Did Bruce take inspiration for the Powerslave melody from Ritchie Blackmore?

Operations666

Operations666

Educated Fool
When it comes to rock music, Maiden is #1. However I also love other artists, including Ritchie Blackmore, especially his Dio-era Rainbow work. I honestly never paid much attention to post-Dio Rainbow, as I considered it too poppy and commercial. I'm familiar with the big radio hits, but I never listened to the albums.

I was reading some commentary on Rainbow songs in another forum, and someone claimed that Bruce Dickinson ripped off the melody for Powerslave from the Joe Lynn Turner-era Rainbow song "Eyes of Fire", which I had never heard. I listened to it, and, ummm, yeah... maybe it's true... Take a listen:


What do you think?

P.S. I know I said I wouldn't post here again, but it's proving impossible. I love Maiden too much not to discuss them with fellow fans..
 
it's probably based around the same eastern scale alright, not sure that counts as a rip off anymore than other melodies that are based on similar scales. It probably stands out a bit more because such eastern scales are rare enough in rock music.
 
If Bruce was inspired by a Rainbow song it would be Gates of Babylon and not this.
 
srfc said:
it's probably based around the same eastern scale alright, not sure that counts as a rip off anymore than other melodies that are based on similar scales. It probably stands out a bit more because such eastern scales are rare enough in rock music.
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This. Here's a video that gives you a little bit of an impression of what's happening:
 
Edington said:
I wouldn't say it's a rip-off, just kinda similar. Never heard that song before now though, I dig it. :yes:
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Ritchie Blackmore kicks so much ass. Yes, he's a very weird guy. But in my opinion he's the greatest rock guitarist ever. He has incredible feel, mixing blues and classical styles. His solos always sound so.. seductive.
 
I didn't really hear anything in that song that resembled anything from Powerslave. You could argue maybe just a bit of inspiration, but there's no way it was ripped off.
 
Demigod_Tyek said:
I didn't really hear anything in that song that resembled anything from Powerslave. You could argue maybe just a bit of inspiration, but there's no way it was ripped off.
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Ripped off is probably too strong. But the close similarities are definitively there. Surprised that you don’t hear it. Listen to the opening riff. It’s very close to Powerslave.
 
I guess we are talking about the pre-chorus in Powerslave. Dave's part. It goes a little different. Different order.
 
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Operations666 said:
P.S. I know I said I wouldn't post here again, but it's proving impossible. I love Maiden too much not to discuss them with fellow fans..
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Baphomet Eddie says, "Welcome back! It's nice and warm next to the fire!"

:innocent:
 
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