Iron Maiden: History, Albums, Songs and Official Merchandise

Iron Maiden – Band History, Albums, Songs and Legacy

Iron Maiden are one of the most successful and influential heavy metal bands in history. Formed in Leyton, East London in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris, the band have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and remain one of the most celebrated live acts in rock. Their galloping rhythms, twin and triple guitar harmonies, and the iconic mascot Eddie have made them one of the most recognisable bands on the planet.

Band Members

  • Steve Harris – bass, founding member
  • Bruce Dickinson – vocals (1981–1993, 1999–present)
  • Dave Murray – lead guitar
  • Adrian Smith – guitar (1980–1990, 1999–present)
  • Janick Gers – guitar (1990–present)
  • Nicko McBrain – drums (1982–present)

Iron Maiden (1980) & Killers (1981)

Iron Maiden's self-titled debut and Killers established the band as leaders of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Raw, fast, and ferocious, these albums introduced Eddie and the galloping bass lines that would define the band's sound.

The Number of the Beast (1982)

The Number of the Beast is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums ever recorded. Bruce Dickinson's debut with the band, it features Run to the Hills, The Number of the Beast, and Hallowed Be Thy Name. It debuted at No.1 in the UK.

Piece of Mind (1983) & Powerslave (1984)

Piece of Mind and Powerslave cemented Iron Maiden's status as the world's premier heavy metal band. Powerslave features the epic Aces High and the 13-minute Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

Somewhere in Time (1986) & Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)

These albums saw Iron Maiden embrace synthesisers and concept album structures. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son debuted at No.1 in the UK and is considered one of their finest works.

Brave New World (2000) & The Reunion Era

Following Bruce Dickinson's return in 1999, Brave New World marked a triumphant comeback. The band have since released a string of acclaimed albums including Dance of Death (2003), A Matter of Life and Death (2006), The Final Frontier (2010), The Book of Souls (2015), and Senjutsu (2021).

Senjutsu (2021)

Senjutsu debuted at No.1 in the UK and across Europe, proving Iron Maiden's enduring commercial and creative power nearly five decades into their career.

Legacy

Iron Maiden have won multiple Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. They remain one of the highest-grossing live acts in the world, famous for their elaborate stage productions and the ever-present Eddie.

Shop Official Iron Maiden Merchandise

Celebrate Iron Maiden's extraordinary legacy with our officially licensed merchandise. For the full range with product images, see our complete Iron Maiden merchandise guide.

Browse the full Iron Maiden collection →

Building a home bar or man cave? See our rock & metal band bar stools and bar sets collection — featuring Iron Maiden alongside AC/DC, Slipknot, Motörhead and more.

Explore More Metal and Rock Legends

  • Metallica – Thrash metal titans who share Iron Maiden's devotion to heavy music
  • Slipknot – Nu-metal icons who carry the torch of heavy metal into the modern era
  • AC/DC – Hard rock legends who emerged in the same era as Iron Maiden

Explore our complete Rock Music History Knowledge Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Iron Maiden form?

Iron Maiden formed in Leyton, East London in 1975.

Who is Eddie?

Eddie is Iron Maiden's iconic mascot, appearing on every album cover and as a stage prop at their live shows since 1980.

What is Iron Maiden's best-selling album?

The Number of the Beast (1982) is widely regarded as Iron Maiden's most celebrated album, debuting at No.1 in the UK.

Are Iron Maiden in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Yes — Iron Maiden were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.