Iron Maiden is an English heavy metal band founded in 1975 in East London by bassist and main songwriter Steve Harris. Regarded as pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal, the band is known for its classic lineup featuring Steve Harris, vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers. Their breakthrough came with the 1982 album The Number of the Beast, considered one of the most iconic metal albums ever. After lineup changes and a brief decline in the 1990s, the return of Dickinson and Smith in 1999 sparked a renewed creative period, leading to acclaimed albums and major world tours. Iron Maiden has released 17 studio albums and sold over 130 million records globally. Their music draws on themes such as history, literature, and mythology, and they are famous for their energetic live shows and the recurring mascot Eddie on their artwork. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Iron Maiden remains one of the most influential and successful bands in heavy metal history.