A To Z Challenge, Music Blog

That’s Entertainment – Letter I

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Welcome back to “That’s Entertainment!” –
The A To Z Challenge.
I hope you enjoy my musical selections.
Let’s see what’s up today!

© NAR
Artwork by Ernest Federspiel

IRON MAIDEN – During the late 1960s and early 1970s a new musical genre was developed. It kicked in the door of the music world and turned into a phenomenon that is still going strong 50+ years later. And there’s no sign of it slowing down any time soon. That genre is heavy metal! Iron Maiden was formed in east London in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. The band spent the next few years swapping players and developing their sound, eventually working their way from the back rooms of pubs to larger venues. The success of a self-released EP and the rabid devotion of their early fans impressed EMI Records executives, who signed the band in 1979. As pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, Iron Maiden released a series of UK and US Platinum and Gold albums. The Number of the Beast is among the most popular heavy metal albums of all time, having sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Iron Maiden is an institution. The line-up of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitar players Janick Gers, Dave Murray and Adrian Smith is long-considered the ultimate in heavy metal. Through the years, Iron Maiden has come to embody a spirit of fearless creative independence, ferocious dedication to their fans, and a cheerful indifference to their critics that’s won them a following that spans every culture, generation, and time-zone. A story of gritty determination and courageous defiance of the naysayers, theirs has been an adventure like no other. Every one of their songs is a story. Iron Maiden is unique and different from every other heavy metal band with song lyrics covering such topics as history, literature, war, mythology, society and religion. Upon release in 1982, the song “Number of the Beast” caused controversy in the United States where its subject matter generated outrage among religious groups. In spite of this, it remains one of the band’s most popular songs.

This is “Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden

Please join me again tomorrow for more of “That’s Entertainment” and the A To Z Challenge!

NAR©2025

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25 thoughts on “That’s Entertainment – Letter I”

  1. I enjoy heavy metal when it has good lyrics, and it sounds like Iron Maiden does. I’ve heard of them, but I don’t remember this song or listening to them in the old days. Oh well, thank you for introducing them! 🙂

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    1. Iron Maiden is unlike any other heavy metal band, primarily due to the type of music they record. They are storytellers, recounting events from history, mythology, religion, etc. This song, Number of the Beast, happens to be about the devil, with “666” being repeated frequently. I’m pleased to know you gave a listen, Brenda; there are some people who would immediately dismiss a heavy metal group as just ‘noise makers’ and that is a very close-minded way to approach anything. I appreciate you and your thoughtful comments. Thank you!

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  4. Interesting to know a little about this band. I’d heard of them, but couldn’t name any song of theirs. I’m glad they were one of the founders of the metal type songs, as there are so many good ones over the years. 🙂

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    1. It’s great for me to introduce new artists/songs to my readers, Barbara. The thing I love the most about Iron Maiden is the fabulous stories they tell, all based on historical events, mythology, religion, etc. I’m glad you gave them a listen. Thanks, Barbara!

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    1. YAAASSSS INDEED! The whole point of this challenge is to mix up the music. I’m sure some of my readers were expecting a lot of Beatles cos I do love them but that’s not how I roll! With a couple of exceptions, I love all genres and if I really dislike something, you won’t see it here! So tell me, girlfriend …. which concert was your first??

      Thanks for another great comment, Jill!

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      1. Rush!!! Moving Pictures Tour in 1981 Hemisphere Arena, San Antonio, TX. Went with my two best friends who are still besties some 55 years later. Memory of a lifetime. I love all the genres (if I have an exception, I can’t think of it right now). See what music does!! The best!! ❤

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  7. Bruce Dickinson is a powerhouse. Not only was he one of the best front men ever to grace a stage, but he is brilliantly intelligent and accomplished in so many aspects of life outside of music. He, and this band absolutely do not get the accolades they deserve. Great choice.

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    1. Again, I agree 100%. Our sons cut their metal head teeth on Maiden after hearing our records; now our grands are into them, too. We got our 12 yr old grandson Wyatt the Power Slave LP for his birthday after our son told us he’s always asking him to play the CD in his car. We love most music but metal is right there on top with the best! 🤘🏼

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  9. Hey Nancy, … I’m listening to the clip whilst trying to compose this comment, …(head banging it is, …and very releasing) …as you said, they kicked the door in, …and wow, so much life you felt in response, …. Flip it’s stopped, …hang on, clicking again, “Woe to you,” ..yup back, …We’ll, I’m awake, ready to face the day, …what time?is it? Strewth, …Have a great day, (head banging or not) … 💫🎶💫🤗💫Penn💫

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    2. Bang away, Penn! Maiden is so great and their song-stories are epic. Not just noise as a lot of nay-sayers claim. I can’t stand it when people dismiss music without even giving it a little listen. If they hate it then, that’s cool, but we need to try everything at least once. Great comment. Thanks so much, Penn! 🤘🏼🎶♡😎

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