IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan ( German Release ) 12" MAXI-EP ALBUM VINYL

Album Description & Collectors information:

Iron Maiden's 1981 EP, "Maiden Japan", released in Germany as a 12" maxi-single, is a highly sought-after item among heavy metal collectors. The album was recorded during the band's tour of Japan in 1981, and captures the band's raw energy and excitement at a time when they were rapidly rising in popularity.

Iron Maiden had already released three studio albums by the time they embarked on their 1981 tour of Japan. Their first two albums had established them as one of the leading bands of the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)" movement, and their third album, "The Number of the Beast"", would become their breakthrough album. The tour of Japan was the band's first visit to Asia, and they were greeted with enthusiastic crowds who had never seen a band like them before.

"Maiden Japan" was recorded during two concerts in Nagoya and Tokyo in May 1981. The album was originally released as a 7" single in Japan, but it was later expanded to a 12" maxi-single in Germany, with four additional tracks included. The German release is highly prized by collectors, not only for the additional tracks but also for its superior sound quality.

"Maiden Japan" captures Iron Maiden at the peak of their early career. The band's lineup at the time included vocalist Bruce Dickinson, guitarists Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, bassist Steve Harris, and drummer Clive Burr.

The performances on "Maiden Japan" are electric, with the band playing with a ferocity and energy that is palpable. Bruce Dickinson's vocals are particularly impressive, as he effortlessly hits high notes and delivers his lyrics with passion and intensity. The guitar work of Murray and Smith is also outstanding, with their intricate solos and harmonies creating a wall of sound that is both powerful and melodic. Steve Harris' bass playing is as always a driving force behind the music, while Clive Burr's drumming is precise and thunderous.

"Maiden Japan" is a landmark recording in Iron Maiden's career, capturing the band's live energy and showcasing their songwriting and musicianship. The album is particularly significant in the context of Iron Maiden's early career, as it captures the band just before they achieved global success with The Number of the Beast. "Maiden Japan" is a testament to the band's live prowess and a snapshot of a moment in time when Iron Maiden were on the verge of becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.

Cardboard sleeve with opening on the top

EMI Electrola
Round Black & White EMI-Logo

1C K 062-07 534 Z

Rim-text near 4 o'clock:
Text in German only
Made in Germany

Below 12 o'clock
Keine Unerlaubte Vermietung

Near 3 o'clock
ST 45
Stereo
GEMA
STEMRA

Above 6 o'clock
EMI

Near 9 o'clock
LC 0542
1 C K 062-07 534 Z A
1981 EMI Records Ltd

Rim-text near 4 o'clock:
Made in Germany

Below 12 o'clock
Keine Unerlaubte Vermietung

Near 3 o'clock
ST 45
Stereo
GEMA
STEMRA

Above 6 o'clock
EMI

Near 9 o'clock
LC 0542
1 C K 062-07 534 Z B
1981 EMI Records Ltd

07534-A2 Z

07534-B1 Z

Music Genre:

Album Production Information:

The album: "IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan" was produced by: Doug Hall and Iron Maiden

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Doug Hall and Iron Maiden

This album was recorded at: Kosei Nenkin Hall, Nagoya, Japan

Album photography: Hiro Ohno and Rod Smallwood

Record Label Information:

Media Format:

Year & Country:

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan

Band-members, Musicians and Performers
• Paul Di'Anno - lead vocals

    Paul Di'Anno (Real-name: Paul Andrews ) an English singer best known as the original lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on May 17, 1958 in Chingford, Essex, England and began his music career as the lead singer of a punk band called The Phantom.

   Di'Anno joined Iron Maiden in 1978 and was the lead vocalist on their first two albums, "Iron Maiden" (1980) and "Killers" (1981). He is known for his distinctive and powerful voice, as well as his energetic stage presence and charismatic personality. During his time with Iron Maiden, he helped establish the band's reputation as one of the leading lights of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement.
  Read more about Paul Di'Anno

• Dave Murray - guitar

    Dave Murray (Full-name: David Michael Murray ) is an English guitarist best known as a member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on December 23, 1956 in London, England and is one of the founding members of Iron Maiden, along with bassist Steve Harris. Murray is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal music and has been a member of Iron Maiden since their inception in 1975.band.

    Read more information on Dave Murray

• Adrian Smith - guitar, backing vocals

    Adrian Smith (Full-name: Adrian Frederick Smith) an English musician and songwriter, best known as the guitarist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on February 27, 1957 in Hackney, East London, England.

   Smith joined Iron Maiden in 1981 and has been a member of the band ever since. He has played a key role in the development of the band's sound and style, and has contributed numerous iconic and enduring guitar riffs and solos to their songs. Some of his most famous contributions include the guitar work on classics such as "Hallowed Be Thy Name," "Two Minutes to Midnight," and "The Trooper."
  Learn more about Adrian Smith

• Steve Harris - bass, backing vocals

    Steve Harris (Full-name: Stephen Percy Harris ) an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the bassist and primary songwriter for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He was born on March 12, 1956 in Leytonstone, East London, England.

   Harris formed Iron Maiden in 1975 and has been a member of the band ever since. He has been the driving force behind the band's success, and has played a key role in the development of their sound and style. As the band's bassist and primary songwriter, he has written many of their most famous and enduring songs, including "The Trooper," "Hallowed Be Thy Name," and "Fear of the Dark."
  Read on Steve's involvement in NWOBHM and his bass guitar playing style

• Clive Burr - drums

    Clive Burr (Full-name: Clive Ronald Burr ) was an English drummer best known for his work with the heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1979 to 1982. Burr began playing drums at an early age and joined his first band, Samson, in 1977. He went on to play on the first three Iron Maiden albums, "Iron Maiden," "Killers," and "The Number of the Beast," before leaving the band in 1982 due to health problems. Burr continued to play music and perform with various bands throughout his life, and was regarded as a talented and influential drummer in the heavy metal genre. He passed away on 12 March 2013 at the age of 56.

    Read more on Clive Burr, here

Complete Track-listing of the album "IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan"

The detailed tracklist of this record "IRON MAIDEN Maiden Japan" is:

Track-listing Side One:
1. Running Free
2. Remember Tomorrow

Track-listing Side Two:
1. Killers
2. Innocent Exile