Description

40th anniversary triple vinyl release with Total Eclipse instead of Gangland

Even though Iron Maiden were on the brink of worldwide superstardom after their breakthrough sophomore effort, Killers, vocalist Paul Di’Anno left the band at the conclusion of their 1981 world tour. Many fans wondered if this would signal the end to one of metal’s most promising new bands, but their worries were soon erased after hearing the 1982 masterpiece The Number of the Beast. Ex-Samson singer Bruce Dickinson replaced Di’Anno, and his strong, operatic vocals proved to be one of Maiden’s most distinctive trademarks. And while the music on their first albums contained elements of punk, Beast was a 100 percent true heavy metal album, as Maiden’s songwriting and sound continued to solidify. Topping the charts in the U.K., and becoming their first U.S. Top 40 record, The Number of the Beast spawned a pair of all-time classic metal anthems — “Run to the Hills” (which dealt with the plight of the American Indian) and the demonic title track (which caused controversy among religious groups, who wrongfully labeled the band Satan worshippers). But, like its predecessor, not a single weak track is included — “Invaders,” “The Prisoner,” “22 Acacia Avenue” (a follow-up to 1980’s “Charlotte the Harlot”), and “Gangland” were all rocking highlights; the quieter “Children of the Damned” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name” were also featured. The Number of the Beast is quite simply one of the best heavy metal albums ever released.

Beast Over Hammersmith
Beast Over Hammersmith was recorded at the classic Hammersmith Odeon in London, England on the 20th of March 1982. Iron Maiden had released only two albums and they were already at the top of the metal scene. They were about to release their third album The Number Of The Beast and embark on a 10 month world tour over four continents. What band today can say the same? This tour featured for the first time ever, Bruce Dickinson on vocals and for the last time, Clive Burr on drums. Bruce had replaced Paul Di anno and Clive was to be replaced by Nicko McBrain. This live performance is quite awesome as it contains songs such as Murders In The Rue Morgue, Another Life and even Total Eclipse (that only were released as the single B-side to Run To The Hills). The actual gig took place a couple of days before the official release of The Number Of The Beast so people who attended the show would hear The Prisoner, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Children Of The Damned and The Number Of The Beast for the first time ever. The single Run To The Hills was already out so Total Eclipse and Run To The Hills were two songs the fans already knew and its amazing to hear that everyone knows the chorus and sing along to Run To The Hills already. Whether you’re a die hard fan of the band or not, doesnt really matter as this album is really worth the bucks anyway

Track list:
1. Invaders
2. Children Of The Damned
3. The Prisoner
4. 22 Acacia Avenue
5. The Number Of The Beast
6. Run To The Hills
7. Total Eclipse
8. Hallowed Be Thy Name

Beast Over Hammersmith
1. Murders In The Rue Morgue
2. Wrathchild
3. Run To The Hills
4. Children Of The Damned
5. The Number Of The Beast
6. Another Life
7. Killers
8. 22 Acacia Avenue
9. Total Eclipse
10. Transylvania
11. The Prisoner
12. Hallowed Be Thy Name
13. Phantom Of The Opera
14. Iron Maiden
15. Sanctuary
16. Drifter
17. Running Free
18. Prowler