Iron Maiden is one of the greatest heavy metal bands, and that's indisputable. Besides their songs having captivated generations, the group also boasts the most famous mascot in all of rock and roll: Eddie the Head.
The undead Eddie appears on all Iron Maiden album covers and has had a wide variety of looks over the years. Considered by many fans to be a member of the band, he was created by Derek Riggs in the 1970s.
Inspired by the punk movement, Eddie's face is decaying, reflecting the idea that "the youth of the time were being wasted and thrown away." The designer spent almost a year and a half trying to find a band willing to adopt Eddie as their mascot, until Maiden asked to meet him. Of course, the British group accepted, and since then the mascot has appeared on all of the band's work.
Eddie continues to win over fans worldwide to this day. Riggs no longer draws the mascot, "I was tired of drawing Eddie. I wanted to do other things. I could have asked for rights to the character, sued the band, but that's not how I do things. Besides, I didn't want to draw him anymore and he would just stand there," he said during an interview.
To celebrate this incredible creation, we've selected our favorite Eddie drawings. See them below.
“Running Free” (1980) – First time Eddie appeared alongside Iron Maiden
"Flight of Icarus" (1983) – Eddie transforms into Icarus from Greek mythology.
“Bring Your Daughter…To The Slaughter” (1990) – Eddie as a hero and sex symbol
“Run to the Hills” (1982) – Eddie battles the devil.
"The Trooper" (1983) – Eddie, a nationalist, carrying his Union Jack flag.
