The 10 best covers by Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden, the legendary British heavy metal band, has not only produced some of the most iconic original music in the genre but has also performed numerous covers that have left fans in awe. Here are the top 10 covers by Iron Maiden that every metal enthusiast should listen to:
1.”Women in Uniform” – Originally by Skyhooks:This energetic rendition of the ’70s Skyhooks hit became one of Iron Maiden’s first commercial singles and is still a crowd-pleaser with its catchy chorus and driving riffs.
2.”Cross-Eyed Mary” – Originally by Jethro Tull:Featured as a B-side to “The Trooper” single, Iron Maiden’s cover of Jethro Tull’s classic showcases their ability to transform progressive rock into pure heavy metal without losing any of its original essence.
3.”Rainbow’s Gold” – Originally by Beckett:A hidden gem among Iron Maiden’s B-sides, this cover appeared alongside “2 Minutes to Midnight.” The band gives it a faster tempo and infuses it with their distinct sound while paying homage to the original.
4.”King of Twilight” – Originally by Nektar:Known for diving deep into prog-rock history, Iron Maiden brought this Nektar track into the heavy metal spotlight with their powerful instrumentation and Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals.
5.”Massacre” – Originally by Thin Lizzy:On their single for “Can I Play With Madness,” Iron Maiden included this Thin Lizzy cover that is filled with blistering guitar solos and a frenetic pace, making it unmistakably their own.
6.”I’ve Got the Fire” – Originally by Montrose:This deep cut showcased in various releases shows off the raw energy and power that define Iron Maiden’s covers, with Adrian Smith and Dave Murray’s guitars complementing each other perfectly.
7.”All in Your Mind” – Originally by Stray:Featured on the B-side of “Holy Smoke,” this version ramps up the intensity of Stray’s already-heavy psych rock anthem into an all-out metal masterpiece.
8.”Reach Out” – Originally written by Dave Colwell:While this song might not be as well-known as others on this list, Iron Maiden gave it life with Adrian Smith taking on lead vocal duties for a melodic change of pace.
9.”That Girl” – Originally performed by FM:Appearing on the B-side of “Stranger in a Strange Land,” the cover highlights Nicko McBrain’s dynamic drumming and features Bruce Dickinson harmonizing beautifully throughout.
10.”Communication Breakdown” – Originally by Led Zeppelin:As one of rock’s greatest influencers, Led Zeppelin’s work covered by Iron Maiden results in a delightful fusion, combining Zeppelin’s groove with Maiden’s metallic edge for an explosive rendition.
Iron Maiden proves that they have always been more than just a powerhouse creating original hits; they are also masterful interpreters who can inject their unique metal spirit into anything they cover. These amazing covers stand out as testaments to their versatility and reverence for rock and metal history.
Whether you’re hearing them for the first time or revisiting old favorites, these top 10 covers are sure to rekindle your love for Iron Maiden’s enduring sound.