Jan 30th, 2012

Caveman's Diary #1

Iron Maiden/London.

Got in to the studio yesterday at 11.30am. Bruce was the last to arrive, and then he went out and sang fucking great straight off the bat! Cut a great, typical 8 minute Maiden song, which sounds just fantastic. A little rehearsal and take-off! First take was interrupted by Steve after about 5 minutes as he was struggling with his headphone mix. Then take 2 was fantastic, as was T3, and I thought we had it, but they started a take 4 anyway, which someone screwed up, and which wasn't nearly as good, and as I felt we had it in the bag, I had the fellas come and listen. They were dripping with sweat! Turns out T3 was the winner, and we spliced in the second verse from T2, as well as the last verse and chorus, Steve preferring them to T3, but they were both really good. He has great instincts and has guided this band succesfully for nearly 25 years, so I pay very close attention to what he likes, but am not backward in coming forward with my opinions either. This album sounds so strong, and it is a rare gem to be in the studio with them when they cut such strong tracks live, all performing at the same time! Had a similar feeling when Aerosmith would jam in the studio while we were making Nine Lives, without the tension! Called Jimmy Page to sing him 'Happy Birthday', and got him cutting the cake with his family. What a superstar he is, the biggest, brightest genius of Rock, EVER, in my not-so-humble opinion. Left the studio about 8pm, utterly shagged out, and was well exhausted when I hit the sack about 11, only to wake at 4.30am with my computer still on my belly, having gone to sleep before even undressing! Think I need a woman around! :) Hope this posting satisfies you rabid Maiden fans out there! It's the least I can do for not actually being Martin (The Teen Idol) Birch!! Cheers!

Caveman

For more about Kevin Shirley, check out www.cavemanproductions.com