Iron Maiden is Bigger today than in their Heyday

[Danny rctv]

Okay maybe this will lighten the dead air in the forum. I've noticed Iron Maiden are now way bigger than they've ever been in their entire career yet the ironic thing is, they're not the biggest Metal band in the world like they arguably were in 1985.

Back in '85 Maiden hit the biggest level a Heavy Metal band could get without "selling out". the only "metal" bands that were bigger, were the more commercial radio friendly types like Def Lepard. It was neck & neck between them and Judas Priest over who ruled Metal.

My peak as a Maiden fan was '82-84. I thought they were the heaviest band in the world and back then all I wanted was faster, heavier & more extreme. Then I discovered the Thrash/Death Metal underground: Metallica, Slayer, Venom etc and these bands were doing what I was waiting for Iron Maiden to become. so I wrote Maiden off as passe. I was still a fan but they were now too lightweight by my standards and had been dethroned as the heaviest band in the world.

Back then I though "Piece of Mind" was a weak follow up to "Number of The Beast" then "Powerslave" came out and because I was now listening to all these Thrash bands I was hopping Maiden would step up their game and reclaim their crown. "Powerslave" was at that point their heaviest fastest record I thought. If only it came out a few years earlier, I would have liked it even more. Even though I thought it was one of their best I only played it once after buying it and just listened to the underground Thrash/Death bands.

I remember when Maiden came to San Francisco with Twisted Sister on the "Poweslave" tour. It was my first Maiden gig. Metallica played 2 home coming shows ending the "Ride the Lightning" tour the night before the Maiden gig. I went to the first night (my first Metallica show) I just remember at my high school in Watsonville where I lived at the time. All the kids were asking me if I was going to Maiden because they all were. I said I was but was more up for the Metallica show I was also going to and they were all "who?"

The rest of the mainstream Heavy Metal world that only went to arena concerts and were oblivious to the big underground scene that was brewing in clubs. they had no idea. Maiden was the heaviest and greatest to them and I'd laugh about that as I was so in to Metallica. But maiden still had a special place in my heart. Hell, they were a huge influence on all the Thrash bands in America.

I totally turned against Maiden when they did "Somewhere in Time" again they were past the point in my book where they needed to win their crown back as the heaviest band in Metal (yet they still wore the crown of biggest band in Metal) Even though I was blown away by how educated and intelligent they were on the record, I was angered by the guitar synths and how slow it was by my standards back then. I was crying "SELLOUTS!!" The fact they toured with wimpy ass Waysted and the ridiculously poser Vinnie Vincent Invasion didn't help either. I thought it was time for Maiden take bands like Metallica & Slayer on the road but that's not how the music business works. I was even more mad at Judas Priest with that awful "Turbo" album and taking Dokken & Cinderella on tour instead of some real Metal bands!

So I didn't pay any attention to Maiden for the next few years. Metallica took their crown as the biggest Metal band in the world as I predicted they would but then Metallica went to heights no Metal band had ever achieved and as we all know made changes for the worse! I took a little notice when Maiden came out with "No Prayer for the dying" in 1990. It seemed they'd gotten heavier and I saw that tour with Anthrax opening. I was on Anthrax's guest list and was there to see them. But that was the best I'd ever seen Iron Maiden at that time. Instead of Bruce carrying the show while the rest of the band stood still and let the pyro & Eddie overtake everything, the whole band was now running all over the place and put on one of the most high energy shows I had ever seen! I think Janick Gers was a real kick in the ass for them as I never knew Dave Murray had it in him to be so energetic on stage.

Then “Fear of the Dark” came out and that opening song “Be Quick or be Dead” was borderline Thrash! I was really impressed. Then I heard the whole album and loved it and saw that tour with my buddies in Testament supporting and C.O.C. opening. I was so happy Maiden was now taking real Metal bands on tour. Again Maiden just crushed better than I had ever seen them before!

So we had that awkward period of Blayze singing and we in Nor Cal went 11 long years without Iron maiden playing out here until Bruce & Adrian came back and it took a while, but now I’ve noticed Maiden have become way Huger than they ever were in their “Prime!” It’s mind blowing the old & young fans that are so in to them and they aren’t even touring with name bands yet selling out these huge outdoor venues. Hell they don’t need no hot name selling bands to help them sell tickets anymore.

There’s an old saying the cream always rises and that’s what has happened. Even with me I was so focused on Heaviness & brutality as an angry teen trying to be ”True Metal” I finally realized how far Superior Maiden was to a lot of the so called Heavier bands I had forsaken them for. I realize how much better Maiden’s songs are. I know I’ve ranted about my relationship as a fan but the main question on this post is haven’t you all noticed how much bigger Maiden are today? The conclusion is, Iron Maiden Fucking Rules!!!

 

[Johann von Marck]

Venom...Black Metal!

 

[Acujer]

I don't think they are bigger now than ever. How so? Maybe in some countries that they didn't really tour too much back in the day. But I think lots of fans from back in the day don't even know they are still playing.

Somewhere in Time is one of their best!

 

[Danny rctv]

Are you kidding? I'm talking from first hand experience. Here in the states they've really gotten a lot bigger and have a lot of younger fans. It took afew yaers after Bruce rejoined it was still a predominantly older crowd. Around 2007 This 19 year old girl I worked with saw my Iron Maidens shirt and asked what that was and she had no clue who Iron Maiden were but now they are quite well known yet still not mainstream which is cool. Iwas really blown away by the crowd when I caught them on their last trek through town.

 

[Acujer]

Album sales now are nowheres near what it was in the 80s. If you talk to people that are older, that aren't still heshers, and you tell then you saw Maiden, they will ask if Bruce is back with them and will even tell you they didn't know they are still playing. So besides people you know, what is bigger about them? Didn't they play Coliseums before?

 

[Danny rctv]

Did you see that Ed Force 1 documentary? That's another example of how much more huge they are now. Of course they played coliseums in their hey day but today the cowds are much bigger. Their last album did really well too maybe not the sales of the 80's but they are now graduating in to that legend status. They aren't looked at as has been or a dinosaur band. Now when I wear an Iron Maiden shirt I get compliments all the time for it instead of "They're still around?" I've seen a signifigant growth and change for teh better over the years.

 

[Acujer]

From Flight 666 Doc it seemed they are bigger in many other countries than before like throughout South America, but I am not seeing how they are bigger in the US. Bigger would mean more record sales and bigger concert attendance, which I don't think they have.

Danny you are a funny guy. Compliments of your T Shirt, may not be the best factor for determining how big. You don't think lots of people who bought Iron Maiden records in the 80s and saw them back then have no idea they are still playing? You just don't know because you assume a straight looking married 45 year old guy with kids never listened to them. I cant see how they are anywheres near as big in the US as they were in the 80s. I rarely meet anyone who is really still a fan. Seems like lot of people know them and remember them and even maybe used to listen to them, but it is rare to meet someone that is still into them or even ever was. Yet, I don't ask everyone I meet.

 

[Danny rctv]

Don't you live outside the USA? I know what I'm talking about I'm a full time Metalhead heavily involved in the scene. I lived through the dark uncool years of metal in the 90's while sticking to my guns. I produce a TV show I'm in the media. So from what I've been experiencing is a huge resurgence and Maiden have way more respect now than ever and it seems to me their fame is much bigger. Last couple Maiden shows I saw had huge enthusiastic crowds way stronger than in the 80's. so yes to bigger concert attendance. Obviosuly they're doing something right. Look at The Rolling Stones. They haven't had a hit in the states in over 30 years yet they still sell out stadiums.

I'm sure there's still people living under a rock that may think Maiden aren't around anymore. You find them every where. Hell KISS when they took their makeup off had a huge comeback in the 80's yet there were still people who thought they broke up and weren't around anymore despite the fact they were selling millions and all over MTV etc.

I don't assume a staright looking 45 year old has never heard of them (I'm 46!) I've just noticed a signifigant jump in their popularity. the last 2 times I saw them with no name bands were bigger than when they played with Dio & Motorhead in like what 2005? Around that time if I wore a Maiden shirt most people wouldn't say anything to me. But recently walking down the street, ridingthe bus, going to the store or a restruant I've heard middle aged people say "Cool Shirt" and very young kids say "Dude! Iron Maiden Rules!!" and I've seen more people wearing Maiden shirts as well than I have in many years so its quite noticable their resurgence in popularity.

 

[Acujer]

No I live in LA now. I used to live in Asia. Also used to live in SF if you remember I seen you there at least a couple time. Ok, I see what you are saying. I think you are talking about people still at least somewhat involved in the Metal Scene. I am talking about concert attendance and album sales. When you say bigger, I assume that means this. I think Iron Maiden has more respect now and the fans are fanatics. Since the metal scene that accompanies them in the 80s is different now, I think they are easier to separate the band from the scene. The scene is pretty laughable now when you look back on it as most of the 80s were.

If I meet random people and tell them Maiden is one of my favorite bands, mostly guys, usually they get a smile and are like fuck yeah, Maiden is great! But they have no idea they are still around and think its a blast from the past. Most girls have no idea except they are an old heavy metal band and tend to look down on them. I am talking about not your Hesher friends still riding the Diamond Backs in checkerboard vans with the Spicoli laugh.

Think of Long Beach Arena days. Now its 2 nights at Irvine. My guess is the arena 1 night holds more people.

Loyalty to the band is strong though now, but as strong as Piece of Mind days? I remember the hesher kids in school that would eat sleep and breathe metal. Not sure.

 

[Big Momma Nav]

Just concerts. If you factor in cd sales or being on TV -- they're nowhere near the top.

 

[Johann von Marck]

I saw them at irvine 2008...brooms burned like torches, bonfire on the hill, giant beachball for number of the beast. I agree with Danny on this one.

 

[Kirsten "Bruce Chickinson"]

I can't argue the numbers, but certainly they have more than rebounded from the Blaze, etc. era, with "The Final Frontier" peaking at No. 1 in 28 countries, including the U.K. And winning a Grammy for "El Dorado." My sense, too, is that they are "bigger than ever" but maybe that just means they are undoubtedly huge but not truly bigger than their heyday. Whatever. They're fucking huge today. With a lot of young kids as fans. My theory is that Hot Topic had something to do with their popularity among kids--seriously. I noticed around 2005 that Hot Topic was carrying Maiden shirts (among other old-school bands), and whether or not kids actually knew who they were (I doubt most did), it helped raise their coolness quotient for kids. Anyway, that's why I always say onstage at our shows that "we are paying homage to the greatest fucking heavy metal band still selling out arenas!"

 

[Johann von Marck]

I love Hot Topics, I pretty much buy all my clothes, jewelry, and headbands there. And I fully agree that I learned about all the bands I listen to today from their inventory and what the helpful salespersons tell me to listen to. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't know what to listen to. Thank god for Hot Topics and the Wigs R Us next to it at the Barstow mall. Off topic ( no pun intended) , isn't it a great day today in so cal?

 

[Metallicat180]

I can't argue the numbers, but certainly they have more than rebounded from the Blaze, etc. era, with "The Final Frontier" peaking at No. 1 in 28 countries, including the U.K. And winning a Grammy for "El Dorado." My sense, too, is that they are "bigger than ever" but maybe that just means they are undoubtedly huge but not truly bigger than their heyday. Whatever. They're fucking huge today. With a lot of young kids as fans. My theory is that Hot Topic had something to do with their popularity among kids--seriously. I noticed around 2005 that Hot Topic was carrying Maiden shirts (among other old-school bands), and whether or not kids actually knew who they were (I doubt most did), it helped raise their coolness quotient for kids. Anyway, that's why I always say onstage at our shows that "we are paying homage to the greatest fucking heavy metal band still selling out arenas!"

I think Guitar Hero has alot to do with attracting some younger fans too. I know alot of kids will have listened to their cos their parents or siblings will have, but I think GH has had some influence.

 

[Kirsten "Bruce Chickinson"]

I think Guitar Hero has alot to do with attracting some younger fans too. I know alot of kids will have listened to their cos their parents or siblings will have, but I think GH has had some influence.

Totally agree.

 

[Johann von Marck]

GH for sure. I remember my buddys kid was playing some skate board video game, and the music was Police Truck by the DK's, without lyrics. I started singing along and he couldnt understand how I knew the song. Now he's motivated and listening to metal, including your band on Youtube.

 

[Acujer]

Guitar Hero has ZERO to do with Iron Maiden's album sales and concert attendance. What are you guys smoking? Are you guys taking that funny grass? Are you taking pot? You better not be taking the pot!

 

[Kirsten "Bruce Chickinson"]

Guitar Hero has ZERO to do with Iron Maiden's album sales and concert attendance. What are you guys smoking? Are you guys taking that funny grass? Are you taking pot? You better not be taking the pot!

Dude? Are you being serious about GH? 'Cause it totally has had an influence, although I can't quantify it. And hell no, we ain't taking the pot! Who do you think we are-a bunch of stoned out hippies?! :Smokin:

 

[Johann von Marck]

I can say GH absolutely influenced me personally. I scored the highest possible on the song "Shout at the devil", repeatedly every time. Even my friends that could really play guitar were TOTALLY amazed! This prompted me to buy all their cd's and audition for the motley crue tribute band here in LA. Unfortunately the audition didn't go so good since the guitar hero guitar doesn't work with a Marshall stack...I didn't get the gig. However I can personally testify that GH has influenced people to get into other bands, especially since our suck ass LA stations don't play metal anymore. Hopefully that rock band game will turn me into the next Ripper Owens.

 

[Acujer]

Well, to be honest, I have never played Guitar hero and have only ever seen anyone play it once. After I saved the princess in Super Mario Bros. when I was a teenager, I felt my video game mission was over. As an adult, I try to spend my time more constructively, such as making more money, making cocktails, and chasing tail. Any time spent playing guitar will be spent on my real Fender, not a piece of plastic. (Unless it's a Steinberger).
So you are saying millions of album sales occurred due to Guitar Hero? Sorry, I don't buy it.