A New Iron Maiden Documentary Covers The Band’s History and Rigorous Touring Years in the 1980s

A new documentary about one of metal’s most iconic and influential groups is set to be released. On May 7, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition opened in theaters with a world premiere event in London. It has been noted that this documentary isn’t by the band, just about the band. Breaking from their history of constant creative control, Iron Maiden has allowed an outside source to cover the group’s history. Director Malcom Vanville took on the project, separating himself from previous historical documentaries such as Grant (2020), Abraham Lincoln (2022), and Theodore Roosevelt (2022). In 2025, Iron Maiden celebrated 50 years of the band, and this documentary covers their journey from East London Clubs to selling out stadiums and arenas.

In 1975, bassist Steve Harris formed Iron Maiden in Leyton, London. The band soon joined the “New Wave of British Heavy Metal Bands” who were establishing themselves in the grand scheme of rock music at the time. An early lineup included vocalist Paul Di’Anno, guitarists Dave Murray and Paul Cairns, bassist Steve Harris, and drummer Doug Sampson. They recorded a demo, and shortly after, an EP titled The Soundhouse Tapes was released in 1979. The 3-song EP featured early versions of songs that would appear on their debut album.

Their debut, Iron Maiden, was released in 1980 following a lineup change. Clive Burr took over on drums, and Dennis Stratton joined on what was his only album with the group. With the addition of guitarist Adrian Smith, the group released their second studio album, Killers, in 1981.

‘The Number Of The Beast’ Was The Groups First Commercial Success

In 1982, Iron Maiden released The Number Of The Beast. The album featured two successful singles, “Run To The Hills,” and “The Number Of The Beast.” It was the group’s first album to top the UK Albums Chart, and enter the Top 40 on the US Billboard 200. Iron Maiden’s lineup changed once again, this time with vocalist Paul Di’Anno replaced by Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson became the voice of Iron Maiden during their most successful years, following the release of The Number Of The Beast. It was their last to feature drummer Clive Burr, who was replaced by Nicko McBrain.

With the success of their third album and the follow-up success of 1983’s Piece Of Mind, the group toured extensively. They had yet another successful single with “The Trooper.” The success continued with 1984’s Powerslave, generating the hit “2 Minutes To Midnight.” A large part of their live performances featured the mascot Eddie, a zombie figure also featured on their album covers. He often appears as a large, theatrical prop during concerts.

In the new film, Bruce Dickinson spoke about their extensive touring, calling it “five years in the golden cage.” The new documentary covers these rigorous years, along with previously recorded off-screen interviews from the group. It also features animations of their mascot, Eddie, along with fellow musicians and fans’ interviews. Those include Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Scott Ian of Anthrax, Javier Bardem, Chuck D, and The Cure’s Simon Gallup.