IRON MAIDEN - Flight of Icarus - 12" Vinyl Maxi Single

Iron Maiden's European 12" vinyl maxi single release of "Flight of Icarus" is a testament to the band's musical prowess and visual impact. With its powerful musical composition, inspired storytelling, and the addition of a large Iron Maiden band-photo on the back side of the sleeve

 

IRON MAIDEN - Flight of Icarus 12" Maxi Single front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Flight of Icarus (Maxi Single)" Album Description:

Released in 1983, Iron Maiden's "Flight of Icarus" European 12" vinyl maxi single stands as a testament to the band's prowess in the world of heavy metal. With its captivating cover art featuring a large Iron Maiden band-photo on the back side of the sleeve, this release not only delivers a powerful musical experience but also offers a visual impact that complements the band's iconic status. "Flight of Icarus" showcases Iron Maiden's trademark sound, unmatched energy, and unwavering commitment to captivating their listeners.

As the lead track on this 12" vinyl maxi single, "Flight of Icarus" showcases Iron Maiden's musical brilliance. The song, driven by Steve Harris's thunderous basslines and Bruce Dickinson's powerful vocals, takes listeners on an epic journey. The memorable guitar melodies and galloping rhythms that define Iron Maiden's signature sound are on full display, captivating fans and solidifying the band's place as pioneers of the heavy metal genre.

The European release of "Flight of Icarus" takes its visual presentation to new heights with a large Iron Maiden band-photo on the back side of the sleeve. This striking image not only reflects the band's iconic image but also provides fans with a tangible connection to their idols. The inclusion of the band-photo enhances the overall experience, allowing fans to further immerse themselves in the world of Iron Maiden.

Iron Maiden's commitment to musical craftsmanship and lyrical depth is evident throughout "Flight of Icarus". The song's lyrics draw inspiration from Greek mythology, weaving a tale of ambition, downfall, and human desire. Bruce Dickinson's emotive vocals breathe life into the narrative, while the band's intricate instrumentation adds layers of intensity and complexity. Iron Maiden's ability to marry powerful storytelling with exceptional musicianship sets them apart as true masters of their craft.

The European release of "Flight of Icarus" exemplifies Iron Maiden's enduring influence on the heavy metal genre. The band's unique blend of melodic hooks, intricate guitar harmonies, and theatrical live performances revolutionized the world of metal. Iron Maiden's commitment to authenticity, their captivating stage presence, and their unwavering dedication to their fans have made them one of the most influential bands in the history of heavy metal.

The European release of "Flight of Icarus" on 12" vinyl maxi single not only serves as a musical offering but also resonates with collectors and fans of Iron Maiden. The inclusion of the large band-photo on the back side of the sleeve adds a collectible element, making it a prized possession among enthusiasts. The physicality of vinyl provides a tactile experience that enhances the connection between the music and the listener, creating a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Heavy Metal, NWOBHM

Collector Notes / Liner Notes
  • 1: Rare 12" Maxi Single of the "Flight of Icarus"
Label & Catalognr:

EMI – 1C K052-07 721

Media Format:

12" Single, PS Picture Sleeve

Year & Country:

1983 – Made in EEC

Producers:
  • Martin Birch – Producer
    Martin Birch: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Derek Riggs – Artwork.
    Derek Riggs is a British artist best known for creating the iconic mascot Eddie for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. His distinctive style, blending sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, has defined the band's visual identity since their debut album in 1980. Riggs’ artwork has appeared on numerous album covers, singles, and merchandise. Learn more about his work on this page .
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Simon Fowler – Picture Sleeve Photographer
    Simon Fowler is a British photographer mainly known for photographing "Iron Maiden". On the album "Piece of Mind" he was called: Simon "Bullseye" Fowler.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Bruce Dickinson – Lead Vocals
  • Dave Murray – Guitar
  • Adrian Smith – Guitar
  • Steve Harris – Bass Guitar
  • Nico McBrain – Drums

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Flight of Icarus
Video: Iron Maiden - Flight Of Icarus (Official Video)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. I've Got the Fire
Video: Iron Maiden - I've Got the Fire (1983)
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of Iron Maiden’s 1983 EMI 12-inch Maxi Single Flight of Icarus, showing a dramatic fantasy illustration. The artwork depicts Eddie, the band’s mascot, flying with mechanical bat-like wings and wielding a flamethrower, set against swirling storm clouds and a radiant cosmic vortex. Below, a golden-winged Icarus figure plummets into yellow flames where dark silhouettes of figures reach upwards, emphasizing the mythological downfall. The title Flight of Icarus is written in red gothic script at the bottom right, while the Iron Maiden logo dominates the top. A red circular label states Maxi Single Super Sound Version.

The front cover of the 1983 EMI 12" Maxi Single release of “Flight of Icarus” features an intense fantasy scene, brought vividly to life with bold colors and striking imagery.

Dominating the right side, Eddie, Iron Maiden’s menacing mascot, soars through turbulent skies with large, bat-like black wings strapped to his back. He grips a mechanical flamethrower, from which bright yellow flames gush downward, connecting him visually to the inferno below. His wild white hair, snarling face, and aggressive stance underline the band’s fierce energy.

To the left, a glowing, almost celestial vortex swirls in red and grey hues, radiating cosmic energy. Within this radiant sphere, the figure of Icarus, with golden feathered wings, tumbles helplessly downward, consumed by the very fire that carried him aloft. His fall is echoed below, where silhouettes of countless small, dark human-like figures writhe in the yellow flames, arms reaching upward in anguish or desperation.

The iconic Iron Maiden logo stretches across the top in bold red and white lettering. At the bottom right, the album title “Flight of Icarus” appears in a dramatic red gothic script, contrasting sharply with the stormy sky. A circular red label on the upper right proclaims “MAXI SINGLE Super Sound Version”, emphasizing the format’s collectible and sonic qualities.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover photo of Iron Maiden’s 1983 EMI 12-inch Maxi Single Flight of Icarus. The image shows the five band members standing on a staircase inside a dimly lit interior, dressed in leather jackets, denim, and heavy metal style clothing. They pose with serious expressions on a wooden staircase with ornate banisters, a large mirror on the left wall, and dramatic smoke and bright light rising behind them.

The back cover of the 1983 EMI 12" Maxi Single “Flight of Icarus” features a full band portrait of Iron Maiden.

The five musicians are posed on a dark wooden staircase inside an ornate building, framed by carved banisters and a large mirror on the left-hand wall. They are dressed in the band’s trademark early 1980s heavy metal style: denim, leather jackets, and band t-shirts, with their intense stares directed at the viewer. Behind them, a burst of brilliant white light and atmospheric smoke adds theatrical energy to the scene, giving the impression the band is emerging from fire and shadow.

The official line-up for this release was Bruce Dickinson (lead vocals), Dave Murray (guitar), Adrian Smith (guitar), Steve Harris (bass guitar), and Nico McBrain (drums). The order of the musicians in this photograph does not follow the same sequence as listed in the credits, making the image a more candid group portrait rather than a structured line-up.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the Side One record label from Iron Maiden’s 1983 EMI 12-inch Maxi Single Flight of Icarus. The circular label has a golden-yellow radiating design with the Iron Maiden logo in red on the left side. The title Flight of Icarus is printed in red at the top with songwriting credits (Dickinson/Smith) and a timing of 3:50. It notes Produced and engineered by Martin Birch. On the right side are red logos and text including GEMA, STEMRA, LC 0542, EMI Records Ltd., the stereo mark, and the catalog number 1C K 052-07 721 Z A. At the bottom is a silhouetted image of Eddie standing in flames.

A close-up of the Side One record label for Iron Maiden’s “Flight of Icarus” 12" Maxi Single, released in 1983 by EMI.

The design features a glowing golden-yellow circular motif, with the band’s iconic Iron Maiden logo in bold red type along the left. At the top, the song title “Flight of Icarus” is printed in red, credited to Dickinson/Smith with a running time of 3:50. Just below, production details credit Martin Birch as producer and engineer.

On the right, red imprint details show the GEMA and STEMRA rights society markings, the LC 0542 label code, and a copyright attribution to EMI Records Ltd., 1983. It also notes the track’s origin from the album “Piece of Mind”. At the bottom edge, catalog information appears as 1C K 052-07 721 Z A, with ST 45 Stereo format designation.

A dark silhouette of Eddie, the band’s mascot, rises through yellow flames at the lower edge of the label, connecting the label art visually with the mythological theme of the single.

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