4. Iron Maiden

Heavy Metal is one of those genres that will generate more passion from its listeners than most. Recent inductee, Metallica suffered a minor backlash for cutting their hair and softening their sound in the 90’s to become more commercially viable. Yet as successful as Metallica was, they may not be the Heavy Metal band with the most die hard fans. Iron Maiden might just have that honorary title.

Iron Maiden exploded onto the Metal scene in 1980 and have been considered giants of the genre ever since. Iron Maiden has been shockingly consistent producing pure Heavy Metal albums that always stayed true to the style. Their live shows are always outstanding and their technical skills can not be questioned. When their fans say that Iron Maiden has no peers, it is tough to argue. Despite our high ranking, they are likely a long shot as the fact that they never had that crossover hit (“Run to the Hills” was as close as they came) that put them in the mainstream. Yet for a band out of the mainstream, they sold millions of albums were sold out countless arenas. They may not get the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s vote, but they do have Eddie’s!

www.ironmaiden.com

Should Iron Maiden be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 95.6%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0.6%

No opinion. - 0.1%

No way! - 1.4%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2010: #24
2012: #23
2013: #23
2014: #21
2015: #19
2016: #20
Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 2005
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (London, England)
Why they will get in: They have huge respect within the Metal community.
Why they won't get in: There are only two Metal bands in the Hall, and should they induct a third they will likely pick a band considered more “accessible”.
Nominated in: 2021 & 2023
Essential Albums: The Number of the Beast (1982)
Piece of Mind (1983)
Powerslave (1984)
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Purgatory (From Killers, 1981)
Run to the Hills (From Number of the Beast, 1982)
Hallowed Be Thy Name (From Number of the Beast, 1982)
Aces High (From Powerslave, 1984)
Powerslave (From Powerslave, 1984)