IRON MAIDEN - Live After Death 12" 2LP Vinyl Album

- French release

IRON MAIDEN's "Live After Death," a 12" 2LP Vinyl Album released in France in 1985, is a pinnacle in heavy metal history. Recorded during the World Slavery Tour, it epitomizes the mid-1980s metal scene's vibrancy. Meticulously produced by Martin Birch, the album's sonic brilliance on vinyl in France enhances its enduring legacy as one of the greatest live recordings, encapsulating IRON MAIDEN's raw energy and musical prowess.

 

IRON MAIDEN - Live After Death France release 12" 2LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

"Live After Death" Album Description:

In the world of heavy metal history, there exists a landmark recording that has withstood the test of time, resonating with fans and critics alike. IRON MAIDEN's "Live After Death," a 12" 2LP Vinyl Album released in France on October 14, 1985, stands as a testament to the band's unparalleled prowess on stage and their indelible impact on the genre.

Time Period and Historical Context

The release of "Live After Death" places us squarely in the heart of the mid-1980s, a period marked by the ascendancy of heavy metal as a global phenomenon. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) had already made its mark, and bands like IRON MAIDEN were at the forefront of the movement. The live album, recorded during the World Slavery Tour, captures the essence of a time when metal was reaching new heights of popularity and cultural significance.

As the world grappled with political tensions and societal shifts, the music scene provided an outlet for expression and rebellion. IRON MAIDEN's energetic and theatrical performances during this era resonated with a generation seeking an escape through the raw power of heavy metal.

Production Excellence: Capturing the Thunderous Energy

"Live After Death" is more than just a documentation of concerts; it is a sonic journey that transports listeners to the heart of the live experience. The production, spearheaded by Martin Birch, a legendary figure in the world of rock and metal production, captures the thunderous energy of IRON MAIDEN's performances.

Birch's meticulous attention to detail ensures that every guitar riff, every drum beat, and every soaring vocal is rendered with clarity and impact. The result is a sonic tapestry that not only pays homage to the band's studio prowess but also elevates the live experience to new heights.

The decision to release the album as a 12" 2LP Vinyl in France adds an extra layer of nostalgia and collectibility to this iconic record. The tactile nature of vinyl, coupled with the immersive artwork and packaging, enhances the overall listening experience, making it a cherished possession for fans and collectors alike.

Enduring Legacy: Greatest Live Album Ever?

"Live After Death" continues to be heralded as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. Its enduring legacy is evident in the fact that, decades after its release, it still commands a prominent place in discussions about the best live performances in the history of heavy metal.

The album not only showcases the musical prowess of each band member but also captures the symbiotic relationship between IRON MAIDEN and their fervent audience. From the anthemic "Aces High" to the epic "Rime of the Ancient Mariner," each track on the album is a testament to the band's ability to create a transcendent live experience.

Album Summary:  "Live After Death" released on October 14, 1985. It was recorded during their World Slavery Tour. The album is often regarded as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. 

Music Genre:

NWOBHM, New Wave of British Heavy Metal 

Collector's info:

  Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design. This album includes the original custom inner sleeves with many photos of IRON MAIDEN Live on Stage  

Album Production Information:

Produced and engineered by Martin "Live Animal" Birch

Record Label & Catalognr:

EMI 2404263

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Double LP  Gramophone Record DMM Direct Metal Mastering
Album weight: 480 gram  

Year & Country:

1985 Made in France  
Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN Live After Death 2LP
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bruce Dickinson
  • Bruce Dickinson – Vocals Bruce Dickinson, born August 1958, is the powerhouse vocalist who propelled Iron Maiden to legendary status. Joining the band in 1981, his operatic range, sharp phrasing, and commanding stage presence reshaped the group’s sound and ambition, defining era-classic albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. Beyond Maiden, he built a parallel career as a solo artist, commercial pilot, author, and broadcaster, giving his legacy a reach that stretches well beyond heavy metal.
    Bruce Dickinson Wiki
  • Dave Murray
  • Dave Murray – Guitar

    Maiden’s calm killer: smooth leads, twin-guitar harmony for days, and that melodic bite that makes the “gallop” feel cinematic instead of chaotic.

    Dave Murray (born 23 December 1956, Edmonton, Middlesex, England) is one of the defining lead guitar voices of heavy metal, and in my book he’s the melodic “second spine” of Iron Maiden. His timeline with the band starts early: joining in 1976, getting briefly pushed out in 1977, then returning in 1978 and staying locked in ever since—making him one of the longest-serving members in the whole Maiden saga. During that 1977 gap he spent around six months with Urchin (Adrian Smith’s band), which is a fun little historical glitch in the matrix if you like your Maiden lore messy and human. Beyond the main band, his most notable “outside the mothership” credit is the all-star charity metal project Hear ’n Aid (1985), because apparently even guitar lifers sometimes leave the bunker to do side quests. Dave Murray Wiki

  • Adrian Smith
  • Adrian Smith – Guitarist, Songwriter Adrian Smith is one of those players I always associate with Iron Maiden’s classic sound and its later revival. Joining in 1980, leaving in 1990, and returning in 1999, his melodic solos and sharp songwriting helped define albums from The Number of the Beast to Brave New World and beyond.
    Adrian Smith Wikipedia
  • Steve Harris
  • Steve Harris – Bass Guitar, Songwriter

    Iron Maiden’s engine room: galloping bass lines, history-nerd lyrics, and “captain of the ship” energy baked into every riff.

    Steve Harris (born 12 March 1956, Leytonstone, England) is the rare bassist who doesn’t just hold the floor—he draws the whole blueprint. In my book, he’s the founder and primary songwriter who’s kept Iron Maiden on its rails from 1975–present, with that instantly recognizable “gallop” driving huge chunks of the catalogue. The pre-Maiden grind matters too: first band days in Influence/Gypsy’s Kiss (1973–1974, including a documented gig run in 1974), then the older, blues-leaning Smiler period (1974–1975) where his more ambitious writing basically forced the next step: forming Maiden. Outside the mothership, he’s fronted his own hard-rock outlet British Lion (2012–present), a project that grew out of connections going back to the early 1990s and finally hit the world as his solo debut in 2012.

    Steve Harris Wiki
  • Nicko McBrain
  • Nicko McBrain – Drums Nicko McBrain, born 1952, is the powerhouse drummer who has driven Iron Maiden’s thunderous engine since joining in 1982. His playing combines brute force with swing and pinpoint timing, giving albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave their unstoppable momentum. Before Maiden, his work with Trust and the Pat Travers Band sharpened his style, culminating in a career that redefined metal drumming.
    Nicko McBrain Wiki
Complete Track Listing of: IRON MAIDEN Live After Death 2LP

The Song/tracks on "IRON MAIDEN Live After Death 2LP" are

    Side One:
  1. Intro:
  2. Churchill's Speech
  3. Aces High
  4. 2 Minutes to Midnight
  5. The Trooper
  6. Revelations
  7. Flight of Icarus
    Side Two:
  1. Rime of the Ancient Mariner
  2. Powerslave
  3. The Number of the Beast
    Side Three:
  1. Hallowed by thy Name
  2. IRON MAIDEN
  3. Run to the Hills
  4. Running Free
    Side Four:
  1. Wrathchild
  2. 22 Acacia Avenue
  3. Children of the Damned
  4. Die with your boots on
  5. Phantom of the Opera

IRON MAIDEN - Vinyl Records Discography Home Page