Iron Maiden/Extra Rare Tracks 1978-1981 Paul Di’Anno Years

The 3CD set represents the ultimate collection of rare tracks from the Paul Di’Anno era. Its final form was born after thorough examination of even the background music from the documentary footage. The accompanying CD has also undergone a similar evolution. This album contains a total of 14 official tracks, completely unique from the 3CDs. While each track was not permanently preserved for various reasons, they are treasures that have adorned the official releases. Let’s take a closer look at each track. Ruskin Arms Performance (9 Tracks): The first half of this album features the “April 14, 1980 Ruskin Arms Performance,” the longest official live performance from the Di’Anno era. This live recording was officially released on the DVD “THE EARLY DAYS.” However, since the source was recorded on a home video using microphones, it is essentially an audience recording, and there are some skips in “Wrathchild.” The quality is significantly different from other official tracks produced from soundboard recordings, so it was included on this album. However, as an official band recording, this is an exceptionally high-quality microphone recording. At approximately 46 minutes long, it surpasses other official soundboards, and you can also enjoy the rare “Charlotte the Harlot.” Other tracks include “Drifter (Edit Version)” from the April 3, 1980 Marquee performance. The second half of this release features five individual tracks. First up is “Drifter (Edit Version).” As mentioned in the CD commentary, there were two versions of the 1980 Marquee concert: “April 3” and “July 4.” The “April 3” take was shortened and recorded for different countries. This take is the edited version. While the full version on CD 3 was 6:02, this version is 3:38. It fades out during the “Yo, yo, yo, yo” exchange and ends. Of course, this wasn’t cut arbitrarily; it was digitized from the official analog EP. “Prowler” from the July 4th, 1980 Marquee performance ★New★ The following track, “Prowler (“12 Wasted Years” Version),” is the highlight of this album. This is also a Marquee live performance, but it’s an official “July 4th” live performance on a different day. The soundboard from this day was also used for “LIVE!!+ ONE,” the TV program “20th Century Box,” and the documentary video “12 Wasted Years.” However, it’s only about 30 seconds long. Because it’s a fragmented recording far from a full song, it was included in this album. The research for this final version was thorough enough to ensure even these fragmented tracks weren’t overlooked. Of course, even though it’s a fragment, it’s an official soundboard. The quality is superb, and the performance is extremely valuable. Above all, it’s a song that can’t be heard on the main 3-CD press. Even though it’s only about 30 seconds long, it’s an unavoidable treasure. Next up is “Running Free,” which aired on the West German renowned program “Rockpop.” Like “Top of the Pops” on the 3-CD main pressing, this is the take officially released on “THE EARLY DAYS,” but this one is merely a mime of the studio version with cheers added (incidentally, this was Adrian’s first time doing the choreography). While this could be considered a different mix, it’s actually mono and the sound quality is degraded. It would be rude to permanently preserve a take that’s simply a bit crappy, so it’s included here. An often-overlooked edit of “Phantom of the Opera” Finally, there’s a different version of the studio version of “Phantom of the Opera.” This song is a masterpiece and a highlight of “The Steel Maiden,” but there are actually two different edits. The original version is 7:21, but depending on the country and reissue, the shorter version, 7:09 (sometimes 7:02 depending on the disc’s track allocation), may be included. The difference lies at the very end. The short version ends with Di’Anno shouting “You torture me back at your lair!” along with the band, while the full version repeats “Torture me back at your lair!” a cappella once again. This album includes both the original and the short version so that you can use whichever version you have. While it may seem like an unnecessary addition to an ultimate compilation that emphasizes “listening enjoyment,” this is an official take that certainly existed. This is a deep compilation of it. (67:36) LIVE AT THE RUSKIN ARMS Live at the Ruskin Arms, London, UK 14th April 1980 1. Sanctuary 2. Wrathchild 3. Prowler 4. Remember Tomorrow 5. Running Free 6. Transylvania 7. Another Life 8. Phantom Of The Opera 9. Charlotte The Harlot OTHER TRACKS 10. Drifter (Edit Version) Live at the Marquee Club, London, UK 3rd April 1980 11. Prowler (“12 Wasted Years” Version) ★New★ Live at the Marquee Club, London, UK 4th July 1980 12. Running Free (“Rockpop” Mix) 13. Phantom Of The Opera (Short Version) 14. Phantom Of The Opera (Full Version) Paul Di’Anno Vocals Steve Harris Bass Dave Murray Guitar Dennis Stratton – Guitar Clive Burr Drums