Derek Riggs Interview 2024 (Iron Maiden artist)

We chat with the legendary Iron Maiden artist Derek Riggs. We meet him at ‪@SocieteBrewing‬ in San Diego. For context, watch our previous interview with Derek in 2019. Leave a comment with your favorite Derek Riggs album cover artwork. Derek talks about his art influences as a child, his early illustrator career, and his recent activities, and comic books. Derek is an English artist, and he created the iconic Eddie "The Head." The zombie character that has been on the cover of every Iron Maiden album cover.
• MST003 Derek Riggs Iro...
Please subscribe to stay informed on upcoming interviews. We will also be uploading an interview with the legendary metal drummer Vinny Appice, most known for playing with Black Sabbath, and Ronnie James Dio. We also will be posting a video interview with bassist Joey Vera from Armored Saint and Fates Warning.

[@donnystieger5450]

I actually just met Derrick and is wife last night at a signing at my local brewery. He was very pleasant and signed a few items for me. I stopped by a few hours before the event to ask the bartender if it was still on. The bartender said “why don’t you ask him” He was standing right next to me. lol 😂 We both got a chuckle. Anyway, I spent quite a bit of time hanging out with him chatting and asking similar questions that he went into great detail about. It was Steve Harris that originally commissioned him. He told me he didn’t really have a favorite album art but indeed he was fond of Powerslave. He was very nice and he has an infectious laugh. I hope they bring him back for the final album as well

[@MetalSwapMeet]

I'm happy you got to meet him. Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏻

[@BrainWasherAttendent]

We need his art for a final album….

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Agreed

[@thebluep0tat0]

That’s the plan….

[@Frankamentise]

Completely agree.

[@epasternak4206]

​@@thebluep0tat0 Oh? 😱

[@benstephenson8993]

It would be so fitting if Steve hires him for the final album

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Yes!

[@yanikem6655]

Thanks for sharing the interview, just a tip guys - have some well-thought out questions prepared in advance, and dive deeper into each answer. For example - You - “What painting are you most proud of?” Derek - “Somewhere In Time.” You - “Interesting - why is that your favourite and how did the idea come about? What were your ideas and what were the band’s? Can you show us on the table roughly how big the artwork was? What paints did you use for it? For a small painting, how did you manage to get so much detail in - what tools did you use?” Etc, etc. There were times where you ran out of questions and left an awkward silence.

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

[@thefog7067]

"What are you most proud of?" Derek: "I think Somewhere in Time is ok" Bro is THE definition of humble

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Agree. Somewhere in Time is amazing.

[@seekah1]

I've never heard Derek interviewed before which is crazy really. Excellent work, very interesting! Fave artwork would probably be the Beast, Powerslave, Somewhere in Time and Killers...the usual suspects (hard to choose just one). The Somewhere in Time detail was incredible back in the day. What is your fave?

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Thanks for checking out the interview! My favorite is Somewhere in Time, but I'm a big Blade Runner fan. I also like the artwork for the Flight of Icarus single.

[@Oni64]

Derek with a Umbrella shirt I never would have thought. Maybe he is a Resident Evil fan?

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Could be

[@HectorH-q6f]

Nice interview!

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EddieTheHeadFanClub-ETHFC]

Nice 🤘

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Thanks ✌

[@fabiendemarseille]

EDDIE 🤘👊

[@MetalSwapMeet]

RULES!

[@sharonsimsay7995]

very cool !!

[@MetalSwapMeet]

Cheers!

[@vikingoverlord857]

Wow guys. Maybe a little prep regarding the questions would have helped? Maybe asking about the mediums? Like WTF did he use to paint the pictures? Other influences? Actually knowing what he was talking about perhaps? What a wasted opportunity. Just ticking the box and talking to him doesn't really cut it, does it? Very lame indeed. Creepily awkward lol.

[@MetalSwapMeet]

We have a previous interview with him that goes over much of that. Your feedback is appreciated.