Tournament of Maiden Solos: the Top 10 video!

Which guitar solo is your favourite?


  • Total voters
    32
  • Poll closed .

Forostar

Ancient Mariner
Welcome to the Tournament of Maiden Solos (full name: Tournament of Iron Maiden Guitar Solos), the battle to determine the most popular guitar solos of our beloved band.

This all started with me asking a couple of years ago: what are your favourite guitar solos by every guitarist. Later someone suggested to do a game. It took ages, but after long breaks and preparations it's going to start.

Of course, the idea is to see which solo will become the number one but I also hope that this will be a nice way to put these solos in a different perspective. Exposure, different from the usual way in a song. Now versus (an) opponent(s).

I hope you'll play every solo, even if you know them very well. Let's try to remove as much "song or guitarist bias" as possible and let the solos do the talking. What I would find the most ideal situation is that when these solos come on the battleground, they begin a completely new life, stripped from name, fame and what else. What's remains is just these guitar solos and you, the listener.

Of course it is impossible to do that for 100%. There's always some bias, some preference (or dislike) towards a certain song or guitar player. But who knows, you can be surprised when a solo it cut from its usual context.

We have 128 guitar solos. In round 1A, I'll present 32 groups of 4 solos. Everyone gets (a maximum of) 2 votes. Every winner of a group will survive round 1A and will go to round 2. The 2nd and 3rd best solos per group will still have a chance to proceed. Perhaps even 4th best, depending on the number of votes.

When the 32 winners are separated from the total, we have 96 solos left. The 32 songs with the least votes will be eliminated immediately. That leaves 64 solos. These 64 solos will be regrouped and will battle for survival, in round 1B. The 32 solos with the most votes will survive and proceed to round 2, the other 32 will be eliminated. Perhaps some extra rounds (tiebreaks) or another rule will be needed.

So, voting for a second solo can be interesting. You don't have to but if you would like more than one solo to advance to the second round, it's possible to influence this process.

Then, we have 64 solos left. From this moment (round 2), solos will battle in duels: one vs one, as in the Tournament of Instrumentals and other games we've seen.

Night Prowler offered to make videos for every group! This is excellent work. It means that you're able to listen to the solos with a single click.

Background of the game: includes individual lists and discussion by members, and the selection of the solos.

Before we start, I want to thank all people who suggested solos. I also want to thank people (who helped me and still help me!) behind the scenes and who gave me some advices (Night Prowler, CriedWhenBrucieLeft). And of course I thank everybody in advance for playing! Here goes:


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EDIT:
Thanks guys. Night Prowler did a lot of work by making all these vids. Big cheers for that! Also to Cried who was consulted several times.
Last but not least: you, for voting and discussion. Thanks for bearing with me. More than once I was a "little" strict in trying to get everyone focused on the main idea of this game.

Stranger wins, with just a few votes difference.

Here the complete overview (I'd like to produce some more stats/trivia later on):

Below the winner and the eliminated solos (2 eliminated in the Final; 3-4 eliminated in the Semi Finals; 5-8 eliminated in the Quarter Finals; 16 eliminated in round 4; 17-32 eliminated in round 3; 33-64 eliminated in round 2; 65-96 eliminated in round 1B; 97-128 eliminated in round 1A):

rank number / solo number / solo info / solo votes in proportion to group votes / votes in group / votes in tiebreak*

001 / 043 / Stranger in a Strange Land Adrian Smith
Best Iron Maiden solo (from Iron Maiden to The Final Frontier)
Best solo of the eighties
Best Adrian Smith solo
Best Somewhere in Time solo
Best Somewhere in Time Adrian Smith solo ;-)


002 / 033 / Powerslave (1st solo) Dave Murray
Best Dave Murray solo
Best non-Somewhere in Time solo of all
Best pre-Somewhere in Time solo of all (from Iron Maiden to Powerslave)

003 / 038 / Caught Somewhere in Time Adrian Smith
Second best Somewhere in Time Adrian Smith solo

004 / 045 / Alexander the Great Dave Murray
Best post-Powerslave-Dave Murray solo (from Somewhere in Time to The Final Frontier)

005 / 039 / Wasted Years Adrian Smith
Third best Somewhere in Time Adrian Smith solo

006 / 044 / Alexander the Great Adrian Smith
Fourth best Somewhere in Time Adrian Smith solo


007 / 040 / Sea of Madness (1st solo) Adrian Smith
Fifth best Somewhere in Time Adrian Smith solo

008 / 066 / Fear of the Dark Dave Murray
Best post-Somewhere in Time-solo of all (from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son to The Final Frontier)
Best solo of the nineties

009 / 084 / Blood Brothers Janick Gers
Best Janick Gers solo
Best post-Fear of the Dark-solo of all (from The X-Factor to The Final Frontier)

010 / 093 / Rainmaker Dave Murray
Best post-Fear of the Dark-Dave Murray solo (from The X-Factor to The Final Frontier)

= = = = = = =

011 / 059 / Wasting Love Janick Gers
Best Janick Gers solo from the nineties

012 / 004 / Strange World Dennis Stratton
Best Dennis Stratton solo
Best solo of all, from first 4 albums (from Iron Maiden to Piece of Mind)

012 / 062 / Judas Be My Guide 2nd solo Dave Murray
012 / 076 / The Clansman Janick Gers

012 / 100 / Paschendale Adrian Smith
Best post-Somewhere in Time-Adrian Smith solo (from Seventh Son of a Seventh Son to The Final Frontier)

016 / 088 / The Thin Line Between Love and Hate Dave Murray 4:50 - 5:20


017-032 / Killers Dave Murray
017-032 / Prodigal Son Adrian Smith
017-032 / The Prisoner Adrian Smith
017-032 / 22 Acacia Avenue Dave Murray
017-032 / The Trooper Adrian Smith
017-032 / The Duellists Adrian Smith
017-032 / Rime of the Ancient Mariner Adrian Smith
017-032 / Rime of the Ancient Mariner Dave Murray
017-032 / Judas Be My Guide 1st solo Dave Murray
017-032 / The Wicker Man Adrian Smith
017-032 / Ghost of the Navigator Janick Gers
017-032 / Different World Adrian Smith
017-032 / These Colours Don't Run Adrian Smith
017-032 / The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg Dave Murray
017-032 / The Legacy Janick Gers
017-032 / When the Wild Wind Blows Adrian Smith
033-064 / Phantom of the Opera 1st solo Dave Murray
033-064 / Hallowed Be Thy Name Dave Murray
033-064 / Die With Your Boots On Adrian Smith
033-064 / Still Life Adrian Smith
033-064 / Aces High Adrian Smith
033-064 / 2 Minutes to Midnight Dave Murray
033-064 / 2 Minutes to Midnight Adrian Smith
033-064 / Powerslave 2nd solo Dave Murray
033-064 / Caught Somewhere in Time Dave Murray
033-064 / Heaven Can Wait Dave Murray
033-064 / The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner Adrian Smith
033-064 / The Evil That Men Do Adrian Smith
033-064 / Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Adrian Smith
033-064 / Only the Good Die Young Adrian Smith
033-064 / Public Enema Number One Dave Murray
033-064 / Weekend Warrior Dave Murray
033-064 / The Unbeliever Dave Murray
033-064 / Brave New World Janick Gers
033-064 / Brave New World Dave Murray
033-064 / The Mercenary Adrian Smith
033-064 / Out of the Silent Planet Janick Gers
033-064 / Dance of Death Adrian Smith
033-064 / Dance of Death Janick Gers
033-064 / Paschendale Dave Murray
033-064 / The Pilgrim Janick Gers
033-064 / Lord of Light Adrian Smith
033-064 / Lord of Light Dave Murray
033-064 / Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Flight 666) Adrian Smith
033-064 / The Final Frontier Dave Murray
033-064 / Coming Home Adrian Smith
033-064 / Isle of Avalon Dave Murray
033-064 / Isle of Avalon Adrian Smith
065 / 118 / The Alchemist Janick Gers 3:05 - 3:35 / 0.23404255319 / 11 / 12* / 6*
066 / 058 / Afraid to Shoot Strangers Janick Gers 4:01 - 4:18 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 12* / 4*
067 / 128 / 2 Minutes to Midnight (En Vivo) Adrian Smith 2:58 - 3:20 / 0.23913043478 / 11 / 11*
068 / 078 / Como Estais Amigos Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:38 / 0.25 / 8 / 9*
069 / 089 / The Thin Line Between Love and Hate Dave Murray 6:54 - 7:06 / 0.25 / 8 / 7*
070 / 027 / To Tame a Land Adrian Smith 5:21 - 5:41 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 7*
071 / 008 / The Ides of March Adrian Smith 0:40 - 1:00 / 0.23529411764 / 8
072 / 127 / When the Wild Wind Blows Janick Gers 8:39 - 9:04 / 0.23076923076 / 6
073 / 064 / Weekend Warrior Janick Gers 3:54 - 4:34 / 0.22222222222 / 8
074 / 031 / The Duellists Dave Murray 2:50 - 3:14 / 0.21951219512 / 9
075 / 086 / Dream of Mirrors Janick Gers 7:25 - 7:48 / 0.20588235294 / 7
076 / 016 / Where Eagles Dare Dave Murray 2:16 - 2:54 / 0.20512820512 / 8
077 / 094 / No More Lies Janick Gers 5:29 - 5:49 / 0.20454545454 / 9
078 / 065 / Fear of the Dark Janick Gers 4:09 - 4:26 / 0.2 / 8
078 / 083 / Blood Brothers Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:25 / 0.2 / 6
080 / 022 / Still Life Dave Murray 0:12 - 1:00 / 0.18181818181 / 8
081 / 096 / Dance of Death Dave Murray 5:01 - 5:15 / 0.17647058823 / 6
082 / 018 / Revelations Adrian Smith 4:46 - 5:06 / 0.16666666666 / 5
083 / 075 / Futureal Dave Murray 1:30 - 2:00 / 0.15625 / 5
084 / 010 / Children of the Damned Adrian Smith 3:21 - 3:41 / 0.15384615384 / 6
085 / 073 / The Unbeliever Janick Gers 4:10 - 4:38 / 0.15384615384 / 4
086 / 013 / The Number of the Beast Dave Murray 2:46 - 3:06 / 0.14705882352 / 5
086 / 017 / Revelations Dave Murray 4:23 - 4:46 / 0.14705882352 / 5
088 / 110 / For the Greater Good of God Adrian Smith 6:16 - 6:30 / 0.14285714285 / 5
089 / 049 / The Clairvoyant Dave Murray 2:31 - 3:00 / 0.13888888888 / 5
090 / 025 / Quest for Fire Adrian Smith 2:23 - 2:39 / 0.13636363636 / 6
091 / 101 / Paschendale Janick Gers 5:55 - 6:15 / 0.13333333333 / 4
092 / 090 / Sign of the Cross (Rock in Rio) Dave Murray 7:51 - 8:11 / 0.12765957446 / 6
093 / 047 / Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Dave Murray 7:05 - 7:26 / 0.125 / 5
094 / 060 / The Fugitive Janick Gers 2:46 - 3:08 / 0.09375 / 3
095 / 124 / The Talisman Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:45 / 0.05714285714 / 2
096 / 107 / The Longest Day Dave Murray 6:21 - 6:39 / 0.04761904761 / 2
097 / 072 / 2 A.M. Janick Gers 3:25 - 3:49 / 0.14545454545 / 8 / 8*
098 / 121 / Starblind Adrian Smith 2:34 - 2:53 0.1 / 8 / 4*
099 / 056 / Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter Janick Gers 2:19 - 3:00 / 0.17073170731 / 7 / 3*
100 / 055 / The Assassin Janick Gers 2:24 - 3:04 / 0.14634146341 / 6
101 / 002 / Phantom of the Opera Dave Murray 5:10 - 5:30 / 0.14583333333 / 7
102 / 105 / Brighter Than a Thousand Suns Janick Gers 5:25 - 5:53 / 0.13953488372 / 6
103 / 125 / The Man Who Would Be King Dave Murray 4:01 - 4:55 / 0.13725490196 / 7
104 / 071 / Blood on the World's Hands Janick Gers 3:32 - 3:48 / 0.125 / 5
105 / 057 / From Here to Eternity Janick Gers 2:28 - 2:41 / 0.12244897959 / 6
106 / 070 / Fortunes of War Janick Gers 5:02 - 5:27 / 0.11764705882 / 6
107 / 024 / Still Life Dave Murray 3:45 - 4:11 / 0.11111111111 / 6
108 / 051 / Still Life (LIVE: Maiden England) Dave Murray 3:26 - 3:49 / 0.10869565217 / 5
109 / 069 / Lord of the Flies Janick Gers 3:19 - 3:42 / 0.09803921568 / 5
110 / 052 / Holy Smoke Janick Gers 2:08 - 2:31 / 0.09615384615 / 5
111 / 092 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Janick Gers / 4:50 - 5:11 0.09433962264 / 5
112 / 003 / Transylvania Dennis Stratton 1:54 - 2:22 / 0.0862068965517241 / 5
113 / 026 / Quest for Fire Dave Murray 2:39 - 2:54 / 0.08163265306 / 4
114 / 019 / Die With Your Boots On Dave Murray 3:00 - 3:23 / 0.07692307692 / 4
115 / 068 / Sign of the Cross Janick Gers 8:35 - 8:54 / 0.07142857142 / 4
116 / 067 / Prowler (LIVE: A Real Dead One '93) Dave Murray 2:10 - 2:33 / 0.06818181818 / 3
117 / 122 / Starblind Adrian Smith 4:15 - 4:44 / 0.0625 / 3
118 / 098 / Gates of Tomorrow Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:35 / 0.06 / 3
118 / 109 / For the Greater Good of God Janick Gers 5:49 - 6:03 / 0.06 / 3
120 / 102 / Where Eagles Dare (LIVE: Ullevi) Dave Murray 2:15 - 2:39 / 0.05555555555 / 3
121 / 008 / Drifter Adrian Smith 3:04 - 3:42 / 0.05263157894 / 4
122 / 091 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Dave Murray / 4:31 - 4:51 0.0487804878 / 2
123/ 014 / The Number of the Beast Adrian Smith 3:14 - 3:34 / 0.04081632653 / 2
124 / 115 / Heaven Can Wait (LIVE: Flight 666) Janick Gers 4:30 - 5:07 / 0.03846153846 / 2
125 / 123 / Starblind Dave Murray 4:43 - 4:53 / 0.025 / 1
126/ 077 / Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:10 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 009 / Invaders Adrian Smith 2:09 - 2:28 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 053 / No Prayer for the Dying Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:29 / 0,000000000000 / 0[/SPOILER]



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EDIT:
Round 3 has ended. 16 solos are left. Let's have a look at the solos that are gone.

Killers, The Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind, A Matter of Life and Death & The Final Frontier join the albums that were eliminated in round 2: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, No Prayer for the Dying & The X-Factor. All these albums have no active solos anymore. All guitarists since the debut album still have at least one solo in the game.

Below the eliminated solos (17-32 eliminated in round 3; 33-64 eliminated in round 2; 65-96 eliminated in round 1B; 97-128 eliminated in round 1A):

rank number / solo number / solo info / solo votes in proportion to group votes / votes in group / votes in tiebreak*

017-032 / Killers Dave Murray
017-032 / Prodigal Son Adrian Smith
017-032 / The Prisoner Adrian Smith
017-032 / 22 Acacia Avenue Dave Murray
017-032 / The Trooper Adrian Smith
017-032 / The Duellists Adrian Smith
017-032 / Rime of the Ancient Mariner Adrian Smith
017-032 / Rime of the Ancient Mariner Dave Murray
017-032 / Judas Be My Guide 1st solo Dave Murray
017-032 / The Wicker Man Adrian Smith
017-032 / Ghost of the Navigator Janick Gers
017-032 / Different World Adrian Smith
017-032 / These Colours Don't Run Adrian Smith
017-032 / The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg Dave Murray
017-032 / The Legacy Janick Gers
017-032 / When the Wild Wind Blows Adrian Smith

033-064 / Phantom of the Opera 1st solo Dave Murray
033-064 / Hallowed Be Thy Name Dave Murray
033-064 / Die With Your Boots On Adrian Smith
033-064 / Still Life Adrian Smith
033-064 / Aces High Adrian Smith
033-064 / 2 Minutes to Midnight Dave Murray
033-064 / 2 Minutes to Midnight Adrian Smith
033-064 / Powerslave 2nd solo Dave Murray
033-064 / Caught Somewhere in Time Dave Murray
033-064 / Heaven Can Wait Dave Murray
033-064 / The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner Adrian Smith
033-064 / The Evil That Men Do Adrian Smith
033-064 / Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Adrian Smith
033-064 / Only the Good Die Young Adrian Smith
033-064 / Public Enema Number One Dave Murray
033-064 / Weekend Warrior Dave Murray
033-064 / The Unbeliever Dave Murray
033-064 / Brave New World Janick Gers
033-064 / Brave New World Dave Murray
033-064 / The Mercenary Adrian Smith
033-064 / Out of the Silent Planet Janick Gers
033-064 / Dance of Death Adrian Smith
033-064 / Dance of Death Janick Gers
033-064 / Paschendale Dave Murray
033-064 / The Pilgrim Janick Gers
033-064 / Lord of Light Adrian Smith
033-064 / Lord of Light Dave Murray
033-064 / Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Flight 666) Adrian Smith
033-064 / The Final Frontier Dave Murray
033-064 / Coming Home Adrian Smith
033-064 / Isle of Avalon Dave Murray
033-064 / Isle of Avalon Adrian Smith
065 / 118 / The Alchemist Janick Gers 3:05 - 3:35 / 0.23404255319 / 11 / 12* / 6*
066 / 058 / Afraid to Shoot Strangers Janick Gers 4:01 - 4:18 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 12* / 4*
067 / 128 / 2 Minutes to Midnight (En Vivo) Adrian Smith 2:58 - 3:20 / 0.23913043478 / 11 / 11*
068 / 078 / Como Estais Amigos Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:38 / 0.25 / 8 / 9*
069 / 089 / The Thin Line Between Love and Hate Dave Murray 6:54 - 7:06 / 0.25 / 8 / 7*
070 / 027 / To Tame a Land Adrian Smith 5:21 - 5:41 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 7*
071 / 008 / The Ides of March Adrian Smith 0:40 - 1:00 / 0.23529411764 / 8
072 / 127 / When the Wild Wind Blows Janick Gers 8:39 - 9:04 / 0.23076923076 / 6
073 / 064 / Weekend Warrior Janick Gers 3:54 - 4:34 / 0.22222222222 / 8
074 / 031 / The Duellists Dave Murray 2:50 - 3:14 / 0.21951219512 / 9
075 / 086 / Dream of Mirrors Janick Gers 7:25 - 7:48 / 0.20588235294 / 7
076 / 016 / Where Eagles Dare Dave Murray 2:16 - 2:54 / 0.20512820512 / 8
077 / 094 / No More Lies Janick Gers 5:29 - 5:49 / 0.20454545454 / 9
078 / 065 / Fear of the Dark Janick Gers 4:09 - 4:26 / 0.2 / 8
078 / 083 / Blood Brothers Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:25 / 0.2 / 6
080 / 022 / Still Life Dave Murray 0:12 - 1:00 / 0.18181818181 / 8
081 / 096 / Dance of Death Dave Murray 5:01 - 5:15 / 0.17647058823 / 6
082 / 018 / Revelations Adrian Smith 4:46 - 5:06 / 0.16666666666 / 5
083 / 075 / Futureal Dave Murray 1:30 - 2:00 / 0.15625 / 5
084 / 010 / Children of the Damned Adrian Smith 3:21 - 3:41 / 0.15384615384 / 6
085 / 073 / The Unbeliever Janick Gers 4:10 - 4:38 / 0.15384615384 / 4
086 / 013 / The Number of the Beast Dave Murray 2:46 - 3:06 / 0.14705882352 / 5
086 / 017 / Revelations Dave Murray 4:23 - 4:46 / 0.14705882352 / 5
088 / 110 / For the Greater Good of God Adrian Smith 6:16 - 6:30 / 0.14285714285 / 5
089 / 049 / The Clairvoyant Dave Murray 2:31 - 3:00 / 0.13888888888 / 5
090 / 025 / Quest for Fire Adrian Smith 2:23 - 2:39 / 0.13636363636 / 6
091 / 101 / Paschendale Janick Gers 5:55 - 6:15 / 0.13333333333 / 4
092 / 090 / Sign of the Cross (Rock in Rio) Dave Murray 7:51 - 8:11 / 0.12765957446 / 6
093 / 047 / Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Dave Murray 7:05 - 7:26 / 0.125 / 5
094 / 060 / The Fugitive Janick Gers 2:46 - 3:08 / 0.09375 / 3
095 / 124 / The Talisman Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:45 / 0.05714285714 / 2
096 / 107 / The Longest Day Dave Murray 6:21 - 6:39 / 0.04761904761 / 2
097 / 072 / 2 A.M. Janick Gers 3:25 - 3:49 / 0.14545454545 / 8 / 8*
098 / 121 / Starblind Adrian Smith 2:34 - 2:53 0.1 / 8 / 4*
099 / 056 / Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter Janick Gers 2:19 - 3:00 / 0.17073170731 / 7 / 3*
100 / 055 / The Assassin Janick Gers 2:24 - 3:04 / 0.14634146341 / 6
101 / 002 / Phantom of the Opera Dave Murray 5:10 - 5:30 / 0.14583333333 / 7
102 / 105 / Brighter Than a Thousand Suns Janick Gers 5:25 - 5:53 / 0.13953488372 / 6
103 / 125 / The Man Who Would Be King Dave Murray 4:01 - 4:55 / 0.13725490196 / 7
104 / 071 / Blood on the World's Hands Janick Gers 3:32 - 3:48 / 0.125 / 5
105 / 057 / From Here to Eternity Janick Gers 2:28 - 2:41 / 0.12244897959 / 6
106 / 070 / Fortunes of War Janick Gers 5:02 - 5:27 / 0.11764705882 / 6
107 / 024 / Still Life Dave Murray 3:45 - 4:11 / 0.11111111111 / 6
108 / 051 / Still Life (LIVE: Maiden England) Dave Murray 3:26 - 3:49 / 0.10869565217 / 5
109 / 069 / Lord of the Flies Janick Gers 3:19 - 3:42 / 0.09803921568 / 5
110 / 052 / Holy Smoke Janick Gers 2:08 - 2:31 / 0.09615384615 / 5
111 / 092 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Janick Gers / 4:50 - 5:11 0.09433962264 / 5
112 / 003 / Transylvania Dennis Stratton 1:54 - 2:22 / 0.0862068965517241 / 5
113 / 026 / Quest for Fire Dave Murray 2:39 - 2:54 / 0.08163265306 / 4
114 / 019 / Die With Your Boots On Dave Murray 3:00 - 3:23 / 0.07692307692 / 4
115 / 068 / Sign of the Cross Janick Gers 8:35 - 8:54 / 0.07142857142 / 4
116 / 067 / Prowler (LIVE: A Real Dead One '93) Dave Murray 2:10 - 2:33 / 0.06818181818 / 3
117 / 122 / Starblind Adrian Smith 4:15 - 4:44 / 0.0625 / 3
118 / 098 / Gates of Tomorrow Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:35 / 0.06 / 3
118 / 109 / For the Greater Good of God Janick Gers 5:49 - 6:03 / 0.06 / 3
120 / 102 / Where Eagles Dare (LIVE: Ullevi) Dave Murray 2:15 - 2:39 / 0.05555555555 / 3
121 / 008 / Drifter Adrian Smith 3:04 - 3:42 / 0.05263157894 / 4
122 / 091 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Dave Murray / 4:31 - 4:51 0.0487804878 / 2
123/ 014 / The Number of the Beast Adrian Smith 3:14 - 3:34 / 0.04081632653 / 2
124 / 115 / Heaven Can Wait (LIVE: Flight 666) Janick Gers 4:30 - 5:07 / 0.03846153846 / 2
125 / 123 / Starblind Dave Murray 4:43 - 4:53 / 0.025 / 1
126/ 077 / Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:10 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 009 / Invaders Adrian Smith 2:09 - 2:28 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 053 / No Prayer for the Dying Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:29 / 0,000000000000 / 0


- - - - - - -
EDIT:
Round 2 has ended. Some time is needed to make the new battles for round 3 for which 32 solos are left. Meanwhile, we can look at the solos that are gone.

For the first time, not all albums are represented anymore. Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, No Prayer for the Dying & The X-Factor have no active solos anymore. All guitarists since the debut album still have at least one solo in the game.

Below the eliminated solos (33-64 eliminated in round 2; 65-96 eliminated in round 1B; 97-128 eliminated in round 1A):

rank number / solo number / solo info / solo votes in proportion to group votes / votes in group / votes in tiebreak*

033-064 / Phantom of the Opera 1st solo Dave Murray
033-064 / Hallowed Be Thy Name Dave Murray
033-064 / Die With Your Boots On Adrian Smith
033-064 / Still Life Adrian Smith
033-064 / Aces High Adrian Smith
033-064 / 2 Minutes to Midnight Dave Murray
033-064 / 2 Minutes to Midnight Adrian Smith
033-064 / Powerslave 2nd solo Dave Murray
033-064 / Caught Somewhere in Time Dave Murray
033-064 / Heaven Can Wait Dave Murray
033-064 / The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner Adrian Smith
033-064 / The Evil That Men Do Adrian Smith
033-064 / Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Adrian Smith
033-064 / Only the Good Die Young Adrian Smith
033-064 / Public Enema Number One Dave Murray
033-064 / Weekend Warrior Dave Murray
033-064 / The Unbeliever Dave Murray
033-064 / Brave New World Janick Gers
033-064 / Brave New World Dave Murray
033-064 / The Mercenary Adrian Smith
033-064 / Out of the Silent Planet Janick Gers
033-064 / Dance of Death Adrian Smith
033-064 / Dance of Death Janick Gers
033-064 / Paschendale Dave Murray
033-064 / The Pilgrim Janick Gers
033-064 / Lord of Light Adrian Smith
033-064 / Lord of Light Dave Murray
033-064 / Rime of the Ancient Mariner (Flight 666) Adrian Smith
033-064 / The Final Frontier Dave Murray
033-064 / Coming Home Adrian Smith
033-064 / Isle of Avalon Dave Murray
033-064 / Isle of Avalon Adrian Smith
065 / 118 / The Alchemist Janick Gers 3:05 - 3:35 / 0.23404255319 / 11 / 12* / 6*
066 / 058 / Afraid to Shoot Strangers Janick Gers 4:01 - 4:18 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 12* / 4*
067 / 128 / 2 Minutes to Midnight (En Vivo) Adrian Smith 2:58 - 3:20 / 0.23913043478 / 11 / 11*
068 / 078 / Como Estais Amigos Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:38 / 0.25 / 8 / 9*
069 / 089 / The Thin Line Between Love and Hate Dave Murray 6:54 - 7:06 / 0.25 / 8 / 7*
070 / 027 / To Tame a Land Adrian Smith 5:21 - 5:41 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 7*
071 / 008 / The Ides of March Adrian Smith 0:40 - 1:00 / 0.23529411764 / 8
072 / 127 / When the Wild Wind Blows Janick Gers 8:39 - 9:04 / 0.23076923076 / 6
073 / 064 / Weekend Warrior Janick Gers 3:54 - 4:34 / 0.22222222222 / 8
074 / 031 / The Duellists Dave Murray 2:50 - 3:14 / 0.21951219512 / 9
075 / 086 / Dream of Mirrors Janick Gers 7:25 - 7:48 / 0.20588235294 / 7
076 / 016 / Where Eagles Dare Dave Murray 2:16 - 2:54 / 0.20512820512 / 8
077 / 094 / No More Lies Janick Gers 5:29 - 5:49 / 0.20454545454 / 9
078 / 065 / Fear of the Dark Janick Gers 4:09 - 4:26 / 0.2 / 8
078 / 083 / Blood Brothers Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:25 / 0.2 / 6
080 / 022 / Still Life Dave Murray 0:12 - 1:00 / 0.18181818181 / 8
081 / 096 / Dance of Death Dave Murray 5:01 - 5:15 / 0.17647058823 / 6
082 / 018 / Revelations Adrian Smith 4:46 - 5:06 / 0.16666666666 / 5
083 / 075 / Futureal Dave Murray 1:30 - 2:00 / 0.15625 / 5
084 / 010 / Children of the Damned Adrian Smith 3:21 - 3:41 / 0.15384615384 / 6
085 / 073 / The Unbeliever Janick Gers 4:10 - 4:38 / 0.15384615384 / 4
086 / 013 / The Number of the Beast Dave Murray 2:46 - 3:06 / 0.14705882352 / 5
086 / 017 / Revelations Dave Murray 4:23 - 4:46 / 0.14705882352 / 5
088 / 110 / For the Greater Good of God Adrian Smith 6:16 - 6:30 / 0.14285714285 / 5
089 / 049 / The Clairvoyant Dave Murray 2:31 - 3:00 / 0.13888888888 / 5
090 / 025 / Quest for Fire Adrian Smith 2:23 - 2:39 / 0.13636363636 / 6
091 / 101 / Paschendale Janick Gers 5:55 - 6:15 / 0.13333333333 / 4
092 / 090 / Sign of the Cross (Rock in Rio) Dave Murray 7:51 - 8:11 / 0.12765957446 / 6
093 / 047 / Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Dave Murray 7:05 - 7:26 / 0.125 / 5
094 / 060 / The Fugitive Janick Gers 2:46 - 3:08 / 0.09375 / 3
095 / 124 / The Talisman Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:45 / 0.05714285714 / 2
096 / 107 / The Longest Day Dave Murray 6:21 - 6:39 / 0.04761904761 / 2
097 / 072 / 2 A.M. Janick Gers 3:25 - 3:49 / 0.14545454545 / 8 / 8*
098 / 121 / Starblind Adrian Smith 2:34 - 2:53 0.1 / 8 / 4*
099 / 056 / Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter Janick Gers 2:19 - 3:00 / 0.17073170731 / 7 / 3*
100 / 055 / The Assassin Janick Gers 2:24 - 3:04 / 0.14634146341 / 6
101 / 002 / Phantom of the Opera Dave Murray 5:10 - 5:30 / 0.14583333333 / 7
102 / 105 / Brighter Than a Thousand Suns Janick Gers 5:25 - 5:53 / 0.13953488372 / 6
103 / 125 / The Man Who Would Be King Dave Murray 4:01 - 4:55 / 0.13725490196 / 7
104 / 071 / Blood on the World's Hands Janick Gers 3:32 - 3:48 / 0.125 / 5
105 / 057 / From Here to Eternity Janick Gers 2:28 - 2:41 / 0.12244897959 / 6
106 / 070 / Fortunes of War Janick Gers 5:02 - 5:27 / 0.11764705882 / 6
107 / 024 / Still Life Dave Murray 3:45 - 4:11 / 0.11111111111 / 6
108 / 051 / Still Life (LIVE: Maiden England) Dave Murray 3:26 - 3:49 / 0.10869565217 / 5
109 / 069 / Lord of the Flies Janick Gers 3:19 - 3:42 / 0.09803921568 / 5
110 / 052 / Holy Smoke Janick Gers 2:08 - 2:31 / 0.09615384615 / 5
111 / 092 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Janick Gers / 4:50 - 5:11 0.09433962264 / 5
112 / 003 / Transylvania Dennis Stratton 1:54 - 2:22 / 0.0862068965517241 / 5
113 / 026 / Quest for Fire Dave Murray 2:39 - 2:54 / 0.08163265306 / 4
114 / 019 / Die With Your Boots On Dave Murray 3:00 - 3:23 / 0.07692307692 / 4
115 / 068 / Sign of the Cross Janick Gers 8:35 - 8:54 / 0.07142857142 / 4
116 / 067 / Prowler (LIVE: A Real Dead One '93) Dave Murray 2:10 - 2:33 / 0.06818181818 / 3
117 / 122 / Starblind Adrian Smith 4:15 - 4:44 / 0.0625 / 3
118 / 098 / Gates of Tomorrow Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:35 / 0.06 / 3
118 / 109 / For the Greater Good of God Janick Gers 5:49 - 6:03 / 0.06 / 3
120 / 102 / Where Eagles Dare (LIVE: Ullevi) Dave Murray 2:15 - 2:39 / 0.05555555555 / 3
121 / 008 / Drifter Adrian Smith 3:04 - 3:42 / 0.05263157894 / 4
122 / 091 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Dave Murray / 4:31 - 4:51 0.0487804878 / 2
123/ 014 / The Number of the Beast Adrian Smith 3:14 - 3:34 / 0.04081632653 / 2
124 / 115 / Heaven Can Wait (LIVE: Flight 666) Janick Gers 4:30 - 5:07 / 0.03846153846 / 2
125 / 123 / Starblind Dave Murray 4:43 - 4:53 / 0.025 / 1
126/ 077 / Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:10 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 009 / Invaders Adrian Smith 2:09 - 2:28 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 053 / No Prayer for the Dying Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:29 / 0,000000000000 / 0


- - - - - - -

EDIT:
Hello!

Finally, after more than 6 months and 65 pages, round 1 has ended. We're left with half of the solos. All albums still have at least one solo in the game.
Also: all guitarists since the debut album have at least one solo in the game.

I realize it took long, but it was a careful procedure. I am sure everybody will mourn the loss of at least one solo. My no. 1 and no. 3 Janick solos are out: The Unbeliever and Como Estais Amigos. The following Janick works of art are also in my top 10 and eliminated: Fear of the Dark (6), Lord of the Flies (7: already out in round 1A), The Fugutive (8) and Blood on the World's Hands (9: also out in 1A). I'm not glad to see these two top-10 Adrian solos leave the game (no. 5: Quest for Fire & no. 10: The Ides of March). I never ranked my top 10 Dave solos in order, but these two are among them and also out: The Duellists and Dance of Death.

Still, there are a lot of beauties left. The game will transform into a head to head format. Just one on one battles. Videos of two songs. We're having a break for at least a week. Hope to see you back! Thanks for taking part and your patience!

Below the eliminated solos (65-96 eliminated in round 1B; 97-128 eliminated in round 1A):

rank number / solo number / solo info / solo votes in proportion to group votes / votes in group / votes in tiebreak*

065 / 118 / The Alchemist / Janick Gers 3:05 - 3:35 / 0.23404255319 / 11 / 12* / 6*
066 / 058 / Afraid to Shoot Strangers / Janick Gers 4:01 - 4:18 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 12* / 4*
067 / 128 / 2 Minutes to Midnight (En Vivo) / Adrian Smith 2:58 - 3:20 / 0.23913043478 / 11 / 11*
068 / 078 / Como Estais Amigos / Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:38 / 0.25 / 8 / 9*
069 / 089 / The Thin Line Between Love and Hate / Dave Murray 6:54 - 7:06 / 0.25 / 8 / 7*
070 / 027 / To Tame a Land / Adrian Smith 5:21 - 5:41 / 0.21739130434 / 10 / 7*
071 / 008 / The Ides of March / Adrian Smith 0:40 - 1:00 / 0.23529411764 / 8
072 / 127 / When the Wild Wind Blows / Janick Gers 8:39 - 9:04 / 0.23076923076 / 6
073 / 064 / Weekend Warrior / Janick Gers 3:54 - 4:34 / 0.22222222222 / 8
074 / 031 / The Duellists / Dave Murray 2:50 - 3:14 / 0.21951219512 / 9
075 / 086 / Dream of Mirrors / Janick Gers 7:25 - 7:48 / 0.20588235294 / 7
076 / 016 / Where Eagles Dare / Dave Murray 2:16 - 2:54 / 0.20512820512 / 8
077 / 094 / No More Lies / Janick Gers 5:29 - 5:49 / 0.20454545454 / 9
078 / 065 / Fear of the Dark / Janick Gers 4:09 - 4:26 / 0.2 / 8
078 / 083 / Blood Brothers / Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:25 / 0.2 / 6
080 / 022 / Still Life / Dave Murray 0:12 - 1:00 / 0.18181818181 / 8
081 / 096 / Dance of Death / Dave Murray 5:01 - 5:15 / 0.17647058823 / 6
082 / 018 / Revelations / Adrian Smith 4:46 - 5:06 / 0.16666666666 / 5
083 / 075 / Futureal / Dave Murray 1:30 - 2:00 / 0.15625 / 5
084 / 010 / Children of the Damned / Adrian Smith 3:21 - 3:41 / 0.15384615384 / 6
085 / 073 / The Unbeliever / Janick Gers 4:10 - 4:38 / 0.15384615384 / 4
086 / 013 / The Number of the Beast / Dave Murray 2:46 - 3:06 / 0.14705882352 / 5
086 / 017 / Revelations / Dave Murray 4:23 - 4:46 / 0.14705882352 / 5
088 / 110 / For the Greater Good of God / Adrian Smith 6:16 - 6:30 / 0.14285714285 / 5
089 / 049 / The Clairvoyant / Dave Murray 2:31 - 3:00 / 0.13888888888 / 5
090 / 025 / Quest for Fire / Adrian Smith 2:23 - 2:39 / 0.13636363636 / 6
091 / 101 / Paschendale / Janick Gers 5:55 - 6:15 / 0.13333333333 / 4
092 / 090 / Sign of the Cross (Rock in Rio) / Dave Murray 7:51 - 8:11 / 0.12765957446 / 6
093 / 047 / Seventh Son of a Seventh Son / Dave Murray 7:05 - 7:26 / 0.125 / 5
094 / 060 / The Fugitive / Janick Gers 2:46 - 3:08 / 0.09375 / 3
095 / 124 / The Talisman Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:45 / 0.05714285714 / 2
096 / 107 / The Longest Day Dave Murray 6:21 - 6:39 / 0.04761904761 / 2
097 / 072 / 2 A.M. Janick Gers 3:25 - 3:49 / 0.14545454545 / 8 / 8*
098 / 121 / Starblind Adrian Smith 2:34 - 2:53 0.1 / 8 / 4*
099 / 056 / Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter Janick Gers 2:19 - 3:00 / 0.17073170731 / 7 / 3*
100 / 055 / The Assassin Janick Gers 2:24 - 3:04 / 0.14634146341 / 6
101 / 002 / Phantom of the Opera Dave Murray 5:10 - 5:30 / 0.14583333333 / 7
102 / 105 / Brighter Than a Thousand Suns Janick Gers 5:25 - 5:53 / 0.13953488372 / 6
103 / 125 / The Man Who Would Be King Dave Murray 4:01 - 4:55 / 0.13725490196 / 7
104 / 071 / Blood on the World's Hands Janick Gers 3:32 - 3:48 / 0.125 / 5
105 / 057 / From Here to Eternity Janick Gers 2:28 - 2:41 / 0.12244897959 / 6
106 / 070 / Fortunes of War Janick Gers 5:02 - 5:27 / 0.11764705882 / 6
107 / 024 / Still Life Dave Murray 3:45 - 4:11 / 0.11111111111 / 6
108 / 051 / Still Life (LIVE: Maiden England) Dave Murray 3:26 - 3:49 / 0.10869565217 / 5
109 / 069 / Lord of the Flies Janick Gers 3:19 - 3:42 / 0.09803921568 / 5
110 / 052 / Holy Smoke Janick Gers 2:08 - 2:31 / 0.09615384615 / 5
111 / 092 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Janick Gers / 4:50 - 5:11 0.09433962264 / 5
112 / 003 / Transylvania Dennis Stratton 1:54 - 2:22 / 0.0862068965517241 / 5
113 / 026 / Quest for Fire Dave Murray 2:39 - 2:54 / 0.08163265306 / 4
114 / 019 / Die With Your Boots On Dave Murray 3:00 - 3:23 / 0.07692307692 / 4
115 / 068 / Sign of the Cross Janick Gers 8:35 - 8:54 / 0.07142857142 / 4
116 / 067 / Prowler (LIVE: A Real Dead One '93) Dave Murray 2:10 - 2:33 / 0.06818181818 / 3
117 / 122 / Starblind Adrian Smith 4:15 - 4:44 / 0.0625 / 3
118 / 098 / Gates of Tomorrow Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:35 / 0.06 / 3
118 / 109 / For the Greater Good of God Janick Gers 5:49 - 6:03 / 0.06 / 3
120 / 102 / Where Eagles Dare (LIVE: Ullevi) Dave Murray 2:15 - 2:39 / 0.05555555555 / 3
121 / 008 / Drifter Adrian Smith 3:04 - 3:42 / 0.05263157894 / 4
122 / 091 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Dave Murray / 4:31 - 4:51 0.0487804878 / 2
123/ 014 / The Number of the Beast Adrian Smith 3:14 - 3:34 / 0.04081632653 / 2
124 / 115 / Heaven Can Wait (LIVE: Flight 666) Janick Gers 4:30 - 5:07 / 0.03846153846 / 2
125 / 123 / Starblind Dave Murray 4:43 - 4:53 / 0.025 / 1
126/ 077 / Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:10 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 009 / Invaders Adrian Smith 2:09 - 2:28 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 053 / No Prayer for the Dying Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:29 / 0,000000000000 / 0




- - - - - - -

EDIT:
Here are the first 32 eliminated solos. Before I started I wanted to work with absolute votes, but later I realised that the participation differed throughout the game. In the beginning I had 60, sometimes 70 or even around 80 votes per group, and later it was around 40 to 50. So I decided to use this method: number of votes for one solo in proportion to the number of total votes for its group. Still, I also counted absolute votes and later I decided to compare both. In the outcome I saw that 5 solos were in or outside elimination range depending on the method, so I decided to do a tiebreak, to be sure which are the most popular.

rank number / solo number / solo info / solo votes in proportion to group votes / votes in group / votes in tiebreak*

097 / 072 / 2 A.M. Janick Gers 3:25 - 3:49 / 0.14545454545 / 8 / 8*
098 / 121 / Starblind Adrian Smith 2:34 - 2:53 0.1 / 8 / 4*
099 / 056 / Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter Janick Gers 2:19 - 3:00 / 0.17073170731 / 7 / 3*
100 / 055 / The Assassin Janick Gers 2:24 - 3:04 / 0.14634146341 / 6
101 / 002 / Phantom of the Opera Dave Murray 5:10 - 5:30 / 0.14583333333 / 7
102 / 105 / Brighter Than a Thousand Suns Janick Gers 5:25 - 5:53 / 0.13953488372 / 6
103 / 125 / The Man Who Would Be King Dave Murray 4:01 - 4:55 / 0.13725490196 / 7
104 / 071 / Blood on the World's Hands Janick Gers 3:32 - 3:48 / 0.125 / 5
105 / 057 / From Here to Eternity Janick Gers 2:28 - 2:41 / 0.12244897959 / 6
106 / 070 / Fortunes of War Janick Gers 5:02 - 5:27 / 0.11764705882 / 6
107 / 024 / Still Life Dave Murray 3:45 - 4:11 / 0.11111111111 / 6
108 / 051 / Still Life (LIVE: Maiden England) Dave Murray 3:26 - 3:49 / 0.10869565217 / 5
109 / 069 / Lord of the Flies Janick Gers 3:19 - 3:42 / 0.09803921568 / 5
110 / 052 / Holy Smoke Janick Gers 2:08 - 2:31 / 0.09615384615 / 5
111 / 092 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Janick Gers / 4:50 - 5:11 0.09433962264 / 5
112 / 003 / Transylvania Dennis Stratton 1:54 - 2:22 / 0.0862068965517241 / 5
113 / 026 / Quest for Fire Dave Murray 2:39 - 2:54 / 0.08163265306 / 4
114 / 019 / Die With Your Boots On Dave Murray 3:00 - 3:23 / 0.07692307692 / 4
115 / 068 / Sign of the Cross Janick Gers 8:35 - 8:54 / 0.07142857142 / 4
116 / 067 / Prowler (LIVE: A Real Dead One '93) Dave Murray 2:10 - 2:33 / 0.06818181818 / 3
117 / 122 / Starblind Adrian Smith 4:15 - 4:44 / 0.0625 / 3
118 / 098 / Gates of Tomorrow Janick Gers 3:14 - 3:35 / 0.06 / 3
118 / 109 / For the Greater Good of God Janick Gers 5:49 - 6:03 / 0.06 / 3
120 / 102 / Where Eagles Dare (LIVE: Ullevi) Dave Murray 2:15 - 2:39 / 0.05555555555 / 3
121 / 008 / Drifter Adrian Smith 3:04 - 3:42 / 0.05263157894 / 4
122 / 091 / Hallowed Be Thy Name (LIVE: Rock in Rio) Dave Murray / 4:31 - 4:51 0.0487804878 / 2
123/ 014 / The Number of the Beast Adrian Smith 3:14 - 3:34 / 0.04081632653 / 2
124 / 115 / Heaven Can Wait (LIVE: Flight 666) Janick Gers 4:30 - 5:07 / 0.03846153846 / 2
125 / 123 / Starblind Dave Murray 4:43 - 4:53 / 0.025 / 1
126/ 077 / Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger Janick Gers 5:56 - 6:10 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 009 / Invaders Adrian Smith 2:09 - 2:28 / 0,000000000000 / 0
126 / 053 / No Prayer for the Dying Dave Murray 3:10 - 3:29 / 0,000000000000 / 0
 
Last edited:
Dave's Phantom solo is one of my favorites, maybe his absolute best for me. It's extra special because it's the first Maiden guitar solo I remember learning.
 
I'm finding this really difficult because I'm listening in the context of the whole song, and almost hearing the rest of it. I'll need to take time to isolate each solo.
 
Take the time. :--)

I'll go for Como Estais Amigos. I love the tone and emotion in this one.
 
Take the time. :--)
I'll go for Como Estais Amigos. I love the tone and emotion in this one.
I'm leaning towards that one too. It's Janick isn't it? The other three songs are quite high on my list of Maiden favourites, which makes it difficult. I'm surprised that the Seventh Son one just isn't grabbing me, even though I adore that song and love the drama. It's between Phantom and WED. Thing is, I'm hearing the Where Eagles Dare one in context of being carried along by the momentum of the full song, where it fits brilliantly. I'm not sure it's as impressive when taken in its own right.
 
Dave's Where Eagles Dare solo is my favorite from this bunch. I absolutely love the chaotic feel it has, stands unique in the Maiden solo catalogue.

Choosing between Dave's Phantom vs. Adrian's Seventh Son as the second vote receiver was extremely difficult. I like both a lot. But I went for the cool dynamism of the the latter.

1. Dave's Eagles
2. Adrian's Seventh Son
3. Dave's Phantom
4. Janick's Amigos
 
Great idea, I'm in. How often will you present these groups? Would hate to miss a vote.

For this group, I don't really have a 'favourite' overall in there, but will vote for "Amigos" without hesitation.
 
1 and 16. 48 works better when combined with other solos in that song, 78 is just really weak.
 
1. Adrian in Seventh Son
2. Janick in Como Estais Amigos
3. Dave in Phantom of the Opera
4. Dave in Where Eagles Dare

While I prefer Phantom of the Opera overall as a song to CEA, I think Janick is a bit underrated and his solo in CEA is fantastic, so I gave it a mercy vote here. Seventh Son, especially Adrian's parts, are among the best guitar moments in Maiden history.
 
Favourite part of Seventh Son takes it over a good part of Phantom (my favourite part of Phantom is the main riff actually)
Second match was hard, but WED cuts off just before my favourite part, which gives the edge to Amigos (a grower actually).
 
All four were close for me but I chose SS because of its proggy feel with unusual melodic choices and CEA for its synergy with the rest of the band and the pleasant tone. The other two are good solos, for sure, but PotO, while having emotion and great feel, lacks a certain power and sounds dry. I never was as big a fan of the Eagles solo as some here. It sounds powerful and huge alright but doesn't have a definitive melody to it.
All in all - great solos, each one has positive aspects that stand out over the rest.
 
I never was as big a fan of the Eagles solo as some here. It sounds powerful and huge alright but doesn't have a definitive melody to it.
this is exactly why it's one of my favorites. It's a bit atonal and chaotic, but I think it works for what the song is. Combined with the dramatic backing music and machine gun sound effects, I like that instead of presenting a melody it creates a mood. One of the most cinematic Maiden moments IMO. Wish they did more stuff like that.
 
I understand very well why you like it, but I prefer certain melodic lines when it comes to Maiden. It's very possible that I would think much more of it, were it played by Petrucci in the midst of a DT-esque song.
 
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