When you think of Iron Maiden, there are a few things that inevitably, immediately come to mind. Steve Harris' galloping bass lines. Those unmistakeable twin guitar harmonies. Bruce Dickinson leaping around the stage like a man possessed. And, of course, Eddie: Maiden's long-serving, ever-evolving mascot who has been a mainstay of both their artwork and their live shows almost as long as they've existed.
Imagine Metal Hammer's surprise, then, upon finding that one of Maiden's members hasn't always been the biggest fan of heavy metal's favourite undead icon. Upon speaking to guitarist Adrian Smith in the latest issue, it's revealed that Smith once had serious apprehensions about the amount of attention Eddie was potentially taking away from the band themselves.
