Iron Maiden
London Marquee
December 9, 1979.
This gig changed everything. It was the night that NWOBHM came into its own, as Maiden’s performance proved they would be a major name as we headed towards the new decade.
The queue for entry snaked all the way up Wardour Street from the early afternoon; a few hundred didn’t get in. Those of us who were fortunate to make it into the packed club knew this was a special occasion.
The atmosphere was ecstatic even for impressive opening band Praying Mantis. But Maiden were on a different level. The walls were steaming as the band raged, roared. Much of the material came from what would be their self-titled debut album, released three months later. Singer Paul Di’Anno was possessed of a monumental devilish spirit. He was so exhausted by the end that he stumbled off the stage and out of the venue and collapsed on a parked car.
Songs like Sanctuary Prowler and Phantom Of The Opera were tidal waves, and Iron Maiden itself had everyone screaming along while a mask – an early version of Eddie! – attached to the backdrop poured out red smoke
I still get shivers of excitement when recalling this era-defining event.