The Prisoner

Album: The Number Of The Beast (1982)
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Songfacts®:

  • A musical adaptation of the old BBC television series, The Prisoner, the song begins with Patrick McGoohan's opening narration from the show. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jeff - Haltom City, TX
  • Rod Smallwood, the band manager, was very nervous about calling Patrick McGoohan to get permission to use the quote. After bolstering up the courage to call McGoohan, he explained the proposition uncomfortably. McGoohan thought for a moment, than asked, "What was the band's name again?" Rod, who was downright scared at this point, told him again. "A rock band, you say?" McGoohan continued thoughtfully. Suddenly, he commanded "Do it!" sharply before hanging up. The band cracked up at this afterwards.
  • The band got the opening narration from The Prisoner tapes owned by metal DJ Tommy Vance.
  • Iron Maiden bass player Steve Harris, who wrote this song with guitarist Adrian Smith, explained: "Adrian took the solo on this one and it's one of his favorites. It's a very strong live number, although we don't play it on the set now."

    Harris is a founding member of the band; Smith came on board for their second album, Killers, in 1981. "The Prisoner" is part of their third album, The Number Of The Beast, which introduced new lead singer Bruce Dickinson, who replaced Paul Di'Anno.

Comments: 7

  • Grant from AustraliaAwesome song and great guitar solos, always one of my favourites. The intro was taken from the episode "Hammer into Anvil", you can look it up on Youtube.
  • Rachel from Lodi, NjI.LOVE.THIS.SONG. point. blank period. And it is even better live. Something about singing out I'm a free man!! with twenty thousand other people. It is good for the soul.
  • Luke from Manchester, United KingdomA great contrast to Frank Herbert, author of Dune who's agent - when told Iron Maiden wanted to write a song about his book - said:
    "No. Because Frank Herbert doesn't like rock bands, particularly heavy rock bands, and especially rock bands like Iron Maiden.".
  • Ray from Lodi, NjIron Maiden reintroduced this into their set for their 2012 Maiden England tour.
  • Stefan from Wien, AustriaBy hook or by crook, we will get it!
  • Cads from London, EnglandLast played in Switzerland on 6th September 1991.
    Would have been most welcome in the recent 'Early Days' tour 2005.
  • Keith from Slc, UtThere's more to the story . . .but . . .

    That would be telling.

see more comments

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