Iron Maiden wrote 'Aces High' in 1984 as a tribute to the RAF (Royal Air Force) of the British forces that reportedly had only 749 aircraft fighting against 2550 Luftwaffe aircraft commanded by the German nazis during the Battle of Britain in 1940 and were able to win against the firepower arrayed against them. Maiden went back to the topic of air warfare in World War II w/ the song 'Tailgunner' in 1990.
The Air War was a dark period in British history, no question, and the heroism and effort of the RAF during that period were exceptional. That being said, the actual likelihood and practicality of the Luftwaffe winning and maintaining air superiority over Britain was very limited and very unlikely. Two big indicators of that were less about the initial number of aircraft, than about aircraft production and pilot surviving/training. The Luftwaffe notably outnumbered the RAF when the Battle of Britain began, but I think during the entire period, I think the British always produced, with maybe only the exception of 1-2 months, more planes than they lost. They also were able to recover downed aircrews (being over home territory) and they were training more pilots than they lost. For the Luftwaffe, losing a plane basically guaranteed the loss of the aircrew. The Battle quickly exhausted their aircrew both mechanically and in personnel. There is also the matter of geography, Southeast England was at the maximum range of many Luftwaffe planes, particularly their fighters, whereas the RAF could (and did) pull airfields and squadrons out of Luftwaffe range, but could still quickly have planes in the sky available for intercept, and also allow veteran pilots to both rest and train other, new pilots, and pass on their knowledge. Finally, there were the matters of strategy and infrastructure. The Dowding system (the combination of coast watchers, radar stations, and networked communications and command and control) was excellent, and combined with the efforts of British Intelligence and the codebreakers at Bletchley Park, the RAF was able to react and adapt very quickly. The Luftwaffe's initial strategy was to attack this infrastructure and the airfields, but between effect redundancy and repair work, only a limited number of airfields being in effective range, and also the range preventing the kind of sustained bombing that would be needed to permanently disable an airfield made this ineffective. The darkest period was the 1-2 months when the Luftwaffe shifted their targets to British industry (particularly aircraft production), it was during that time only where the RAF was losing more planes than they were making and were starting to look at notable aircraft shortages. Then hitler decided (after RAF night bombing in Germany started) to try and win psychologically and moved to attacking London, which allowed RAF production to recover and also started absolutely mauling German formations, which is why they then switched to nighttime bombing of London (which many historians date as the end of The Battle of Britain and the start of The Blitz. tl;dr version: the RAF, and other British (and allied countries) military and intelligence, performed heroically, it was unquestonably a dark a dangerous time for the UK, but the realistic chances of the Luftwaffe winning the Battle of Britain (let alone the chances of mounting a successful invasion of the island) were actually much slimmer than is usually portrayed.
Stacey, it’s so refreshing to have a reactor that is educated and doesn’t cause me to scream at my phone while watching the content because they are so oblivious to content and/or history. Thank you, much love, and great reaction!
Almost 40 years to the day this 13 year old me watched this video montage on the screen at the World Slavery tour and with a bang! I experienced my first live Iron Maiden mind blowing opening to their set! and have seen them many times since - Every time I see a Supermarine Spitfire - Aces High plays in my head!!! Love the prop they had on the Legacy of the Beast tour too!
@MoMoMyPup10 l like how a few of their songs is about historical events. I saw them 3 times through the years. The first time l seen them Metallica was very young and opened for Maiden. The last time l saw them we are all aged and gray but still rockin.
We just saw IM last week in concert. F’ing AMAZING! All the band members are pushing 70 and still kill it! Bruce never stopped moving and running around. Aces High is one of my fav IM songs. 2 years ago when we saw them, they brought out the Spitfire Plane during Aces High and floated around on stage 🤘🤘🤘 more IM please 😍
As a United States Air Force Veteran Aces High ranks as my favorite Maiden Song Thanks for making this Airman's day ad the first reactionist to play it.
Specifically they are singing about the Battle of Great Britain in WWII, where they were under constant bomber attacks, the RAF fighter overcame overwhelming odds to win and keep England from being submitted. Iron Maiden is all about some historical songs written by Steve Harris (Bass) and Bruce Dickinson (Lead Vocals and pilot of their 757). Also, you always get a good history lesson with Iron Maiden. Their catalog is full of songs based on true historical facts.
Important to point out how closely run the whole affair was -- the RAF was literal days from being 'combat ineffective' because the Luftwaffe was focusing on RAF airfields. Late in the battle, Churchill ordered a night bombing raid on Berlin that upset Hitler so much he ordered Goering to start focusing on English cities. This one bad tactical decision probably cost Hitler the battle, and with his western flank not secured he chose to invade the Soviet Union anyway. That decision cost him the war.
love iron maiden i drove my parents crazy playing thier songs as a teenager blasting them out in my bedroom happy memories for me great reaction btw keep up the great work stacey take care
Saw them at the prudential Center in NJ with my 12 year old son . First concert ever! And he got the Dave’s picks guitar.! Great experience.! UP THE IRONS !!!
What a way to open an album! So good that it nearly overshadowed the rest of the album. I believe it was made after hearing some veterans talk about their experiences during the battle of britain. It was so hard that England was on the verge of collapse, rumours tell that they were hours from capitulating. I believe Churchill had so much praise of the pilots, that he during a speech once said: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few". I love Maiden, but I also try to mention about new bands. One of these is the japanese Lovebites. Their bass player is a massive Maiden fan, and has met Steve Harris and the band quite a few times. Sadly she left during the pandemic because of personal issues. But if you like duelling guitars and lovely guitar harmonies, you might like them! IMO a hidden gem and a truly underrated band. In 2018 they made a tribute to Maiden, very much inspired by "Aces High". OMV: ua-cam.com/video/1DcY6IKh7RU/v-deo.htmlsi=jguMapX8AQ5f7rRD Also a fantastic liveband which deserves so much more attention. What they're capable of? Enjoy! ua-cam.com/video/30yWisiRBuM/v-deo.htmlsi=JznFQG728wnDH2Hl
Hey Stacy! I finally got to see Iron Maiden Oct 4th In San Diego. It was a kickass performance. Even at 66 Bruce sounded great. I was pretty much in awe the whole time. The Hu Band opened for them and they also put on a great show.
Bassist Steve Harris is also the leader and Lyricist/composer of Iron Maiden. His right hand three finger technique is very unique and relentless and is the engine room of Iron Maiden. Other three finger technique bassists you should be aware of are: (even though they each achieve it in their own way) John Entwhistle of The Who-He said he came up with it by applying his Trumpet/French Horn technique which was his first instrument as a child. It looks to be almost a Flamingo style. He is the engine room and steady foundation of what is the insanity of Pete, Roger & Keith. His overdriven bass tone was the first that set the standard of how bass is approached today. Bassist Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Winery Dogs) Billy's playing is superhuman. Beyond his unmatched right hand tapping ability, his machine gun three finger tech was developed by drumming his fingers on a table. He lowered his strings so that the strings actually touch the pickup. He filed his pickups down and brushed on epoxy so that the strings touching the pickup won't make any noise. He literally just drums his fingers on the pickup like it is a table but the strings just happen to be there. You must react to Mr. Big-Addicted to That Rush that opens with Billy's solo. It will blow your mind how talented this band is. Here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/aqhNo6FJrek/v-deo.htmlsi=Jqyab7DOyKmZLAgq
also the new live versions are amazing. 2018 Aces High was the Opener and they had a great Show Effect.... I saw them in the Centre Place Of Triest in front of the Sea , 3 Days long the whole City was in Maiden-Fever. Everywhere you got Maiden-Burgers, Maiden Espressos --- what an incredible Weekend in this beautiful City, Maiden-Fans from all over the world
Really enjoyed your reaction to this, and so pleased you chose to react to the official video as it give so much more context if you’re not already familiar with the song.
Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden cites Thin Lizzy and Rory Gallagher as his earliest influences and says Johnny Winter is his all time favourite guitarist and also SRV. Dave Murray of Maiden also into Rory G and all the Blues greats.
My fav song from them, maybe. Very great perspective, Stacey. You nailed it at the beginning with Churchill's speech. More specifically, it was called, the Battle of Britain. When the RAF, ( Royal Air Force), held back the most powerful air force the world had ever seen, the Luftwaffer. That was the first time Hitler was stopped, and, when Britain actually saved the world.
Maiden often starts their concerts with this song. Bruce has said he likes to do it early because it is so fast to sing that it is easier when he is fresh. Lately they open with it and a giant inflatable plane flying over the stage.
I saw them twice in October on the current Futures Past tour and they are still fantastic live. When you hear that Churchill intro come over the speakers in the venue you know what is coming and they still kick your ass. #UpTheIrons
At this time me and my band had been playing 2 years, This song was about the battle of Britain and i remember when this album came out. We discussed if it was to much mainstreem compared to the old stuff. Now its part of the history of maiden and i love it all. The drummer in this band at this time was so much what i was insperired by.
Great reaction. Number Of The Beast was my introduction to Maiden when I was barely a teenager. It's still a favorite album of mine. The Powerslave tour was my first concert when I was 14. May 24 1985, I still have the ticket stub. Excellent album and an amazing experience.
So not only a FREAKING AMAZING song but what makes it Wayyyy Awesome is this British Metal singer is wearing a KGON Tee-shirt which is a radio station in Portland Oregon for which I grew up with!! 🤟🏼🎸🎸🎸🤟🏼☮️😎♾️☯️💕
I was at radio city music hall for the power slave tour way back then. I guess I was 16 or 15?❤😂 I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember I had first row, first mezzanine, center.❤❤
Another band from the history aspect is SABATON. All of their material is a story from the history books of war. two great songs are Christmas truce and a remake of a Motörhead song 1916. Give em a look 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻UP THE IRONS!!!
My pa-paw,my Mom's Dad lied about his age to join the Army at 16yrs old and at 17yrs old,he was off to World War 2! He passed at 59yrs old,and he would always have nightmares and was a very nervous person. He wouldn't hardly talk about the war and we didn't push the subject! Our country needs to do better to help the Veterans of war, especially!! 🤬🤬
Hello Stacey. Excellent track for review. I have a suggestion if I may. There is an Iron Maiden masterpiece that is often overlooked, maybe because of the slow start. This is a story about an actual tragic event in history. A story of a dedicated work crew and greedy politicians. But the band manages to embody the terminology of the crew and portray the events with their music. This track is on the “BOOK OF SOULS” album and is titled “Empire of the Clouds”. The tragic story of the R101 airship that made an ill fated flight that turned out in disaster. Would love to see your reaction to this song. Love your work! Enjoy.
During the summer and into Autumn all that stood between them and the free world were the brave men and women this is about the struggle our pilots had defending all our freedoms
Hello Stacy, I was fortunate to see the power slave concert live. This song was the first song they started the concert with. Check out more songs from this album, particularly, Rime of an ancient mariner!
One of the two Iron Maiden songs i only like since the 80´0s, 1- Aces High, 2- the trooper, 3- always the same horse passe kinda in all the rest of the songs! Metal Fan, in the 90´0s, Iron Maiden was Very "ligth" Metal and it was considered by true metal guys, lady´s metal.
Oh yeah,reliving my long hair,leather jacket,tight jeans,cowboy boot teenager years! 😂 only thing that hasn't changed is the music i listen to,the leather jacket,and the boots! Don't wear the jeans as tight,and my bangs go back to the crown of my head now!😂
Hello, Stacey! Surprise, surprise! Iron Maiden and their song "Aces High" from the album "Powerslave," released in 1984, mark an incredible time for Iron Maiden fans, and I was definitely one of them! I still believe they are the best metal band out there today. Steve Harris, the driving force behind the band, always knew what he wanted to create, resulting in "Live After Death," a live album that perfectly captured their essence. And they really did it! Maiden is truly my favorite rock band! It's a bit eerie that Paul Di'Anno, the first Iron Maiden singer, passed away about a month ago. He was pivotal to the creation of their first two albums, "Iron Maiden" and "Killers," which are classics among rock lovers. However, it was "Aces High" and the "Powerslave" album that helped Iron Maiden reclaim their spot in large arenas, delivering incredible music, thanks to Bruce Dickinson! This brings back so many memories. If you had an Iron Maiden album, you were considered a rebel! Those were good times! Thank you, Stacey, for sharing this passion with me. As you now know, "Up the Irons!" Cheers! Check out "Phantom of the Opera" from the first album with Paul. Thank you again! Bye! And don't forget "2 Minutes to Midnight!" Keep those surprises coming! Their best albums are all the way up to "Seventh Son." I love the "Killers" album and "The Number of the Beast." Is there enough Maiden for everyone? About the band: Steve is one of the best bassists of all time, and contributions from Adrian, Dave, Nicko, and Bruce just made it pure Iron Maiden!
OFF the wall suggestion.. Some younger Metal fans probably won't even know who they are, they are a rather deep cut... but if you like (love) Melodic Metal we're talking "The" OG Power Metal band... HELLOWEEN!! German (no they didn't sing in German 🙃) metal from the 80's, they were almost before my time. They were actually in the same circles as Maiden (same management company iirc and a few of the same tours). They were big, never the "biggest" especially over in the States, but I would actually rank their album "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I" as one of the greatest cover to cover underrated metal albums of all time. Actually, professionally (whatever that means) ranked it's one of the highest ranked metal albums of all time. I know you seem to be more into "history"... this album is more... "high fantasy" if you will, LOL.. You'd be doing yourself a true disservice to not give them a shot. I promise they'll blow your doors off! Does anybody say that? UGH. And skip the Doors, we've all heard them. Maybe Roadhouse Blues. Oh, stater song if you just listen to "one" off of the album... go for "Twilight of the Gods". Or "I'm Alive"; go for Twilight... all of them... the album is actually a story... sort of.
I'm so happy that you have finally got back into Maiden. This song is set in the Battle of Britain during the beginning of WWII. This was a very significant point in not just British, but world history. Britain being able to stop the Germans in the Battle of Britain was instrumental in the outcome of the war. I would really love for you to react to "Paschendale," which is about the third Battle of Ypres in WWI. It's another Iron Maiden masterclass on history. Live, from the Death on the Road concert, please!
Iron Maiden has been a favorite of mine since I saw them in the 80s as a young USAF airman. I just saw them again Saturday night, it was awesome. Up the IRONS!!! Go see them Stacy.
Surely, it is one of the best bands in the history of HEAVY METAL genre! At least, that's what I think! And of course, thank you very much for your reaction video ❤
Maiden is a top-tier groove beautiful I dare you to put on headphones start with this song here aces high that was the first song on the powerslave album and then listen to the rest of the album straight in the order they are I did that while smoking a doobie back when this album came out and oh my God my mind was blown I just drifted away the musicianship sweetie on this whole album is insanely incredible
Speaking of historical songs, "Alexander The Great" by Iron Maiden will definitely, surely, unavoidably blow your mind! You should really try it out next! Up the Irons!!
Your reactions are as beautiful as you, and this one stands for it! Such a great reaction to my favorite band, thank you very much! If you love their sound and love their History telling, I got such a good suggestion for you: reacting to "Alexander the great", a song they've been finally playing live on their current tour (for so long we, Maiden fans, had been waiting for it!), called "The Future Past Tour". "Alexander the great" - spoiler alert! - has got one of the most beautiful guitar solos ever! I've already bought my tickets! To me and my sons! Up the irons! 🤘
I'm your huge fan now!!! And a huge Maiden fan!!! 😂 You should really do "2 Minutes to Midnight", "Revelations", "Powerslave" from this LIVE AFTER DEATH concert! Also "The Weaker man" from ROCK IN RIO, "Paschendale" from DEATH ON THE ROAD!
Yeh, Maiden is great. Made me think of another vocalist to check out if you haven’t already…Ian Gilham from Deep Purple. Check out the song “Child in Time” from the In Rock album, or the live version from Made in Japan.
10:43 After hearing you say that could I suggest the song Paschendale and The Longest Day for you to check out? Aces High definitely captures the fast paced energy of dogfights/aerial warfare but Paschendale and The Longest Day are basically the opposite of Aces High. Paschendale is obviously about the Battle of Paschendale in the First World War which I think particular paints a really good picture of the stop/start nature of trench warfare and The Longest Day is about D-Day during the Second World War told from the POV of an Allie (Or Ally?) solider.
Iron Maiden wrote 'Aces High' in 1984 as a tribute to the RAF (Royal Air Force) of the British forces that reportedly had only 749 aircraft fighting against 2550 Luftwaffe aircraft commanded by the German nazis during the Battle of Britain in 1940 and were able to win against the firepower arrayed against them.
Maiden went back to the topic of air warfare in World War II w/ the song 'Tailgunner' in 1990.
Yes, truly heroic efforts by those brave pilots. Radar, a new technology, allowed them to deploy their limited planes for maximum effect.
The Air War was a dark period in British history, no question, and the heroism and effort of the RAF during that period were exceptional. That being said, the actual likelihood and practicality of the Luftwaffe winning and maintaining air superiority over Britain was very limited and very unlikely. Two big indicators of that were less about the initial number of aircraft, than about aircraft production and pilot surviving/training. The Luftwaffe notably outnumbered the RAF when the Battle of Britain began, but I think during the entire period, I think the British always produced, with maybe only the exception of 1-2 months, more planes than they lost. They also were able to recover downed aircrews (being over home territory) and they were training more pilots than they lost. For the Luftwaffe, losing a plane basically guaranteed the loss of the aircrew. The Battle quickly exhausted their aircrew both mechanically and in personnel.
There is also the matter of geography, Southeast England was at the maximum range of many Luftwaffe planes, particularly their fighters, whereas the RAF could (and did) pull airfields and squadrons out of Luftwaffe range, but could still quickly have planes in the sky available for intercept, and also allow veteran pilots to both rest and train other, new pilots, and pass on their knowledge.
Finally, there were the matters of strategy and infrastructure. The Dowding system (the combination of coast watchers, radar stations, and networked communications and command and control) was excellent, and combined with the efforts of British Intelligence and the codebreakers at Bletchley Park, the RAF was able to react and adapt very quickly. The Luftwaffe's initial strategy was to attack this infrastructure and the airfields, but between effect redundancy and repair work, only a limited number of airfields being in effective range, and also the range preventing the kind of sustained bombing that would be needed to permanently disable an airfield made this ineffective. The darkest period was the 1-2 months when the Luftwaffe shifted their targets to British industry (particularly aircraft production), it was during that time only where the RAF was losing more planes than they were making and were starting to look at notable aircraft shortages. Then hitler decided (after RAF night bombing in Germany started) to try and win psychologically and moved to attacking London, which allowed RAF production to recover and also started absolutely mauling German formations, which is why they then switched to nighttime bombing of London (which many historians date as the end of The Battle of Britain and the start of The Blitz.
tl;dr version: the RAF, and other British (and allied countries) military and intelligence, performed heroically, it was unquestonably a dark a dangerous time for the UK, but the realistic chances of the Luftwaffe winning the Battle of Britain (let alone the chances of mounting a successful invasion of the island) were actually much slimmer than is usually portrayed.
Aces high is the first Iron Maiden's song I've ever heard when I was twelve, and I still love it! 🤘
Cheers from Italy! 🇮🇹
Stacey, it’s so refreshing to have a reactor that is educated and doesn’t cause me to scream at my phone while watching the content because they are so oblivious to content and/or history. Thank you, much love, and great reaction!
I can't beleive it's already 40years ago this song was released with their album Powerslave. Epic record to explore some more from Stacey.
Almost 40 years to the day this 13 year old me watched this video montage on the screen at the World Slavery tour and with a bang! I experienced my first live Iron Maiden mind blowing opening to their set! and have seen them many times since - Every time I see a Supermarine Spitfire - Aces High plays in my head!!! Love the prop they had on the Legacy of the Beast tour too!
Thanks for reminding me that I'm officially old. 😉
40 years ago was a very good year.
Maiden is metal for people with an IQ. Their story telling is educational.
lmao
100%
LOL!!!!!
or maybe just with taste in music
@MoMoMyPup10 l like how a few of their songs is about historical events. I saw them 3 times through the years. The first time l seen them Metallica was very young and opened for Maiden. The last time l saw them we are all aged and gray but still rockin.
We just saw IM last week in concert. F’ing AMAZING! All the band members are pushing 70 and still kill it! Bruce never stopped moving and running around. Aces High is one of my fav IM songs. 2 years ago when we saw them, they brought out the Spitfire Plane during Aces High and floated around on stage 🤘🤘🤘 more IM please 😍
Iron Maiden is the top British Metal Band and still on top now, all the members are in their 60's and Niko oin his 70's
THIS is how you open an album. As aggressive but faster than Be Quick or Be Dead. Another solid album opener.
As a United States Air Force Veteran Aces High ranks as my favorite Maiden Song Thanks for making this Airman's day ad the first reactionist to play it.
Thank you for your service!
@@chaoticneutral3487🙄
The greatest chorus in all of Iron Maiden's music.
Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die. Won't you run, live to fly, fly to live, Aces High.
Nothing like seeing Iron Maiden live! Total energy!
Specifically they are singing about the Battle of Great Britain in WWII, where they were under constant bomber attacks, the RAF fighter overcame overwhelming odds to win and keep England from being submitted. Iron Maiden is all about some historical songs written by Steve Harris (Bass) and Bruce Dickinson (Lead Vocals and pilot of their 757).
Also, you always get a good history lesson with Iron Maiden. Their catalog is full of songs based on true historical facts.
or even Movies and literature 🙂
Bruce has a degree in History....😊
Important to point out how closely run the whole affair was -- the RAF was literal days from being 'combat ineffective' because the Luftwaffe was focusing on RAF airfields. Late in the battle, Churchill ordered a night bombing raid on Berlin that upset Hitler so much he ordered Goering to start focusing on English cities. This one bad tactical decision probably cost Hitler the battle, and with his western flank not secured he chose to invade the Soviet Union anyway. That decision cost him the war.
Lord of the flies based on the book lord of the flies is a great song
Iron Maiden as a History professor? No one would ever skip class or flunk.
TRUTH!!!!!!
July 82 was my first Maiden show, seen them 10 times
First track of their best album "Powerslave".
so many good tracks on there
It's so hard to pick a favorite album of mine but Powerslave might be it!!
Number of The beast
#1
It was Seventh Son of a Seventh Son that did it for me. But Powerslave also thumps from beginning to end.
Best album is debatable
love iron maiden i drove my parents crazy playing thier songs as a teenager blasting them out in my bedroom happy memories for me great reaction btw keep up the great work stacey take care
I was 12 when I saw Maiden in 85 and they opened with this song... blew my young mind!
Saw this live, nice to see a new generation appreciating true power in music xx
Saw them at the prudential Center in NJ with my 12 year old son . First concert ever! And he got the Dave’s picks guitar.! Great experience.! UP THE IRONS !!!
UP THE IRONS! Growing up listening to them from the very start feels like an honour.
What a way to open an album!
So good that it nearly overshadowed the rest of the album.
I believe it was made after hearing some veterans talk about their experiences during the battle of britain. It was so hard that England was on the verge of collapse, rumours tell that they were hours from capitulating. I believe Churchill had so much praise of the pilots, that he during a speech once said: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few".
I love Maiden, but I also try to mention about new bands.
One of these is the japanese Lovebites. Their bass player is a massive Maiden fan, and has met Steve Harris and the band quite a few times. Sadly she left during the pandemic because of personal issues. But if you like duelling guitars and lovely guitar harmonies, you might like them!
IMO a hidden gem and a truly underrated band. In 2018 they made a tribute to Maiden, very much inspired by "Aces High". OMV: ua-cam.com/video/1DcY6IKh7RU/v-deo.htmlsi=jguMapX8AQ5f7rRD
Also a fantastic liveband which deserves so much more attention. What they're capable of?
Enjoy! ua-cam.com/video/30yWisiRBuM/v-deo.htmlsi=JznFQG728wnDH2Hl
I still cant believe this band is atill touring to this day that how amazing they are.
I saw Maiden in Brooklyn a couple years ago, pre Covid and they still sound amazing!
Hey Stacy! I finally got to see Iron Maiden Oct 4th In San Diego. It was a kickass performance. Even at 66 Bruce sounded great. I was pretty much in awe the whole time. The Hu Band opened for them and they also put on a great show.
It’s about the ‘Battle of Britain’ “Never in the history of human conflict have so many owed so much to so few.” Winston Churchill
Bassist Steve Harris is also the leader and Lyricist/composer of Iron Maiden. His right hand three finger technique is very unique and relentless and is the engine room of Iron Maiden. Other three finger technique bassists you should be aware of are: (even though they each achieve it in their own way) John Entwhistle of The Who-He said he came up with it by applying his Trumpet/French Horn technique which was his first instrument as a child. It looks to be almost a Flamingo style. He is the engine room and steady foundation of what is the insanity of Pete, Roger & Keith. His overdriven bass tone was the first that set the standard of how bass is approached today. Bassist Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big, Winery Dogs) Billy's playing is superhuman. Beyond his unmatched right hand tapping ability, his machine gun three finger tech was developed by drumming his fingers on a table. He lowered his strings so that the strings actually touch the pickup. He filed his pickups down and brushed on epoxy so that the strings touching the pickup won't make any noise. He literally just drums his fingers on the pickup like it is a table but the strings just happen to be there. You must react to Mr. Big-Addicted to That Rush that opens with Billy's solo. It will blow your mind how talented this band is. Here is the link:
ua-cam.com/video/aqhNo6FJrek/v-deo.htmlsi=Jqyab7DOyKmZLAgq
Actually he uses a 2 finger technique and a lot of the time just 1
also the new live versions are amazing. 2018 Aces High was the Opener and they had a great Show Effect.... I saw them in the Centre Place Of Triest in front of the Sea , 3 Days long the whole City was in Maiden-Fever. Everywhere you got Maiden-Burgers, Maiden Espressos --- what an incredible Weekend in this beautiful City, Maiden-Fans from all over the world
Really enjoyed your reaction to this, and so pleased you chose to react to the official video as it give so much more context if you’re not already familiar with the song.
Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden cites Thin Lizzy and Rory Gallagher as his earliest influences and says Johnny Winter is his all time favourite guitarist and also SRV. Dave Murray of Maiden also into Rory G and all the Blues greats.
My fav song from them, maybe. Very great perspective, Stacey. You nailed it at the beginning with Churchill's speech. More specifically, it was called, the Battle of Britain. When the RAF, ( Royal Air Force), held back the most powerful air force the world had ever seen, the Luftwaffer. That was the first time Hitler was stopped, and, when Britain actually saved the world.
Luftwaffe literally translates from German as Air (Luft) Weapon (Waffe)
A few years ago I found a perfect audio clip of Churchill's speech "We Shall Fight". I tacked it onto the start of Aces High, and now it is complete.
Maiden often starts their concerts with this song. Bruce has said he likes to do it early because it is so fast to sing that it is easier when he is fresh. Lately they open with it and a giant inflatable plane flying over the stage.
I saw them twice in October on the current Futures Past tour and they are still fantastic live. When you hear that Churchill intro come over the speakers in the venue you know what is coming and they still kick your ass. #UpTheIrons
I saw them during this tour. Great show.
At this time me and my band had been playing 2 years, This song was about the battle of Britain and i remember when this album came out. We discussed if it was to much mainstreem compared to the old stuff. Now its part of the history of maiden and i love it all. The drummer in this band at this time was so much what i was insperired by.
Amazing Song, Amazing Album!! My two favorite bands, you love... IRON MAIDEN and PINK FLOYD! :)
I love your reactions they're raw authentic in real you give the best reactions keep up the great work
More Maiden! MORE MAIDEN!!! Hallowed Be Thy Name, The Trooper, Powerslave, Flight of Icarus, Run to the Hills!
Great reaction. Number Of The Beast was my introduction to Maiden when I was barely a teenager. It's still a favorite album of mine. The Powerslave tour was my first concert when I was 14. May 24 1985, I still have the ticket stub. Excellent album and an amazing experience.
So impressed you recognized winston churchill. You'd be surprised at how many people don't know history. Or maybe you wouldn't be surprised.😅
So not only a FREAKING AMAZING song but what makes it Wayyyy Awesome is this British Metal singer is wearing a KGON Tee-shirt which is a radio station in Portland Oregon for which I grew up with!! 🤟🏼🎸🎸🎸🤟🏼☮️😎♾️☯️💕
I was at radio city music hall for the power slave tour way back then. I guess I was 16 or 15?❤😂 I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember I had first row, first mezzanine, center.❤❤
Up the irons! My favorite song! Nice reaction, Stacey!
Another band from the history aspect is SABATON. All of their material is a story from the history books of war. two great songs are Christmas truce and a remake of a Motörhead song 1916. Give em a look 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻UP THE IRONS!!!
Dedicated to the RAF
One of my favorite Maiden songs and insanely great live
Fun fact: Bruce Dickenson is not only an accomplished pilot but he even flies the bands plane and is, or was, a part time airline pilot.
Great to see you get back to Iron Maiden, Stacey. More please!
My pa-paw,my Mom's Dad lied about his age to join the Army at 16yrs old and at 17yrs old,he was off to World War 2! He passed at 59yrs old,and he would always have nightmares and was a very nervous person. He wouldn't hardly talk about the war and we didn't push the subject! Our country needs to do better to help the Veterans of war, especially!! 🤬🤬
A great tribute to the brave pilots who did the impossible.
Hello Stacey. Excellent track for review. I have a suggestion if I may. There is an Iron Maiden masterpiece that is often overlooked, maybe because of the slow start. This is a story about an actual tragic event in history. A story of a dedicated work crew and greedy politicians. But the band manages to embody the terminology of the crew and portray the events with their music. This track is on the “BOOK OF SOULS” album and is titled “Empire of the Clouds”. The tragic story of the R101 airship that made an ill fated flight that turned out in disaster. Would love to see your reaction to this song. Love your work! Enjoy.
Iv just bought my ticket for my first ever solo gig and I'm travelling from Liverpool to Bremen in Germany to see them in July! 🤘
During the summer and into Autumn all that stood between them and the free world were the brave men and women this is about the struggle our pilots had defending all our freedoms
Glad to see you're back reacting to Maiden! Looking forward to what you have lined up in the future.
This was when the band was on fire and no one could touch them. NO ONE.
“Up The Irons”
🤘🏼😎🤘🏼
🛩
This would go down as 1 of our finest moments it gas gone down in history as THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN !!!❤❤❤
For another song inspired by Winston Churchill, there's 'Our Solemn Hour' by Within Temptation, a Dutch symphonic metal band.
Wow, amazing and very catchy song, definitely a good one to work out to, I agree. Really enjoyed your reaction!
I really don't expect modern audiences to embrace this music like we did, but seeing as some things change slower than others - it still has value.
Hello Stacy, I was fortunate to see the power slave concert live. This song was the first song they started the concert with. Check out more songs from this album, particularly, Rime of an ancient mariner!
I was waiting for your reaction when the song kicks in 😂
a little jump scare!
Iron Maiden are the Gaurdians of the Metal Throne..and can cause planets to collide when they wield their power.
One of the two Iron Maiden songs i only like since the 80´0s, 1- Aces High, 2- the trooper, 3- always the same horse passe kinda in all the rest of the songs!
Metal Fan, in the 90´0s, Iron Maiden was Very "ligth" Metal and it was considered by true metal guys, lady´s metal.
Really. What was man metal? Judas Priest?
Oh yeah,reliving my long hair,leather jacket,tight jeans,cowboy boot teenager years! 😂 only thing that hasn't changed is the music i listen to,the leather jacket,and the boots! Don't wear the jeans as tight,and my bangs go back to the crown of my head now!😂
Hello, Stacey! Surprise, surprise! Iron Maiden and their song "Aces High" from the album "Powerslave," released in 1984, mark an incredible time for Iron Maiden fans, and I was definitely one of them! I still believe they are the best metal band out there today. Steve Harris, the driving force behind the band, always knew what he wanted to create, resulting in "Live After Death," a live album that perfectly captured their essence. And they really did it! Maiden is truly my favorite rock band!
It's a bit eerie that Paul Di'Anno, the first Iron Maiden singer, passed away about a month ago. He was pivotal to the creation of their first two albums, "Iron Maiden" and "Killers," which are classics among rock lovers. However, it was "Aces High" and the "Powerslave" album that helped Iron Maiden reclaim their spot in large arenas, delivering incredible music, thanks to Bruce Dickinson!
This brings back so many memories. If you had an Iron Maiden album, you were considered a rebel! Those were good times! Thank you, Stacey, for sharing this passion with me. As you now know, "Up the Irons!" Cheers!
Check out "Phantom of the Opera" from the first album with Paul. Thank you again! Bye! And don't forget "2 Minutes to Midnight!" Keep those surprises coming! Their best albums are all the way up to "Seventh Son." I love the "Killers" album and "The Number of the Beast."
Is there enough Maiden for everyone? About the band: Steve is one of the best bassists of all time, and contributions from Adrian, Dave, Nicko, and Bruce just made it pure Iron Maiden!
Saw them last week. They were flawless.
One of the best 1/2 punches to start any album ever…..this song and 2MTM.
Can't believe you reached IRON MAIDEN so fast 😱💫
OFF the wall suggestion.. Some younger Metal fans probably won't even know who they are, they are a rather deep cut... but if you like (love) Melodic Metal we're talking "The" OG Power Metal band...
HELLOWEEN!! German (no they didn't sing in German 🙃) metal from the 80's, they were almost before my time. They were actually in the same circles as Maiden (same management company iirc and a few of the same tours).
They were big, never the "biggest" especially over in the States, but I would actually rank their album "Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I" as one of the greatest cover to cover underrated metal albums of all time. Actually, professionally (whatever that means) ranked it's one of the highest ranked metal albums of all time.
I know you seem to be more into "history"... this album is more... "high fantasy" if you will, LOL.. You'd be doing yourself a true disservice to not give them a shot.
I promise they'll blow your doors off! Does anybody say that? UGH. And skip the Doors, we've all heard them. Maybe Roadhouse Blues.
Oh, stater song if you just listen to "one" off of the album... go for "Twilight of the Gods". Or "I'm Alive"; go for Twilight... all of them... the album is actually a story... sort of.
I'm so happy that you have finally got back into Maiden. This song is set in the Battle of Britain during the beginning of WWII. This was a very significant point in not just British, but world history. Britain being able to stop the Germans in the Battle of Britain was instrumental in the outcome of the war. I would really love for you to react to "Paschendale," which is about the third Battle of Ypres in WWI. It's another Iron Maiden masterclass on history. Live, from the Death on the Road concert, please!
Iron Maiden has been a favorite of mine since I saw them in the 80s as a young USAF airman. I just saw them again Saturday night, it was awesome. Up the IRONS!!! Go see them Stacy.
So happy to see you come back to Iron Maiden. Thank you.
Surely, it is one of the best bands in the history of HEAVY METAL genre! At least, that's what I think! And of course, thank you very much for your reaction video ❤
You're really feeling the muzik.
Once you can do that you can love almost every types of muzik 🙂
Should see the live version, spitfire plane above Bruce’s head!!!!!
The battle in question is “the Battle of Britain”. The Royal Airforce vs the Luftwaffa.
“10 ME - 109’s out of the sun”. That means someone is going to have a bad day. I also love that Bruce is sporting a “KGON” shirt. Portland rock radio!
Maiden is a top-tier groove beautiful I dare you to put on headphones start with this song here aces high that was the first song on the powerslave album and then listen to the rest of the album straight in the order they are I did that while smoking a doobie back when this album came out and oh my God my mind was blown I just drifted away the musicianship sweetie on this whole album is insanely incredible
About time...!!!! One of my favorite songs saw them 2 weeks ago, different setlist than their norm but still a great show
Speaking of historical songs, "Alexander The Great" by Iron Maiden will definitely, surely, unavoidably blow your mind! You should really try it out next! Up the Irons!!
That whole album is
🔥🤘🏽🔥
This is Really Heavy Rock💪💥Thanks Stacey🌹👍
This song was specifically about the Battle of Britain, where the RAF against all odds beat back the Nazi war machine!!
Best metal band ever.. soundtrack to my youth and the best years of my life 🤘🔥
Iron maiden is one of my main workout to bands, also suicidal tendences is a good band for gym
A good compliment to this song is Sabaton's "Aces in Exile" about the foreign-born pilots who fought for the RAF during the Battle of Britain.
Thanks to the brave men who went balls to wall for freedom.😎🎸🎸🎸🎸.
Your reactions are as beautiful as you, and this one stands for it!
Such a great reaction to my favorite band, thank you very much!
If you love their sound and love their History telling, I got such a good suggestion for you: reacting to "Alexander the great", a song they've been finally playing live on their current tour (for so long we, Maiden fans, had been waiting for it!), called "The Future Past Tour".
"Alexander the great" - spoiler alert! - has got one of the most beautiful guitar solos ever!
I've already bought my tickets! To me and my sons!
Up the irons! 🤘
I'm your huge fan now!!! And a huge Maiden fan!!! 😂 You should really do "2 Minutes to Midnight", "Revelations", "Powerslave" from this LIVE AFTER DEATH concert! Also "The Weaker man" from ROCK IN RIO, "Paschendale" from DEATH ON THE ROAD!
Yeh, Maiden is great. Made me think of another vocalist to check out if you haven’t already…Ian Gilham from Deep Purple. Check out the song “Child in Time” from the In Rock album, or the live version from Made in Japan.
Back when they had two guitarists. Now, they have three !
Yeah!! Iron maiden...💯💯 excellent...
🔊👌
One of the greatest album openings ever! Just a heavy metal anthem
UP THE IRONS !😍🤘
Most of their guitar solos before Janick are both Dave Murray and Adrian Smith and it's always fun to listen for the switch.
Bonjour Stacey 🥰🥰🥰!!! you are pefect as always !!!!❤
Iron Maiden: the best way to learn about history.
My favorite Iron Maiden song!
It's about the Battle Of Britain from the pilots point of view.
10:43 After hearing you say that could I suggest the song Paschendale and The Longest Day for you to check out? Aces High definitely captures the fast paced energy of dogfights/aerial warfare but Paschendale and The Longest Day are basically the opposite of Aces High. Paschendale is obviously about the Battle of Paschendale in the First World War which I think particular paints a really good picture of the stop/start nature of trench warfare and The Longest Day is about D-Day during the Second World War told from the POV of an Allie (Or Ally?) solider.
The song is about the battle of Britain
Nice one Stacey ⭐ up the Irons 🤘