The Definitive Iron Maiden Fan's Guide to London

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Ancient Mariner
I've discussed these topics in various threads over the past year, so I thought it was time to create a thread entirely dedicated to the subject!

Cart and Horses
Address:
1 Maryland Point, London E15 1PF, UK
Description: Iron Maiden was formed in summer 1975 with Steve Harris, Ron 'Rebel' Mathews, Terry Rance, Dave Sullivan, and Paul Mario Day. They started with covers before debuting their own songs like "Strange World" and "Innocent Exile" at the Cart. After Day's departure, Dennis Willcock joined, bringing a new theatrical flair and pyrotechnics to their shows. The band’s performances drew large crowds, but trouble at a May 1977 gig led to their temporary ban from the venue. They returned for a final show in April 1978 with a revised lineup, marking the end of their early association with the pub. In 2024, the Cart and Horses hosted a series of emotionally charged performances by Steve Harris' band, British Lion, underscoring the venue’s deep connection to Iron Maiden’s origins. These shows highlighted the Cart and Horses' enduring significance in rock history and its special role in Iron Maiden’s legacy. British Lion performed at the Cart and Horses on January 3, January 4, and January 24th, with an additional show on May 20. Each performance celebrated the band's ties to this legendary venue, drawing fans and former members alike to relive a crucial chapter in rock history. Many former members have played the venue, including Dennis Stratton, Paul Di'Anno, Bob Sawyer, Terry Rance, Tony Moore and Terry Rance.

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Steve Harris' Early Home
Address:
40 Steele Road, Leytonstone, London E11 3JA, UK
Description: This is where Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s founder and bassist, lived when he first started playing the bass guitar. The modest home in Leytonstone marks the humble beginnings of what would become one of the world's greatest heavy metal bands.

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The Scarf
Address:
Unknown, somewhere around Mile End Underground Station.
Description: This humble rehearsal space, located just behind Mile End Underground Station in East London, played a pivotal role in Iron Maiden's early history. Between 1976 and 1978, many of the songs that would appear on their first two albums were written and honed here. It was in this gritty studio that Steve Harris and the band auditioned new members, including Tony Moore, who joined in the summer of 1977 after responding to an ad in Melody Maker. At the time, Iron Maiden was experimenting with a lineup inspired by the 70s band Lone Star, which featured dual lead guitars and a keyboard/synth player.

Moore recalls arriving in London from Bristol and experiencing a rehearsal studio for the first time. The band rehearsed in the evenings, as everyone had day jobs, with Harris’s company van proving invaluable for transporting gear. Although Moore's time with Maiden was brief—culminating in a single gig at the Bridge House in East London—those sessions were formative. Ultimately, the twin-guitar approach that Harris envisioned won out, shaping the iconic Maiden sound that would go on to influence heavy metal for decades.

The Widsor Castle Pub, Kensington
Address:
114 Campden Hill Road, Kensington, London W8 7AR, UK
Description: The Windsor Castle Pub is notable for hosting Iron Maiden's first gig outside of East London on July 8th, 1976. This performance helped them expand their fan base beyond their local area.

The Crown, Hornchurch
Address:
The Crown, 360 Hornchurch Rd, Hornchurch RM12 4TW
Description: A pub where Dave Edwards and Dennis Stratton frequently perform, entertaining crowds with classics like 'All Along the Watchtower' and 'Phantom of the Opera.'

The Brixton Academy
Address:
211 Stockwell Rd, Brixton, London SW9 9SL, UK
Description: Brixton Academy is a landmark venue in Iron Maiden's history, hosting the band multiple times across different eras and tours. Notably, Blaze Bayley performed with Iron Maiden at Brixton Academy during two key shows: the first on November 10, 1995, as part of The X Factour, and the second on May 16, 1998, during the Virtual XI World Tour. These performances were pivotal in Bayley's tenure, marking a distinct chapter in the band's evolution. In March 2002, Iron Maiden returned to Brixton Academy for three consecutive nights, showcasing tracks from their recent comeback album. These shows were especially significant, as the band performed two special benefit concerts for their former drummer Clive Burr, who was battling multiple sclerosis. The band also announced the release of a special edition of "Run to the Hills," with all proceeds from the single and the benefit shows going to the Clive Burr Multiple Sclerosis Trust Fund. These emotional performances highlighted Iron Maiden's enduring connection to their roots and their commitment to supporting one of their own. The following quote is from the official biography: "The first show in Britain by the new Harris/Murray/McBrain/ Gers/Bayley line-up took place in the packed surroundings of London's Brixton Academy in November 1995. Described by Steve now as "hand on heart one of the best shows this band has ever done"
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Roffey House, Isle of Dogs - 16 Roffey St
Address:
16 Roffey Street, Isle of Dogs, London E14 3NH, UK
Description: This was Bruce Dickinson’s home in the late 1970s and the location where the music video for "2 Minutes to Midnight" was filmed. Although the house has since been demolished, the area remains a key site for Iron Maiden fans.
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Walthamstow Assembly Hall, Walthamstow
Address:
Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17 4JF, UK
Description: The Walthamstow Assembly Hall is where Iron Maiden played their last-ever gig with Terry Rance and Dave Sullivan on November 18th, 1976. This venue marks a pivotal moment in the band’s early history.

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London
Address:
Shepherd's Bush Green, London W12 8TT, UK
Description: The Shepherd's Bush Empire, a historic music venue in London, hosted Iron Maiden on January 6 and 7, 2001, as part of their Brave New World tour. These performances were significant for the band, featuring a setlist filled with both classic hits and newer material from their then-recent album Brave New World. Highlights included the live premiere of "Out of the Silent Planet" (played without its intro) and the rarely played "The Fallen Angel".

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Hammersmith Odeon, London
Address:
45 Queen Caroline St, Hammersmith, London W6 9QH, UK
Description: The Hammersmith Odeon (now known as the Eventim Apollo) is a historic music venue where Iron Maiden recorded parts of their live albums "Beast Over Hammersmith" and "Live After Death." The venue is revered for its connection to these iconic performances.

Endymion Road - Finsbury Park / Hornsey Gate Bus Stop
Address:
Endymion Rd, London N4 1EE, UK
Description: This unassuming bus stop served as inspiration for the background of Iron Maiden's debut album cover. The area around Finsbury Park holds a special place in the band's visual history.
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Heston Road, Hounslow
Address:
Heston Rd, Hounslow, London TW5 0QX, UK
Description: Located in the Hounslow area, this is where Janick Gers wrote the songs "Bring Your Daughter... to the Slaughter" and "Tattooed Millionaire." Janick’s home served as a creative hub during the early '90s.

Killers album cover, houses behind Eddie
Address:
27 Etchingham Court, London N3 2EA and 386 High St N, London E12 6PH
Description: This North London apartment block was the inspiration for the background of Iron Maiden’s "Killers" album cover. Artist Derek Riggs lived here and used the building’s run-down atmosphere as a visual reference, even suffering from pesticide poisoning while trying to rid the place of cockroaches! The details on the other side of Eddie is from a different part of London, namley the Ruskin arms, located at 386 High St.
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The Underworld, London
Address:
174 Camden High St, Camden Town, London NW1 0NE, UK
Description: The Underworld is a famed Camden music venue where several Maiden-related solo gigs have taken place. Notably, Steve Harris appeared on stage with Blaze Bayley’s project on December 22nd, 2000, continuing his support for former band members.

The Music Machine (KOKO)
Address:
1A Camden High Street, London NW1 7JE, UK
Description: Opened in 1900 as the Camden Theatre, this venue became "The Music Machine" in the late 1970s, playing a significant role in London’s punk and new wave scenes. Iron Maiden performed here in 1980, a show Bruce Dickinson later referenced in a 2005 speech, recalling how Maiden "blew" Samson off the stage. The venue was relaunched as KOKO in 2004 and remains a prominent live music venue.

Bruce Dickinson, Music Machine comments 00:00 - 02:15:

O'Dowds Pub, Plumstead
Address:
67 Plumstead High Street, London SE18 1SB, UK
Description: O'Dowds is where Thunderstick played his last show with Iron Maiden in late November 1977. The pub has a unique place in Maiden lore, as Steve Harris reportedly took over vocal duties for a few shows after Dennis Willcock left the band.
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Canterbury Arms (Now known as the International House)
Address:
3 Canterbury CresLondon SW9 7QH,
Description: This pub was the site of the after-party following Iron Maiden's show at Brixton Academy on November 10, 1995. Sadly, the Canterbury Arms closed down in 2015, though its exterior remains much as it was. On August 29, 2015, the pub hosted its final event, marking the end of an era for one of Brixton's last true community pubs. The Victorian establishment, known for its beautiful, original wood-paneled interior, was demolished shortly after, making way for new developments. The irony of a trendy sports bar with a supposed 'community' ethos replacing a genuine community hub was not lost on Brixton residents.
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Doogie White's home in the 90's
Address:
74 Park Rd London W4
Description: Doogie White, a relatively unknown singer from Scotland, was one of the few who made it through to audition for Iron Maiden in late 1993. After sending a demo tape to the band, he was surprised one evening when Iron Maiden’s production manager, Dicky Bell, arrived at his doorstep on Park Road in Chiswick, London with a cassette of 22 songs and informed him that he would be auditioning for the band that Monday. White, despite being nervous and not entirely familiar with Maiden's material, impressed the band during two audition sessions at Steve Harris’ Barnyard Studios. His powerful tenor voice, reminiscent of Bruce Dickinson’s, allowed him to hit the high notes on classics like "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "The Trooper." Although he was a strong contender, White ultimately learned from Janick Gers that Blaze Bayley had been chosen for the role. Steve Harris later confirmed this in a call, thanking White for his efforts.

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St Nicks All Saints Church, Poplar
Address:
3 Dee Street, Aberfeldy Village, London E14 0PT, UK
Description: St. Nicks All Saints Church holds a special place in rock history as the venue for Iron Maiden's first-ever gig in 1976. This small but significant venue marked the beginning of the band’s journey to heavy metal fame. The space, arranged by Steve with assistance from Dave Lights, was known for its distinctive and somewhat eerie ambiance. Dave Sullivan described St. Nicks as "a surreal place for a rehearsal space, with large paintings, including one of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings at the back. Strange things were constantly happening." Terry Rance recalls an unsettling incident: "One evening, Jeff Daniels, who would become our first roadie, came out of the bathroom and saw a woman standing on the far side of the loft. She didn’t seem to notice him and was staring intently toward the bathrooms. As he moved toward the stairs, she vanished through the bathroom door. We asked the nuns about her. We gave a description, but no one knew who she could be. Only we and the nuns had access to the place." On May 1, 1976, Terry, Dave, Ron, Paul and Steve performed an outdoor concert for about twenty friends and family members, right outside St. Nicks. The set featured original songs such as "Iron Maiden," "Transylvania," "Purgatory," "Wrathchild," and "Strange World," along with covers of two Thin Lizzy tracks and some material by Wishbone Ash. The sunny event took place on the lawn with the audience scattered towards the sidewalks, creating a memorable start to the band's legendary career.

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Site of Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus
Address:
23 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D
Description: On September 25, 1995, the iconic British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, accompanied by their famous mascot Eddie, were featured at Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus in London. This walk-through exhibition, which ran from August 1989 to September 2001, celebrated the evolution of rock and pop music through lifelike wax figures of major artists. Situated on the top four floors of the newly renovated London Pavilion at Piccadilly Circus, the Rock Circus offered an immersive experience with a rich blend of videos, music, narration, and audio-animatronic figures. While it predominantly showcased British artists, it also included a diverse array of American stars, capturing the essence of rock and pop from the 1950s to the present day.
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Iron Maiden performs as The Nodding Donkeys in 1992 and The Angel and the Gamblers in 1998
Address:
Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 8TD
Description: If you are up for a Iron Maiden day trip to Norwich, then go to The Cherry Tree in Norwich. Upon arrival, you'll be stepping into a piece of rock history. The Cherry Tree Pub may look like a typical English pub from the outside, but its past as The Oval Rock House is anything but ordinary. Throughout the 1990s, Iron Maiden, one of the most iconic bands in heavy metal history, surprised and delighted fans with a series of intimate and electrifying warm-up shows at The Oval Rock House in Norwich, England. These performances have since become the stuff of legend, showcasing the band's commitment to their craft and their desire to connect with fans on a personal level. In 1992, Iron Maiden took to the stage of The Oval Rock House under the playful pseudonym "The Nodding Donkeys." This surprise appearance was a testament to the venue's reputation as a hub for genuine rock enthusiasts and highlighted Iron Maiden's affinity for smaller, more personal concert settings. The Oval, run by their roadies Chris Hiles and Chris Lang, provided the perfect backdrop for the band to experiment with their setlist and deliver a raw, unfiltered performance. Fans who attended witnessed Iron Maiden's powerhouse energy and musicianship in a setting far more intimate than the massive arenas they typically filled. Iron Maiden returned to The Oval Rock House in 1998 for another secret show, this time adopting the alias "The Angel and the Gamblers." This performance became the longest concert in the band's history. Over the course of nearly three hours, Iron Maiden delivered an epic setlist comprising 26 songs, spanning their extensive catalog. The atmosphere was electric, with the close quarters of The Oval amplifying the band's dynamic stage presence and the crowd's enthusiastic response. This marathon performance showcased the band's stamina and dedication and reinforced their deep connection to their fanbase and roots in the live music scene.
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Nice work!

I must admit that I have only been to 4 of those places (Brixton Academy, Hammersmith Odeon, KOKO and Madame Tussaud’s Rock Circus) and not for Maiden-related reasons.
 
Iron Maiden and the six performances at Wembley Arena
Address:
Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0AA,
Description: Iron Maiden's performances at Wembley Arena have been pivotal moments in their career, each show coinciding with the release of a significant album. The shows on December 10 and 11, 1988, were part of the Seventh Tour of a Seventh Tour, promoting the critically acclaimed Seventh Son of a Seventh Son album. Later, on December 17 and 18, 1990, they returned to Wembley as part of the No Prayer on the Road tour, supporting No Prayer for the Dying. Their May 17, 1993, performance was during the A Real Live Tour, following the release of the live albums A Real Live One and A Real Dead One, capturing the energy and intensity of their live shows during that era.
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Nice thread! I’ll keep it in mind next time in London. Last time I wanted to go to Cart & Horses but it’s ridiculously far from Chelsea where I usually stay.
 
Couple of tube rides, a bit of walking! I walked all over the place in London last year and at least the place is mostly flat
 
Iron Maiden and the six performances at Wembley Arena
Address:
Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0AA,
Description: Iron Maiden's performances at Wembley Arena have been closely tied to key moments in their career, with each show supporting a significant album release. On September 9, 1980, they performed during the Iron Maiden Tour 1980, supporting their debut self-titled album, which marked the beginning of their rise to fame. The shows on December 10 and 11, 1988, were part of the Seventh Tour of a Seventh Tour, promoting the critically acclaimed Seventh Son of a Seventh Son album. Later, on December 17 and 18, 1990, they returned to Wembley as part of the No Prayer on the Road tour, supporting No Prayer for the Dying. Their May 17, 1993 show was during the A Real Live Tour, following the release of the live albums A Real Live One and A Real Dead One, capturing the energy and intensity of their live performances during that era.
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Did Iron Maiden really play at Wembley Arena in 1980???? I thought their first gig there was in 1988.
 
Did Iron Maiden really play at Wembley Arena in 1980???? I thought their first gig there was in 1988.
Wikipedia of that tour shows Maiden scheduled to support Kiss at Wembley Arena on the 8th and 9th of September 1980. The dates have a line through them but are not listed in the 'Cancellations' section.

The Wembley dates are not listed on the Web archive version of Maidens tour list on the official website.

My copy of Best of the Beast with all the dates in it is not currently in my possession so can't check that.

For what it's worth, I cross referenced some of the seemingly cancelled dates on Wikipedia against the official list on web archives. Some are on the official list and some are not. So no help there.

A quick search appears to show that Kiss almost definitely played the gigs. Bootlegs are available on Discogs and pics are easy found. The Wiki for their Unmasked tour lists Girl as support for the UK gigs, Maiden for the rest.

Strangely, Maiden supported Kiss on the 2nd in Italy, played the Marquee in London on the 6th & 7th, missed Wembley on the 8th & 9th (possibly) and then were back supporting Kiss in Germany on the 11th.

Speculation time! Kiss didn't want Maiden supporting them in the UK for fear that Maidens rabid local fans would contribute to Maiden blowing Kiss completely off stage.

Or Maiden didn't want to saturate the market. They toured extensively round the UK in May-July of 1980 and back again in November/December.

Colour me intrigued. Where's @Luisma
 
A note on Maidens accuracy; according to Kiss Wiki they played Wales on the 6th, not Stafford. Maidens official list also omits the Belfast gig in 1996. It happened, I was there.

So while Maiden aren't 100% accurate, all fingers point to Maiden not playing Wembley in 1980. But why, that's the question.

EDIT
The 96 Belfast gig is listed in the Best of the Beast vinyl book but has always been absent from the online list.
 
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Endymion Road - Finsbury Park / Hornsey Gate Bus Stop
Address:
Endymion Rd, London N4 1EE, UK
Description: This unassuming bus stop served as inspiration for the background of Iron Maiden's debut album cover. The area around Finsbury Park holds a special place in the band's visual history.
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How you know this is the spot without further clues? There must be dozens of similar spots in London.
 
How you know this is the spot without further clues? There must be dozens of similar spots in London.
I've no links or concrete memory but this location has been mentioned before. By Riggs, maybe.
Riggs quote: "Earlier I was talking to a friend about when I used to live in Finsbury Park in London in the mid 1970’s, and how run down it was back then. Well I went to look on Google Earth to see if it was still there and how much it had changed and then I realized that I could get a street view. So this is a picture of the railway bridge and the wall and the houses in the background that inspired the background of the first Iron Maiden album cover." https://maidenrevelations.com/2013/05/10/where-iron-maiden-mascot-eddie-lived-in-the-70s/
 
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