“Royal Mail”, the British multinational postal and courier company established in 1516 as a government department , celebrated Iron Maiden, the ” heavy metal heroes” by creating special stamps and collectibles of Iron Maiden’s most celebrated work from over the years. Iron Maiden is the fifth music group to feature in a dedicated stamp issue, the previous bands being; The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020, and the Rolling Stones in 2022.
The main stamp set celebrates Iron Maiden’s live performances, across the years.
Images range from the 1980s until 2018 and show:
– Steve Harris in Vancouver, June 2010
– Bruce Dickinson at Hammersmith, Odeon, London, May 1983
– Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Pamplona, September 1988
– Nicko McBrain in Quito, March 2009
– Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson and Janick Gers in Rio de Janeiro, January 2001
– Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Helsinki, May 2018
– Iron Maiden at Twickenham Stadium, London, July 2008
– Bruce Dickinson sword fighting with Eddie in Birmingham, August 2018
Eddie, the band’s mascot was not forgotten and got four stamps of his own, with his own miniature sheet. The stamps show:
– ‘Iron Maiden’ Eddie: The stare that started it all. Born in 1980 – on the cover of the band’s debut album
– ‘The Trooper’ Eddie: The unforgettable artwork for one of Iron Maiden’s greatest hit singles and, more recently, the logo for their award-winning beer
– ‘Aces High’ Eddie: Reimagined as a fighter pilot for a song honoring the RAF servicemen who defended Britain during the Second World War
– ‘Senjutsu’ Eddie: Samurais, feudal Japan and flashing blades inspired this katana-wielding warrior, from the band’s most recent album
The backdrop of the miniature sheet is taken from Iron Maiden’s first official live album, Live After Death (1985).
Iron Maiden founder member and bassist, Steve Harris: “We were all absolutely astounded – in a good way! – when we heard first about the commemorative project, and equally pretty much speechless when we saw the stamps for the very first time. They look superb and I think they really capture the essence and energy of Maiden. We’re all very proud that Royal Mail has chosen to honour the band’s legacy like this and we know our fans will feel the same way,”
Iron Maiden manager, Rod Smallwood adds: “As a band who have never played by anyone else’s rules for over 40 years, it’s very gratifying to see them honoured in their home country in this way. We’re proud to show how these six band members are still appealing to more and more fans every year with their music and their legendary shows – which I think these stamps really capture well. It’s also fantastic that Eddie has been honoured too – it’s incredible to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw these and lent her iconic silhouette to them too.”
David Gold, Director of External Public Affairs & Policy, 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. With legions of devoted fans of all ages and from every corner of the globe, not only have they changed the way rock music sounds, but they have also changed the way it looks. We fully expect their fans will love these stamps as much as we do.”
The band postedo on Insta “We’re very proud and excited to announce that Royal Mail are to honour Iron Maiden with a set of special stamps”:
To pre-order go here.
The stamps will go on general sale from 12 January 2023 with a Presentation Pack containing all 12 stamps priced at £17.70.
Keep it heavy\m/!
