In 1976, Iron Maiden came into the British metal scene lead by bass player Steve Harris, who to this day remains the only actual original member. Fronted by vocalist Paul Di'Anno in 1978, Maiden played the London club scene trying to develop their sound. They grabbed influences from the rising punk scene in the London underground and added it to their already heavy sound. The heavy riffs and stage show had set Iron Maiden to the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal that was sweeping London.

Their self titled debut album in 1980 brought Maiden world wide exposure. In mid-1980, Paul Di'Anno decided to leave the band. He was replaced by ex-Samson lead singer Bruce Dickinson. Bruce would be the catalyst that Iron Maiden needed to shoot the band into the annals of heavy metal greatness. His growling vocals and powerful range was the perfect fit with the bombastic riffs from the rest of the band. In the mid-80's, Maiden dominated the British charts with two albums ranking #1, Number of the Beast and 7th Son of a 7th Son.