Description

Iron Maiden released Killers in February 1981 and the reviews were mixed, many voiced their opinion in print that the band was faltering and living on past glories. True that half of the record was older songs that the band had been playing live for some time but the album is noteworthy for much more. It was the first of 10 records produced by Martin Birch, the first record with Adrian Smith and probably the most beloved cover depicting a hatchet wielding Eddie. There were two singles form the record and both charted with reasonable success and the band went on their first world tour with their first ever visit to Japan where the band played five concerts in four days. This album features the show at Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Tokyo on the 24th of May 1981 (the afternoon show). The show has a good and atmospheric sound but any shortcomings are made up by a phenomenal performance. Iron Maiden circa 1981 were a machine and the addition of Adrian Smith made the band far tighter than ever before and within a year with a change in lead singers the majority of the older material would be dropped with a couple songs would never be played again. The recording starts with Wrathchild and one can surmise that the versions of the song from this era are definite, the tandem of Murray and Smith lay fiery leads effortlessly. I have always loved the Japanese versions since I first heard it via the Maiden Japan EP in the early 80’s. A brief “thank you” and “good evening” from Paul is all that is needed as the band goes right into Purgatory played at break neck speed, a personal favorite from the Killers record is a song based on an older song never fully realized called Floating. Sanctuary follows before an intense version of Remember Tomorrow. Probably my favorite of the early catalog the live versions are simply amazing with the dream like lyrics and the intense soloing the song along with Phantom were the seeds that grew into the bands musical direction of the next 20 plus years. Another Life features a Clive Burr drum solo and some great melodic Dave Murray solos. Clive played with a great feel that proved Maiden that intensive back bone that the older material desperately needed. The next block of songs are all new ones, the brilliant Genghis Kahn and the title track Killers are followed by the Purplish Innocent Exile that is the closest Maiden would every get to funk. Twilight Zone was the first single from the record and whose cover we actually get to see Charlotte (the Harlot). “A song from the first Iron Maiden album” is Paul’s introduction to Strange World, the song is like a slow blues done by Maiden and Paul always gets to settle down and really sing and his vocals provide the melancholy vibe. Probably my favorite transition of songs is how the gentle outro of Strange World gives way to the eerie notes of Murders In The Rue Morgue. The band then delivers Running Free, probably the simplest song ins the bands catalogue but live it delivers every time. Out next is the epic Phantom Of The Opera, as with the early 80-81 versions played at a tempo most bands like Slayer and Megadeth could only hope to one day perfect. Again one of Paul’s best vocal efforts the song is like being chased blind through a maze of corridors, the audience is totally behind the band, the clap in time during the faster parts, Dave Murray again is playing like he is possessed the leads just low from his finger tips with ease. After giving Mr Udo, the organizer, a big thank you Paul leads the crowd into a frenzied take on the signature Iron Maiden. Out next is Transylvania that also features Dave Murray doing his guitar solo. The album ends when the crowd frantically clap their hands as the band goes into Drifter, although the studio version has just been released via Killers it has been a crowd pleaser for well over a year by now. Overall a superbly played concert from the vaults and with this recording the entire five concert tour is available from either soundboard or audience sources. Lovely

Beat Club TV Show Bremen 29th of April 1981
Like this beautiful show from Japan wasnt enought theres also 6 tracks recorded at the “Beat Club” in Bremen, Germany on the 29th of April 1981. This gig was part of the Killers tour a tour that saw Maiden evolve from a successful club act and opening act into a blistering headlining act. One of the most important line-up changes had taken place with the arrival of ex-Urchin guitarist and long-time friend of the band, Adrian Smith. Adrian wasn’t just a second guitarist, but a talented player and songwriter who would help define the sound of Iron Maiden time and time again.

Track listing:
1. Wrathchild
2. Purgatory
3. Sanctuary
4. Remember Tomorrow
5. Another Life
6. Twilight Zone
7. Genghis Khan
8. Killers
9. Innocent Exile
10. Strange World
11. Murders In The Rue Morque
12. Running Free
13. Phantom Of The Opera
14. Iron Maiden
15. Transylvania
16. Drifter
17. Prowler-live Bremen 81
18. Wrathchild-live Bremen 81
19. Innocent Exile-live Bremen 81
20. Sanctuary-live Bremen 81
21. Phantom Of The Opera-live Bremen 81
22. Iron Maiden-live Bremen 81