Iron Maiden

[LotB]

www.antimusic.com/news/04/dec/item12.shtml

Former Iron Maiden Singer Attacked Onstage

12-11-04
.
(antiMUSIC) Just two days after the murder of Damageplan's Dimebag Darrell and three others during a concert in Ohio, it appears that another metal musician may have been attacked onstage.

Former Iron Maiden lead vocalist Paul Di'Anno was reportedly attacked by a crazed fan during his appearance Friday at the Heavy Metal Monsters melodic metal festival in Tel Aviv, Israel.

TotalRock.com reports that the fan jumped onstage during Di'Anno's performance and "lashed out" at the singer. Di'Anno reportedly only suffered minor injuries and was able to complete his set.

At press time antiMUSIC was unable to obtain an official confirmation of this incident. The second day of the festival (Dec 11, 2004) is expected to proceed as planned.

Paul Di'Anno was the lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1977 until late 1981 when he was replaced by Bruce Dickinson. Di'Anno appeared on the group's first two major label studio releases 1979's Iron Maiden and 1980's Killers as well as the 1981 live EP Maiden Japan and the group's self released "Soundhouse Tapes".

[LotB]

Just what the fuck is going on with the world?

[Ponyone]

I saw this last night, but didn't know if it was true or not so I didn't post it - The ex-singer of Iron Maiden? How much more random of a musician could you pick? No one even really knows who he is because of Bruce Dickinson. Something has to be done about all of this now!

[LotB]

I've heard that Paul has betrayed his metal roots and now sings wussier music. He's supposed to be pretty popular in South America, Israel, and maybe Japan and Australia. You're right about him being pretty random. He did do some good stuff with Maiden. I'll admit that I enjoy the bulk of all those songs on the first two albums that Paul performed. Of course, I like all of those same songs with Bruce performing them. Hell, Bruce does "Wrathchild" quite well.

I didn't even know that Paul was still actively performing music until a couple of years ago when I saw a mention of him playing some shows in Brazil and Puerto Rico in a metal-related newsgroup.

[Ponyone]

Iron Maiden - Touring from June through August - Rumor of North American tour from July-August

posted on 12-22-2004 @ 11:21 PM by - siN

In a recent Finnish press release, IRON MAIDEN have been touted to tour from June through August, with their last European date hinted at being their sold out July 9th show in Sweden. Rumor has it the band will hit the US this Summer through the months of July through August, yielding that any obvious implication would be IRON MAIDEN possibly playing a part in OZZFEST 2005, the 10th Anniversary of the famous traveling festival. Again, this is all rumor at this point in time, but we'll keep you updated. The Finnish press release is in 'FULL STORY'.

[Ponyone]

IRON MAIDEN kicked off their "Eddie Rips Up the World" tour Saturday night (May 28) in Prague, Czech Republic. According to MaidenFans.com, "The Ides of March" is the taped introduction played before the band launch into set opener "Murders in the Rue Morgue". The stage set is said to be related to the first DVD of the history series MAIDEN is putting out out, and an "Eddie Rips You Up" backdrop was prominently displayed, as were several others. Pyrotechnics were reportedly used on five songs. Fire was used during "The Number of the Beast", and, as rumored, girls dressed up as devils were seen running on stage during the same song. Eddie appears behind the set in his "Iron Maiden" role. Then later in the show, a traditional walking giant Eddie makes an appearance. Finally, singer Bruce Dickinson dresses up as a trooper during "The Trooper".

IRON MAIDEN's concert in Prague ran for one hour and 45 minutes and included the following tracks:

01. Murders in the Rue Morgue
02. Another Life
03. Prowler
04. The Trooper
05. Remember Tomorrow
06. Run to the Hills
07. Charlotte the Harlot
08. Revelations
09. Where Eagles Dare
10. Die With Your Boots On
11. Phantom of the Opera
12. The Number of the Beast
13. Hallowed Be Thy Name
14. Iron Maiden
15. Running Free
16. Drifter
17. Sanctuary

[Ponyone]

IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson spoke to The Morning Call about the group's participation in this year's Ozzfest, which kicked off Friday (July 15) in Mansfield, MA. Several excerpts from the interview follow:

''This is probably the first and last chance that anybody will ever have to see IRON MAIDEN in America doing these songs, because there will be another IRON MAIDEN album out next year. We'll be doing some new stuff after that. There will be more tours subsequently, but we'll probably never again get a chance to play so many songs from the first four albums, and in particular from the first two."

On the group's decision to play Ozzfest:

"We didn't want to do a headlining tour to the same older audiences that show up every time we go into the sheds [the nickname for outdoor amphitheaters]. We wanted to get an audience that was going to be … basically 15-year-old kids with attitudes who are really into metal and keeping the music alive, as opposed to an audience who had been like that, but have now grown up, gotten respectable, and just remembered the band from the early days.

"In Europe we play mainly to audiences who are all under the age of 25. In America, I'd say the average age of the audience is 30-plus. That's not great for us. And it's also not great for young kids who come to see the band in sheds because they end up sandwiched between a bunch of fat old men drinking beer and eating hot dogs, and the kids are like 'Shouldn't we be really rocking?' So what we want is the Ozzfest vibe, which I think is much closer to the audiences we play to in Europe. That's the audience we want to impress, really."

On his new solo album, "Tyranny of Souls":

"I thought we could have a bit more confidence, that we could branch out a little bit on this album [and] still sound very heavy. That was the key. I had to wait until I felt confident about saying, 'Yup, this is what we're going to do on this new record,' rather than, 'Oh my God, I don't know what we're going to do on this record to cope with the legacy of 'Chemical Wedding'."

[muthagoose]

On October 11, IRON MAIDEN fans the world over will have something new to get excited about as the newly re-launched Restless Records releases "Numbers from the Beast: An All Star Salute to Iron Maiden", a tribute to the legendary band. The album, which features MAIDEN's own Paul Di'Anno and marks Restless' return to its metal and punk roots, is produced by Grammy award winner and tribute album pioneer Bob Kulick (KISS, METALLICA, AEROSMITH), along with Brett Chassen, and features appearances from current or former members of IRON MAIDEN, KISS, AC/DC, MOTÖRHEAD, ANTHRAX, DIO, JUDAS PRIEST, TESTAMENT, TWISTED SISTER, EXTREME, WHITESNAKE, SLAUGHTER, HELMET, DOKKEN and many others.

"It's a fitting salute to an awesome band and may be the best tribute I've ever produced. I really like what we've done to these amazing songs, and more importantly, the band approves," says Kulick of the album.

"Numbers from the Beast" features 11 classic IRON MAIDEN tunes revamped in honor of the band's 25th anniversary. The final track listing is as follows:

01. Run to the Hills
02. Wasted Years
03. Wrathchild
04. Flight of Icarus
05. Fear of the Dark
06. The Trooper
07. Aces High
08. 2 Minutes to Midnight
09. Can I Play With Madness?
10. The Evil That Men Do
11. The Wickerman

The cover of every official IRON MAIDEN album has featured a zombie called "Eddie." Eddie has been painted by artist Derek Riggs for 20 years. "Numbers from the Beast" cover art was naturally painted by Riggs and is a must-have for any MAIDEN fan.

"Numbers from the Beast" marks the first release on the newly revamped Restless Records. William Hein, current president of Rykodisc and former head of Enigma Records, co-founded Restless in 1985 as a punk and metal sub-label of Enigma. Restless became a stand-alone label after Capitol-EMI acquired Enigma, and was subsequently acquired by Rykodisc in 2003. Now, back with a new sound and logo, Restless returns to its roots with the MAIDEN salute, as well as an upcoming reissue from California punk outfit 45 GRAVE.

[muthagoose]

Numbers from the Beast: An All Star Salute to Iron Maiden



Producer/musician Bob Kulick recently spoke to Billboard.com about the IRON MAIDEN tribute album "Numbers from the Beast: An All Star Salute to Iron Maiden", which arrives tomorrow (Oct. 11) via Restless.

"Numbers" is the latest multi-artist tribute that Kulick has conceived and overseen. He previously helmed projects dedicated to METALLICA, QUEEN, ALICE COOPER, AEROSMITH and KISS (of which his brother, guitarist Bruce, once belonged). In fact, MOTÖRHEAD won the 2004 best metal performance Grammy for the version of "Whiplash" they recorded for a second album Kulick devoted to METALLICA, "Metallic Attack: Metallica - The Ultimate Tribute".

"I really try to take the proper tools for the job," Kulick said of how he determines who plays on which song. "And also, a lot of these guys played on tours with MAIDEN or were influenced by MAIDEN or [are] just huge MAIDEN fans."

"Richie Kotzen [for instance] may not be a real big name value here, but in Japan, because he was in MR. BIG, they know who that is more than they know some of the people that we know. So because these records are released worldwide, it's also important for me to make sure that there's enough people on there that will appeal to any individual territory."

"I can't reiterate too much how much the fun part is part of this," Kulick said.

"[WWE wrestler and FOZZY frontman Chris Jericho] was going to wrestle me to the ground if I didn't put him on this record," Kulick joked. "Paul Gilbert's going, 'This guy's a superstar wrestler who happens to also sing,' and he's in awe of him and asking for autographs for nephews and relatives and friends, and here's Chris Jericho just drooling because [Gilbert is] one of the guys that he thinks is one of the greatest guitar players to ever walk the planet."

"Numbers from the Beast" features 11 classic IRON MAIDEN tunes revamped in honor of the band's 25th anniversary. The final track listing, complete with stellar rock personnel is as follows:

01. Run to the Hills

Vocals: Robin McAuley (MSG)
Lead Guitar: Michael Schenker (MSG)
Rhythm Guitar: Pete Fletcher (PYGMY LOVE CIRCUS)
Bass: Tony Franklin (THE FIRM)
Drums: Brian Tichy (BILLY IDOL)

02. Wasted Years

Vocals: Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER)
Lead Guitar: George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)
Rhythm Guitar: Bob Kulick (PAUL STANLEY BAND, MEATLOAF)
Bass: Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER)
Drums: Jason Bonham (BONHAM, FOREIGNER)

03. Wrathchild

Vocals: Paul Di'Anno (IRON MAIDEN)
Lead Guitar: Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT)
Rhythm Guitar: Chris Traynor (HELMET, BUSH)
Bass: Frank Bello (HELMET, ANTHRAX)
Drums: John Tempesta (HELMET, TESTAMENT)

04. Flight of Icarus

Vocals: Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH)
Guitar: Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE, DIO)
Bass: Jimmy Bain (DIO, RAINBOW)
Drums: Simon Wright (DIO, AC/DC)

05. Fear of the Dark

Vocals: Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT)
Guitar: Craig Goldy (DIO)
Bass: Rickie Phillips (STYX)
Drums: Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD)

06. The Trooper

Vocals: Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD)
Guitar: Phil Campbell (MOTÖRHEAD)
Guitar: Rocky George (FISHBONE, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES)
Bass: Chuck Wright (ALICE COOPER, QUIET RIOT)
Drums: Chris Slade (AC/DC)

07. Aces High

Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, SOUL SIRKUS)
Guitar: Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME, DRAMAGODS)
Bass: Billy Sheehan (Mr. BIG, NIACIN)
Drums: Vinny Appice (BLACK SABBATH, DIO)

08. 2 Minutes to Midnight

Vocals: Joe Lynn Turner (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW)
Guitar: Richie Kotzen (MR. BIG, POISON)
Guitar: Bob Kulick (PAUL STANLEY BAND, MEATLOAF)
Bass: Tony Franklin (THE FIRM)
Drums: Chris Slade (AC/DC, THE FIRM)

09. Can I Play With Madness?

Vocals: Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER)
Guitar: Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD)
Bass: Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, TED NUGENT)
Drums: Aynsley Dunbar (DAVID BOWIE, WHITESNAKE)

10. The Evil That Men Do

Vocals: Chris Jericho (WWE wrestler, FOZZY)
Guitar: Paul Gilbert (MR. BIG, RACER X)
Rhythm Guitar: Bob Kulick (PAUL STANLEY BAND, MEATLOAF)
Bass: Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS, OZZY OSBOURNE)
Drums: Brent Fitz (VINCE NEIL, UNION)

11. The Wickerman

Vocals: John Bush (ANTHRAX, ARMORED SAINT)
Lead Guitar: Jeff Duncan (ARMORED SAINT)
Guitar: Scott Ian (ANTHRAX)
Bass: Blasko (ROB ZOMBIE)
Drums: Ben Graves (MURDERDOLLS)
Backing Vocals: Jason Miller (GODHEAD)

The cover of every official IRON MAIDEN album has featured a zombie called "Eddie." Eddie has been painted by artist Derek Riggs for 20 years. "Numbers from the Beast" cover art was naturally painted by Riggs and is a must-have for any MAIDEN fan.

"Numbers from the Beast" marks the first release on the newly revamped Restless Records. William Hein, current president of Rykodisc and former head of Enigma Records, co-founded Restless in 1985 as a punk and metal sub-label of Enigma. Restless became a stand-alone label after Capitol-EMI acquired Enigma, and was subsequently acquired by Rykodisc in 2003. Now, back with a new sound and logo, Restless returns to its roots with the MAIDEN salute, as well as an upcoming reissue from California punk outfit 45 GRAVE.

[muthagoose]

Hang up your AIR FORCE ONES...Here comes the IRON MAIDEN!

According to a posting at Hypebeast, Nike are set to release a strictly limited IRON MAIDEN shoe. Iincluded in the article are a number of images that seems to dispel any notion this may be an early April Fool's joke.

According to people at Niketalk, only 24 pairs of the Nike SB "Iron Maiden" Dunk high shoes will be made. The Dunk will feature a clear swoosh to show off the IRON MAIDEN artwork as well as the words "Iron Maiden" embroidered onto the heel of the shoe.

[Chick-O-Stick]

IRON MAIDEN have commenced the recording sessions for their new album with producer Kevin Shirley. A posting on Shirley's official web site reads as follows:

"My equipment rolled in Monday night, the MAIDEN truck rolled in Tuesday, and we set the studio up — it's a big job but by Tuesday night were almost ready to go. Wednesday, Nicko McBrain lads about three, Bruce Dickinson about 4. I fiddled with the sound, and it's really coming up really good. Everyone has come to a similar place about where we're going, and it's been hard work, and a lot of fun. There is a lot of laughing, and a little bit of frustration when things get difficult. We've cut three basic tracks, and got a fourth ready to go Monday, March 6. "

IRON MAIDEN's follow-up to 2003's "Dance of Death" is tentatively scheduled for release in October.

As previously reported, Sanctuary Records/Sony BMG has been forced to delay the North American release of IRON MAIDEN's "Death On The Road" DVD, originally scheduled for February 21, as a result of unforeseen production issues.

[muthagoose]

Official Iron Maiden Fall U.S. Tour Dates Announced

IRON MAIDEN has announced that they will be beginning their 2006 World Tour with eight dates across the USA and three dates in Canada starting October 4 in Hartford, CT.

October 4th - Hartford, CT @ Dodge Music Center
October 6th - Boston, MA @ Agganis
October 7th - Philadelphia, PA @ Tweeter Center
October 12th - Uniondale, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
October 13th - East Rutherford, NJ @ Continental Airlines Arena
October 17th - Detroit, MI @ The Palace
October 18th - Chicago, IL @ All State Arena
October 21st - Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless

Tickets for the shows will start going on to the general public from the weekend of August 12, with details of local box office and on-sale times at www.ironmaiden.com.

This follows the recent announcement that their highly anticipated new studio album "A Matter of Life and Death" will be released on September 5 on Sanctuary Records.

[muthagoose]

IRON MAIDEN Singer's 'Chemical Wedding' Movie Goes Into Production

IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson's film about occult legend Aleister Crowley (infamous as "the wickedest man in the world") has finally gone into production, according to Fangoria. Produced by London-based Focus Films, the movie, entitled "Chemical Wedding", stars Simon Callow (IMDb) — of "Amadeus", "Shakespeare in Love" and, appropriately, "The Phantom of the Opera" — as a Cambridge professor who becomes a reincarnation of Aleister Crowley (a role that, at various points, Malcolm McDowell and Roger Daltrey were said to be attached to); John Shrapnel, Kal Weber, Terence Bayler and Geoff Breton also star.

Crowley, who lived between 1875 and 1947, has been Bruce Dickinson's idol for many years. The IRON MAIDEN song "Revelations" is said to refer to Crowley's classic claim that he was the "anti-christ 666" reincarnated. In other words, the Devil himself.

Although Bruce isn't planning a successor to his 2005 solo album "Tyranny of Souls" in the break before MAIDEN's next summer tour, he doesn't rule out getting together with producer/guitarist Roy Z to work on some new music for the soundtrack.

[Chick-O-Stick]

Wanna Be In An Iron Maiden Documentary? Calling All Heavy Metallers!

Directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn of Banger Films Inc. — creators of the critically acclaimed, award-winning documentary "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" and its soon-to-be-released follow-up "Global Metal" — are looking for IRON MAIDEN fans to be part of a feature documentary that will follow the band's upcoming "Somewhere Back in Time" tour.

On Feburary 1, IRON MAIDEN and their 70-strong road crew will embark on their most ambitious tour ever. They will load into a specially refitted Astreaus Boeing 757 decked out in iconic Eddie artwork and carrying 12 tons of equipment. For this first leg of the tour, they will then fly over 70,000 km to 21 cities across four continents, playing to over 400,000 fans in just 45 days. All this with lead singer/commercial pilot Bruce Dickinson at the helm.

For the official tour documentary, Scot and Sam will follow the band in the air and on the stage, giving fans behind-the-scenes and front-and-centre access to the most anticipated metal tour of 2008. They are now seeking MAIDEN fans in Australia, Japan, India, North America, Central America and South America to be part of this historic mission.

If you're a die-hard MAIDEN fan who is attending one or more concerts on the first leg of the upcoming tour (February 1 to March 16, 2008) and are willing to be interviewed on camera about your passion for all things MAIDEN, please e-mail [e-mail] and tell the filmmakers why YOU should be in this movie. All ages encouraged.

Word on the street is Mav Himself will be taking a road trip for this one. Bring your Slim Jims.

[muthagoose]

IRON MAIDEN: Limited-Edition Pint Glass Given Away With 'Live After Death' Pre-Orders

If you pre-order the new IRON MAIDEN DVD "Live after Death" from Newbury Comics, you will receive a limited-edition pint glass from the "Newbury Comics Artist Pint Glass Series."

This IRON MAIDEN pint glass is a limited edition (there will only be 600 made), and it will be available in the Newbury Comics stores on Tuesday, February 5.

If you want to be sure you get one, order on www.NewburyComics.com.

This special offer is valid for domestic orders only; pint glasses will not ship to international addresses. Pre-ordered DVDs shipping with promotional materials are limited to (5) per customer. Pint glasses will be available while supplies last.

On February 5, 2008 MAIDEN will release the highly anticipated DVD of "Live after Death" and to tie in with this will play songs mainly from their classic '80s albums on their forthcoming tour. The stage production will also feature a production-based on the Egyptian-themed "Powerslave Tour" which was featured on the original 1985 video release of "Live after Death".

[muthagoose]

Iron Maiden's 'Chemical Wedding' in the UK

Iron Maiden's front man Bruce Dickinson is heading to Hollywood with his occult thriller Chemical Wedding.

Today it was announced that Warner Music will move into theatrical movie distribution for the U.K. release of the film. No word on US yet, but you can read the details on the UK sale inside.

The pic, helmed by former Monty Python associate Julian Doyle, stars Simon Callow as the reincarnated Aleister Crowley, an occult scholar who was once labeled as the most evil man in Britain.

Deal was struck with L.A.-based Cinema Management Group, which handles global rights. Warner Music's interest was sparked by its connection with heavy metal band Iron Maiden, whose front man Bruce Dickinson penned the screenplay.

"'Chemical Wedding' is our first major step into the theatrical market. The film has great potential as it appeals to several broad consumer groups who happen to be both ardent cinemagoers and DVD purchasers," said Jon Sadler, marketing director at Warner Music Entertainment.

Music giant has hired an experienced theatrical exec to oversee the Blighty release and will handle advertising and marketing itself. To build word of mouth, Warner Music plans to bring British fans to the Cannes Film Festival for a sneak preview. It will release in Britain shortly after.

Pic is produced by Focus Films ("51st State") and Bill and Ben Prods. in association with Duellist Film Prods. and E-Motion. Producers are David Pupkewitz, Malcolm Kohll, Ben Timlett and Justin Peyton. Executive producers are Andy Taylor and Rod Smallwood, Karl Richards, Paul Astrom-Andrews and Peter Dale.

[muthagoose]

Iron Maiden Announces US Tour Dates

From onstage last night (Feb 19), amid the pandemonium in front of 14,000 screaming fans at a packed Los Angeles Forum, Iron Maiden announced the first leg of their eagerly anticipated North American summer tour.

Tickets for Iron Maiden's current "SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME -- WORLD TOUR 08" dates at the Los Angeles Forum and New Jersey's Izod Centre sold out months in advance, the band are delighted to announce they are coming back for more major USA concerts this summer which will take them to a number of cities they have not played in many years along with a return to the Los Angeles area with 2 nights at the 16,000 capacity Verizon Amphitheatre on Friday May 30 and Saturday May 31. Tickets for the majority of these shows will go on sale to the public on Saturday, March 1st. A special pre-sale will be made available exclusively to members of the Iron Maiden fan club, who will also be eligible to enter to be 'First to the stage barrier'.




SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME -- WORLD TOUR 08' USA TOUR DATES:

Wed 5/21/08 San Antonio, TX - Verizon Wireless - on sale 3/1 10am

Thu 5/22/08 Houston, TX - Woodlands - on sale 3/1 10am

Sun 5/25/08 Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion - on sale 3/1 10am

Mon 5/26/08 Phoenix, AZ - Cricket Pavilion - on sale 3/15 10am

Wed 5/28/08 Concord, CA - Concord - on sale 3/9 10am

Fri 5/30/08 Los Angeles, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - on sale 3/1 10am

Sat 5/31/08 Los Angeles, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - on sale 3/1 10am

Mon 6/2/08 Seattle, WA - White River Amph - on sale 3/8 10am


The "SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME -- WORLD TOUR 08" was inspired by Maiden's recently released DVD, LIVE AFTER DEATH (New Door Records/Ume). Filmed and recorded over four spectacular nights at Long Beach Arena on the "Powerslave Tour" in 1985, this has long been a benchmark for rock concert videos and live albums, and the CD remains one of the biggest-selling live albums ever with sales in excess of six million worldwide. With the video having been largely unavailable for many years, the fan's massive interest in this legendary concert continues to this day with the DVD debuting at No. 1 on charts around the world (including The UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark and Finland), as well as No 2 on the Billboard USA Chart and in Canada.



This tour revisits the band's history by focusing almost entirely on their classic 80's period in both choice of songs played and the stage set, which is based around the legendary Egyptian Production of that 'Powerslave Tour' as portrayed on the Live After Death DVD. This will arguably be the most elaborate and spectacular show the band have ever presented. Furthermore the band intends to bring along for this summer leg of the tour the colossal mummy of Eddie, as featured on the Live After Death DVD, along with various other elements of the show that would not fit on their 757 on the first leg of this tour, which included the shows at the Forum and Izod Centre. Sadly no jumbo has a door big enough to fit in such a massive and imposing monster!!!

Says vocalist Bruce Dickinson ; "We are all greatly looking forward to getting back to see our fans in places like Texas, the South West and Seattle where we haven't played for quite some time. And for this leg we will be able to bring along all Eddie's toys which we couldn't get on our plane during the first leg. We are all having a great time on this tour and really can't believe the excitement it is creating round the world and the huge numbers of people who are turning out to see us. It makes for a really very exciting time for all of us, fans and band alike"

[muthagoose]

Bruce Dickinson's 'Chemical Wedding' Trailer Now Online

Bruce Dickinson's 'Chemical Wedding' will premiere at the London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film at the Apollo West End Cinema in London on May 4. The film will also be unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival later that month. It will then be released in British cinemas in the summer.

View The Trailer Here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9rVv483BTA

[muthagoose]

BRUCE DICKINSON: Chooses To Self-Publish Chemical Wedding Book Tie-in

IRON MAIDEN frontman BRUCE DICKINSON and film director Julian Doyle have opted to self-publish the book tie-in for their forthcoming Chemical Wedding motion picture. Written by Bruce Dickinson, front man of the legendary Iron Maiden, and Julian Doyle (Time Bandits, Life of Brian), Chemical Wedding is an occult thriller starring Simon Callow inspired by the life of the infamous Edwardian mystic, Aleister Crowley. It will go on general release in cinemas on May 23rd.

The film tie-in will be self-published by Dickinson and Doyle under the Matador self-publishing imprint to coincide with the film's release.

Dickinson, who has a small cameo role in the film, has stated that "On several levels, I think it will be nice for them [Iron Maiden fans] to see somebody from Maiden doing something else that gets the band's name out there and also potentially gets a bit of respect for heavy metal and all the rest of it.... But, in addition, I think they'll just enjoy it. It's a rollicking good story."

Synopsis:

At Cambridge University a groundbreaking experiment integrates the human brain with a super-computer using a state-of-the art 'interactive suit'. One of the Cambridge boffins is an obsessive follower of the turn-of- the-century occult leader, Aleister Crowley, and has reduced Crowley's rituals to a series of equations and entered them in to the system. Bumbling academic, Professor Haddo (Simon Callow) is the willing volunteer, desperate to get inside the mind of the long-dead Crowley. The computer feeds directly into Haddo's brain, transforming him from a shy and stuttering academic into the charismatic but sexually depraved Crowley who wreaks havoc around the Cambridge campus. Haddo believes himself to be the reincarnation of Crowley and as he plays out Crowley's rituals, his associates realise he has knowledge that only the real Crowley could have. Could this be Aleister Crowley reincarnated, and if so, how do they send him back to the hell from which he came?

[muthagoose]

IRON MAIDEN: Bruce Dickinson, Julian Doyle Book Signing Announced


IRON MAIDEN have issued the following update:

"Having spent a wonderful day at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday premiering his Chemical Wedding film, Bruce Dickinson is now on his way to Texas, USA for the opening show of the second leg of the Somewhere Back In Time World Tour in San Antonio on Wednesday 21st May.

A full report from Chemical Wedding at Cannes will be posted shortly, but meanwhile Julian Doyle, film director and co-screenwriter, is appearing in London this Friday for the launch of the Chemical Wedding book at Atlantis - a bookshop which was frequented by Aleister Crowley himself...

Friday, May 23rd
Atlantis Bookshop
49a Museum Street, London WC1A 1LY
7.30pm till 9.00pm

Director Julian Doyle will be there to sign copies of the book and they also plan to show 'the making of' Chemical Wedding so head down and check it out."

[muthagoose]

METALLICA, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM
Featured On Kerrang!'s IRON MAIDEN Tribute CD

Following on from our 2006 Kerrang! Remastered CD in honour of METALLICA's Master Of Puppets, this latest collection - Maiden Heaven - features bands covering tracks from IRON MAIDEN's legendary career, and will be given away free with Kerrang! issue 1219, on sale July 16.

The CD includes world exclusive performances from METALLICA, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, COHEED AND CAMBRIA, GALLOWS and more!

Speaking exclusively to Kerrang!, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich told us how much respect the Bay Area thrashers have for the Brit metal masters.

"Iron Maiden are 10 per cent cooler than every other band," says Ulrich. "From their relationship with their fans, to their album covers to their stages, to their live presentation, to their photos - whatever they did was always cooler than what everyone else did! I have always had an incredible amount of respect and admiration for them and obviously getting a chance to be part of this CD feels like that has come a full circle. We played Remember Tomorrow as it was basically the blueprint for songs like Fade To Black and Welcome Home (Sanitarium), and some of the more epic ballady type of songs that Metallica had done later. We had so much fun jamming with this! We put a bit of an intro on it, to give it a bit of a Metallica stamp, and we are super pleased with how it has turned out. "

Machine Head frontman Robb Flynn is equally excited to be a part of this project.

"When I was a kid Iron Maiden were a very big deal to me and the influence they had on Machine Head has been huge," he reveals. "We decided to cover Hallowed Be Thy Name for this CD because it's just such a great song, in fact it's a classic! I just love the way the vocal line goes up and down, so dramatic."

Metal heroes Trivium, are happy to admit their own brand of heavy riffage could never have existed without Maiden's worldwide influence.

"Iron Maiden helped create what we know as heavy metal," states frontman Matt Heafy. "Their influence can be heard on classic and contemporary bands alike; their fanbase spans across the youngest and newest of heavy music recruits all the way to the diehard, life-long metal elite. We chose to play the track Iron Maiden off their first album, as the song that screamed out our love for them musically, and we knew it would be a really fun song to jam out in the studio. It was an honour to be able to play one of Iron Maiden's tracks and have the opportunity to contribute to this amazing CD. We hope everyone has as much fun listening to it as we did making it!"

Meanwhile, Avenged Sevenfold - who will be supporting Maiden at their upcoming Twickenham Stadium show on July 5 - say they are "honoured" to be part of this Kerrang!-arranged tribute.

"Maiden are by far the best live band in the world and their music is timeless," says vocalist M Shadows. "This also gives us a chance to expose this great song to some of our younger fans who maybe aren't as familiar with Iron Maiden."

UK hardcore punk rockers Gallows chose to contribute a version of Wrathchild from Maiden's Killers album to the collection.

"We're actually all huge Maiden fans and while learning Wrathchild we discovered a new-found respect for the band as musicians," says guitarist Laurent Barnard. "Some of their riffs are pretty fast and Steve Harris has definitely earned his place as a bass legend! We're so happy we were asked to be included."

The arrival of Kerrang!'s Maiden Heaven CD coincides with the band's European leg of their Somewhere Back In Time World Tour - and follows on from the release of their own collection Somewhere Back In Time: The Best Of 80-89.

"Maiden much appreciate and are very flattered by all the time spent on this by a lot of great bands," says Iron Maiden's manager Rod Smallwood, "and would like to thank them, and also Kerrang!, for the honour. Thanks, everyone!"

The track listing for Maiden heaven is as follows:

BLACK TIDE - 'Prowler'
METALLICA - 'Remember Tomorrow'
AVENGED SEVENFOLD - 'Flash Of The Blade'
GLAMOUR OF THE KILL - '2 Minutes To Midnight'
COHEED AND CAMBRIA - 'The Trooper'
DEVILDRIVER - 'Wasted Years'
SIGN - 'Run To The Hills'
DREAM THEATER - 'To Tame A Land'
MADINA LAKE - 'Caught Somewhere In Time'
GALLOWS - 'Wrathchild'
FIGHTSTAR - 'Fear Of The Dark'
MACHINE HEAD - 'Hallowed Be Thy Name'
TRIVIUM - 'Iron Maiden'
YEAR LONG DISASTER - 'Running Free'
GHOSTLINES - 'Brave New World'

Pick up your copy of Kerrang! issue 1219 on sale July 16 for your own copy of Maiden Heaven.

[muthagoose]

Bruce Air Update: Astraeus Airlines Forced To Remove IRON MAIDEN Decals

IRON MAIDEN frontman/pilot (Captain) BRUCE DICKINSON has issued the following update:

"Dear 666 passenger,

I am gutted to have to tell you that Astraeus Airlines have been forced to remove the Iron Maiden decals (artwork transfers) from the Boeing 757 and that its now highly unlikely that operational proceedures will allow enough time to have the Ed Force One livery reinstated for my Bruce Air trips.

When we originally commissioned the 757 from Astraeus it was due to be reverted back to their normal airline branding at the end of the first leg of our tour. However Astraeus were getting such great feedback from passengers and airports around our tour, that they asked if they could retain the Iron Maiden decals when they took the plane back for their own normal charter flights. We thought this was great and it has since been flying European and Middle East routes with spectacular reaction.

Unfortunately for us, Ed Force One was the only plane available from the Astraeus fleet to fly a new and regular route into and out of an African country on a recent new route. The striking Iron Maiden imagery had a violent reaction from the locals as they regarded the artwork, particularly that of Eddie, as very bad ju ju. Not only would local passengers refuse to board the plane because of the artwork, but other passengers were refusing to board planes of other airlines parked nearby in case they were tainted by the evil spirits! This resulted in some furore among the attending passengers and even more among the airlines involved! As the liveried 757 is owned and maintained by Astraeus, they had no alternative but to strip off all the Iron Maiden artwork and return the plane to its usual livery to be able to continue on the new route .

As most seats on these trips were taken up before I announced that we would be using Ed Force One (Warsaw/Prague was already sold out), I really hope this isn't too much of a disappointment to you, and I much look forward to welcoming you aboard Bruce Air Flight AEU 666.

The team at ICT will keep you advised of any developments.

Best wishes,

Bruce."

[muthagoose]

BRUCE DICKINSON's 'Chemical Wedding' Secures Distribution Deals

According to Variety, Cinema Management Group has closed key deals in major territories on "Chemical Wedding" — the supernatural horror-thriller written by IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson and longtime "Monty Python" editor Julian Doyle, who also directed the film.

Starz/Anchor Bay Entertainment is set to handle distribution in the U.S. and Canada, while Universal Pictures Video will cover France, Belgium and the Netherlands for an early 2009 release.