Inspiration: Iron Maiden, Pt. 1

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden

This inspirational post might be subjective considering musical taste, but being a metalhead here is a part of music history and identity design that simply cannot be ignored, the mighty Iron Maiden.

Maiden is a band that I only discovered for myself within recent years, but their part in metal history has been substantial and undeniable. In 1983, after releasing their self-titled album, Killers and Number of the Beast, Iron Maiden claimed the global metal thrown after going platinum in the US with the release of Piece of Mind. Only to follow with the epic Powerslave. I was 7 years old when Powerslave was released, so I was too wrapped up in toys and cartoons to notice when metal was the top selling genre on the planet.

Other then killer riffs, over the top solos and operatic vocals, Iron Maiden has another strength on their side which was the artwork of Derek Riggs. Riggs supplied Maiden with album artwork throughout the 1980s and into the 90s, and created Maiden’s noteable mascot Eddie. Riggs’ instantly recognizable artwork played a big part in placing Maiden at the top of the metal heap, and spawned a number of other bands attempting to create their own style and mascot based on Maiden’s idea.

Check out Derek Riggs’ website for more of his work.


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6 responses to “Inspiration: Iron Maiden, Pt. 1”

  1. Nick Alexander Avatar

    I’m realizing now that I never thought of looking for Riggs personal portfolio online and always used google instead. It’s rare you can find big images like his on artists portfolio. thanks for that!

  2. PKayne Avatar

    HA! Looks who is on twitter now. I knew you would come over the “dark side” James. What are you twittering about – that cup of coffee you’re drinking? I think I deserve a follow because I have been pushing your twitter adoption for a while now

  3. Dave Howlett Avatar

    I used to stare at the cover art for “Somewhere in Time” for hours, picking out weird details like “Blade Runner” on the movie marquee, or the grim reaper perched on a rooftop.

    One of these days, I’m gonna get around to writing up my Iron Maiden graphic novel idea…then I just have to find out who to pitch it to. Bruce Dickinson, I guess?

  4. […] Inspiration: Iron Maiden, Pt. 1 […]

  5. […] Inspiration: Iron Maiden, Pt. 1 […]

  6. Fatoe Avatar

    i always wanted to remix a couple of these. eddie lives!

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