Iron Maiden - Flight Of The Icarus - 7" Single Picture Sleeve Vinyl

- British metal on French wax with soaring anthems and savage b-sides that still spit fire

IRON MAIDEN - Flight Of The Icarus France 7" Single Picture Sleeve Vinyl album front cover

"Flight of Icarus" is a 1983 song by IRON MAIDEN. It is the band's eighth single and the first from the Piece of Mind album. It was the first single by IRON MAIDEN that was released in the United States. It was also the only IRON MAIDEN single to receive much airplay in the U.S., guaranteeing it a spot in the 1983 Rock Radio charts. "Flight of Icarus" also made it into the UK charts.

"Flight Of The Icarus" Record Description:

Released in 1983, Iron Maiden's "Flight of the Icarus" French edition 7" single picture sleeve vinyl holds a special place in the band's discography. This release captures the essence of Iron Maiden's iconic status as pioneers of heavy metal. With its striking picture sleeve and two powerful tracks, "Flight of the Icarus" and "I've Got The Fire", this French edition showcases Iron Maiden's musical prowess, captivating fans and leaving an indelible mark on the metal genre.

As the lead track on this French edition 7" single, "Flight of the Icarus" stands as a quintessential Iron Maiden masterpiece. The song's soaring guitar melodies, thunderous rhythm section, and Bruce Dickinson's commanding vocals create an epic atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the lyrics and instrumental intricacy transport listeners on a mythical journey, perfectly encapsulating Iron Maiden's unique blend of storytelling and powerful metal sound.

The B-side of this 7" single, "I've Got The Fire", adds an intense burst of energy. Originally written by Montrose, Iron Maiden's rendition showcases their ability to infuse classic rock with their own brand of metal magic. With blistering guitar solos, a driving rhythm section, and Dickinson's charismatic vocals, the band's signature style shines through, solidifying their status as masters of their craft.

The French edition of "Flight of the Icarus" is enhanced by its striking picture sleeve. Featuring captivating artwork that captures Iron Maiden's iconic imagery, the picture sleeve adds an extra layer of visual allure to the listening experience. It serves as a collector's item, connecting fans to the band's visual aesthetic and further immersing them in the world of Iron Maiden.

The French edition of "Flight of the Icarus" represents a pivotal moment in Iron Maiden's career and their enduring influence on the metal genre. The band's innovative sound, intricate compositions, and captivating live performances set the stage for their global success. Iron Maiden's unwavering commitment to their craft and their ability to engage and inspire fans continue to make them one of the most influential and beloved bands in heavy metal history.

The 1983 French edition of Iron Maiden's "Flight of the Icarus" 7" single picture sleeve vinyl stands as a testament to the band's metal majesty. With its powerful tracks, captivating artwork, and legendary status, this release encapsulates the essence of Iron Maiden's influence on the genre. It serves as a reminder of the band's unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to ignite the passion of metal enthusiasts worldwide

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

NWOBHM – New Wave of British Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Silver EMI Pathe Marconi – 2C 008-07.7821

Media Format:

7" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1983 – Made in France

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 .
Photography:
  • Simon Fowler – Photography.
    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 – Vocals
    Bruce Dickinson, born August 1958, is the powerhouse vocalist who propelled Iron Maiden to legendary status. Joining in 1981, his operatic range and electrifying stage presence defined albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. A solo artist, pilot, and author, his legacy spans far beyond metal. Explore his journey here.
  • Dave Murray – Guitar
    Dave Murray, born 1956, is the melodic mastermind behind Iron Maiden‘s signature twin-guitar attack. A founding member, his fluid, expressive solos and harmonized leads have defined the band’s sound since 1975. With impeccable technique and a bluesy yet electrifying style, he’s a pillar of heavy metal guitar. Learn more about his journey here.
  • Adrian Smith – Guitar, Backing Vocals
    Adrian Smith, born 1957, is the riff architect behind Iron Maiden’s most electrifying anthems. Since joining in 1981, his intricate solos and melodic sensibility have shaped classics like Two Minutes to Midnight and The Trooper. A master of tone and technique, his legacy in metal is unmatched. Explore his story here.
  • Steve Harris – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
    Steve Harris, born 1956, is the mastermind behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and epic compositions. Founding the band in 1975, his songwriting shaped metal anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name. A pioneer of NWOBHM, his legacy as a bassist and visionary is untouchable. Discover his journey here.
  • Nicko McBrain – Drums
    Nicko McBrain, born 1952, is the powerhouse drummer who has fueled Iron Maiden’s thunderous sound since 1982. With lightning precision and unrelenting groove, he’s driven classics like Powerslave and The Number of the Beast. From Trust to Pat Travers Band, his journey shaped a legendary career. Dive deeper into his story here.

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 artwork of the French 7 inch single 'Flight of the Icarus' by Iron Maiden, showing the band’s mascot Eddie flying with bat-like wings and a flamethrower, set against a stormy sky and fiery yellow flames below, while a burning figure of Icarus falls from the sky toward the flames.

The front cover of the French 7" single Flight of the Icarus by Iron Maiden presents a dramatic fantasy-inspired scene rendered in vivid colors. At the center-right, the band’s mascot Eddie is depicted as a winged demon-like figure soaring through a swirling, storm-filled sky. His wings are dark, bat-like, stretched wide, and his skeletal face glares fiercely as he wields a powerful flamethrower spewing yellow fire.

To the left, a human figure symbolizing Icarus is engulfed in flames, falling helplessly from the heavens. His outstretched arms and wings, now ablaze and disintegrating, reference the myth of Icarus flying too close to the sun. Below him, jagged flames rise from a darkened ground where shadowy silhouettes of figures writhe in the inferno.

The backdrop is dominated by a vast swirling vortex of smoky clouds and a glowing red sphere, creating a cosmic, apocalyptic atmosphere. At the top, the bold Iron Maiden logo blazes in red with a white border, while the title Flight of Icarus is elegantly scripted in red along the bottom. The entire artwork exudes menace, myth, and metal grandeur.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of the French 7 inch single 'Flight of the Icarus' by Iron Maiden, showing a band photo with five members posed on a staircase, set inside a rectangular frame on a black background, with song credits, production details, and logos printed underneath.

The back cover of the French 7" picture sleeve for Flight of the Icarus centers on a band portrait. Iron Maiden’s five members are shown together, posed on a staircase in a warmly lit interior. Bruce Dickinson is seated in the front, leaning casually with his long hair draped forward, while the other members stand behind him in leather jackets and denim, exuding their trademark heavy metal attitude.

Above the photo, the Iron Maiden logo in red and white dominates against the black background. Below, the text in white Gothic script lists the single’s title, Flight of Icarus, alongside its B-side, I’ve Got the Fire. Production credits are included: produced and engineered by Martin Birch, illustration by Derek Riggs, and photography by Simon Fowler.

Additional details such as catalog number 2C 008-07721, EMI and Pathe Marconi logos, copyright information, and a small circular EMI mark complete the layout. The design emphasizes clarity and branding, pairing the formal presentation of credits with the energetic band photograph, all on a stark black backdrop.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the Side One record label for Iron Maiden's French 7 inch single 'Flight Of The Icarus'. The label is silver with black text, showing band name, track title, credits to Dickinson and Smith, production credit to Martin Birch, catalog number C 008-07.721 A, and EMI Records Ltd copyright 1983, with rights society logos SACEM and SDRM.

A close-up view of the Side One record label for the French 7" single Flight Of The Icarus by Iron Maiden. The label surface is silver-grey with sharp black lettering, encircling the center hole. At the top, IRON MAIDEN is printed in bold capitals, alongside the word stereo.

The copyright symbol indicates ℗ 1983 EMI Records Ltd, with the circular EMI logo stamped on the left. On the right, logos for rights societies SACEM and SDRM are printed, and the catalog number appears as C 008-07.721 A.

Beneath, the track title Flight Of Icarus is displayed prominently, followed by its runtime (3:49). Songwriting credits are attributed to Dickinson/Smith, and production is noted as "Produit et enregistré par Martin Birch." The design is minimalist and functional, presenting essential release data with clarity and authority.

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