Iron Maiden may have been snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, but at least Royal Mail have given the heavy metal band their stamp of approval.
Twelve labels will pay tribute to “bona fide rock legends”, making Iron Maiden the fifth musical group to appear on a dedicated label issue, following The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020 and The Rolling Stones Stones in 2022. .
Eight labels feature performances by Iron Maiden and all current band members. The memorial project features guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, lead singer Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain and bassist Steve Harris.
Four of the stamps feature Iron Maiden’s mascot, Eddie. Photograph: Royal Mail/PA
Other labels pay homage to the band’s mascot, Eddie, including him dressed as a samurai warrior from the recent Senjutsu album. The studio album, the group’s 17th, was released in 2021 and reached number two on the charts.
Harris said: “We were all absolutely stunned, in a good way, when we first heard about the commemorative project, and equally almost speechless when we saw the stamps for the first time. They look great and really capture the essence and energy of Maiden.
Iron Maiden was formed in London in 1975 by Harris. They have had a UK No.1 with the 1988 single Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter and 35 songs in the Top 40, according to the Official Charts Company.
They’ve also had five No. 1 albums, including Fear of the Dark, The Book of Souls, The Final Frontier, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, and The Number of the Beast.
In total, the band has sold more than 100 million records and performed live around 2,500 times in 64 countries.
Despite being nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, Iron Maiden were excluded from the list of nominees, a decision Kiss’s Gene Simmons described as “disgusting”.
In response to the label issue, Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood said: “As a band who have never played by anyone’s rules for over 40 years, it’s very rewarding to see them honored in their home country of this way
“We’re proud to showcase how these six band members continue to attract more fans every year with their legendary music and shows, which I think these labels capture very well.
Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Helsinki, May 2018, on a Royal Mail stamp. Photograph: Royal Mail/PA
“It’s also great that Eddie has been honored as well. It’s amazing to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw them and also lent them her iconic silhouette.”
David Gold, director of external public affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: “Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends, but Iron Maiden are just that, and more.”
Royal Mail stamps can be ordered from 5 January and are on sale from 12 January. Iron Maiden will return to the road with The Future Past tour in 2023.