Iron maiden's enduring heavy metal reign

As one of the world's most influential metal bands celebrates 50 years, Iron Maiden's bassist Steve Harris reflects on their remarkable journey from London pubs to sold-out stadiums.

Surviving the 90s slump and forging ahead

Formed in 1975, the band rode the wave of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) to global success, with albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave catapulting them to the premier league of 80s metal.

But it was their refusal to adapt to changing musical tastes that nearly spelled the end for Iron Maiden in the mid-90s. 'I nearly quit to become a fencing teacher,' confesses Bruce Dickinson, the band's charismatic lead singer. 'We were in a crisis.'

Yet instead of compromising their sound, the band pushed further into the heavy and theatrical style that defines them, releasing ambitious albums like Virtual XI and Brave New World. 'We just got more heavy, more ambitious,' says Harris. 'We didn't try to be like everyone else.'

That determination has paid off, with the band's 50th anniversary celebrated with the Run for Your Lives tour and the upcoming documentary Burning Ambition. And with two nights at Knebworth Park in July, Iron Maiden are set to conquer new territory - but their enduring success is a testament to staying true to their vision, not chasing fame.