Royal Mail honours ‘bona fide rock legends’ Iron Maiden with stamp collection

Virgin Radio

5 Jan 2023, 11:50

Rock icons Iron Maiden are being celebrated by Royal Mail with a new 12-stamp collection. 

Iron Maiden are now the fifth band to have their own dedicated stamp collection, with the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen and the Rolling Stones all receiving the honour. 

Eight of the Iron Maiden stamps will feature the band performing with their current members, including guitarists Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Adrian Smith, along with lead singer Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain and bassist Steve Harris. 

Not only that, but four of the stamps will recognise the band’s mascot, Eddie, including his infamous samurai warrior look from their 17th album, Senjutsu. 

Bassist Steve said in a statement (via Sky News): “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.”

The band’s manager, Rod Smallwood, added: “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.”

On why Royal Mail chose the Number of the Beast hitmakers for their next celebratory stamp collection, David Gold, director of external public affairs and policy at Royal Mail, explained: “Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends – but Iron Maiden are just that – and more.”

Formed in 1975, the Run to the Hills musicians have had 35 songs in the UK top 40, and went to number one with their 1988 single Bring Your Daughter…to the Slaughter.

Overall, the British heavy metal pioneers have released 17 studio albums, 47 singles, and 20 video albums. 

Iron Maiden’s most recent record, Senjutsu, was released in 2021 and reached number one in 27 countries, and they’ll be back on the road for their Future Past tour later this year, with gigs in England starting in June. 

The Iron Maiden Royal Mail stamps are available to order from today (Thursday 5th January) and are on sale from 12 January.