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The Mick Gordon Controversy: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in the Video Game Industry

March 6, 2024

the composer behind the critically acclaimed soundtracks of Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, has come forward with serious allegations against Bethesda, Id Software, and specifically, Id Software...

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"Laufey: Bridging Generations with Jazz's New Groove"

March 1, 2024

In an era where pop and electronic music dominate the charts, Icelandic singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has emerged as an unexpected champion of jazz for Gen Z listeners...

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The K-Pop Wave Continues: March 2024's Exciting Comebacks and Anticipated Debuts

February 29, 2024

March 2024 is set to be an exhilarating month for K-Pop fans around the globe, with a lineup that promises both the return of beloved artists and the introduction of fresh faces to the music scene....

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Beyoncé Embarks on a New Journey with "Renaissance" Act II

February 28, 2024

This time, the buzz is all about her latest musical venture—a dive into country music with her new album "Renaissance" Act II. Announced during a Super Bowl for Verizon, the album marks a ....

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The Weight Behind the Power of Aretha Franklin's "Respect"

February 24, 2024

‍In the annals of music history, songs that have sparked as much cultural resonance and transformation as Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Respect" are unique to say the least. Originally written....

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IU's "The Winning" and H.E.R. 2024 World Tour

February 24, 2024

IU, South Korea's beloved singer-songwriter and actress, has once again captivated the hearts of fans worldwide with the release of her sixth mini-album, "The Winning."

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The 2024 Oscar Best Original Score Nominees: A Symphony of Talent and Legacy

February 21, 2024

The race for the Best Original Score at the 96th Academy Awards is diverse and compelling to say the least. This year's nominees have painted aural landscapes that are integral to the success of....

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Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

February 19, 2024

The Mariah Carey Masterclass, aptly titled "The Voice as an Instrument," promises an intimate look into the artistry behind the iconic singer and songwriter's success. Mariah Carey begins the class...

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Shakira Unveils 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran': A Beacon of Empowerment and Personal Rebirth

February 16, 2024

In an era where the global music landscape continually evolves, few artists have managed to redefine their musical and personal journey as profoundly as Shakira. With the announcement of her...

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The Impact of Spotify's New Royalties Model on Music Creators

February 12, 2024

Spotify's upcoming overhaul of its royalties model marks a significant shift in the way the streaming giant compensates artists, aiming to funnel more earnings towards more popular artists, labels...

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How Tracy Chapman Wrote Fast Car

February 9, 2024

Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends its initial release. Its ascent to global acclaim was catalyzed by a pivotal moment: Nelson Mandela's 70th...

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How Tyla's "Water" is Making a Splash in the U.S. African Music Craze

January 29, 2024

‍The U.S. music scene has been captivated by the African music craze, and at the forefront is Tyla, a young South African singer whose song "Water" has taken the world by storm...

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The Story of Iron Maiden

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Photo Source: Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden is one of my favourite heavy metal bands, and is one of my favourite musical groups overall as well. With their theatrical performances, complex musical arrangements and iconic songs, they’re a band that is still very popular almost 50 years after they were first formed. This article will provide a brief summary of the band.

First conceived in London in 1975, the original band members were Steve Harris on the bass guitar (he was also the main songwriter), Dave Sullivan and Terry Rance on the guitar, Ron Matthews on the drums, and Paul Day on vocals. The name “Iron Maiden” was inspired by a neo-medieval torture device with the same name, according to Harris. During the first few years of the band’s existence, there was quite a bit of shuffling around of the band line-up. Paul Day was booted from the group due to his lackluster live performances, Ron Matthews was replaced with Barry Purkis, who was then replaced by Clive Burr, and a number of guitar players came and went. 

By the time the band released their debut album in 1980 (self titled), the members were Harris (still on bass), Dave Murray, Dennis Stratton on guitar, Clive Burr on the drums, and Paul Di’Anno on vocals. Featuring classic songs including “Running Free”, “Phantom of the Opera” and “Transylvania”, the album was quite successful and was number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. Their next album, “Killers”, which was released in 1981, was also very successful and featured hits like “Wrathchild” and “Murders in the Rue Morgue”. However, Paul Di’Anno was fired from the band due to his excessive drug usage after the tour for this album and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, marking the beginning of a new era for the band. 

The first album with Dickinson (released in 1982), “Number of the Beast”, saw even more success than the last two. With songs like “Children of the Damned”, “Number of the Beast”, and “Run to the Hills”, this album solidified that band’s status as a successful heavy metal band, with the subsequent albums “Piece of Mind” and “Powerslave” furthering this. However, the band experienced some internal conflict in the late 1980s and early 1990s, as Bruce Dickinson and guitarist Adrian Smith temporarily left the band due to creative differences regarding the direction that the band should take.. During this time, Dickinson was replaced by Blaze Bayley and the albums “The X Factor” and “Virtual XI” were produced. 

In 1999,  Dickinson and Smith reunited with the band, marking the return of Iron Maiden’s iconic band member line-up. The albums released after this reunification, which were “Brave New World”, “Dance of Death”, “Final Frontier”, and “the Book of Souls” received very positive feedback and were a testament to the band’s ability to remain creative as the years went by. 

In conclusion, Iron Maiden will go down in history as one of the greatest and most influential heavy metal bands ever. With their amazing live performances, awesome musical story-telling, and overall amazing music, the impact that Iron Maiden has left on the heavy metal community will be felt for years to come.