Malahide Castle & Gardens

Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The band’s lineup has primarily included Harris, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers. As pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal movement, Iron Maiden released several albums that achieved UK and US Platinum and Gold certifications, including their debut album in 1980, Killers in 1981, and The Number of the Beast in 1982. The Number of the Beast was the first album to feature Dickinson, who replaced Paul Di'Anno as lead singer in 1981. Dickinson's addition marked a significant development in the band’s career, establishing them as a major force in heavy metal. The album The Number of the Beast is among the most popular heavy metal albums of all time, with nearly 20 million copies sold worldwide. After a period of turbulence in the 1990s, the band experienced a resurgence following the return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith in 1999. This period saw the release of new albums and a series of successful tours.