On this day back in 1976… Iron Maiden perform their first concert

Text by Phil Ashdown.

1^st May 1976 is the anniversary of the first ever gig by a fledgling Iron maiden at St. Nick’s Hall, Poplar, London E14.

This gig and a handful of others soon lead to further shows at The Cart & Horses, Maryland Point, Stratford E15, which have become the stuff of legend. The first of these was on 17 May the same year

Iron Maiden were formed on Christmas Day in 1975 by nineteen year old bassist Steve Harris shortly after he left his previous group, Smiler. Steve is the only surviving member from the first line-up and has been the main driving force and songwriter to this day, appearing on all of their recordings. The original line-up did not last very long, however, with vocalist Paul Day being the first casualty as, according to Harris, he lacked “energy or charisma on stage. The rest, as they say, is history.

Original Line-Up

Paul Day – Vocals

Terry Rance – Guitar

Dave Sullivan – Guitar

Ron Matthews- Drums

Steve Harris – Bass

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