On September 15, 1984, the world got their hands on of the most incredible records of all time. That record was called Powerslave! Recorded as the previous record was, in Nassau, Bahamas, Powerslave would go on to become Maiden's biggest record to date. Epic songs, such as 2 Minutes To Midnight, Aces High, Powerslave, and The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner, were all found on this record. Song writting on this record was exceptional, as well as the music. The twin lead harmonies from Dave Murray, & Adrian Smith, was one that could not be topped, Steve's bass playing and Nicko's drumming were all in high gear and Bruce's voice was at its finest. All these factors contributed to greatness of this record. Among the highlights of this record was the song "The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner". Based on the poem of the same title, written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, it is one of the most smartly written Iron Maiden songs, as well as the longest in its time span. The song clocks out at over 13 minutes, without losing the listeners interest ! Only two singles came off Powerslave, although many songs on that record were worthy enough to be singles. Those single were 2 Minutes to Midnight, and Aces High. Powerslave would see many firsts, for the band. One would be the first time the band recorded an album with the same line up as the previous record, Bruce Dickinson (vocals), Steve Harris (bass), Dave Murray (guitar), Adrian Smith (guitar), and last but not least, Nicko McBrain (drums). Another first for the band involved the epic tour for this record called, The World Slavery Tour. It was the longest Iron Maiden tour to date, spanning 11 months!! The tour kicked off on August 18th in Poland. During this tour, Iron Maiden became the first outside band to play behind the Iron Curtain! It was their biggest stage show to date, featuring massive pyrotechnics, as well as a huge mummified Eddie. January 11th, Iron Maiden plays in front of a massive crowd, in Rio, Brazil. This was the first time South America had seen Maiden. Starting on January 17, 1984, Maiden plays the first of 5 sold out shows at Radio City Music Hall, in New York City. It would have been 7 sold out shows , but illness prevented it from happening. March 14 to the 17, 1984 would go down big in Maiden history. It was the first time Long Beach Arena in California, had an act sell out 4 nights in a row. It was these 4 shows that Iron Maiden recorded the infamous Live After Death record as well, as filmed the corresponding home video! One of us here at Sanctuary went to the first night and last night of the four night onslaught.....it was absolutely incredible.....!!!!!

(Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Nicko McBrain)