Iron Maiden stamps: Royal Mail immortalises ‘bona fide rock legends’ in post – along with mascot Eddie

They’re one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, with more than 100 million albums sold and 2,500 live shows across 64 countries under their belts.

And now Iron Maiden have their own set of stamps, too.

Joining the likes of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John and Paul McCartney, the “bona fide rock legends” have been immortalised in post by the Royal Mail.

Twelve Iron Maiden stamps have been created, with eight featuring all current members of the band.

Guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Janick Gers and lead singer Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain and bassist Steve Harris all appear in the commemorative project.

Four stamps also pay homage to the band’s mascot Eddie, including him as a samurai warrior from their 17th album, Senjutsu, which charted at number two in the UK in 2021.

Harris said he and his bandmates are “very proud” to be honoured by the Royal Mail.

“We were all absolutely astounded – in a good way – when we heard first about the commemorative project, and equally pretty much speechless when we saw the stamps for the very first time,” he said.

“They look superb and I think they really capture the essence and energy of Maiden.”

‘A band who have never played by anyone else’s rules’

Formed by Harris in London in 1975, Iron Maiden have had 35 songs in the top 40, according to Official Charts Company – including one number one, the 1988 single Bring Your Daughter… To The Slaughter.

They have also had five number-one albums including Fear Of The Dark, The Book Of Souls, The Final Frontier, Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son and The Number Of The Beast.

Rod Smallwood, the band’s manager, said: “As a band who have never played by anyone else’s rules for over 40 years, it’s very gratifying to see them honoured in their home country in this way.

“We’re proud to show how these six band members are still appealing to more and more fans every year with their music and their legendary shows – which I think these stamps really capture well.”

The stamps also feature the Queen’s silhouette, having been created before the move to feature the King.

“It’s also fantastic that Eddie has been honoured too – it’s incredible to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw these and lent her iconic silhouette to them too,” Smallwood added.

David Gold, director of external public affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: “Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends – but Iron Maiden are just that – and more.”

The Royal Mail stamps are available to order from Thursday 5 January and are on sale from 12 January.

Iron Maiden will embark on The Future Past tour in May 2023, with shows in the UK and Ireland in June and July.

As well as music acts, commemorative stamps have previously been released to celebrate everything and everyone from COVID pandemic heroes and Pride, to Transformers and the FA Cup.