For 20 years, IRON MAIDEN have been at the forefront of heavy metal worldwide and are viewed by many as one of Britain's greatest musical exports, as highlighted by last year's prestigious Ivor Novello songwriting award.
During this time they have achieved incredible global chart success, some 200 gold and platinum records, sell out tours and huge respect from their peers both old and new. As a celebration Iron Maiden are to release some highly treasured recordings presented in a very special collector's case for their long standing and loyal fans.
EDDIE'S ARCHIVE is to be released by EMI Records on 4th November. The set comprises of three double CD's containing the band's earliest live recordings from 1979 through to their headlining performance at Donington in 1988. In addition to this there will be a compilation of 'THE BEST OF THE B'SIDES' available here for the first time as one collection.
Rod Smallwood, manager of the band since mid 1979, comments 'We've been talking for a while about issuing a special release for our fans and I think the live recordings are very important to the history of the band. In fact, other than the 'Maiden Japan' EP and a couple of live B' Sides, there were no live recordings released until 'Live After Death' in 1986. These recordings encompass the early days with Paul Di'Anno through to Bruce Dickinson's arrival. Maiden's career went on from one high to another - it really was a rollercoaster ride! I think they capture the essence of what the band was and still is all about: pure, raw energy, great musicianship and an in-your-face attitude. I've seen the casket and it looks fantastic. This is a great way to celebrate our history with the people who helped us make it.'
The set will be presented in a unique 270x190x60 mm limited edition silver Eddie embossed casket. Alongside the music, fans will find a crystal Eddie Head shot glass and an individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, detailing the complete Iron Maiden history and rolled in a specially designed Eddie ring! Each of the three double CD's have full colour 24 page booklets, two with new Eddie artwork with previously unseen photos of the various line ups; and one based on the original classic '82 tour programme.
The first of the double CD's is entitled 'BBC ARCHIVES' and includes music recorded between 1979 and 1988 for the BBC's Friday Rock Show. Accompanied by notes from the show's long time producer, Tony Wilson, it features Maiden fronted by Paul Di'Anno and their performances at a special Rock Show studio session in October 1979 as the band were breaking onto the scene, and at 1980's Reading Festival where they appeared as Special Guests to UFO. Also documented is Bruce Dickinson's arrival in 1982 and the band's return performance as headliners at the Reading Festival. The double album concludes with songs taken from the band's record breaking capacity show at The Monsters Of Rock Donington festival as part of their 1988 Seventh Son tour. The 'BBC ARCHIVES' double CD is a testament to the live power that is Iron Maiden - no prisoners taken, no quarter given.
Iron Maiden's 1982 'Beast On The Road' tour has taken on a mythical quality among Metal fans as the tour and the album which really put Maiden at the forefront of Rock and Metal worldwide. The historical show from the Hammersmith Odeon has been specially mixed and co-produced for the casket by Steve Harris and the band's long serving sound engineer Doug Hall. This double CD, ' BEAST OVER HAMMERSMITH' clearly illustrates how remarkable and ground breaking the tour was in support of the all time classic album, 'The Number Of The Beast'. The accompanying inlay booklet is a complete recreation of the 'Beast On The Road' tour programme and lists all the world tour dates and includes notes from the band written at that time.
The third double CD in the set, 'BEST OF THE B'SIDES', is accompanied with liner notes written by Iron Maiden's manager Rod Smallwood to guide you through every track.