Hey! Happened to be in circuit city the other day, jus' lookin around, when an Iron Maiden dvd caught my eye: "The History of Iron Maiden, part 1, The Early Days", only 16 bucks for over 5 hours of material. Uh let's see...of course the best stuff is the live footage of the band with Paul Di' Anno singin. I really love the early Maiden. It's almost punk, but the music is far more sophisticated, the sound full and it aint political, but the raw energy and the way Di'Anno is just completely enraptured in the music is truly pure. Much respect to Steve Harris(founder and bassist) for his artistic vision and integrity, Dave Murray too, just for bein there when the dues were still owed.
I don't think much of the later Maiden, you know like after Piece of Mind I kinda lost interest in the band. The first 2 albums(the ones with Paul Di'Anno singin), which I own in the vinyl are absolutely the best metal ever and there are 2 sets, from 2 different shows, featuring Di'Anno on the dvd: Live at the Rainbow(1981, 30 minutes) and Live at the Ruskin Arms(April, 1980, 45 minutes). ..."Charlotte the Harlot", "Remember Tomorrow", "Murders in the Rue Morgue", "Wrathchild" "Sanctuary", "Runnin Free" and "Iron Maiden" etc., all bad shit!
Also included is a 90 minute documentary on the history of the band which begins in 1972, although Harris's vision didn't really become Iron Maiden until about 76, 77 or so. Way cool doc if you're into the old school Maiden. Consumate musicians. Wish I could'a' seen 'em back in 80 or 81 but I didn't get my chance til winter of 85 when I caught 'em at the Cap Center with Bruce Dickinson. That spring I was taken prisoner by $tr8.
Just had to let you know...
So .... screw authority and rock on survivors...
pirate-out.
$tr8 survivor and Drug War P.O.W. 85-87