The first time I heard Maiden, and knew it was them (unlike the Lucozade ad a few years earlier!
), was hearing "Can I Play With Madness" (in 1988, the time of the single's release) on the Radio 1 UK Top 40 that was on every Sunday. To my very young ears, it was a revelation, as up until that moment, I'd really only liked mainstream chart music, mainly pop. lol That, and then hearing "The Evil That Men Do" later in the year on the same chart show, was what started the process that weaned me off pop music, and forging a love for Maiden, and later, metal music in general.
Okay then, more Maiden firsts!
First album heard in full - Live After Death (1989)
First studio album heard in full - 7th Son Of A 7th Son (1989)
First album bought - No Prayer For The Dying (1990)
First album bought on release day - Fear Of The Dark
First time seeing Maiden live - 21st May 1993 Glasgow SECC (A Real Live Tour)
Shirt - Fear Of The Dark cover and Bass Playing Eddie (both bought at the above show)
First Maiden Song learned on guitar - I'm not 100% sure, but I think it was very likely Aces High.