Iron Maiden honoured by Royal Mail with set of 12 special stamps – photos
They're only the fifth British band to be celebrated with stamps
Last updated 5th Jan 2023
Heavy metal titans Iron Maiden are being honoured by Royal Mail with a set of 12 special stamps.
Following the hallowed footsteps of The Beatles in 2007, Pink Floyd in 2016, Queen in 2020, and The Rolling Stones in 2022, Iron Maiden have become only the fifth British band to feature in a dedicated Royal Mail stamp set.
Eight of the 12 stamps feature photographs of Iron Maiden in their imperious live glory at international concerts dating from May 1983 on the World Piece Tour through to August 2018 on the Legacy of the Beast Tour.
A further four stamps celebrate Iron Maiden’s beloved mascot Eddie on singles and album covers, while the backdrop of the set’s miniature sheet is taken from Iron Maiden’s first official live album, ‘Live After Death’ (1985).
Enthusing about the stamps, Iron Maiden bassist and founder Steve Harris says: “We were all absolutely astounded – in a good way!
“When we heard first about the commemorative project, and equally pretty much speechless when we saw the stamps for the very first time. They look superb and I think they really capture the essence and energy of Maiden.
“We’re all very proud that Royal Mail has chosen to honour the band’s legacy like this, and we know our fans will feel the same way.”
The 12 Iron Maiden stamps are available to pre-order right here ahead of their release on Thursday 12th January 2023. A presentation pack containing all 12 stamps costs £17.70.
Prices range from 30p for an Eddie envelope through to £199.99 for platinum-layered Eddie Stamp Sheet stamps packaged in an Iron Maiden flight case.
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps:
‘Iron Maiden’ Eddie stamp
The stare that started it all. Born in 1980 – on the cover of the band's debut album.
‘The Trooper’ Eddie stamp
The unforgettable artwork for one of Iron Maiden's greatest hit singles and, more recently, the logo for their award-winning beer.
‘Aces High’ Eddie stamp
Reimagined as a fighter pilot for a song honouring the RAF servicemen who defended Britain during the Second World War.
‘Senjutsu’ Eddie stamp
Samurais, feudal Japan and flashing blades inspired this katana-wielding warrior, from the band's most recent album
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden's Steve Harris in Vancouver, June 2010
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson at Hammersmith, Odeon, London, May 1983
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden's Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Pamplona, September 1988
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain in Quito, March 2009
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith and Steve Harris in Helsinki, May 2018
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden at Twickenham Stadium, London, July 2008
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson sword fighting with Eddie in Birmingham, August 2018
Royal Mail's Iron Maiden stamps
Iron Maiden's Dave Murray, Bruce Dickinson and Janick Gers in Rio de Janeiro, January 2001
Iron Maiden manager, Rod Smallwood, comments: “As a band who have never played by anyone else’s rules for over 40 years, it’s very gratifying to see them honoured in their home country in this way.
“We’re proud to show how these six band members are still appealing to more and more fans every year with their music and their legendary shows - which I think these stamps really capture well.
“It’s also fantastic that Eddie has been honoured too – it’s incredible to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw these and lent her iconic silhouette to them too.”
David Gold, Director of External Public Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, adds: “Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends – but Iron Maiden are just that – and more.
“With legions of devoted fans of all ages and from every corner of the globe, not only have they changed the way rock music sounds, but they have also changed the way it looks. We fully expect their fans will love these stamps as much as we do.”
Iron Maiden are bringing their brand-new live show, The Future Past Tour, to arenas in the UK and Ireland in summer 2023.
The Future Past Tour will feature previously unperformed songs from the band’s 2021 album ‘Senjutsu’, rarely performed material from their seminal 1986 album ‘Somewhere in Time’, and classic tracks.
Head to Planet Rock Tickets to check ticket availability.
Iron Maiden’s The Future Past UK & Ireland Tour dates:
JUNE 2023
Dublin 3Arena – Sat 24th
Glasgow OVO Hydro – Mon 26th
Leeds First Direct Arena – Wed 28th
Manchester AO Arena – Fri 30th
JULY 2023
Nottingham Motorpoint Arena – Mon 3rd
Birmingham Utilita Arena – Tue 4th
London The O2 – Fri 7th
London The O2 - Sat 8th