Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith enlists Killer Krew for lockdown version of ‘Aces High’

From Planet Rock.

Iron Maiden axeman Adrian Smith has enlisted the band’s road crew – aka the Killer Krew – for a lockdown version of Maiden’s 1984 classic ‘Aces High’.

The six-minute video begins with Adrian Smith saying to the camera: “Well, who would have though this situation we find ourselves in, spending a lot of time at home? It’s tough. And the tour. What a drag with the tour. We were all looking forward to that.

“But spending a lot of time at home, there’s things you can do. You can take something for example and just see if you can get better at it. I’ve been practising a lot, so this is what I’ve been doing… let’s see how I’m getting on.”

We then see Adrian passionately bash out a tune on the piano, play toilet roll keepie uppies, and partake in his favourite hobby, fishing.

Adrian adds: “Well that’s what I’ve been doing, let’s see how the crew have been getting on…”

The remaining four-and-a-half minutes of the clip sees Iron Maiden’s killer krew and their families mime along to Iron Maiden’s Battle of Britain themed masterpiece ‘Aces High’ from the comfort of their homes.

Alongside traditional instruments, the crew members play along with a variety of items including a mop, pots and pans, a sword and a fetching pink children’s guitar.

The undoubted highlight comes when a bunch of home-schooled kids are filmed writing a 10,000-word essay on the history of Iron Maiden. Nice.

Iron Maiden have either postponed or cancelled many of their Legacy of the Beast Tour dates this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month, longstanding Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood issued a statement to fans about the status of their upcoming shows.

Rod wrote at the time: “Just a quick note to say that I hope you’re all safe with your families and following the advice of your Governments and their scientific and medical advisors in these very difficult and tragic times over much of our planet. We all need to help bring an end to this Pandemic by following the advice and helping one another when we can, especially the more vulnerable. We want to see you all healthy and well when we make it to your country. And we want to see you as much as you want to see us!

“I also wanted to let you know that I’ve been speaking to all the band and they are all safe and isolated indoors and send you all their very best wishes to stay safe and healthy.

“As we get any new information about the planned shows we will continue to post it here. This is of course a very difficult situation and no-one can truly predict what will happen but we will continue to keep our options open while we see what develops and, l hope, make sensible decisions. And we will keep you the fans informed at the appropriate times. So please bear with us.

“So for now, take care of yourselves and BE SMART.”

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