Iron Maiden and Top Of The Pops are not generally two names that most people would associate with one another. Scores of screaming teenage girls, jostling to catch a glimpse of their favourite 'Pop Idol', is, after all, not very metal. So when it was revealed that the band would be performing their top 10 single 'Run To The Hills' there were, understandably, a few raised eyebrows. The last time Maiden appeared on the show (The Wickerman - May 2000), they were greeted with a sea of bemused faces from a crowd of people expecting to see the usual barrage of boy bands and saccharine infused pop. Safe to say the guys looked far from at home. This time, then, things had to be different…and things certainly were.

With the Thursday evening recording slot of Top Of The Pops clashing with the band's third and final Brixton show the BBC were faced with a problem. Deciding against a live recording at Brixton, the only other choice was to get the band into Television Centre early. This couldn't have worked out better for the guys, for with the TOTP fans several hours away from arriving it was all down to the true Maiden fans to show some real support. Free tickets for the recording were announced here on Monday and by Wednesday 200 or so of you flag waving supporters (selected by Eddie himself) were looking forward to a bit of an exclusive.

After a brief wait outside Television Centre in the uncharacteristic March sunshine, we were led through the extensive, airport style security checks to a tiny room where we waited with anticipation. Minutes later we were taken through to the studio, where, after a few sound-checks and the odd technical tinkering, six familiar figures emerged from the wings. Requests for rapturous applause from the floor manager didn't go ignored, but it's not as if we needed telling. The band were noticeably hyped up from the past two gigs and were genuinely pleased to see their fans. Bruce joked with the fans about a cup of tea (you had to be there), Janick and Steve chatted with the faithful followers and Nicko aped around in his usual fashion.

After just one take of 'Run To The Hills' the band were up to speed and in full flow. Spurred on by the spirited crowd (you all did them proud) they upped the tempo further for take two. We cheered, we applauded, we sang our hearts out and we waved the Maiden flags, and just when we thought it was all over Bruce raised our spirits higher. 'Can we have the vocals a bit louder?' he enquired. 'Looks like we're gonna have a third take' confirmed the floor manager. The best take of the set in the bag and the band said their farewells. It was then just a matter of filing outside to collect our free 'Rock In Rio' T-shirts (as if a free Maiden performance hadn't been enough already). It was then back to work/off to the pub to discuss the past hours' events. It might have only been one song, it might have been Thursday lunchtime but we totally rocked the BBC, and at least we didn't have to see Celine Dion, Will Young et al.

- Gavin Hilzbrich