• Bbc Archives Iron Maiden
• Iron Maiden Metal Archives
• Iron Maiden Internet Archive

Part 30 of my series of Iron Maiden reviews! IRON MAIDEN – Eddie’s Archive (2002, limited edition) Eddie’s Archive was released simultaneously with another (!) greatest hits compilation called Edward The Great. We’ll talk about that one next.

• BBC Archives is taken from the Eddie's Archives Box set comprised of three double CDs. This double CD contains four different shows which are BBC Radio 1 Friday Rock Show recorded in 1979, Reading Festival recorded in 1980, another Reading Festival recorded in 1982 and last but not least Donington Monsters of Rock recorded in 1988.
• Don't forget to check the other rare Iron Maiden CD's I have for sale right now! Shipping is $2.99 within the U.S,$5.50 to Canada and $6-$16 to the rest of the world depending on w you are and if you want your CD shipped with or without the jewel box (UK, France, Germany, Scandinavian countries and Australia is $8.50).

Iron Maiden-BBC Archives 'BBC ARCHIVES' includes music recorded between 1979 and 1988 for the BBC's Friday Rock Show. The 24-page full color booklet includes notes from the show's long time producer, Tony Wilson that details the various Maiden recordings as well as a bit of history about the NWOBHM movement of the early 80's.

This is the real meat of it all! This box set defines limited edition.

I’m not sure how many copies were made, but the first printing with blue inlay was sold out nearly immediately. That’s the version I have.

It was soon reissued with a red inlay to differentiate it, but even it is long out of print. Inside you will find three individually packaged jewel cases, each containing 2 CDs for a total of 6 discs. These three “double albums” (for lack of a better term) are: BBC Archives Beast Over Hammersmith Best of the B’Sides The main reason to buy this set are the first two albums, BBC Archives and Beast Over Hammersmith. To me, the Best of the B’Sides only scratches the surface of the treasures to be found on the numerous Iron Maiden singles and EP’s. And as loyal LeBrain readers know, I’ve talked about ’em all. BBC Archives contains numerous goodies.

It starts off with a rare four song session by an ealy version of Maiden featuring Doug Sampson (drums) and Tony Parsons (guitar). Listening to “Sanctuary” as an example, you can tell it’s a guitar player you’re not familiar with. This is Parsons’ only recording with Maiden, but “Sanctuary” was previously released on the very rare NWOBHM compilation that Lars Ulrich put together. I love the pure fire and raw youth of these early recordings.

“Transylvania” feels very different from its album incarnation. You can tell it’s a different drummer. And of course since it is the BBC, they are expertly recorded. From there it’s a scorching ’82 set with Dickinson at Reading. Then back to 1980 for a Di’Anno Reading set, and finally to 1988 for a Seventh Tour of a Seventh Tour (Donington) recording. All of these are pure smoke and it’s great to hear Bruce in peak voice. Unfortunately, on this album alone, you will hear “Iron Maiden” four times!

Bbc Archives Iron Maiden

It is what it is. You wouldn’t want them to leave any tracks out, would you?

Next disc has the ’82 Hammersmith show. A couple tracks from these were issued as B-sides on the “Run To The Hills” single from Rock In Rio. Anyway, like the BBC discs, this is pure smoke. It is a pleasure to finally have a full concert with Clive Burr on drums and Bruce in top form. Of course you will hear “Iron Maiden” and numerous others again.

With a box set of this nature it’s inevitable. If you’re a Maiden fan, you don’t care. Finally, the B’Sides. Everything here has been made available before on singles. There is nothing truly “unreleased” here as far as Maiden goes. There’s also nothing that is previously unreleased on CD unfortunately, like Maiden Japan or “I Live My Way” from the “Man On The Edge” 12″ single. For me, these discs are more just a “best of”.

There are some cool tracks here such as the Montrose cover “I’ve Got The Fire”. (Maiden chose Dickinson’s version rather than Di’Anno’s, which is fine.) Other highlights include the pop metal goodness of “That Girl” and “Reach Out”, as well as originals such as “Burning Ambition” and “Invasion”. The covers that Maiden selects are mostly obscure enough (Nektar?

Marshall Fury?) that they may as well be originals. Then you get some of Maiden’s little-known jokey material: “Sheriff of Huddersfield” for example. I’m not sure how well it works as an overall listen. I prefer the singles in their original context, personally. As I mentioned, this is far from a complete set, and you can argue all you like for what you would have included. Certainly you can make solid arguments in favour of the Thin Lizzy cover “Massacre” or the rare “I Live My Way”. Each CD jewel case features its own extensive booklet with photos, Derek Riggs cover art, and liner notes, with the exception of Beast Over Hammersmith.

That one contains a booklet which is a reproduction of the original tour programme! Works for me! Otherwise, there is no book for the box set itself. What you do get includes a neat scroll with the Iron Maiden family tree on it, wrapped inside a metal ring. (I’m sure this family tree is loaded with errors like the previous one included inside A Real Dead One, I’ve never bothered to check.) You also get this cool shot glass with Eddie’s face in the bottom. A cool treat.

The box itself is a shiny tin masterpiece. It snaps shut securely and it is very detailed and cool looking.

What are you willing to pay for this set? That’s entirely up to you, but if you don’t have it, expect to pay through the teeth. Personally, to me it’s all about the music. Decide how much you’re willing to pay for approximately four discs of previously unreleased Maiden and purchase accordingly. This is a great box set. I’ve got the re-pressing, the red lined one!

I knew it was the second issue but I didn’t know what the difference was so that’s good to know. I’d given up on finding an affordable copy of this and walked into HMV one day to find a rack of it for just £50 (if memory serves).

I was so excited to finally have my paws on it. I’m quite happy with the B-Sides album as I stopped buying Maiden singles after the Seventh Son album so the 2nd disc is all stuff I didn’t have. Definitely the least interesting thing here though, I’ll grant you that. All the live stuff is blistering. I don’t mind about the repeated tracks because I tend to just listen to the individual concert or sessions anyway. I’ve even divided them up like that on my iPod. There’s a guitar solo spot (or spots) on Beast Over Hammersith isn’t there?

I dont’ think that’s something they ever did on later tours. They did let Nicko have a drum solo on the Piece of Mind tour but that kind of stuff ended at that time.

Interesting approach in dividing up the concert segments, but there is a LOT to digest here, and I often find it an overwhelming listen to try and devour it all. Probably a good idea! You have to give Maiden credit for doing it, and doing it right. I’m sure this will not be the last time we see a Maiden box set, but I doubt there will be another quite like Eddie’s Archive. I don’t know what this baby sells for today but it can’t be cheap.

Your purchase was a wise one. Also you have to love the Elvis-inspired cover art for that Jovi box! A Japanese version of that box has even more rarities but I’ve never seen one. With Jovi, I will never own “everything”. I doubt Jon even knows about “everything” as they has so damn much! I had a lot of their singles and have always found their B-sides worthwhile. “Borderline” is a great example.

What a track. Their unreleased demos were also great — “Does Anybody Really Fall In Love Anymore” being a great example of a song that maybe woulda shoulda coulda been on New Jersey. Maiden RELATED? I’m intrigued.

Could be Brucecould be A.S.a.P.? I have two A.S.a.P. Singles which I’ll have to get around to talking about later. I talked about the Japanese stuff in a very early Record Store Tales but I can’t be bothered trying to figure out which one!

Basically, the story is this: Japanese prices are so high, that it is cheaper for them to import in American discs. So the record companies offer extra songs on their domestic product to get them to buy it. Of course the side effect of this is making ME buy it too!

I’m finding, and I’m sure you’d agree, that bonus tracks for different countries and different stores such as Amazon on whatnot have replaced the traditional B-sides. I’m not saying Ah, that explains the Japanese situation. Fair enough, I suppose. I do agree that all the bonus tracks have taken the place of the B-Side but it annoys me when you’ve to buy whole albums again just to get them. The KISS Monster thing.

I bought the vinyl but I’m just not going to buy the whole album again on iTunes just to get one song. It’s just not worth it to me.

Just my personal opinion, I know you bought that. If it’s worth it to you to get the song then go for it! It’s just not for me.

Didn’t realize there was more than one pressing of this box set until I read your review. I’m happy to report that I have the original blue-lined version. Not a bad purchase for a guy who had just got into Maiden about 5 years earlier. I think I spent $99 (US), and it’s now worth a lot more than thatalthough I have no intention of selling it. I only collect every b-side by a handful of artists, and Maiden isn’t one of them, so having the b-sides disc in this collection is great for me. I know I’m missing a lot of their rarities but happy to have so many of them in one place.

I haven’t listened to the live discs in a while, but I remember being blown away when I bought this set. I’m still amazed that these discs have never been released separately. Nearly every other band who’s released a box set like this has eventually succumbed to pressure from fans and record companies to milk even more money from the same product. Maiden should get a lot of credit for keeping this such a special collection. I doubt I could have found this box set anyway in town. I didn’t try, so I just went ahead and pre-ordered it from Amazon. I paid a lot more than you, but no regrets.

Better to have than to have not! Rather than a reissue, I would rather see Maiden attempt a sequel. Perhaps later live material, and B-sides that didn’t make the first installment. (Are you listening Mr. Smallwood?) Funnily enough I wrote to Rod Smallwood before this box came out and asked if they would consider reissuing B-sides in a box set. He said, “Nope, been there done that!” And then they put this out a year or two later!

IRON MAIDEN Best Of The Beast (1996 UK limited edition 34-track Four Vinyl LP box set, with picture labels, each disc in a unique picture sleeves with inners. Also includes a 44 page glossy hardback book, all housed within an outer card picture slip case. The outer case displays some minor storage scuff marks, whilst the vinyl remains excellent with only a few surface scuffs. All though not mint this still a nice example at an advantageous price EMDX1097) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Head (Rare 1998 UK limited edition 12' high, green hand painted Eddie shaped box set, with red LED eyes, featuring all nine remastered studio albums, three live & enhanced double CDs and an exclusive 'In Profile' Disc.

This example remains in the original shipping box complete with the individually numbered certificate, 'Information' leaflet about the flashing lights and content leaflet. We have checked, and can confirm that the eyes remain in fully working order and do still flash, we are even including two fresh batteries!

A fantastic example of this extremely sought after box set, which we have not seen in almost ten years).Limited to only 25,000 copies Worldwide!. Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2002 UK first issue limited edition collectors set comprising three Double CD sets, BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, housed in a silver embossed metal casket with blue lining complete with individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring and an Eddie head shot glass. The box shows just a little light wear whilst all contents remain in a lovely condition. The ULTIMATE Maiden collectable!) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2003 UK second issue limited edition collectors set comprising of three 2-CD sets: BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, presented in a silver embossed metal casket with red lining complete with Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring plus a Eddie head shot glass. Housed in its original stickered cardboard box - the sticker seal on the box remains unbroken & sealed since new - a top archive quality example!) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A.

Iron Maiden Metal Archives

IRON MAIDEN Fear Of The Dark (Rare 1992 UK promotional-only 13' x 10' box set with special glow in the dark 'Eddie' tree design as featured on the album artwork. This great set includes a promo NTSC E.P.K video, Bruce Dickinson interview cassette, 12-track Compact Disc of the album, numbered biography with matching numbered print. Apart from some light wear to the edges & corners, which you would expect, this copy is in a fantastic condition with an intact velco tab and flawless contents with a sealed CD.

A stunning example of one of their rarest & sought after promos) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN No Prayer For The Dying (Extremely rare official 1990 UK promotional only box set, comprising a copy of the 10-track CD album in a standard jewel case with lyric booklet picture sleeve and back inlay, also includes a 'Steve HarrisGeneric Interview' cassette which is custom stickered and with a custom printed inlay; both housed in a custom 10' x 10' x 1' deep card picture box with funny quotes on the inside from famous people from history. Usually, due to the fragile nature these boxes were produced in, these are found in poor condition however this copy just has minimal wear showing little signs of being almost twenty five years old, and the first we have seen in over ten years!) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A.

IRON MAIDEN Fear Of The Dark (Rare 1992 UK promotional-only 13' x 10' box set with special glow in the dark 'Eddie' tree design as featured on the album artwork. This great set includes a promo NTSC E.P.K video, Bruce Dickinson interview cassette, 12-track CD album with picture sleeve & merchandise insert, numbered biography with matching numbered print.

Iron Maiden Internet Archive

The box on this copy is strictly graded VG-/VG, as the velvro fastening card flap has become unattached from the lid and has someminor wear on the edges & corners however it is complete, the plastic inside which contains the items has no cracks or any damage and all contents are in excellent condition. A nice copy of this now highly collectable item at an advantageous price) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2002 Japanese issue limited edition collectors set comprising three double CD sets: BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, presented in a silver embossed metalcasket complete with individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring & an Eddie head shot glass. This issue was manufactured in Holland for the Japanese market and includes an exclusive 92-page special booklet, still housed in the original cardboard storage box with outer wrapped obi with complete tracklisting and details in Japanese. This copy is complete with the custom printed outer shipping box! TOCP-6704146) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2003 UK 2nd issue UK limited edition collectors set comprising of three 2-CD sets: BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, presented in a silver embossed metal casket with red lining complete with Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring plus a Eddie head shot glass.

The casket and contents are complete and in 'near as new' condition) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2002 First issue UK limited edition collectors set comprised of three 2-CD sets: BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, presented in a silver embossed metalcasket with blue lining complete with individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring plus a Eddie head shot glass. Still housed in original stickered sealed cardboard box - The ULTIMATE Maiden collectable!) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Maiden England (Rare deleted 1994 UK 'Sound & Vision' limited CD & video double pack box featuring live concert from NEC, Birmingham 1988, video includes the tracks 'Can I Play With Madness' & 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' that are not on the CD.

Presented in a superb oversize video box with a great picture sleeve insert featuring 'Eddie' on a motorbike image that was used on the tour.The CD in this set is exclusive to this release and has never been available separately!). Essential purchase for all fans!. Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2002 issue UK limited edition collectors set comprised of three 2-CD sets: BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, presented in a silver embossed metal casket with blue lining complete with individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring plus a Eddie head shot glass. Still housed in original stickered cardboard box - which has been opened) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2002 US limited edition collectors set comprising of three 2-CD sets: BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, CD's made in the US, presented in a silver embossed metal casket complete with blue liner and also includes an individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring plus an Eddie head shot glass - the ULTIMATE maiden collectable!) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A. IRON MAIDEN Eddie's Archive (2002 Japanese limited edition promo sample collectors set comprising of three 2-CD sets: BBC Archive, Beast Over Hammersmith and Best Of The B-Sides personally selected by the band, presented in a silver embossed metal casket complete with individually numbered Pete Frame family tree on parchment scroll, an Eddie scroll ring plus a Eddie head shot glass.

This issue was manufactured in Holland for the Japanese market and includes a 92-page special booklet &still housed in original cardboard box with outer wrapped obi with complete tracklisting and details in Japanese only, also still housed in original custom printed shipping box - The first Japanese issue we have seen and a must have for any fan!) Currently Unavailable - You can request the next copy of this item N/A.