rebooted” my musical taste and started from ground zero. Out went Styx for almost two decades. Out went Joey Scarbury, and Kenny Rogers. In came KISS, W.A.S.P., and of course, Iron Maiden. I don’t think there was ever a time that Iron Maiden were my #1 favourite band, because Kiss almost always held that spot. It is safe to say that Maiden were always in the top five.
In grade school, I rocked Iron Maiden while being scolded by Catholic school teachers for doing so. It didn’t stop me. Through highschool, I proudly had their posters in my locker. It didn’t matter that Maiden weren’t hip with the cool kids. I was never cool, and never really intended to be. I was happy to be one of the Children of the Damned, not having to fit my personality into any particular shoebox.
There was a time I wavered, which I shall now admit to you. There was one Iron Maiden album that I didn’t intend to own. I reversed my decision within four months, but it was in the fall of 1990 that Iron Maiden may have faltered in my eyes. The album was the “back to basics” No Prayer For the Dying. My favourite member, Adrian Smith was out. I loved Janick Gers’ work with Bruce Dickinson, but I don’t think he quite fit with Maiden immediately. I also didn’t like the growly, un-melodic way that Bruce Dickinson was singing. I thought maybe this time, I would just buy the CD singles, and not worry about the album. I came to my senses. No Prayer wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t the return that we hoped for. I didn’t really want Maiden to get “back to basics” but was willing to go along for the ride.
My enthusiasm returned in 1992 with Fear of the Dark, a partial return to form with some solid tracks. It could have been better, but I was happy. Then the roof fell in. Suddenly, Bruce Dickinson was out. Meanwhile, the entire world had been sent into a grunge upheaval. Bands like Iron Maiden were dismissed as irrelevant in this new angry world. Bands who played their instruments with seasoned pride were being replaced by groups with punk aesthetics. Maiden seemingly had no place in this new world, and now the lead singer was gone. Just like Motley Crue, who were suffering a similar fate.
By the year 1999, Bruce was back. And so was Adrian. Maiden have never been bigger. They have continued to issue albums, never being shy to play new material and deep cuts live.
That’s why I’m telling you this story. 2025 marks 50 Years of Iron Maiden, and there will be a lot happening. 2025 will launch the Run For Your Lives tour, and Bruce has promised that they will play some songs they’ve never done before. It will also be the debut of new drummer Simon Dawson, from Steve Harris’ British Lion. Nicko McBrain, on the drum stool since 1983, has finally taken a bow from the live stage. It can’t be easy doing what he does.
In 1992, we gave Iron Maiden’s Fear of the Dark album a generous 3.75/5 star rating. Fear was the second in a row of underwhelming Iron Maiden albums. After losing melodic songwriter Adrian Smith, the band struggled to achieve the heights of Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. New member Janick Gers was also a songwriter, but Maiden struggled to match their previous mojo. Several songs from Fear were never played live: “Fear Is the Key”, “Childhood’s End”, “The Fugitive”, “Chains of Misery”, “The Apparition”, “Judas Be My Guide”, and “Weekend Warrior”. Meanwhile, the title track is a concert staple, played on almost every tour since.
What can we do to improve this album?
1. Tone down the keyboards
As the last Maiden album co-produced by Martin Birch, perhaps the metal maven was getting a little tired. Fear isn’t as punchy as past albums. Since Somewhere in Time, Maiden had become increasingly reliant on synths or keyboards. Even the back-to-basics No Prayer for the Dying had keyboards. Let’s not get rid of all the keyboards, let’s just tone them down. On some tracks, such as “Afraid to Shoot Strangers”, they are little more than sonic wallpaper. Let’s mix them a little lower for this experiment, and bring the drums up in the mix.
2. Remix the drums
Something about Nick McBrain’s drums on this album sound a little dead. A tad too much like they’re in the back of a cave. We should try making them a little more lively, and maybe just a tad louder in the mix. Aim for something more like the Piece of Mind era drums sound.
3. Edit the album down, and re-sequence it
Let’s go for a nine track song list. Clearly, the 12 on Fear were too many since they didn’t play the majority live. Fear was a long album. As the CD rose to dominance, albums grew longer. CDs were initially made to be 74 minutes long so you could put long classical pieces on it without breaks. 74 minutes was never intended to be the standard album length, though Fear is shy of that at 58:34. Still too long for a single record. Classic Maiden albums were shorter than this. We’ll go with nine songs. Number of the Beast had eight, and Piece of Mind had nine. Fear already had the perfect openers and closers, so we won’t touch those.
Side one
“Be Quick or Be Dead”
“Chains of Misery”
“From Here to Eternity”
“Judas Be My Guide”
“Wasting Love”
Side two
“Afraid to Shoot Strangers”
“The Fugitive”
“Weekend Warrior”
“Fear of the Dark”
It was a real struggle to include “Weekend Warrior”, as I don’t think this ode to soccer hooliganism is a particularly good song. However, I committed to nine, and I find “Fear is the Key” and “The Apparition” a tad dull. “Childhood’s End” is the other deleted song, and really it could have been one or the other. I went with “Weekend Warrior” because it’s different for Maiden. (Not that “The Apparition” isn’t, but these songs aren’t really that great. That’s why they weren’t played live.)
We maintain the kicking opener, high speed and going for the throat of big business. Then we have anthemic shout-along rock in “Chains of Misery”. “Wasting Love” acts as a side closer as it does on the proper album. Kicking off side two with “Afraid to Shoot Strangers” is a bit of a risk, as it is a bit ballady to start, and coming off a ballad gives you two in a row. However, it would work brilliantly as a side opener. “Fear of the Dark” of course should close. That’s what it’s built for.
This makes the album a perfect 44 minutes and 24 seconds!
4. Get rid of the tree Eddie!
Regular Maiden artist Derek Riggs had a falling out with Maiden’s management over his sketches for this album. Instead, for the first of many times, Maiden went with the legendary sci-fi and fantasty artist Melvyn Grant, who didn’t really understand Eddie yet, or the continuity established on prior album covers. From Number of the Beast to No Prayer for the Dying, there seemed to be an ongoing story with Eddie being manipulated, captured, and killed. He is reborn, borgified, and gives birth, only to be reborn again. Then, suddenly he’s a tree. The lightning from Eddie’s eyes is gone, replaced by evil red peepers. For our improved version of this album, the cover has to go. Cover art is so important to Iron Maiden, and Fear had one of their most disappointing covers to date (with No Prayer by Riggs coming in second).
In Sum
Little can be done to improve some of the actual songs on this album. Fear had filler, and a lot of it. Even at nine songs, tracks like “The Fugitive” and “Weekend Warrior” are dangerously close to filler material. Perhaps our hypothetical remix can liven them up, but shortening the album will do it some wonders. Maiden rarely record original material for B-sides, and don’t put cover songs on their records. There is no extra material we can substitute.
Doing the best with what we have at hand, what would you do to improve Fear of the Dark?
mikeladano.com 