I could point you in the direction of Iron Maiden‘s back catalogue. They’ve got a 13-minute opus based on Samuel Taylor Coleridge‘s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. Alfred Lord Tennyson‘s Charge of the Light Brigade inspired “The Trooper”. Sci-fi is embraced with “To Tame A Land“ (Frank Herbert‘s Dune).

Let’s not forget that singer Bruce Dickinson is (as well as a qualified commercial airline pilot and near-Olympic standard fencer) a history student. As a result, a large number of their songs are about historical events and characters. “Alexander the Great”, “Run To The Hills” (the genocide of the American Indians), “Where Eagles Dare” though based on a film and novel is set during WWII -- as is “Aces High”.

Anthrax went for the more simply-titled Indians in their work about the destruction of the native American population. Their song “Among The Living” is based on Stephen King’s novel The Stand. “I Am The Law” is based on literature, though that’s the comic book character Judge Dredd! “Black Lodge” was inspired by David Lynch’s Twin Peaks and which the series’ score conductor Angelo Badalamenti helped write.

Metallica got in on the act with songs such as “For Whom The Bell Tolls” based on the work of the same name by Ernest Hemingway. Slayer are well known for documenting serial killers and war-related atrocities in their songs. Megadeth have tackled freedom of speech.

These are just well-known examples.

Now, however, I give you something new. To me, anyway. Thanks to Andy for sending me the link to this new way for children to be taught Shakespeare -- using the power of MMEETTTAAALLLLL!

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Who said metal is for the uneducated?

                          

Guitar Hero: Iron Maiden

Dear Sony,

A simple request. You own Iron Maiden. You own the rights for the production of PlayStation software. I demand that you use these to force the manufacturers of Guitar Hero to do an Iron Maiden edition.

We’ve got an Aerosmith one with Metallica on the way (sadly including a load of crap from recent albums). Maiden have countless classics out there and as far as I’m aware only two have been used in past Guitar Hero games (“Number of the Beast” in III and a cover of “The Trooper” in the XBox 360 version of II, I think).

Who wouldn’t want to riff along to “Aces High” or “Fear of the Dark“? And think of the backdrops that could be used. Classic Maiden live stage sets, Eddie in his multiple forms… It’d shift thousands!

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Guitar Hero: Iron Maiden

                          

Iron Maiden

I know I’m late mentioning this but I only just found out. After begging you to vote for them a few weeks back, it turns out that Iron Maiden were runaway winners of this years Brits award as Best British Live Act.

Their acceptance video is below, and I’ve pinched the following text from Metal Hammer. I couldn’t put it better – why they deserved to win.

1. The award was for Best British Live Act. They ARE the best British live act.
2. Twickenham. Moonchild was enough to make the toughest headcase blub into his pint.
3. The Brits committee are paid to represent the best of British music and that’s truer of ‘Maiden than it is of anyone operating in British music. Shame it took them 34 years to realise it before finally nominating them, eh?
4. Churchill’s Speech. Churchill’s fucking speech! If you don’t get chills from it, you’re not human. There’s not a better live intro tape going.
5. Bruce Dickinson’s energy. I’m a 25 year old who goes to the gym regularly and he knackers me out just watching him. Hats off!
6. The ‘Harris guitar/machine gun with foot on the monitor’ routine. If you’re a bass player, you’ll have done this at least at one point in your life. if you’re not a bass player, you’ll have done air-guitar like it countless times.
7. The ‘Somewhere In Time’ tour. Unbelievable scenes. Woah, Leslie. Aye Carumba. Holy shitballs. Shall we keep going or have you got the hint?
8. Eddie. Imagine a big, evil looking zombie c*nt popping out behind Chris pissing Martin? Didn’t think so.
9. Iron Maiden are as relevant in 2009 as they’ve ever been. To be in your fourth decade as a band and to achieve that is something that cannot measured.
10. Because the finest metal act and one of the greatest bands that the world has ever seen should be recognised in their own bloody country. the rest of the world have got it for long enough, it’s about time the crusty fuckers that dish out mainstream awards realised this.
11. Because they’re Iron fucking Maiden.

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Maiden: Best British Live Act

                          

Vote Maiden!

Iron Maiden have been nominated for Best British Live Act in the Brits this year. Given that the other acts are commercial shit, do take the time to visit the site, register and VOTE MAIDEN!

You don’t have to vote for any of the Best British Single entrants which is also on the same form. Which is a good thing as every single one is more excruciating than a knitting needle through the eardrum.

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Vote Maiden!