Iron Maiden were one of the foremost bands of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, a late-70s reaction to the demise of heavy metal pioneers like Black Sabbath. They went on to sell over 100 million records in a long career that established them as all-time greats of the genre.
Iron Maiden were first formed in east London, at Christmas 1975, by bassist Steve Harris. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Iron Maiden have seen many personality clashes and line-up changes, but have still managed to produce 14 studio albums, 8 live albums and 10 compilation albums. In the 1980s the band were fingered by Christian groups, who somehow interpreted their music as 'satanic' and even went so far as to hold a public burning of third album Number of the Beast. Despite repeated protests by the band, these accusations would continue to follow them from groups who didn't understand the true sentiments and intentions of the band members.
Iron Maiden are also known for their ghoulish mascot Eddie the Head, the character depicted on nearly every album and single cover, and omnipresent in their live performances as a giant figure looming over the band on-stage.
