During this presentation, I noticed pretty early on that all of the example customers listed on the slides were named after members of Iron Maiden. Best part was that was that the presenter was not in on the joke. Someone else had made this presentation for him. Loser.
I immediately started doing the same thing to my presentations when it was feasible to do so. I try to keep my presentations on point, so I don't have a ton of opportunity to add a Mr. Harris to a slide very often, but it has happened, and will happen again.
That's the best part of loving the underground, we heads tend to notice stuff like that.
Today Iron Maiden released its 16th studio Lp "The Book of Souls." Worldwide, it's a big deal. In America, it's basically under the radar that Maiden is still around unless you are like me and still care about Metal and the band that every metal head respects and loves.
Maiden is cool like that. No matter what genre you follow, you probably love Iron Maiden in at least one of its incarmations. I can honestly say that I've never heard anyone say "Maiden Sucks."
If you are not a metal fan or if you live in the USA, you may not realize that Iron Maiden is one of the biggest names in music worldwide. They play Stadiums to millions of people each time they tour. Not Sheds (average outdoor American venue), not Hockey or Basketball Arenas, Stadiums, across the world.
In the last 7 years, they have played to over 6 Million fans in 3 Tours. The last of which grossed over $69 Million at the box office. In comparison, U2 made $72 Million on their last tour. Both tours started in 2012. That's pretty good company.
Since their inception, the band has played in 59 countries and over 2000 shows.
Beloved is an understatement.
But why?
In order to have that kind of impact, you need to carve a new path. Maiden has proceeded to do so with consistency and dignity for 40 years. Sure, there's a few missteps here and there, but a few bad offerings over a 40 year span is completely acceptable.
In the beginning, they definitely had the "it" factor musically. It was completely different then, just as it is now. There are people today that still worship the early years. It's amazing that a fan base will argue over the era of band gone for 35 years, but Maiden fans are like that. Of course I'm talking about the Paul Di'Anno era. If you don't know the difference, I'm not the one to explain it. Just know that it was different than the Maiden that put out "Run to the Hills."
Fans get mad at them for other reasons, mainly for not playing the '80's material at every show. Bruce Springsteen gets the same heat from his fans too. The thing is, they don't have to play old stuff, the fans will show up no matter what.
I'm all about nostalgia, but I love seeing a band play other material besides the normal 30 year old song you'd expect. One step further, in the case of Iron Maiden, my favorite LP is 2006's "A Matter of Life and Death." It's amazing from start to finish, and if not for my son Kameron, I might have wrote it off. Old schoolers will call me crazy for saying that, but I bet they've never given it the chance they gave "Number of the Beast."
That's the other thing about Iron Maiden, they are generational. They will always draw fans of all ages.
The visual is a legend all its own. A mascot, never really explained beyond its evil presence. Is Eddie a zombie, mummy, alien, time traveler, or monster? He has existed in several points in time according to the artwork, but besides all of that, he is the best visual compliment mascot a band has ever had.
It's very American to not be in the loop on things like Iron Maiden. As a society on whole, we can really be pretty simple with our entertainment choices. To each his or her own. I know I couldn't even begin to understand the appeal to booty rap club music, and the kids that are into that are none of my business.
So there it is. I buy Iron Maiden LP's, and I'll buy this buy this one too. I'll buy it unheard and hope for the best.
In conclusion.... up the irons and stop wasting time.
Nago
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