Iron Maiden are one of the most legendary and influential heavy metal bands in music history, with a career spanning over five decades since their formation in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris in East London. Often cited as pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the band’s early sound fused hard‑hitting riffs, galloping rhythms, and soaring vocals that helped define the genre and inspire generations of rock and metal artists worldwide. Their self‑titled debut album in 1980 marked the beginning of a colossal journey that produced a string of iconic releases — including Killers, The Number of the Beast and Powerslave — that not only dominated album charts but also became cornerstones of metal culture. The Number of the Beast, released in 1982 with new frontman Bruce Dickinson, was a breakthrough both artistically and commercially, reaching No. 1 in the UK and becoming a defining heavy metal album despite initial controversy from religious groups. Over the years Iron Maiden has sold over 130 million albums worldwide, released seventeen studio albums, and toured relentlessly across every continent, building a fiercely loyal global fanbase that embraces both their music and their theatrical live performances.
Throughout their career, Iron Maiden have not only left an indelible mark on heavy metal but also earned significant recognition from the music industry and beyond. They have accumulated hundreds of nominations and numerous awards, reflecting both their enduring popularity and artistic impact. In 2001, the band received an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to songwriting and global influence, an honour shared with some of music’s most respected artists. They were also presented with the O2 Silver Clef Award by Nordoff Robbins for their outstanding contribution to UK music. In recent years, Iron Maiden were named Album Champions for the UK’s National Album Day in 2025, celebrating the power and cultural importance of the album format. The band has also received international honours such as being recognised as “Visitors of the Nation” by Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies and commemorated with official Royal Mail stamps and a Royal Mint coin series in the UK, marking their 50th anniversary and affirming their status as cultural icons.
