Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden are being honored with their own set of British postage stamps, available Jan. 12.
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The Iron Maiden collection of 12, includes eight commemorative stamps featuring live performance images of the band—depicting the members of Iron Maiden, currently consisting of vocalist Bruce Dickinson, bassist Steve Harris, guitarists Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, and Janick Gers, and drummer Nicko McBrain, performing on stage throughout the band’s career—and another four with the band’s iconic mascot Eddie and its depiction on their albums Senjutsu and Iron Maiden and in single art for “Aces High” and “The Trooper.”
“We were all absolutely astounded—in a good way,” said Harris in a statement. “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. We’re all very proud that Royal Mail has chosen to honor the band’s legacy like this and we know our fans will feel the same way.”
Iron Maiden 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 honored 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. … It’s also fantastic that Eddie has been honored too. It’s incredible to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw these and lent her iconic silhouette to them too.”
In addition to the stamps, the Royal Mail is also releasing a number of collectibles along with the traditional set of stamps, including framed stamps, a limited edition framed Senjutsu stamp, and illustration signed by artist Mark Wilkinson.
For fans willing to splurge on the Maiden stamp series, there’s also a limited edition 666-count Platinum Eddie Stamp, featuring a platinum-layered stamp sheet of the mascot packaged in a special Iron Maiden flight case for approximately $240, along with an Iron Maiden Limited Edition Gold Stamp Set, featuring all eight performance shots layered in 24-carat gold and housed in a gold-foiled red box for approximately $180.
Iron Maiden is the fifth U.K. band to receive a range of Royal Mail stamps. They join The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and Queen in the Royal Mail collection.
“Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends, but Iron Maiden are just that, and more,” said David Gold, director of external public affairs and policy, Royal Mail, in a statement. “With legions of devoted fans of all ages and from every corner of the globe, not only have they changed the way rock music sounds, but they have also changed the way it looks. We fully expect their fans will love these stamps as much as we do.”
The band released its 17th album, Senjutsu, in 2021.
Photo: Annamaria DiSanto/WireImage
