Iron Maiden
Gift guide
Reviewed by Raoul Hernandez, Fri., Dec. 24, 2004
Iron Maiden
The History of Iron Maiden, Part 1: The Early Years (Sanctuary)In disc two's lean, 90-minute documentary, Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris explains 25 years of galloping basslines by revealing he originally fancied drums. About the only thing missing from this five-hour first installment of the original Spinal Tap saga, '75-'83, is Harris elaborating on the bible of horror stories he penned his band to the top with. Salvaged on disc one is one of the first concert videos (Live at the Rainbow, 1981) and Maiden's debut at London's Hammersmith Odeon on The Number of the Beast tour. Piece of Mind is preserved by German metal festival mayhem. Television appearances, videos ("The Trooper"), and finally the UK quintet's 1980 album release show for Iron Maiden, with the only known live footage of "Charlotte the Harlot," buries the second disc. Killer.
