Taker
Cannon Fodder
I find it quite remarkable how this band appeals to such a wide variety of ages. Last night I spent a large part of the evening in deep discussion with my employer's son, who is 14. I'm 46. The subject: Iron Maiden in general and The Final Frontier in particular. The lad and I had absolutely nothing in common outside of Iron Maiden, but it was amazing how the conversation never lacked for subject matter. As an older fan, it's reinforcing to see that a band that I've followed for almost thirty years is still having the same effect on the youth of today as they did on me in the early 80's.
For me as a long time fan, Maiden's musical integrity has been a primary factor in my listening loyalty. There have been dips in the road over the years, but even with material I'm not overly fond of, the musical excellence displayed by the artists was never called into question. All of the material they have released is almost instantly recognizable as Maiden. That's comforting, somehow. I'm guessing the musical integrity is less of a factor with the newer fans, and when I asked the boss's son what appealed him the most, he told me it was the energy of the music. So now I'm asking the more recent fans of Iron Maiden the same question: What is it about this band of guys in their 50's do you find so appealing?
For me as a long time fan, Maiden's musical integrity has been a primary factor in my listening loyalty. There have been dips in the road over the years, but even with material I'm not overly fond of, the musical excellence displayed by the artists was never called into question. All of the material they have released is almost instantly recognizable as Maiden. That's comforting, somehow. I'm guessing the musical integrity is less of a factor with the newer fans, and when I asked the boss's son what appealed him the most, he told me it was the energy of the music. So now I'm asking the more recent fans of Iron Maiden the same question: What is it about this band of guys in their 50's do you find so appealing?
are the "real metal bands" whereas others like typical mainstream pop and hip-hop, lots of them also like an electro-rock band called Pendulum who I simply cannot stand. The irritating thing is that people of my age group seem to dismiss Maiden as soon as they hear that they are a band from the 80's without even listening to any of their songs and even caliming tha thtye are just "noise" or "screaming" which provokes incandescent rage within me. Nothing however can shake my massive support of Maiden, the sheer emotion and passion that runs through practically every one of their songs and their lyrical brilliance which no other band can hold a candle to (In my opinion that is 
) means that I do, and probably always will, consider them to be the greatest musicians of all time. It is a pity that few people are able to realise that they are a band that demands understanding and thoughtful listening rather than producing run-of-the-mill 3 minute pop songs made for the radio and therefore refuse to even attempt to enjoy their phenomenal music.
like self v self with in flames (thats awesome) but i digress... in the first term of college ive been on missionary mode trying to get people into maiden, its working with some while others, in particular a girl in my group wenever we talk logically about music resorts to "well you like shitty iron maiden so you cant talk" wearing her bullet for my valentine tshirt.. 
safe to say shes not coming back 
oh no, ive become like one of those pushy religious people 
i need some new friends, or a stress ball at times
I think there's also quite a sense of playfulness in their music. Listening to Maiden it's almost like playing a videogame for me, but with a lot of intelligence and emotion added (which doesn't mean that videogames aren't intelligent or emotionally complex per sè, but this is about Maiden, after all 
)