Choosing these wasn't easy. After all, "Eddie The Head" has been with the band since the very beginning, starting with the debut album Iron Maiden and the first tour! The covers were designed by Derek Riggs until the 90s. Throughout the band's history, the mascot has evolved from era to era, yet always remains the good old Eddie. Let's begin:
1. Killers - 1981
Killers is the second studio album by Iron Maiden. At this time, Bruce Dickinson wasn't even in the band yet! He joined starting with the subsequent album, The Number of the Beast. The cover portrays Eddie as less punk and more heavy metal. The colors are still reminiscent of the previous cover. Insane, snarling, grinning with a bloody ax in hand - this cover definitely sticks in your memory. Eddie embarks on a long journey!
2. Number of the Beast - 1982
We continue with the third studio album, on whose cover we see Eddie playing the devil as a puppet. The devil, in turn, controls a mini-puppet version of Eddie. This image is so famous that it inspired other musicians as well. The band itself recognized its potential - initially created for the single “Purgatory,” it was later promoted to the album cover.
3. The Trooper - 1983
"The Trooper" is a single from the fourth studio album Piece Of Mind. Eddie is depicted in a torn uniform, with a saber, and the British flag on a battlefield. The long hair is gone! This was unexpected after the first three album covers by Iron Maiden. Yet, the design continues to impress with its shock value and memorability.
4. Fear Of The Dark - 1992
This album cover, created by Melvyn Grant, is the first on our list by another artist. His idea was to focus more on the psychological aspect after the rather brutal designs of the past covers. Eddie this time appears as if he is part of a tree, with claws and hair like branches, all against the backdrop of a full moon. A brilliant depiction of the title "Fear Of The Dark".
5. Senjutsu - 2021
This Eddie proudly appears on the cover of the current album Senjutsu, created by illustrator Mark Wilkinson, who also handled the design for The Book Of Souls. Fully styled as a samurai and as bloodthirsty as ever, Eddie does not seem like he wants to retire any time soon. Although Iron Maiden can now look back on nearly 50 years of band history, we hope for many more versions in the future!
Shop Iron Maiden Merch at Impericon
If this list has got you excited for more Eddie, be sure to check out our Iron Maiden merch assortment. We have CDs, vinyls, and T-shirts of the band - but especially, we offer unique Eddie products like action figures, an Eddie poster, and a Funko Pop of the Chase Edition!
