Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden are one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, having sold more than 85 million records worldwide with little radio or television support. Formed in 1975 in Leyton by Steve Harris, the line up was finally filled up in 1978 by vocalist Paul Di'Anno, who was dismissed from the band in 1981 and taken over by Bruce Dickinson, who gained more popularity with fans until 1993, when he decided to pursue a solo career. After 1993, Blaze Bayleigh from Wolfsbane took over as vocalist, but he got sacked and Bruce Dickison returned as singer in 1999. Iron Maiden are considered one of the founder members of New Wave British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)

Links To Peel
Peel was originally a fan of some of the New Wave British Heavy Metal music, which combined elements of punk with heavy metal, that included bands such as Motorhead, Girlschool  and Def Leppard, who often got played on his shows. However after 1980, he never played any of their music on his playlist, which included Iron Maiden as well.

Other Shows Played
The list below is compiled from the database of this site and the John Peel Papers and is therefore incomplete. Please add further information if known.

1980 Top Of The Pops
 * 12 February 1980: Running Free (7") EMI
 * 26 March 1980: Running Free (7") EMI
 * 07 July 1983 (TOTP): The Trooper #12