Classical Composer Reacts to Phantom of the Opera (Iron Maiden) | The Daily Doug (Episode 119)

#Reaction #HelveringReaction #IronMaiden #IronMaidenReaction #Phantom #IronMaidenPhantom #PhantomOfTheOpera
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to Iron Maiden's song, Phantom of the Opera, off of their debut studio recording from 1980. It was fun to hear IM's original singer and to hear some truly classic Iron Maiden repertoire.
Reference Video: • Phantom of the Opera (...

[@aha3885]

Paul Di'Anno, Clive Burr and Dennis Stratton. They deserve much more credit.

[@GuitarGod666]

First two Maiden albums are my favorites.

[@YouTubeandI]

So true

[@noozzoo5152]

I'm pretty sure they got proper credit for their work.

[@YouTubeandI]

@@noozzoo5152 Credit in literal terms, then sure. I assume they’ve always been properly credited, but I think OP meant that Paul and Clive are often forgotten/underrated in comparison to the rest of the boys :)

[@KarklinPumpkin]

It's like punk rock meet prog metal. It was groundbreaking but no one cares

[@vitoravila9908]

- Did y'all know that was gonna happen? Are you laughing at me now? Me: Y E S

[@chrismeadows4216]

Ya gotdang right! 😎

[@padeksewenejt1032]

Yesssss 😀

[@llaeeZ]

I'm so glad Doug decided not to stop the song after the music ended.

[@biffbarely7045]

@@TrevRockOne Me neither. I still have most of my CDs form the 80s.

[@MacTaipan]

@@TrevRockOne I remember that it wasn‘t there on the LP, but on the CD.

[@kirkmooneyham]

Not only does Iron Maiden's "Phantom of the Opera" have nothing to do with Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical, the metal track precedes the musical by several years.

[@dudeatx]

Yep, and the main riff in Lloyd Webber's musical was taken from an intro to a UK TV programme about potholing in the 1970s.

[@tonylee1667]

@@dudeatx Wasn't it taken from Echoes by Pink Floyd?

[@dudeatx]

@@tonylee1667 The riff is the same but the programme put the riff front and centre like Lloyd Webber does, I suspect they both were copied from Echoes.

[@j4wn]

Iron Maiden can change key in one song more than some bands do in their entire career.

[@metalmike570]

It's progressive metal; lots of changes like Rush and Metallica do too. It makes their stuff very interesting and exciting. Just classic stuff!!!

[@donnasmith5942]

That is so true.

[@cromosoma-vector]

Progressive rock...

[@athecheat]

😂

[@Owlstretchingtime78]

​@@cromosoma-vectorIron Maiden are more metal oriented!

[@MrLorduck]

Welcome to the Jurassic period when people became famous only with their talent

[@Zvosab]

Thats sad actually

[@bravenewozzy]

So true!

[@dolphin8077]

True!!

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Nah, looks and sex have sold for as long as popular music has existed, people just forget about them.

[@Krapvag]

and you know it's true cos you play kids today all these old songs and it blows their mind. (Although they also love offspring so it's not a flawless test)

[@RunDub]

One of my favorite Maiden songs. I've always loved the faster, grimy, slightly more punk, early Maiden stuff with Paul.

[@eumaeus]

I completely get that comment. I still have the t-shirt from this period. Cotton has lost its form, black has become a pale grey and covered in hot rock holes...but I treasure it, it brings back memories of good times in my childhood

[@joelmacdonald6994]

I love all their music. The first 2 albums are definitely a different sound, but they are still amazing. Just don’t tell Steve it has a punk vibe/influence. Haha. But seriously, I was listening to those albums and some Ted Nugent one day at work. I swear, those first two albums are almost like a punky version of the Nuge. Maiden definitely was influenced by punk, and Uncle Ted.

[@s.l.s.l.1405]

100%

[@machiavellllia]

@@joelmacdonald6994 don't forget ufo especially on prowler

[@djlexington1]

Killers favorite album

[@thundercats7979]

He makes the same face that all of us do when Dave Murray goes into a solo. I love it.

[@najjmx2422]

I was focusing on his face as well at that part too guess thats the just iron man

[@agentc19]

Lol...yah the solo face!

[@anonymouslyopinionated656]

the melted face with only a smiling skull left?

[@Weshopwizard]

Still get goosebumps at that first solo.

[@Magneticlaw]

Clive's drum work shines in this song - a very underrated drummer he was.

[@raydearie9805]

i dont think he was ever underrated he would have became the best drummer in the world if he had lived on and everyone knew it

[@igordanielbueno740]

Listen to Infinite Dreams. One of the most beautiful Iron Maiden songs.

[@agony664]

Yes

[@soterionofficial]

No, please, stop with Iron Maiden ahah

[@jaquelinerocha2586]

Really✨a great song

[@rafamorsal]

I support this comment. And it should be the studio version.

[@igordanielbueno740]

@@rafamorsal Agreed! Studio version, please.

[@canadianswedie6366]

Most metalheads in the 80's never cared about the politics or the controversies of the music. The music is a different language that spoke to us, we didn't care if it was taboo.

[@rog2224]

They may not have cared, but congress was a pain in the arse, simply due to the amount of cover real estate taken up by warnings. I recall it was a faint irritant.

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

I'm done with "cheryl" vocal coach bitches and hip-hop open-minded soul brothers. Now I want a classical composer reacting to my life's music.

[@morlokkurak4763]

I agree 👍💯. As a Metal Earthdog, I didn't give a toss about what anyone thought of the music I listened to. If I may quote Manowar... "If you're not into metal, you are not my friend." 🤘🎶🤘

[@john-dalemccallum1195]

@@morlokkurak4763 Can't beat a bit Manowar! I love the solo on Battle Hymns, not the most technical solo ever recorded but one of my all time favourites. "Wimps and Posers, Leave the Hall!!"

[@w4shep]

Well said!

[@craigoliver3709]

Always loved the raw punky edge the Di'anno albums had

[@mattbarbarich3295]

Yep me too, funny enough Samson, Dickinsons previous band were very similar sounding. Obviously, Harris wanted to slightly harmonize and commercialize their sound for wider acceptance and sales.

[@weon_penca]

the "torture me back at your lair" ending with only the vocals that made you jump makes sense in the context of the vinyl album: Phantom of the Opera is the ending song of the A side, so they put the "torture me back at your lair" in the ending part of the vinyl track, that makes a loop, so the A side ends with this song and then you hear "torture me back at your lair - torture me back at your lair - torture me back at your lair" in an infinite loop. They put this final track in the CD for the sake of not forget this vinyl trick, but when you listen to the vinyl is a WOW!.

[@martinrobins3411]

I’ve never listened to a version which didn’t have that ending.

[@davison0104]

@@martinrobins3411 I think the digital version of the 1997 remaster has not the loop. However in the new 2015 rematered has it again

[@arvindhmani06]

@@martinrobins3411 There is such a version, I heard that on the later releases, but the one with the ending is so good! And hearing about the vinyl trick makes this even more amazing! Now I want to get the vinyl.

[@Mountfailmore]

@@davison0104 I think the early Capitol pressing of it on CD (or the late 80s reissue) did not have the loop. I bought it on cassette previously and remembered noticing that it was missing.

[@ggmcg99]

I never knew that - thank you 👍👏

[@uoabigaillevey]

Now imagine being a teenager back in those days. I remember the 'Satanic Panic' since I was both a metal fan AND a Dungeons and Dragons player. My mother actually made me talk to a Catholic Priest and bring my Iron Maiden tapes so he could determine if they were bad or not. I also remember the disappointed look on her face when he said (after reading the lyrics and sampling a bit of the music) that the music was fine. Very satisfaction on my part ;)

[@fabriziocomper]

good priest metal fan!

[@phorewhoresman1897]

A Judas Priest...? 😉

[@uoabigaillevey]

@@phorewhoresman1897 LOL I see what you did there.

[@censored1360]

I remember my Dad barging in while I was rocking to Metallica Kill Em All and said when you're my age you wont be listening to this crap...I was like hell yeah I will and in a major twist it was my Dad who later on liked Metallica. I love it since my Dad was right about most stuff but not that time haha

[@2giantmonsters]

Yeah I remember that too from my folks.

[@dakotajohn8506]

Can't forget to mention Clive Burr, the drummer who played on this track. He was an absolute beast of a player!

[@TjMetalHead94]

As a bass player if I could play with any drummer alive or gone it would be Clive Burr all day everyday.

[@michaellites6347]

Loved Clive! His playing was a big influence. Thank you so much for mentioning him!!!

[@curtanschuetz3434]

Until his drum tech Nico stole his job.

[@linkvagar2336]

@@curtanschuetz3434 Until his coke habit and eventually MS stole his job, you mean.

[@curtanschuetz3434]

@@linkvagar2336 Never heard of a coke problem. Check your records. Nico took his place years before MS hit him.

[@stephenwalker1551]

Born in 70. Spent my entire teenage youth in the 80's, in the deep south. Had to hide my Iron Maiden and Ozzy records in Johnny Cash, Bee Gees, Dolly Parton sleaves. 80's was still my best decade :)

[@stephenwalker1551]

70 is the best year to be born for metal!!

[@fretbuzzly]

A year younger than you. Even to this day I'm the only person that openly listens to metal. I'm a total outcast amongst my friends and family. Love the stuff. Best I can hope for is my kids pick up on it and how amazing it is musically.

[@Deliriumrock]

Steve Harris hated the way this album sounds. For us fans, we couldn´t care less, is brilliant!

[@andybelfield6034]

Couldn't

[@trevsinc]

Steve Harris is right, the production of this album is awful. But the songs are great.

[@Deliriumrock]

@@andybelfield6034 exactly

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

When I was 13teen and listened to this album the first time I thought the same thing: guitars sounded way too weak and clean, with almost no distortion...especially considering that at the time I thought that a distorted guitar should have sound like "Butchered at birth" 😂

[@davidkline03]

Just shows how talented they were using shit recording equipment

[@slimaque727]

Please, do Iron Maiden's Paschendale. It's sooo great

[@bartoszbiniszewski139]

Dobry wybór Julia. ;)

[@johnlordfan1]

already told him. obviously IGNORED!

[@slimaque727]

@@johnlordfan1 yes, it's also not my first comment about it but I won't stop until he does that

[@gareldmarks224]

Yes pachendale, paschendale, paschendale

[@taffelmies8349]

Bruce is matc better singer tecnigue than Paul di anno!! Sorry my VERY bad englis!! Jesse from finlan Up the irons!

[@georgiosn3158]

Helloween's "keeper of the seven keys" is a must

[@p1g5m0k3]

An absolute must for any metal fan, or a fan of musical complexity and interesting compositions. Sounds like a classical music piece, especially with Helloween’s signature use of dual-layered harmonized guitar solos reminiscent of classical-era German music.

[@werc85music]

Yes

[@andystrange7405]

Yes yes yes!

[@WeDontWantYourWar]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!! or because you are Greek "Ne"

[@acevfx2923]

I support this!

[@razzle2112]

every iron maiden song is a winner

[@YouTubeandI]

So true

[@nickfanzo]

Damn right

[@hgro4952]

Another great track from that album is "Remember Tomorrow"

[@walkawaycat431]

The live version with Paul is actually very beautiful. His voice is very good on that song.

[@fartexboy4225]

They’re all good let’s face it

[@wpberg1]

I stated listening to Iron Maiden in 1980 at the age of 13. Never heard anything like it was listening to AC/DC , KIss and Led Zep . This was completely different and really touched me. Been a fan ever since .

[@kimpa5454]

Hi i bought the record when it came & saw them support KISS in Stockholm 1980 has been à fan since then

[@STEVENGOSNEY]

Same here - born in 1967 and listened to Maiden early on -- there was a fundamentalist religious right that opposed most metal, but it was no big deal, really. Same folks who listen to "Christian Rock" now. The worst they would do is maybe bless you! :) IM was the heaviest heavy metal band in 1980, and they really raised the bar from Judas Priest until thrash came on the scene (and of course, I am completely into Megadeth and Anthrax).

[@ryananthony4840]

Lol I started listening when I was 13 too, but that was 1987 or 88, right before "Seventh Son" was released

[@DariusKhan]

I remember hearing a friend's older brother playing the Number of the Beast when it was just released. I loved it but had not been into music that long and only being 11, wasn't really able to access/buy anything similar or even find out much about it (no internet!). It took another couple of years when I started buying records to really get into them, soon followed by Metallica et al. It sounds weird now, but being the oldest sibling in a fairly small town and things just being different then - it was mostly what I could get on the radio/tv. (I do remember Aces High on Top of the Pops). One of my younger brothers was rocking out to Slayer when he was 7 as he was so used to hearing metal all the time!

[@w4shep]

Same here. I was 13 too in '80 and was blown away by this album. My first show was ac/dc back in black around the same time. I started hunting heavier music after this album. I was bored playing along with Phil Rudd on drums and couldn't touch Neil Peart at the time. Clive Burr arrived just in time. Although we had to hide the album cover from our parents - unless we wanted to be exorcised at the church. Had to hide the Black Sabbath albums too. There was so much good music coming out in the early to mid 80's. Was hard finding a record store that actually carried any of it.

[@alexandrecaldeira6694]

Imagine this: you´re 16, living in a country (Portugal), with limited access to hard/heavy metal records or radio shows, and you listen to this for the first time. It blew our minds! I´m dead serious, we were hooked since the very first song. Fast forward to 1984. and I get to see them live the first time they came to Portugal. Unreal, to say the least. Greetings from Lisbon.

[@alansevern290]

Awesome story! Up The Irons 🤘🏼

[@quantumskywalker6888]

Era qualquer coisa... comigo foi o mesmo, mas com o Number of the Beast. :))

[@alexandrecaldeira6694]

@@KARYTTAH_PopMetal_Rock_BAND Vi depois a Somewhere on Tour e aquele cenário futurista era muito, mas muito bom. Sinceramente, não saberia escolher.

[@AtomicPunkBR]

Same holds true for brazilians.

[@Reality_as_it_is]

The same was in Israel

[@sparksaizawa3580]

Phantom of the opera is one of my favourite songs from Iron maiden, its amazing. Up the irons!!!!

[@seyranshyhkuliyev1191]

Phantom Of The Opera - masterpiece of masterpieces! Nobody can doubt it! Best song of all ! Paul Di'Anno !!!

[@markparkin5372]

I can't imagine any other band being able to come up with a song like it at all. Everything about it is just so unique

[@devilsownweaponhaha]

Paschendale next Monday? Please?

[@WickerManLP]

def the Live version though

[@jltrevino]

Next Maiden Monday: To Tame a Land, from the Piece of Mind album

[@Applecornflakes]

Seconded

[@themadmattster9647]

I concur

[@edwardsmith6609]

I usually refer to this song as "To Tame a Bass Guitar String". Love it, give some love to the Mariner too. Up the Irons

[@ElevatedLevetator]

Yes!!

[@dougstephens1979]

YES

[@austinclark6371]

Paul Di’Anno, Steve Harris and Dennis Stratton doing backing vocals on this track.

[@TheKingKrusher]

I remember being around 12 y/o early eighties, had gotten my hands on an Iron Maiden t-shirt with that awesome Eddie face on it. My grandmother almost left this planet, but other than that people didn't seem to care about the whole "satanic panic", not here in norway anyway.

[@scottdunn2178]

That E-D-C-D-E riff is called a "circle riff" and is a staple of NWOBHM and even more modern Power Metal. 🎸

[@gwaptiva]

and then we have this song which is I think the "box": E D G A (which works like a box if you play it in power chords)

[@aslakrantakokko5347]

Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, Judas Priest, UFO etc.etc. The soundtrack of my youth was filled with talent and virtuosity. Music made by instruments and real musicianship. So rare nowadays.

[@ismailb87]

Tool, Alice In Chains, Placebo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Korn, Linkin Park, Machine Head, Nevermore, Iced Earth etc. Thats my youths soundtrack filled with talent and virtuosity. Someone in the future will say Opeth, Gojira and Mastodon. Real music is always being made, you just have to look for it :)

[@nicolaslandau4692]

It's not rare nowadays. There is plenty of real music being done.

[@blakev.4540]

It's not that popular anymore. That's it

[@talitabarreto569]

Led Zeppelin - Kashmir 🤘

[@sadscientisthououinkyouma1867]

True, but unfortunately most of the bands you listed are either gone or washed. You might try out Anthem, they are as some have put it the "Japanese Judas Priest" and if you liked Painkiller you will like Anthem's album "Domestic Booty" which I am convinced is a mistranslation of "National Treasure" because I can not think of any other reason in which they would name an album that way.

[@danbreeden68]

I love the power behind their music and this is one of my favorite songs

[@surfdigby]

With regards to the "modularity" of the piece, Steve Harris has always had a thing for sudden, jarring shifts. Someone once described it as "changing gears without using the clutch".

[@thanksbetotap]

Maiden’s my favorite band, but I’ve always hated their no-transition transitions.

[@mpetkovic26]

@@thanksbetotap for me there is something about knowing song by heart and knowing exact moment when the shift is gonna come it feels rewarding when you predict it.

[@honeybun432]

@@mpetkovic26 its def a rockstar moment. i imagine them all looking at each other and getting hyped up after completely switching it up lmao

[@metalmike570]

Maidens members have mad respect for Steve Harris, unlike many other bands where bassists have little input. Probably why Jason Newsted left Metallica in 2005, but he did have a great run with them in reality.

[@evil_chuck]

​@@thanksbetotapExplain to me how it can be your favorite band and at the same time hate its constant changes of rhythm? It doesn't make any sense, because it makes me think that your musical taste is not very extensive. If you hate the main hallmark of your favorite band, then you must not like many Iron Maiden songs. What's left for the rest of the bands that aren't your favorites? You hate them to death I guess.

[@Pneuma_Band]

Recomended Tunes Helloween - Keeper Of The Seven Keys Queensryche - Suite Sister Mary Fates Warning - The Eleventh Hour

[@phoenix7289]

All of Queensryche's Mindcrime album, please.

[@Pneuma_Band]

@@phoenix7289 Yeah!!

[@soterionofficial]

I agree, in particular Suite sister Mary would be a very interesting song to analize

[@Pneuma_Band]

@@soterionofficial indeed

[@andorivanpocze5967]

@@Pneuma_Band up for Helloween!!!

[@jasminm984]

Iron Maiden is not just about how technically good music can be. They are masters of E minor anyway xD Iron Maiden is about feeling, passion, amazing lyrics, stories ... Sometimes you just need not to think too much about it and just lay back and enjoy the musical and lyrical journey. -as always thank you for the reaction

[@daisy9664]

Yeah, my thoughts exactly. It may be the same 3 chords over and over again, but it describes the story perfectly, I do not need to know the lyrics at all to feel what it is all about, I can almost "visualize" their music.

[@chadcassidy1580]

Iron Maiden aren't that bad in G major too. hahaha a little musician humour

[@erdio21]

I’m so praying “Iron Mondays” becomes a thing. I can’t stop watching these reaction videos. Thanks Doug!

[@mattdorrell9567]

I love that first Maiden album and it still stands its ground today! Considering the average ages of the band members were 23-24 when this album came out...and obviously they had written it some time prior to release, there was some amazing musicianship in those young lads. So much so that they're still filling stadiums 45 years later! It's nice to hear your perspective on some of the great songs I grew up with.

[@daniellysohirka5079]

My favorite is Killers, love the Di'Anno stuff best, hard edged.

[@suucat]

I was born in 69, so i spent my teen years in the 80's, my parents were religious, but open minded, so i had no problems listening to Iron Maiden or playing Advanced Dungeons & Dragons.

[@alexojeda9048]

Lucky you

[@DenverStarkey]

I was born in 79 got into maiden around 87-88 ,

[@soterioncoil2163]

Lucky

[@camerongardner4538]

D n D and maiden.. great way to spend rainy oregon weekends

[@suucat]

@@camerongardner4538 Without question, the 80's was the best decade of my life.

[@Aquila81]

Iron Maiden "transylvania" Probably their best instrumental track ever!!

[@GovIertje]

But then the specific live version with 2 minutes extra of guitarsolo's... :D

[@Leo_Safko]

Genghis Khan or Ides of March in my book...but Transylvania is a great rocker nonetheless...\m/

[@sethkaicer319]

Lost for words big aura

[@cango5679]

not probably, but definitely :-)

[@sethkaicer319]

@@cango5679 I don't know I kind of like lost for words big aura

[@live2groove]

It still baffles me that when I was a teenager listening to Maiden, all the adults that would lecture me and try to explain to me that it wasn't real music.. It didn't occur to me until just a few years ago, that all the adults back then who were trying to convince what "real" music is - none of them were actual musicians... Lesson learned: Just being the adult doesn't mean that you know WTF you're talking about. Even my own parents, hell, especially my own parents. I'm a professional musician and teacher now and run a music program where I do private lessons, kids rock bands, Blues bands and Jazz combo and Iron Maiden was one of my biggest influences.

[@michaelruckman2900]

From one musician to another you are spot on brother.

[@johnflavin1602]

I know what you’re saying. My father is a huge Dylan fan and he thought Maiden and Metallica were just loud noise with no talent. He used to say “Where will they be in 5 or 10 years time?” How wrong he was!

[@oussamaokbi]

I think the one thing our generation has on the older ones is that we don't give a fuck what people think. We like something? Ain't nothing you gonna say that's gonna change our mind. We don't need validation to like something.

[@DrPocalucha09]

People tell me A and B They tell me how I have to see Things that I have seen already clear

[@SRG1966]

Clive Burr's drumming on those first two albums was wsy ahead of its time.

[@Bdoc76]

3

[@drachireidnoc6659]

Pretty good on Number of the Beast too, especially The Prisoner

[@rohantiwari7801]

Fuckin Gangland

[@TonyPucci11]

I admit I was “scared” at first of Iron Maiden, simply because of their cover art. Then when I was 15, I heard PIECE OF MIND from my neighbor, and I’ve loved Iron Maiden ever since. In my opinion, the best Paul DiAnno song is “Prodigal Son” off of their second album, KILLERS. It’s one of my favorite songs of all time by anyone!

[@kbelbeisi]

The solos to Prodigal Son are awesome.

[@jamie4993]

Friend in college had the vinyl for "Maiden Japan" and the cover art put me off to the point I didn't want to listen. Fast forward 6 months and one of the incoming freshmen introduced me to "Piece of Mind" and I was hooked. Talk about completely missing out on my first impression.

[@alansevern290]

@@jamie4993 I've still got my original copy of Maiden Japan! Up The Irons 🤘🏼

[@RNicolasRuvalcaba]

You were scared cuz they were edgy back in the day. But now you can take your grandkids to one of their shows.

[@stewmott3763]

Great call, dude. Prodigal Son is one of my favourite Maiden songs too. Nice to know I'm not the only one who's 'got that curse'.

[@DavstrWrexham]

Interesting fact: The intro of this song was used in a Lucasade advert back in the day

[@ewancraib8412]

The TV ad that got me into Maiden hahaha

[@Tazfiend]

@@ewancraib8412 I heard the advert before the album, and immediately knew it was Maiden. Almost enough to make me drink that stuff.

[@jonboy8951]

With daley thompson

[@ewancraib8412]

@@Tazfiend I was still quite young and didn't know it was Maiden at the time but loved it then heard a local guitarist playing it, asked who it was and officially became a Maiden fan

[@josephhodkinson2892]

Maybe I'm too young but I don't recall this at all, mind you I was born in 93'

[@deepblack3852]

One of my favorite 'original' Maiden tracks. Paul was on their 2and album, Killers, too.

[@michaelsmith2017]

Ah yes, this is from when Iron Maiden were still looking for "their sound". This sounds so much like early Judas Priest to me (like the Rocka Rolla or Sad Wings of Destiny albums).

[@davidviteris]

next: IRON MAIDEN - Infinite Dreams cheers!

[@fstevanovic7]

Red and the black, For the greater good of god, Paschendale, Dance of death. One of the best Iron Maiden 21st century songs

[@kaylu4984]

as well ss The ghost of the navigator😉💪👍

[@jocksilver7]

Paul DiAnno was a remarkable vocalist for Iron Maiden. Essencial. On early Maiden, not in a derivative way, you can hear Purple, UFO, Jethro Tull, Thin Lizzy, Uriah Heep , Judas Priest, and sometimes Wishbone Ash, when guitars are floating in the air, which is all but excellent references. But Paul's vocal rendition was sounding even more original in 1980 (was 17 btw). His niche ranged somewhat between Gillan's strike, Dio's more baritone sustains, Halford's screams, growls and highs, plus Phil Mogg's personal nuances, but was able to imprint his own expressiveness beyond Metal vocal clichés. The same goes for ex drummer Clive Burr, superior to his replacement, and Dennis Stratton, a solid axe footsoldier who didn't have the time to prove it beyond this album. Your reactions on HM are like technical lessons for the different ranks of metalheads. Thanks! Keep up the excellent work.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

The backing vocals are by Dennis Stratton who was one of the guitarists on the first album. This song got him into trouble as he recorded a whole "operatic" vocal section and Steve Harris (bass and songwriter) didn't like it

[@abelardadebayor5642]

Anathema in its concert in Katowice when they covered Phantom of the Opera has started with saying "my apologise for Dennis Stratton". I can upload this for you if you want

[@petehannon7685]

@@abelardadebayor5642 yes please :)

[@petehannon7685]

Yes Chris!! Re: 5:45 - thanks for saving me the trouble of explaining :) I heard that Steve Harris & Rod Smallwood heard it and thought Stratton wanted to sound like Queen - he was fired not long after so the story goes

[@abelardadebayor5642]

@@petehannon7685 sadly i lost the file, videos online are cut just before this phrase

[@dinounit67]

Here we go again... I’ll keep recommending Iron Maiden’s ”Starblind”, ”The Talisman” and ”The Legacy”. More proggy, great storytelling, great music! These songs are more atypical as some other recommended Maiden songs and That’s why I think you’d like them!

[@yanikem6655]

The chorus of Starblind reminds me of Infinite Dreams…

[@beastialmoon2327]

The Legacy's guitar tracks are godly, and are what got me into Maiden in the first place. I heard that and I was like "Holy shit I need more"

[@bravenewozzy]

When the Wild Wind Blows'! Tailsiman is bloody amazing as well...

[@jasminm984]

Starblind is a masterpiece. Amazing lyrics as always.

[@basvanrijn770]

Oooooeh thanks for reminding me to listen to Starblind, haven't heard that one for years.

[@michanowak7060]

This song made me a musician. This is why I got myself guitar and bass.

[@hughcdavies]

Yer, it inspired me as well. Not played it in year's, need to did out those riffs.

[@UncleRiotous]

I've been playing bass again recently and mostly been working on Maiden stuff. Phantom is mental but so rewarding when you master a section.

[@erdio21]

I love that. I’ve been playing guitar for a few years and been having such a hard time playing the part before the solo (the part Denise Stratton plays).

[@Stargate2Heaven]

The first metal album that I ever bought, back in 1987… Life changing! What a song 😍

[@2strokesmoke783]

IRON MAIDEN 'Infinite Dreams' live at the N.E.C Birmingham 88 is a must. An amazing performance of one of Maidens best songs.

[@luxain5379]

I think you can also like: Helloween - Keeper of the seven keys

[@jotasantos7333]

It's my suggestion too. I really would like to see it!

[@darinhusk366]

LOVE that you did an old school Maiden song! Thank you!

[@stuartfaulds1580]

This song also pre-dates Andrew Lloyd Weber's Phantom by 6 years.

[@RipCityJB]

My favorite Maiden song and in my Top 10 all-time. Just a mind blowing masterpiece 40+ years later!

[@FrugalMooney]

The Satanic Panic was definitely real. I became an Iron Maiden fan shortly before Powerslave came out, and after Powerslave Iron Maiden was my favorite band until I became immersed in Rush 5 years later. Iron Maiden was in the list of "satanic bands" mostly because of the Number of the Beast song and album. As Steve Harris said - it's just a song about a scary story. No one every accused David Seltzer (The Omen) or Jay Anson (The Amityville Horror) of being Satanic, but if you write the story as lyrics in a song people immediately accuse the band of being Satanic. The people that knew Maiden had a good grasp that it was just a story in a song, but boy was it tough to convince other people of that. Bruce had a good rant on that topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnamoo2ZfrRknLc

[@PirosmikeyNone]

NO-BODY CARES !

[@Grimread]

That was in the USA with its cliques of religious zealots. The record burning and lists of Satanic records just didn't happen in the UK. Even The Number of the Beast created nary a stir here. Only in the good old US of A.

[@Grimread]

@@PirosmikeyNone You speak for no-one but yourself.

[@strikedn]

@@Grimread Same in Italy, nobody really cared and we're talking a Catholic country.

[@davidgomez7882]

In latin-america there was (and still is) some satanic panic around the music, but it's mostly insular sects separate from the catholic church.

[@alfredolangarica6824]

Really loving the Maiden Mondays, some suggestions: - Paschendale - Sign of the cross - To tame a land - The talisman - When the wild wind blows - Dance of Death Greetings ✌️🇲🇽

[@basvanrijn770]

The Talisman for sure! But that has robe the En Vivo version.

[@SoySky42]

Buena elección de canciones para analizar.

[@bunnygirlborz1582]

hell yea, dance of death

[@geoalsan]

I'd add The Thin Line Between Love and Hate to that list. That song kicks asses

[@Antares-dw9iv]

To Tame a Land is such a fantastic and underappreciated track.

[@andystone6777]

this track is a freakin' MASTERPIECE ! I am 54 y.o. right now. My father was playing cello in a philharmonic orchstra his whole life and so I was "confrontated" with music very early. My first vinyl record was ABBA, my second Iron Maiden ! :-) I'm listening to it since nearly 40 years and I won't stop til the day I f * * * * * die. Well, I always loved Steve Harris for playing bass with his fingers, not using a pick. He is damn good with, God like ! I also tried that, but I failed, coz I started all this too late. What I want to say is: Maiden rules ! Hail to Eddie

[@histriamagna1014]

Hello from Slovenia. Do not forget this guys were in their early to mid tweinties when they recorded it. Quite remarkable achievement.

[@frenchnomaamer1909]

Paul Di' Anno sang on the two first albums : " Iron Maiden " and " Killers ". And on " The Number Of The Beast ", Bruce arrived.... Up the Irons !🤘

[@swordmonkey6635]

Had another drummer too. A good drummer that didn't play the same beats over and over again. Niko was the drum tech. lol

[@Macloud2]

@@swordmonkey6635 Clive Burr who played really cool stuff until the Number of the Beast record. I‘m not sure why he left the band (died some years ago with cancer), but Paul was fired for alcohol/drugs. By the way - the band sent first tapes of the Piece of Mind album to the record company and they didn’t like Nicko‘s sound at all - but Steve didn‘t care 😉

[@infantesergio]

@@Macloud2 Bruce Dickinson's 2017 autobiography suggests Burr was ousted due to personality conflicts with Steve Harris which led to the two arguing and acting out during performances.

[@tomfabozzi5353]

Didn’t he also get sick? I thought he had MS?

[@JDWDMC]

@@Macloud2 MS actually.

[@ronaldocosta1302]

Nice reaction. I suggest checking 'To Tame a Land' in an upcoming Maiden reaction. It's a bit more exotic song but it still has that epic Maiden tone.

[@Depipro]

On Iron Maiden's official channel there is a three part documentary about the band's history (up to a point), and it includes interviews with earlier band members, including Paul Di'Anno. It's really cool to see, for one thing, that in hindsight, all these people are still able to go through the same door (to use the relevant Dutch expression).

[@joelmacdonald6994]

I’ve watched it. Fantastic trilogy.

[@Miwna]

I have the first part on DVD. They're all amazing.

[@almor2445]

As a Maiden fan in the 80's I can tell you we were spat on and attacked by "regular people" quite a lot more than you'd think. It made us really close. We would've risked a beating for one another, even for a metal head we didn't know. I miss that camaraderie.

[@motorbear8022]

A Big up to Dennis Stratton, 👍👍👍🎶🎶🎶

[@Blackstarentity]

Very underrated :( he deserves far more credit..especially in Strange World 😍

[@steverigby2406]

I'm sure Dennis Stratton (he only appeared on the debut album) used to do the back up harmonies when the performed live.

[@linusfotograf]

I've seen Steve do them too.

[@jasperdevries1726]

@@linusfotograf With or without microphone :P

[@linusfotograf]

@@jasperdevries1726 With. Check out really old live footage.

[@jasperdevries1726]

@@linusfotograf No, I wasn't clear. What I meant is that Steve is usually singing along whether or not he is close to his microphone or even has scheduled backing vocals. I know he does them when called for (as did Dennis Stratton and later Adrian).

[@linusfotograf]

@@jasperdevries1726 You were clear and he did sing into a mic back in ’80-’81 I believe. Perhaps even before but I’ve never seen footage of IM in the ’70s.

[@rutgerdekok1324]

I remember playing this album loud on my parents hi-fi some time in the 80s. It was my introduction to Iron Maiden. And then specifically on this song, turning it up, and getting this reaction from my mom, screaming from the other side of the house "turn that #$%! off!". Still makes me smile when I think of it. :)

[@fzr1000981]

Seventh Son of a Seventh Son - the entire album is epic and underappreciated. Maiden's peak imo

[@lopezdad30]

Maidens peek, Hell no imo

[@fzr1000981]

You're vastly outnumbered

[@al1665]

KIllers

[@chrismeadows4216]

This song is obviously about the Phantom preparing himself to take lives. He believes he's meting out justice on these people who really did nothing more than what they love. The show mustn't go on until everything is right and he looks socially acceptable, in the Phantom's eyes. He won't ever forget his slights. Iron Maiden were known for their vocal harmonies and actually not the long, progressive tracks with the 2-minute slow intros. Hallowed Be Thy Name wasn't a huge one from The Number of the Beast for example, but Run to the Hills, the title track, and The Prisoner were. Fan favorites weren't the massive hits, in retrospect. Iron Maiden's studio output was mostly energetic fast tracks until the late '80s. Big choruses are the Iron Maiden signature. Check out Invaders from The Number of the Beast for Bruce's first track with Iron Maiden, Sun and Steel from Piece of Mind for soaring harmonies, or Powerslave for a really moody track with biting vocal layers and a beautiful solo break.

[@willduong6595]

I see a Maiden video, I click :) Keep it up Doug! I think I speak for all Maiden fans when I say we appreciate these videos!

[@agghjjhgdhvfgjngggh2381]

Dianno period Maiden is peak for me, loved Clive burrs drumming and the ecclectiveness of their music then.

[@GrampsD63]

And Dennis Stratton

[@robertthorn8233]

First two Iron Maiden albums will always be my favorite.Punk/Classical/Prog/Metal.X

[@lorenzomidabatacchi5342]

Please do Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys!!!

[@aldobertoli6235]

Band: Steps on the brakes full force, almost a new song Doug: "slightly different tempo" Muaaahahahahaha

[@tonygallo2361]

lol

[@evankeal]

The tempo is nearly identical, the rhythm is night and day though.

[@idlethreat7193]

This is my favorite live Maiden song.

[@jeanlongsden1696]

the into was used in the Lucozade advert in the UK, back in 1985.

[@nornog]

I would suggest Remember Tomworow next, from the Same record it is one of my favorite Maiden songs, Up the Irons!

[@scumcookie]

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite Iron Maiden song. I grew up listening to the Dickinson version but still, this version is soo so good

[@ObscureStuff420]

My favorite Maiden song too!

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

I'm a guitar player. I've been playing for 30 odd years on and off. I've been working on this song in my spare time for two years now.

[@johnm5168]

Case can be made that this is the best Maiden song ever.

[@darrenbetts2987]

This and Hallowed be thy name are absolute classics.

[@badgers1975]

With bruce singing definitely

[@cymen1]

I love Bruce, but this is their best song. Rest op the top 10 is with Bruce.

[@elijahbarker7007]

If you're looking for another live Iron Maiden piece then Dance of Death (from death on the road or en vivo) is THE BEST!!!

[@NBTKDA]

I feel that the live version from death on the road had better musicianship than the en vivo performance

[@phoenix7289]

Dance of Death on Death on the Road.

[@elijahbarker7007]

@@NBTKDA oh damn I just listened to that version, you are definitely right. I'll edit the comment! Thanks dude.

[@andrevdm6406]

...for best acoustic experience of dance of death you gotta listen to the studio version.... doug, please delve into danze macabre of saint saenz i think it is clear where inspiration came from

[@NaughtyJackal]

'To Tame A Land' please!! - love from Greece!

[@rayjay6769]

Really appreciated your review! First time seeing you and learned a couple of things while watching the video. Keep up the great work. Thank you.

[@huxleymiller8438]

The first two albums with Paul showcase IM punk edge in the throes of British New Wave heavy metal so prominent during the early 80's. Bruce is operatic and Paul is Clash meets Ramones.

[@wv1967]

Really love these Maiden videos, keep em coming! Would recommend Talisman, When the wild wind blows, dance of death (always live for maiden of course!)

[@Musicvault2k6]

This was the song that prompted Steve to form his own band (that being Maiden, of course) because the musicians in the band he was in weren't good enough to play it.

[@iceclimber2001]

I understood it was Burning Ambition, the B-Side to... Sanctuary?

[@user-tf6vq9tz6b]

@@iceclimber2001 I heard it was the first version of invaders, (invasion was original name) which was reworked and ended up on number of the beast.

[@iceclimber2001]

I believe it was the band Smiler.

[@mikehosken4328]

I had the privilege of hearing this live on their Somewhere Back In Time tour. Best night of my life.

[@davidfarrar1038]

I saw them on the Iron Maiden tour 16th June 1980 at the Unity Hall in Wakefield, England. I was 13 years old...happy days!

[@jasperdevries1726]

Surely a composer doesn't have to be told about false endings. And yes, we were laughing with you at the end :)

[@GG74man]

My dad ripped my Maiden-posters from my wall when I was 12 ,claiming it was "evil and satanic" an I was just trying to be tough....... I`m now 46 years old and almost exclusivly listen to black and death metal (and Maiden of course).... Guess I like it for real....! Metal!!!!

[@ryant3600]

ha I'm 48 similar he never ripped off the walls, my parents would joke that my room has become the gateway to hell.. ha

[@Macloud2]

My dad turned all the album covers around (without telling me) when my grandparents visited us … probably to make sure they won‘t get a heart attack 😉

[@rallypoint1]

My friends mom was like that back in 1985....he just came to my house and listed to the “devils music” LOL

[@Necroticnarcosis]

I just get into such a good mood watching your reaction videos keep up the good work and hello from Finland

[@johnnieangel99]

I loved this LP. Paul was a raw more Punkish singer. Bruce is fantastic and I love his work. But I love the rawness of this early stuff

[@TheRainblossoms]

Saw Paul DiAnno live about 10 years ago. Still very much a heavy metal punk. But he played his version of Phantom and Killers. So good.

[@johnnieangel99]

@@TheRainblossoms Glad to hear it.

[@camerongardner4538]

1975 kid here... maiden was soundtrack of my childhood... i always laughed at how society tried to pigeonhole maiden. Pauls sneering punk vibe was pretty good, but bruces phantom from live after death gives me chills 35+ yrs later.

[@MickeWarg69]

Backing vocals is Dennis Stratton. He played guitar on the first album. He was a very good singer.

[@dohoeijmans2432]

Thanks for accepting my suggestion. I’m happy you did it!!!

[@davidmel2158]

As one of Maiden's first American fans, POTO was my introduction to the band. It was 1980. I was listening to WNHU's "Metal Night" here in CT. It was a night that I heard Saxon, Krokus & NYC's RIOT for the first time but without a doubt, Maiden left the biggest impression on me. I got it all on cassette tape. Next day I was at my local record store when it opened .... my interaction with owner Karl Graf .... do you have IRON MAIDEN (debut)?? He was blown away. "How did you know about these guys, I just got in their album yesterday". I told him about hearing them on WNHU while he's looking for the album & he pulls up what's know as the DRIFTER EP. It's only 4 songs with Sanctuary on it & a live version of DRIFTER. After inspecting it, I noticed no Phantom. This isn't the album but he verified that this was the only IM he had. The debut hadn't even been released here in the States yet. So I bought it anyway & went down every day for about a week until he finally got the debut record in. By that time I was all in. This was my favorite new band. That's why I claim to be one of the band's 1st American fans. I was hardcore IM even before the debut was available & I had already spread the news to friends & bandmates. This was everything I loved about metal.

[@AlfW]

This was really interesting because I only knew this song with Dickinson as singer.

[@beastialmoon2327]

The backing vocals were done by Dennis Stratton, the guitarist for the first album. This is the only studio album he was on, as he left shortly after and was replaced with Adrian Smith.

[@alexandre_am]

Both Dennis and Steve were credited backing vocals on this album

[@giorgiolinas2]

Yes, but the vocal armonies were Dennis's idea. When they were recording the song there were even more of them but they didn't end up in the final version because Rod Smallwood thought it sounded like Queen

[@Hangar1969]

@@giorgiolinas2 And instead of sounding like Queen, they added a touch that made them sound almost Uriah-Heep-ish.

[@maureenwagg5305]

I come for the transitions. Maiden are the kings of transitions and it's always pleasantly surprising what they do.

[@user-qt9vn1yj8x]

Love your intelligent and skillful reaction! Nice to see you, sir!