With Iron Maiden proving themselves hands-down the hottest metal band on the planet with their killer new studio album A Matter Of Life And Death, what better time to commemorate all things Maiden, than with an art book celebrating the creator of Eddie?

Run For Cover: The Art Of Derek Riggs is a full color explosion of Eddie in your face. Iron Maiden’s beloved neon monster is quite possibly the most beloved and recognized character rock ‘n’ roll has ever witnessed. And in Iron Maiden lore, Eddie has been there from the beginning, helping make Maiden the juggernaut they have become. In Run For Cover, heavy metal’s preeminent book man Martin Popoff coaxes the life story out of Eddie’s reclusive creator, with Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood – the prime source of ideas for Eddie outside of Derek himself – also adding his twist on the tale.

Smallwood was, in fact, the man who discovered Derek, and was there that first day Eddie sprung from Derek’s portfolio into worldwide headbanging fame. His participation in this project has made Run For Cover first rate, indeed a more than worthy addition to the band’s collection of fully sanctioned products.

But Run For Cover doesn’t stop there. We also see Derek’s work before Maiden, as well as his art for the likes of Gamma Ray and Stratovarius, all the while Derek explaining the often esoteric meanings behind the art, his techniques, as well as the battles with his health that have often threatened to grind his output to a halt.

Run For Cover is presented as a 180 page, full color, large format, top quality art book, sporting approximately 200 graphics, some unpublished, some unfinished, many pristine originals from the Iron Maiden vaults, thanks to the full cooperation of Smallwood and his charges. In addition, Riggs has painted a stunning new Eddie to grace the cover.

The book is offered in two formats: paperback and hard cover, signed by Derek Riggs, individually numbered, limited to 1500 copies.

Pre-order the book now, for shipping in early December.

If you’re in Europe, order from www.eddiesmegastore.com for cheaper shipping from the UK.

If you’re in America or Australasia, order from www.derekriggs.com for cheaper shipping from the US.