Siddharth
Long Distance Trooper
If we go solely by the facts, The Trooper was released as the second single from Piece Of Mind, peaking at #28 on US Billboard and #12 on UK Singles Charts, gaining frequent radio play across the US (arguably the bigger market) and better received than the previous single, Flight Of The Icarus (as per Wikipedia). The song has been a live staple, ever since.
Not to mention, it was in Live After Death, the band's first compilation album, Best Of The Beast in '96 also featured 'Trooper Eddie' on the cover (rest all Eddies are from album arts), first tribute Maiden album (A Call To The Irons) in '98 also featured the Death metal band, Vital Remains covering it and the song getting featured in the video game Carmageddon 2 (also in the same year) speaks of its already elite status in the band's discography even before the reunion.
Personally, it was my first Maiden song as well (heard it on a Facebook game called Guitar Flash). I think it checks on all the points, the band's music is all about. Signature galloping rhythm and leads, sing-along vocal lines and an accompanying music video as well!
Not to mention, it was in Live After Death, the band's first compilation album, Best Of The Beast in '96 also featured 'Trooper Eddie' on the cover (rest all Eddies are from album arts), first tribute Maiden album (A Call To The Irons) in '98 also featured the Death metal band, Vital Remains covering it and the song getting featured in the video game Carmageddon 2 (also in the same year) speaks of its already elite status in the band's discography even before the reunion.
Personally, it was my first Maiden song as well (heard it on a Facebook game called Guitar Flash). I think it checks on all the points, the band's music is all about. Signature galloping rhythm and leads, sing-along vocal lines and an accompanying music video as well!