IRON MAIDEN were bestowed a gold disc last Friday evening at London’s O2 Arena by Tony Harlow, the head of Warner Music U.K.
This accolade was a testament to the incredible success of their widely acclaimed studio album, “Senjutsu,” which surpassed the remarkable milestone of 100,000 physical copies sold in the U.K.
Filled with excitement, IRON MAIDEN‘s lead singer, Bruce Dickinson, expressed his elation, exclaiming, “Gold? That’s absolutely fantastic!”
“From the launch of the first ‘Senjutsu’ track, ‘The Writing On The Wall’, we knew that this album would work really well live and we’re delighted that fans totally bought into an album with four songs over eight minutes long and another that is almost 13!
“This U.K. tour has been incredible and it reminds us how much our music — both new and historical — means to fans both in the UK and all round the world.”
IRON MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood says: “It’s terrific to continue to be awarded gold discs whilst touring through the great cities of Europe with a set containing five songs and around 50 minutes from this latest album, and the fans are loving it! It’s a vindication of the band’s intent to perform new music and the relationship we have with our fans that we continue to sell past landmarks like this in our home country and globally.
“We’ve always been proud to fly the flag for Britain and to be acknowledged with yet another gold album here is very satisfying. I think this makes it about our 20 somethingth(!) U.K. gold album going back over 40 years! Some record in more ways than one!”
Harlow says: “At Parlophone/Warner we’ve been lucky enough to represent IRON MAIDEN for a good number of years now and my personal involvement professionally with them goes back much further. I remember manager Rod Smallwood telling me way back then that, ‘MAIDEN and metal will always be there, strongly bubbling under the media fads of the day. Metal fans rely on quality and integrity, and we will always deliver on that.’ Watching the band at the O2 last Friday, some 30 years later, is proof that he had that completely right and the result is yet another gold album. MAIDEN don’t compromise, don’t sell out, and never disappoint. That’s why so many people wear their colors.
“It’s an honor and a privilege for us to work with them and we are super proud to give them this latest award. Even if it’s a drop in the ocean of over 5 million albums sold in the U.K. alone”.
Even in an age dominated by streaming, where physical album sales have taken a backseat, IRON MAIDEN defies the odds and thrives as one of the most triumphant rock bands worldwide. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and craftsmanship resonates deeply with fans around the globe, including the U.K., who continue to embrace the tangible experience of purchasing vinyl albums and CDs in quantities that surpass the imaginations of many contemporary artists.
In addition to their impressive record sales, IRON MAIDEN holds a prestigious position as one of the highest-grossing live acts on the planet. Their previous tour, “Legacy Of The Beast,” captivated and enthralled over three million people worldwide. Now, during their ongoing “The Future Past Tour,” which encompasses over 30 sold-out dates, IRON MAIDEN is set to entertain and connect with an audience exceeding 750,000 dedicated fans. Months in advance, their seven colossal arena shows across the U.K. sold out, illustrating their unwavering popularity.
Continuing their journey, “The Future Past Tour” ventures across Europe this summer, followed by three arena shows in western Canada in late September and early October, leading up to a performance at the Power Trip festival in Indio, California on October 6, where they will share the stage with the likes of GUNS N’ ROSES, AC/DC, and METALLICA.
Released in September 2021 under the BMG label, “Senjutsu” stands as IRON MAIDEN‘s first album in six years. Recorded in 2019 in Paris under the guidance of longstanding producer Kevin Shirley and co-produced by bassist Steve Harris, the album showcases three tracks exceeding a remarkable 10-minute duration each.
