Introduction
In March 1982, Iron Maiden unleashed an album that would transform the face of heavy metal. The Number of the Beast was more than just a collection of songs; it marked the arrival of a new era. With Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals, thunderous riffs, and a sense of dark theatricality, the band set a new standard for what metal could be. For many fans and critics, this album stands as the defining moment of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Over the next sections, I will guide you through the creation, recording, reception, and enduring legacy of The Number of the Beast. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of every track, explore the album’s commercial performance, and learn about its controversial impact. We’ll also dive into the stories behind the songs, the band’s 1982 tour, and the album’s influence on generations of musicians. This article aims to be the most comprehensive and accurate resource on this classic record.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Album title | The Number of the Beast |
| Artist | Iron Maiden |
| Release date | 22 March 1982 (US), 29 March 1982 (UK) |
| Genre | Heavy metal |
| Total runtime | 39:11 (original LP) |
| Number of tracks | 8 (original), 9 (with “Total Eclipse” on later editions) |
| Record label | EMI (UK), Harvest/Capitol (US) |
| Recording studio | Battery Studios, London |
| Producer(s) | Martin Birch |
The Number of the Beast had a huge impact, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and later selling over 14 million copies worldwide by 2010, with estimates now reaching nearly 20 million. Its influence goes far beyond sales. As Steve Harris said, “We knew it was something special, but we didn’t expect it to take off like it did.” Producer Martin Birch once remarked, “It was the album where everything came together—the songs, the performances, the attitude.” Bruce Dickinson later reflected, “It felt like a revolution. We could feel the energy in the studio, and it just exploded out of the speakers.”
Today, The Number of the Beast is seen as one of the most important heavy metal albums ever made. It continues to inspire new generations, is regularly cited in “greatest albums” lists, and is still a mainstay in Iron Maiden’s live shows. If you want even more insight, listen to our podcast episode where we explore the making of this iconic record.
The blogs on this site are often used as the basis for podcast episodes where we dive deep and discuss the albums, memories, people and what was happening at the time.
The Genesis of “The Number of the Beast”
Before 1982, Iron Maiden had already made waves with their first two albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). Yet, the band faced a crossroads. Paul Di’Anno’s exit in September 1981, due to issues with his voice and behaviour, left the band searching for a new frontman. Bruce Dickinson, formerly of Samson, joined soon after. His arrival brought not only a new vocal style but also a fresh energy and ambition. Dickinson himself said, “I felt like I was joining a gang, but a gang that wanted to take over the world.”
At this time, heavy metal was evolving. The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was in full swing, with bands like Judas Priest and Motörhead gaining ground. Iron Maiden’s earlier records were raw and fast, but with The Number of the Beast, the band aimed for something grander. Steve Harris wrote most of the material, but this album marked the first time guitarist Adrian Smith contributed as a songwriter. Clive Burr, the drummer, also received his only writing credit with “Gangland.”
The creative core included Steve Harris (bass, songwriting), Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Dave Murray (guitar), Adrian Smith (guitar, songwriting), and Clive Burr (drums, songwriting). Producer Martin Birch, who had worked with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, returned after producing Killers. He was crucial in capturing the band’s evolving sound and pushing them to their limits.
Below is a table of the band members and their roles during the making of the album:
| Member | Instrument/Role |
|---|---|
| Bruce Dickinson | Lead vocals |
| Dave Murray | Guitar |
| Adrian Smith | Guitar, songwriting |
| Steve Harris | Bass, main songwriter |
| Clive Burr | Drums, songwriting (“Gangland”) |
EMI financed the recording, giving the band a healthy budget. The total cost has not been disclosed, but the band was under pressure to deliver a breakthrough. There were challenges, including tight deadlines and technical problems in the studio. Martin Birch was involved in a car accident during the sessions, with the repair bill coming to £666—a detail that became legendary among fans.
The album’s title and concept grew from Steve Harris’s fascination with horror films and literature. Harris had a nightmare after watching Damien: Omen II, which inspired the title track. The album artwork, created by Derek Riggs, was originally intended for the “Purgatory” single. It depicts the band’s mascot Eddie controlling the devil like a puppet, who in turn manipulates a smaller Eddie. The cover, inspired by a Doctor Strange comic and medieval art, was so striking that it became one of the most recognisable images in metal. The original pressing had a blue sky due to a printing error, corrected to black in later editions.
Recording Process
Recording took place at Battery Studios in London in early 1982. The band had just five weeks to complete both recording and mixing. The studio was well equipped for the time, with state-of-the-art analogue gear and a comfortable environment. Martin Birch, already a respected figure for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Deep Purple, pushed the band to deliver their best performances.
Birch’s role went beyond just producing. He acted as engineer, motivator, and sometimes referee, especially as the sessions grew tense. Reports from the band and crew mention a series of odd events, from malfunctioning equipment to Birch’s car accident, all adding to the album’s mystique. The sessions were intense, with some songs requiring dozens of takes to get right. Birch’s perfectionism, combined with Dickinson’s fresh approach, gave the album its distinctive sound.
While exact hardware details are not fully documented, we can make informed assumptions based on the studio’s standard setup in 1982 and interviews with the band. The following table outlines likely hardware and techniques used:
| Hardware/Instrument | Likely Details/Use |
|---|---|
| Mixing desk | Neve or SSL analogue console (standard at Battery Studios) |
| Tape machine | Studer 24-track tape recorder |
| Microphones | Shure SM57 (guitars, snare), Neumann U87 (vocals, overheads) |
| Guitars | Fender Stratocaster (Murray), Gibson Les Paul (Smith), DiMarzio pickups |
| Amplifiers | Marshall JCM800 heads and cabs, Celestion speakers |
| Bass | Fender Precision Bass (Steve Harris), Rotosound strings |
| Drums | Premier kit, Zildjian cymbals, Ludwig snare |
| Outboard gear | UREI 1176 compressors, EMT plate reverb, Eventide harmonizer (for some effects) |
| Recording techniques | Multi-tracked guitars, live rhythm section, overdubbed solos, minimal use of pedals (mostly Tube Screamer for leads) |
One of the most memorable stories from the sessions involves the spoken-word intro to the title track. The band wanted Vincent Price to read the biblical verses, but he demanded a high fee, so they turned to actor Barry Clayton. The result became iconic, setting the tone for the song and the album as a whole.
Martin Birch produced several other classic albums in the metal world. Below is a table of albums he produced, engineered, or mixed (excluding The Number of the Beast):
| Producer | Artist | Album | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Birch | Iron Maiden | Killers | 1981 |
| Martin Birch | Iron Maiden | Somewhere in Time | 1986 |
| Martin Birch | Iron Maiden | Seventh Son of a Seventh Son | 1988 |
Commercial Performance and Reception
Upon release, The Number of the Beast shot straight to number one on the UK Albums Chart, staying there for two weeks and remaining in the Top 75 for 31 weeks. In the US, it peaked at number 33 on the Billboard 200. The album also hit the top ten in Austria and Sweden, number 11 in Canada, and number 11 in Germany. These numbers are impressive for a heavy metal album in the early 1980s, especially considering the genre’s limited radio play at the time.
The album’s singles, “Run to the Hills” and “The Number of the Beast,” were both hits. “Run to the Hills” reached number 7 in the UK and number 16 in Ireland, while the title track climbed to number 18 in the UK and number 19 in Ireland. Both singles received strong airplay and have become mainstays in the band’s live shows.
Here is a table of Iron Maiden’s studio albums, showing the release year and worldwide sales data where available:
| Album | Year | Sales data |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Maiden | 1980 | 2.8 million |
| Killers | 1981 | 4.0 million |
| The Number of the Beast | 1982 | 14.2 million |
| Piece of Mind | 1983 | 5.0 million |
| Powerslave | 1984 | 4.5 million |
| Somewhere in Time | 1986 | 4.5 million |
| Seventh Son of a Seventh Son | 1988 | 4.5 million |
| No Prayer for the Dying | 1990 | 3.0 million |
| Fear of the Dark | 1992 | 3.5 million |
| The X Factor | 1995 | 1.2 million |
| Virtual XI | 1998 | 700,000 |
| Brave New World | 2000 | 2.0 million |
| Dance of Death | 2003 | 1.5 million |
The album received Platinum certification in the UK and the US, and triple Platinum in Canada. It has also been certified Gold in Germany, France, and several other countries. In terms of critical recognition, it appears in lists such as Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time” (number 4), Q magazine’s “100 Greatest British Albums Ever,” and Robert Dimery’s 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
Other major heavy albums released in 1982 included:
- Screaming for Vengeance by Judas Priest [physical sales not specified]
- Blackout by Scorpions
- Iron Fist by Motörhead
- Under the Blade by Twisted Sister
- Restless and Wild by Accept
- Battle Hymns by Manowar
- Black Metal by Venom
- Metal on Metal by Anvil
- Nuns Have No Fun EP by Mercyful Fate
The Number of the Beast has earned numerous awards, including:
- Platinum certification (UK, US)
- Triple Platinum (Canada)
- Gold (Germany, France, Australia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and others)
- Number one on HMV’s “Best British Albums of the Past 60 Years” (2012)
- Top five in AllMusic’s “Most Essential Heavy Metal Albums”
- Featured in the BBC Classic Albums documentary series
- Voted number one British album by HMV customers (2012)
Heavy music in 1982 saw a surge in new bands and classic releases. Bands like Dio, Death Angel, Kreator, and W.A.S.P. formed that year. Judas Priest released their best-selling single, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” Motörhead lost guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke, and Nicko McBrain joined Iron Maiden after Clive Burr’s departure. Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist Randy Rhoads died in a tragic accident. Metallica moved from Los Angeles to San Francisco, setting the stage for the Bay Area thrash movement. The year also saw the release of Thriller by Michael Jackson, which would soon become the world’s best-selling album.
Track Analysis
The album produced two singles: “Run to the Hills” (released 8 February 1982) and “The Number of the Beast” (released 26 April 1982). Both were written by Steve Harris, though Bruce Dickinson contributed ideas to several tracks. “Run to the Hills” became the band’s first top-ten UK single, while the title track reached the top twenty. Below is a table of all songs on the album, with singles marked by an asterisk:
| Track Name | Length | Writing Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Invaders | 3:20 | Steve Harris |
| Children of the Damned | 4:34 | Steve Harris |
| The Prisoner | 5:34 | Adrian Smith, Steve Harris |
| 22 Acacia Avenue | 6:34 | Adrian Smith, Steve Harris |
| The Number of the Beast* | 4:25 | Steve Harris |
| Run to the Hills* | 3:50 | Steve Harris |
| Gangland | 3:46 | Adrian Smith, Clive Burr |
| Hallowed Be Thy Name* | 7:08 | Steve Harris |
Note: Songs marked with * were singles. “Run to the Hills” reached UK No. 7, and “The Number of the Beast” reached UK No. 18. “Hallowed Be Thy Name” was later released as a live single in 1993 and reached the UK top ten.
Song Meaning and Lyrics
Each song on The Number of the Beast explores a different story or theme, often drawing from history, literature, or film. The singles, in particular, stand out for their depth and power.
“Run to the Hills” was written by Steve Harris and deals with the colonisation of North America and the suffering of Indigenous peoples. The lyrics tell the story from both perspectives: the Native Americans and the invading settlers. As Harris explained, “It’s about what happened to the American Indians. It’s one of those songs where the story just flows.” The song’s galloping rhythm matches the theme of pursuit and escape. (Source: Quora)
The title track, “The Number of the Beast,” was inspired by a nightmare Steve Harris had after watching Omen II. The lyrics describe a man witnessing a Satanic ritual, with vivid lines such as “Torches blazed and sacred chants were praised / As they start to cry, hands held to the sky.” The chorus—“Six, six, six, the number of the beast”—became instantly iconic. The spoken introduction, taken from the Book of Revelation, adds a biblical and dramatic touch. According to the band, the song is not Satanic but a story about fear and the unknown. (Source: Reddit)
“Hallowed Be Thy Name” closes the album and is widely considered one of the greatest metal songs ever written. The lyrics follow a prisoner facing execution, moving from fear to acceptance. The line “Hallowed be thy name” is not a prayer but a cry of defiance, as the character comes to terms with his fate. Fans and critics have debated the meaning, but most agree it’s a powerful meditation on mortality. (Sources: MaidenFans, Reddit)
Writing credits for each song are as follows: Steve Harris wrote most tracks, with Adrian Smith co-writing “The Prisoner,” “22 Acacia Avenue,” and “Gangland.” Clive Burr received his only Iron Maiden songwriting credit for “Gangland.” Bruce Dickinson contributed ideas to “Children of the Damned,” “The Prisoner,” and “Run to the Hills,” but could not be credited due to contractual reasons.
Touring and Promotion of The Number of the Beast
Promotion for the album was aggressive and well organised. Iron Maiden released music videos for both singles, using a mix of live footage and film clips. The band appeared on television, in magazines, and on radio, building anticipation before the album’s release. The album’s artwork, with Eddie controlling the devil, sparked controversy and drew extra attention.
The Beast On The Road tour began in February 1982 and ran until December, covering over 180 shows across the UK, Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan. Notable venues included Hammersmith Odeon in London, Madison Square Garden in New York, and major arenas in Canada and Japan. The band’s setlist included most of the album’s tracks, as well as classics from earlier records. They were joined by support acts such as The Rods during the UK leg.
Iron Maiden’s 1982 tourmates included The Rods, as well as local acts in each country. The tour was not without incident. In the US, the band faced protests from religious groups who accused them of Satanism. Some shows were boycotted, and at one concert, a 25-foot cross was erected outside the venue. Despite these challenges, the tour was a triumph, establishing Iron Maiden as a global force.
Influences and Legacy
The Number of the Beast drew from a wide range of influences. Steve Harris has cited bands like Judas Priest, Motörhead, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath, as well as progressive acts like Genesis and Yes. The album’s dual guitar leads, galloping bass, and epic song structures became hallmarks of Maiden’s sound.
Here is a table of influences and those influenced by the album:
| Influences on “The Number of the Beast” | Artists Influenced by “The Number of the Beast” |
|---|---|
| Judas Priest | Metallica |
| Black Sabbath | Slayer |
| Deep Purple | Megadeth |
| Thin Lizzy | Anthrax |
| Genesis, Yes | Dream Theater |
| UFO, Wishbone Ash | Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold |
Released in 1982, the album became a touchstone for the metal genre. That year saw the birth of many new bands and the release of classics by Judas Priest, Scorpions, and Accept. Globally, 1982 was marked by the Falklands War, the birth of Prince William, and the release of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. In Britain, unemployment topped three million, Channel 4 began broadcasting, and the Mary Rose was raised from the Solent. In the wider world, “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and “Blade Runner” hit cinemas, while “Cats” opened on Broadway.
Five Things about The Number of the Beast
Here are five verified facts about The Number of the Beast that every fan should know:
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First album with Bruce Dickinson | Dickinson joined Iron Maiden in September 1981, replacing Paul Di’Anno. His debut was on this album. |
| Last album with Clive Burr | Drummer Clive Burr left the band after the album’s release, replaced by Nicko McBrain. |
| Controversial artwork and lyrics | The album faced protests and record burnings in the US, accused of Satanism due to its imagery and lyrics. |
| Spoken intro by Barry Clayton | The title track’s biblical intro was read by actor Barry Clayton, not Vincent Price as originally planned. |
| Repair bill for producer’s car was £666 | Producer Martin Birch crashed his car during recording, with the bill totalling exactly £666. |
Media and Television Usage
Several songs from The Number of the Beast have appeared in television, film, and video games. Here is a table of notable uses:
| Song Title | Media | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Run to the Hills | SSX On Tour (Video Game) | 2005 |
| Run to the Hills | Grand Theft Auto IV (Video Game) | 2008 |
| Run to the Hills | Rock Band (Video Game) | 2007 |
| The Number of the Beast | Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Video Game) | 2007 |
| The Number of the Beast | South Park S21 E6 “Sons a Witches” | 2017 |
| The Number of the Beast | Sherlock S4 E3 “The Final Problem” | 2017 |
| The Number of the Beast | Birthmarked (Film) | 2018 |
| The Number of the Beast | Hysteria! S1 E1 “Hysteria” | 2024 |
| Hallowed Be Thy Name (Live) | Rock Band (Video Game) | 2009 |
Critical Reviews and Retrospectives
From its release, The Number of the Beast has received critical acclaim. AllMusic called it “among the top five most essential heavy metal albums ever recorded.” Sputnikmusic described it as “a classic in metal.” BBC Music praised its complex arrangements, and Guitar World ranked it number one in “The 25 greatest rock guitar albums of 1982.” The album regularly appears in “greatest albums” lists, both in metal and across all genres.
Below is a table of notable reviews, scores, and quotes:
| Publication | Score | Notable Quote | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| AllMusic | 5/5 | “Among the top five most essential heavy metal albums ever recorded.” | AllMusic |
| Sputnikmusic | 5/5 | “A classic in metal.” | Sputnikmusic |
| BBC Music | N/A | “Complex arrangements and a new sense of drama.” | BBC Music |
| Guitar World | N/A | “The 25 greatest rock guitar albums of 1982: #1” | Guitar World |
| Rolling Stone | N/A | “4th in 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time” | Rolling Stone |
After The Number of the Beast
Following the success of The Number of the Beast, Iron Maiden’s career soared. Clive Burr departed and was replaced by Nicko McBrain, who remains a member to this day. The band continued to innovate, releasing Somewhere in Time (1986) and Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988), both produced by Martin Birch. Bruce Dickinson’s presence helped the band achieve worldwide fame, selling out stadiums and headlining festivals.
In the years since, Iron Maiden have released seventeen studio albums and sold over 130 million records. As of April 2025, the band is still active, with a new tour, “Run For Your Lives,” set to begin in May 2025. Nicko McBrain retired from touring in December 2024, replaced on stage by Simon Dawson, but remains a member. The band is planning a documentary for their 50th anniversary, with appearances by musicians like Lars Ulrich and Gene Simmons.
Remasters and Reissues
There is no specific data available for remasters and reissues in the current sources. If more information becomes available, this section will be updated.
Conclusion
The Number of the Beast remains a landmark in heavy metal and British music. Its songs are as powerful today as they were in 1982. The album’s blend of storytelling, musicianship, and raw energy has influenced countless bands and still draws new fans. With Iron Maiden continuing to tour and record, their legacy is secure for decades to come. As they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2025, the band’s future looks as bright as ever.
Further Reading
- Paul Di’Anno – a life in music (Riffology blog article)
- The Making of Somewhere in Time by Iron Maiden (Riffology blog article)
- Seventh Son of a Seventh Son: Iron Maiden’s Conceptual Triumph (Riffology blog article)
- Official Iron Maiden website
- Wikipedia page for The Number of the Beast
- EMI Records official website
Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on The Number of the Beast by Iron Maiden. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!
