The first vocalist that recorded with Iron Maiden was the late Paul Di’Anno, who passed away at the age of 66 in 2024. He was the singer on their first two studio albums “Iron Maiden” (1980) and “Killers” (1981). Paul was fired in 1981 and the band replaced him with Bruce Dickinson, who really helped the band to become even more famous with his powerful vocals.
He always sang tracks from those two albums during live performances of the band and revealed in an interview with Music Radar that “Killers” is actually one of his favorite albums of the group.
Bruce Dickinson explains why he loves the Iron Maiden album “Killers”
“One of my favourite Maiden albums is ‘Killers’ – despite the fact that I’m not on it. I wish I had been on it, because ‘Killers’ actually has got a load of stuff that I would have loved to sing.”
“For me, ‘Killers’ was like a really updated version of bits of Deep Purple ‘In Rock’. That vibe, you know? It wasn’t bluesy, but a song like ‘Wrathchild’ has got amazing groove to it. And the title track, ‘Killers’ – wow!” There’s some stuff on Killers which is so atmospheric. I love it!”
“It really takes me back. When I listen to ‘Killers’, I’m just transported back to a world of… bedsit luxury! Ah, those smelly bed sheets!”
“Steve (Harris) hates the production on that album. And the one thing he regrets is that Martin Birch didn’t produce it. And Martin regretted it too. Martin said, ‘I was waiting for the phone call!’ And Steve said, ‘We never called you because we thought you wouldn’t be interested!'” Bruce Dickinson said.
Released in 1981, “Killers” has many good songs besides the title track. Some of them are “Wrathchild”, “Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “Purgatory”.
Made will celebrate in 2025 their 50th anniversary with a special tour all over the world.