[DoodleBob]

Iron Maiden is perhaps the best heavy metal band (in the traditional sense) ever. They are really a progressive rock band - they write very interesting songs that can go 7+ mins long and were influenced by Genesis - with a loud three-guitar attack, galloping bass, almost groovy drums, and an inexhaustible frontman who flies jets.

They keep releasing new music that sounds fresh and innovative. They sell out stadiums. And their core lineup hasn't OD'd or broken up with hate.

[Reagan Disciple]

I would take some umbrage with this as Rush was the premier progrock band and I’m not so sure Maiden can be aligned with them in that sense as Rush we’re the kings of anthems.

I would contend Maiden as the pre-eminent British metal band, really the main root to the speed metal tree (Metalica, Megadeth, Anthrax). In the early 80s they dominated that scene, with Priest and Ozzy on their heels.

But......I can’t disagree with any of your other observations. They were one of the first bands to make the stage a wonder.

[TexasM1A]

That’s all true, but unfortunately Senjutsu is a boring ass album.

[Spacetrucker]

Their only mistake was trying to one-up “Rime Of The Ancient Mariner”. That new(er) song is an abysmal audio experience.

[Manuel OKelley]

I’ve seen them play several times and never ceases to amaze me how much energy this guy has.

Add that to his other accomplishments and you see a man who really decided to make the most of his life.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Dickinson