the song is based on the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava 1854, which took place during the Crimean War, and inspired by Lord Tennyson's 1854 poem of the same name.
And it is important to note that telegraph allowed the phenomenon of rapid reportage on the events of the battles. That is why it made such an impression on the British public.
Cannon to the left of them. Cannon to the right of them. Volleyed and Thundered! Sorry, but I love it when Metal bands like Maiden show they have a brain and give insight on historical events. Up The IRONS!!! Great account of the Crimean War.
Oh, yes! Iron Maiden is way more than a heavy metal band. They're in their own universe. College educated guys who are history buffs. The drummer is active in his local church. The lead singer has multi-million dollar aviation company (and he was a commercial airline pilot for 17 yrs. while still singing in the band), is investing in ZERO carbon aviation that will deliver food and meds to even the most remote places on earth. They are very community oriented; hate bullies; hate politicians; hate celebrities; love beer. They all have so many other things going on outside of the band (which has been non-stop active since the mid '70s!). They're not asshats that look down on people and lecture us how to live.
When you look at all the scary creepy drawings on their album covers, you'd think that these guys were making music about some dark shit, death or the devil. You'd never guess that they were actually the cool badass history teachers of the 80's.
“Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward. All in The Valley Of Death rode the six hundred. ‘Forward, The Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!’, he said. Into The Valley Of Death rode the six hundred.” Look that poem up, Biz! You won’t be sorry!
When bassist Steve Harris started writing his own songs around 1974/ '75, he started his own band, Iron Maiden, because his previous band found his songs "complicated" to perform... This was the way he could realize his creative vision. Even as early as '75/ '76, Iron Maiden were playing original songs and pulling in lines of fans into bars and clubs in London. But Harris was always looking for musicians to improve the band. When guitarist Dave Murray joined in 1976, his skills made them sound better... Harris didn't even know what kind of lead singer he wanted, except that he should be able to hold a crowd's attention at their show. Maiden went thru 2 vocalists before they found their 3rd vocalist Paul Di'Anno in 1977, and he was a key member in their club days - his gruff vocals, punk rock edge and stage presence made Iron Maiden a popular draw and got them signed finally by 1979. When Maiden released their first 2 records in 1980 to 1981, Steve Harris wrote most of the songs... but the band kept improving w/ Clive Burr (drums) joining in 1979... and guitarist Adrian Smith added on 2nd guitar in 1981. You can hear the complexity and delivery progress w/ each record... then vocalist Bruce Dickinson joined in 1982, replacing Di'Anno and Iron Maiden, and they took a leap sonically on their 3rd album, cos Dickinson was more versatile of a singer. After Nicko McBrain (drums) joined in 1983, u had Iron Maiden able to deliver heavy metal gems (like 'The Trooper') at a high level of musicianship and public appeal that made them an arena band in the 80's. It was a gradual evolution of the band; there was no plan to go where they went musically...
Nice summary! Most iron fans would know it, but I didn't. Adrian Smith is such a superb player that it's a shame he left and a boon that he came back. There's really only top notch musicians in the band. Even Paul, that some people looks down, is so distinctive and not at all despicable.
Iron Maiden introduced me to Tennyson, and in turn, 19th century British literature. Speaking of which, Rime of the Ancient Mariner is a literary (and musical) masterpiece. Up the irons!!
^^^THIS. Samuel Taylor Coleridge would have been proud to hear his epic poem rendered as an epic song. Oh...and the version on Live After Death is the one to listen to!
"Aces high" is one of their songs about WW2 the battle of Britain where the Nazis were attacking daily with airplanes and he is flying a Spitfire airplane to defend his homeland. You should review that one. Powerslave is one their best albums , there is even a 20 something minute song "the Rime of the Ancient Mariner" which is taken from a famous old poem. "Run to the hills" is bad ass about the American Indians plight. The singer is Bruce Dickenson, he learned how to be a pilot in the 90s and flies their tour plane today. I believe all of them went to college. Steve Harris is the main writer, but they all do their part. One of the best metal bands of all time. The best stuff came out in the 80s although they still put out albums but unlike in the old days pre 1995 the mainstream only promotes stuff that is in line with their goals, bands like Iron Maiden write lyrics that make you think and that is a big no no to todays powers that be. They want people singing about getting loaded ,going to the club, selling dope, and shallow materialistic bullcrap etc. The ignorant and addicted are easily controlled and they don't want people knowing real history so they can make sure it repeats.That's why they have been changing history books and shifting the focus to what they want people to learn about so we can be good little boys and girls. We are doomed. LOL
Talking about the battle of Britain, I recently learn the top squadron in the RAF were exiled poles , whoscou try was occupied by the ruskies. Then deported so the russians wouldn't be upset at the start of the cold war.
With many Iron Maiden songs, you get an accurate history lesson. The Trooper tells the account of a British soldier during the Crimean War. Lord Cardigan led the British cavalry against Russian forces during the Battle of Balaclava on 25 October 1854. Lord Raglan had intended to send the Light Brigade to prevent the Russians from removing captured guns from overrun Turkish positions. However, there was miscommunication in the chain of command and the Light Brigade was instead sent on a suicide mission charging straight at heavy Russian artillery which cost the lives of 600 British soldiers. This inspired Alfred Lord Tennyson to write a poem called "The Charge of the Light Brigade" to commemorate the tragedy. Great reaction as always 👍 Other great Iron Maiden history lessons you could check out.... Run to the Hills (you've just done), Alexander the Great, Paschendale and Empire of the Clouds. Any Maiden, you can't miss. Up the Irons!!! Also massive respect to Derek Riggs, the original artist and the creator of Eddie🤘🏻
They weren't all killed. Of The 600 just under half made it back. 110 were killed and another 130 were wounded and about 70 taken prisoner. Nonetheless as Tennyson's poem states "someone had blundered!"
Biz, thanks for this reaction! Iron Maiden are legendary. I've seen them several times live and they never disappoint. Bruce Dickinson sounds as great now as he did in the 80s. I love your channel and keep up the great work 🤘🤘
I love how the instruments sound like the battlefield sounds. The guitar riff sounds like a bugle call, the bass line sounds like hoofbeats, and the drums pop and bang like gunfire. As quick and chaotic as the song is, it also has a very slow, regimented beat that is like a military march. The music is like a picture. A more recent song that does something similar is Sabaton's "Aces in Exile", where the instruments imitate the sound of WWII fighter combat.
I am grateful to have seen these guys twice in the early 80's in Halifax. They played their first North American show for their World Slavery Tour promoting the Power Slave album in Halifax. One of the best concerts in my 56 years on this earth. Bruce Dickenson (singer) flys commercial airliners as a "part time gig/hobby".
I saw their Power Slave show at the old Seattle Center Collaseum in ’84. Best live show ever. I'd learn to expect a level of um, I guess sloppiness in timing etc at live rock shows, but the guys were so tight, like a well oiled machine. Perfection!! Best concert memory ever.
Hey Bizmatik, in answer to your question about if "The Trooper" was inspired by a real war, it absolutely was inspired by a real war Specifically, it's inspired by The British Assault on Russian Forces during The Crimean War, when British Cavalry Troops were charging into battle with Russian Artillery and how one-sided this battle was
Yes, this song is about a real battle during the Crimenean War in the 1850’s. I honestly think I learned more World history being an Iron Maiden fan than all of my high school years, lol.
I have seen them a few times over the years (I am 57), and hands down they have the best show ever. I think Maiden was the reason I became interested in looking at true history, not just what they taught in school. Up the Irons!
Best band in the world hands down! Been a fan since their beginning, seen them live countless times, and no one else compares. Ancient mariner is a masterpiece, you should react to that.
@@odysseasandroutsos1821 Ελπίζω, εύχομαι μόνο να γίνει η συναυλία και ας παίξουν και τον τηλεφωνικό κατάλογο! Θέλω να έρθω από Μόναχο μόνο και μόνο για να τους δω! 🤘🏻
@@konstantinosarvanitidis3324 Ναι, κι εγώ φοβάμαι μήπως ακυρωθεί η συναυλία αν και δεν το νομίζω. Δεν ξέρω πως είναι τα πράγματα εκεί πάνω, πάντως εδώ λένε πως μέχρι τον Απρίλιο θα έχουμε ξεμπερδέψει. Μακάρι αυτή την φορά να ξέρουν τι λένε και να μην μας δουλεύουν όπως στην αρχή της πανδημίας. Αλήθεια, δεν θα παίξουν στην Γερμανία;
@@odysseasandroutsos1821 Θα παίξουν στην Στουτγάρδη, αλλά εκεί έχουν πουληθεί σχεδόν όλα τα εισιτήρια και εκτός αυτού με την ευκαιρία θέλω να κατέβω λίγο Αθήνα γιατί τελευταία φορά ήταν πριν την πανδημία!
@@konstantinosarvanitidis3324 Δεν θα εκπλαγείς. Πάνω κάτω τα ίδια είμαστε ακόμα. Αλλά κι εγώ θα ήθελα να επιστρέψω στην Ελλάδα για λίγο αν ζούσα στο εξωτερικό, άρα σου εύχομαι να το καταφέρεις και καλή τύχη!
Brother... you really need to see these guys in concert by far the best show you can ever go to. The stage show is epic the music rocks... it is so killer. Even if you don't know the songs you find yourself singing to them best of the orginal metal bands ever.
Great video man, if you want another track to check out by Iron Maiden try Flight Of Icarus. And yes, the song is telling the story of a trooper involved in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War which was fought between England and Russia in the mid 1800's. Also, lead singer is Bruce Dickinson.
You have to do "rhyme of the ancient marinor". Thats one of their best and is an epic based on a classic of english litrature by samual taylor coleridge.
Bruce Dickinson is the lead singer. He is also a world class fencer, commercial airline pilot, aviation entrepreneur. and author. He also survived tongue cancer. Fear of the Dark live version from Rock in Rio or any live performance you need to hear the crowd participation.
The brilliance of their lyrics shows just how intelligent the members of Iron Maiden are. When looking at the IQ of some of them you would be shocked. Bruce Dickinson (the lead singer) pilotes the bands 747 aircraft. So many metal bands are bypassed as "dumb" but they are smarter than 99 percent of the population.
Man if this guy really knew the history of many many iron maiden songs… He’d be blown away even more… E.g. rhyme of the ancient mariner…Aces high,, The trooper just to name a few gems😂😂👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦Keep it up bro love your reaction
I saw this tour July 29, 1983. I was 15 years old and right in front of the stage with a group of friends. One of my friend threw a Halloween mask on stage, Bruce put it on, stuck the mic through the mouth hold and kept singing. It was great. Also the loudest concert I’ve ever been to.
This is the first album I heard and every song on here is phenomenal, where eagles dare is one of my favorites on this album, Iron Maiden are my favorite metal band of all time and finally saw them live in the Tacoma dome here in Washington where I live several years ago on the book of souls world tour and it was a dream come true since I was a little kid, they sounded amazing live and blew the roof off the Tacoma dome. I'll never forget this experience. Iron Maiden are great historians and phenomenal musicians and are spot on together. I've heard this entire album hundreds of times and I still listen to it during the week at work. You've gotta hear somewhere in time and seventh son of a seventh son, both album are amazing right along with every other album they've created.
When I was a Marine back in the '90s I drove an AAV, it's basically an amphibious tank for transporting/supporting the infantry. We tapped into our intercom system so we could jam tunes while we were rolling. This was on the playlist, along with a couple other Maiden tunes, Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, etc. Anything aggressive to get us pumped for war.
I saw Maiden, a few years ago. At Kingswood music theater. They put on an amazing show. Bruce Dickinson sounded awesome. A lot of rock singers, can't hit those highs, once they get older. I really wasn't expecting him, to sound that good. Great review bro. ✌️
Man, I love how you are hitting this with a fresh, wide open mind. My favorite track by Iron Maiden is called "22 Acacia Avenue". It's about a woman at a cathouse.
I love the fact that you immerse yourself into the music as you are reacting... So cool to see people discovering metal... I'm 48, and I've been listening to metal since I was 12 years old (I know, I'm old...) Back then it was considered outsider music (same as rap in the 80's) Now it's exposed to a wider audience because of social media... Love it!!
Groan…kind of that gurgle prior to fading out. His work was done, and he was proud and did not regret it. Do hallowed be thy name! Excellent story telling.
And a lot of people in metal which is fantastic they play the instruments they’re talented there no music machines no voice overs. That’s what makes metal so fantastic because they’re playing it like an in your face.
40 years drumming… Everybody remember,,,THE GIANT MR NICKO MCBRAIN,,(drummer)LOL for those of you who don’t know that ha ha Ha… Still to this day does not play double base… Everything you hear is a single bass pedal… Monster!!!! He is!!!… just like Mr.John Bonham monster🇨🇦🇨🇦Love your take on this channel… Keep it up bro
Up the Irons! Bruce Dickinson is the best man ever 🤣 The dude is a brilliant singer in a massive rock band, he's an airline pilot (fly's heavies like 747s) he writes kids books, he is a world class fencer. The man is an over achiever 🤣 The lyrics are great to this song.
Iron Maiden is a lifestyle not just a band. They music and lyrics are so fulfilling. There is not enough time in this world to analyze every song because they are so deep. I have been listening them since I was 13 (1988). Can’t wait to see the band live again
Hey Biz if you like the metal energy, you gotta check out Queensryche There is a live song called ‘take hold of the flame’ that the singer is just unbelievable. Another song of theirs called ‘eyes of a stranger’ is fire. Their original singer and the band split too soon over ego issues. But the original lead singer is top shelf and the band musically is super tight.
Maiden did lots of stuff from literature. I've actually read every book that inspired their songs. I'd already read half those books before I even heard of them, but because of them, I read them all. I'd just read Dune, when I discovered them.
Yes! Absolutely correct! Being a forever true and devoted fan of Iron Maiden I would like to thank you for your choice in bringing light to this song. Every time I hear this played, in my mind, it pays homage and respect to the soldiers that were killed so regretfully because of one fools grievous error. You can reference the story...Battle of Balaclava in 1854...aka The Crimean War. There's also a poem written by the late Lord Tennyson titled, 'Charge of the Light Bregade '. The poem was solely written and describes the events that unfolded that terrible, fateful day. Being a lover of all things historical (and the mother of an extremely intelligent son who is, in fact, a genious...a top ten Mensaian in our state who is probably one of the most well respected historians and theologians for his age. Sorry! It's not often that I get an opportunity to brag on him because he doesn't approve...he feels he's just one of the guys). Anyway...with iron Maiden and with a lot of their music, you not only get the great music, but a history lesson as well. Take care, everyone !
Since you enjoy Iron Maiden lyrics I highly recommend listening to Queensryche's Album 'Operation Mindcrime'. Considered by many in the Heavy Metal world as a Magnum Opus in 1988 and to this day.
I totally enjoy watching people explore metal for the first time. Something I feel they've basically deprived themselves of. Simply because no one has ever showed them the music.
Hey Bizmatik, the members of Iron Maiden are as Follows: Bruce Dickinson - Lead Vocals Adrian Campbell - Guitar Dave Murray - Guitar Steve Harris - bass Nicko Mcbrain - Drums In regards to what Iron Maiden song you should react to next, may I suggest one of the following?: Rime Of The Ancient Mariner Wasted Years Can I Play With Madness Be Quick Or Be Dead Aces High Number Of The Beast Flight Of Icarus Run To The Hills Fear Of The Dark Murders In The Rue Morgue
The song is based on a famous poem of English Literature. The poem is called the Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Loyd Tennyson. Many of Iron Maiden’s lyrics of this song come straight from this poem. Of course some were altered for musical reasons. The poem is based on an heroic battle of the Crimean War.
Yo Bizmatic!I am a new follower,love your channel man!ASTONISHMENT at seeing you liking the metals!I been learning hip-hop and rap,AND SOUL,, I'm loving it all my brother!You know that black,white,red,yellow,we all more alike than different!I have embraced a huge new piece of humanity from my youth, and seeing guys like you do the same fills my mind with hope!You got the same creator and spirit that we all have!I look forward to seeing more of your channel and you got a great channel!OUTSTANDING!LOYAL FOLLOWER HERE MAN!
Great reaction Biz. My first record by them was Number of the Beast, got it when it came out, I was 12. It was a game-changer for me, they are so f ing good. So technically proficient, such profound lyrics, pure hard driving rock just relentlessly ass kicking.
Dude I think it’s awesome that you expand your horizons! Reminds me that I should do the same, interestingly enough as a metal fan. A suggestion for the next maiden video… Two Minutes to Midnight. There are some heavy lines this song and it was a pointing out a couple big problems in the 80’s, which are now history… but still relevant today. The name of the song refers to the Doomsday clock. A heavy song, but it shouldn’t be missed when listening to Maiden😝🤘
Heavy Metal is a tribute to Iron Maiden !! Masterful musicianship,, relentless energy,, thoughtful lyrics - is probably why they have had such a long & career. Rime Of the Ancient Mariner ( live flight 666 tour ) Die with your boots on, 22 Acacia avenue, running free, wasted years, seventh Son of a seventh Son, Aces High, and the list just keeps gettin longer 🤤
Reading the comments I'm kinda surprised. I never was into them really. I'm more of a rocker. But it's very interesting how they are talking about some real long ago history. I can dig it !!
+1 on Aces High from the album Powerslave. If you are digging the 2 guitarists feeding off of each other… oooh boy… That whole album is a really solid listen. Great reviews, keep it up!
Best band live. Most of their songs are about historical events or mythology. Everyone blew their drawings and artwork out of proportion. Number of the Beast was actually inspired by Doctor Strange and the concept of who is controlling who. As for the Trooper, the rifts were designed to sound like horses galloping. Cant wait to see them again in September. Oh by the way you should look up Bruce Dickinson and see what he has accomplished. You will be amazed. Of course Steve Harris is the real founder and backbone. As for the next video, you need to check out The Writing on the Wall SFX Version.
I suggest a reaction of their 2003 song Paschendale. Another epic war song (WW1) that was made 20 years after The Trooper. Powerfully emotional lyrics with really dynamic guitar and drum work.
Hey brother I been a metalhead all my life. You're getting it man. I play myself, and you're correct some of it is difficult. That's part of it. That drives us to get better at our said instruments. Try blood Brothers. I think you'll enjoy it. He'll on earth is another. I'm suggesting a well rounded approach to iron maiden for you. Rock on brother
At 4:00, the album sleeve picture with night clouds in the window, look carefully it looks like a face looking IN the window. Next Maiden song reaction? Powerslave!
I have a ticket to see them in October! For the event, I'm re-creating the jean jacket I used to have, with lots of Maiden patches and pins. The back patch i discovered in a little shop in Germany, and is no longer available: Eddie riding a wheelie on a triumph holding the British flag. So I'll be hand-embroidering it. Just started it, gotta be finished by October!
No clue how I even found this but I LOVED Maiden in the 80’s… still do. It didn’t buy any of there stuff after Adrian Smith left. I love your reaction… their music totally loves and you could see YOU “felt” it… music is universal language man… Check out “Revelation”, “Powerslave”, “Rhyme Of The Ancient” mariner and love early Paul D’Anio stuff… God bless man
Have loved Iron Maiden since 1982. Their bass player, Steve Harris is also the writer of their songs. Also a really one of the best bass players. The entire band and with Bruce Dickinson upfront is INCREDIBLE! A REQUEST: "RUN TO THE HILLS' (If its been done, oops! I will love to hear your reaction for this one. Oh, and it's better ti watch their official music video. Thanx
Glad you liked the song. Iron Maiden are known for singing about real historical events. Many of their songs are simply true stories put to music. Check out The Rime of the Ancient Mariner which is a tribute to Samuel Taylor Coleridges poem with the same title. Happy listening!
Highly recommend Empire of the Clouds off on Book of Souls. It is their longest song and it has a theatre sound to it. The song is basically the story of the R101 airship that crashed in France. Europe's Hindenburg Moment.
I’m a huge hip hop, older blues, r&b and classical guy but Iron Maiden is superb. Bruce Dickson their lead man is a historian/Renaissance man. All their music has some historical relevance. The trooper is about the battle of balaclava and the famous charge of the light brigade. Many biblical elements to their work as well. Check out their first song/album in over 20 years called “writing on the wall” or the “flight of icarus”.
Bruce Dickinson ( lead singer) actually has his degree on history and can be collage professor. if I'm not mistaken. So yes a lot of their songs are based on history. Listen to Alexander the great from iron maiden
''The brigade was not completely destroyed, but did suffer terribly, with 118 men killed, 127 wounded, and about 60 taken prisoner. After regrouping, only 195 men were still with horses.''That is about a 60% casualty rate. heroic, and mad, by any standardsUp The Irons
So you're aware, Iron Maiden have their own beer through Robinsons brewery, Trooper. Eddie features prominently on the label, as he should. It's actually not too bad a beer, quite hoppy but not all that bitter, go well with red meat and later in the evening or for bbq's.
To hear Iron Maiden playing at the level is Mind blowing. There are three Guitarist, a drummer who captures ur attention and the best bassist in the world. You can clearly hear them blending as one. I've Listen to The Book Of Souls and Senjutsu. I am on 6 Iron Maiden Fan pages. Paschendale and Powerslave are unbelievable🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥sometimes it becomes a race issue on the fans pages but I am so addicted to their music. I'm happy to see u enjoying the BEST METAL BAND I've ever heard❤💯
