Tygers of Pan Tang double shot (live 1981)

The Tygers is, as stated in the Metal,:A Headbanger's Journey, a definitive NWOBHM band. They advanced the art of the twin guitar(especially here with the great John Sykes), they got more glam and syrupy in the later 80's (a fate also shared by Saxon and ,more perversely,Def Leppard) they never got the recognition they deserve, and they still pump out great material in the struggling 21ist century. Short and sweet, yes, just like their music.

I-Raised On Rock (03:23)

II- Love Don't Stay (04:27)

Diamond Head-Live in Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Nov 21, 1991

Ahh, Diamond Head; the defining name for ultra-NWOBHM devotees(as opposed to band, that being Iron Maiden). They could have been, should have been, and almost were*, the band that hit it huge. But they didn’t. However, they made some great albums in a variety of styles, despite changing rhythm sections a lot. Still, the varied vocals of Sean Harris and the thunderous strings of guitarist Brian Tatler make this concert spectacular. And that’s not to knock drummer Karl Wilcox and bassist Eddie "Chaos" Moohan, these two are hardly swap-logs. And despite not being as metal as they had been in the past --for the most part--the hard rock they espouse here is well crafted and still surprisingly modern.

*Fun fact: At one point Foreigner’s manager came to the UK personally to offer his services. Alas, the band was managed by the Sean’s mother, who responded “Never heard of you”. And so opportunity for the fame they deserved passed them. Pity.

Otherwise, Enjoy!

I-Feels Good (03:16)

II-I Can't Help Myself (03:30)

III-In the Heat Of The Night (04:28)

IV-Calling Your Name (04:04)

V-She Comes Down (03:42)

VI-Sucking My Love (07:00)

VII-Let Me Down Easy (04:05)

VIII-Borrowed Time (05:24)

IX-Run (04:45)

The Holy Smokers (Iron Maiden secret gig TV special) [video]

A lot of rare vides pop up on YouTube, but this one's a gem. Contrary to many other people I like Janick and the first album he played on, No Prayer For The Dying. I always thought of it as an Iron Maiden album in a Ramones-Manowar style; simple, straightforward, and short, but still full of that Maiden trademark sound. This video of their first secret gig for the album, featuring one of my all time favorite Maiden songs-Public Enema Number One--proves it. Leather jackets, bare stage setup and just pure energy. Naturally, being Iron Maiden, they have much better songs and skill. In all No Prayer feels like an artifact form the past, somehow unmolested. Like when doom meddlers Sleep made their album(Sleep's Holy Mountain) in a vein pre-Black Sabbath, so did Iron Maiden with this album. The result? The rawest LP of NWOBHM cuts ever. Now that's worth spotlighting.

1990- Interview,Wrathchild, Public Enema Number One (09:24)

Iron Maiden [Heavy Story of Metal Episode 2 British Steel]

The whole episode is fine, but as much as I occasionally enjoy the work of Judas Priest and Van Halen (and their influence is undeniable) it's the music of Iron Maiden that really does it for me. Did I say music? I meant everything about Iron Maiden, the music, the albums covers, the songs, the vocals, guitars, drums, the bass (Steve Harris is the best metal bassist ever)--everything. Perfect band at perfect time too.So watch from 11:00-26:02. It's some of the best documentary footage ever, craftily edited and eye opening. It destroys all the lies and bullshit about Maiden, in reality they are not Judas Priest imitators (more evil in fact) their paying is highly skilled yet raw and emotional, and Eddie and their gestures are cartoony and vaudevillian and over the top, but it works perfectly. Everything is readable and, more importunely, fun. This why they are a band with fans around the world. Just watch this hugely enjoyable fifteen minutes, which also includes Neal Kay,Geoff Barton, and the music scene they help foster and Iron Maiden typify: The NWOBHM.

Remember, 11:00-26:02
The rest is just how bands like Zeppelin were killing rock(and how!).

Night of the Diamond Head

What wonderful things we find, in the heat of the night. On borrowed time, even.

Iron Maiden at Abbey [+Tour Info & Essay]

If it’s worth doing, then doubly so for doing it twice (another non-real* post).

Point 1: Iron Maiden, that most endurable band that inspired countless other, were part of an UK television series called Live from Abbey Road, a simple yet brilliant idea that showcased bands in an intimate setting. Unfortunately most of the bands were of a bland lot, ala The Goo Goo Dolls. Thankfully, they exited with a bang, showcasing the above musicians. Two things to note: one, it showcases Iron Maiden in a non-arena area in what seems like the first time in forever. Intimate Maiden is a different creature altogether. They have always been an extreme yet subtle band, and such intricacies are definitely notable here. Secondly, the two songs presented below perfectly bridges between their most famous album (The Number of the Beast) to their most recent--and arguably equally acclaimed--LP (A Matter of Life and Death). For the benefit of history two sources shall be presented, the original video from the Abbey website, and those from youtube. Either way, be sure to check the Abbey site to see the photo slide.
Note:Bruce has a cold, hence his red face and less than 100% vocals (still great though).

Abbey:
http://www.livefromabbeyroad.com/
[Under Artists, then Show 12]

YouTube

I-Iron Maiden Live at Abbey Road Studio - Interview [02:52 ]

II-Iron Maiden Live at Abbey Road Studio - Hallowed be thy name [08:37 ]

III-Iron Maiden Live at Abbey Road Studio - brighter than a thousand suns [08:29]

Point 2: This is also a perfect example of the forthcoming tour, A Matter of the Beast. 10 songs, five from each of the two above albums. For Non-European readers this may be the closest you (or me) get.

Point 3: Iron Maiden will put you in good company. A new study reported that metal (particularly the Iron Maiden type) is the choice of clever people who try to fit in with being gifted. What does this say about this humble writer? I’ll let the essays speak for themselves:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/03/21/nmetal21.xml
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2042119,00.html

*=Actually this turned out to be quite real, but I'm far too clever to go back and change that sentence. Oh, wait that's laziness (or judicial editing [?]).