Iron Maiden's 'The Number Of The Beast': 10 Things You Need To Know

Iron Maiden The Number Of The Beast

One of heavy metal's most iconic and important albums is celebrating its 36th birthday. Iron Maiden's The Number Of The Beast was released on March 22nd, 1982 and introduced the falsetto vocals of their new frontman Bruce Dickinson to the world and would be their last with drummer Clive Burr. Since the album's release, the character of "The Beast" has been integral to their iconography and live show. The album also featured two of metal's most famous songs - "Run To The Hills" and "Number Of The Beast." In honor of the landmark album's birthday, we present to you 10 facts about it you need to know. 

1. Due to Bruce Dickinson's contractual obligations to his previous band, Samson, he could not legally take part in the songwriting of the album. Instead, he made what he called "moral contributions" to the writing process.

2. The recording and mixing of Number Of The Beast took place in only 5 weeks. They had spent too much of their time writing new material for the album.

3. There are rumors that the recording process was cursed due to the occult nature of the album - equipment broke and lights turned on and off in the studio.

4. Producer Martin Birch was in a car accident with a mini-bus during the recording. The passengers in the mini-bus were a group of nuns and to make things even creepier, the bill for the repairs was £666.

5. "Total Eclipse" was the B-side to "Run To The Hills." The band still regrets that decision to this day and wish they had used "Gangland" instead.

6. The title "Number Of The Beast" was inspired by a nightmare bassist Steve Harris had after watching the horror film Omen III: The Final Conflict.

7. The album was heavily opposed by the right wing and social conservatives upon release. People organized events where they would burn the album and smash it with hammers.

8. The tour behind the album was also met with protests. Leaflets were handed to people outside the venues and someone even brought a 25-foot cross to one show.

9. The album's artwork was originally designed for the song "Purgatory" but was saved for a bigger release.  

10. Number Of The Beast was reissued in 1995 but incorrectly gave a songwriting credit to original vocalist Paul Di'Anno

Watch the video for "Run To The Hills" below:


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