Name: IRON MAIDEN - ULTIMATE RARE TRACKS: PAUL DI'ANNO YEARS FINAL EDITION (3 CD)
SKU: K39674
Availability: InStock

Description

Plus Bonus CDR “EXTRA RARE TRACKS: PAUL DI’ANNO YEARS FINAL EDITION”* Numbered Stickered Edition Only

Complete Collection of Rare Tracks 1978-1981 SBD

★The final edition!!

　The most important title from the Paul Di’Anno era has finally evolved! The Final Edition</font></font>’s permanent preservation press 3CD, which includes unexpected additional tracks and newly discovered upgraded masters, has been decided to be released!

　This work includes approximately three hours of official soundboard footage. It’s a three-disc set that includes all official rare takes, excluding “Steel Maiden” and “Killers,” as best masters. The previous release, “Zodiac 676,” with a similar title, was also sold out and discontinued, but this release features even more takes. The structure has also been revamped, making it the final version that makes it easier to understand the band’s chronological evolution.

　Now, let’s introduce them individually.

[DISC 1: 1978/1979 Sessions]
　This final edition is divided chronologically into three discs. The first, Disc 1, is a compilation of four studio sessions conducted before the album debut. In addition to the core trio of Steve Harris, Paul Di’Anno, and Dave Murray, it also features Doug Sampson on drums. Side guitars vary from session to session.

December 31, 1978: “THE SOUNDHOUSE TAPES” session
(4 songs: side guitar = Paul Cairns)

　First up is Iron Maiden’s first studio recording: the legendary “The Soundhouse Tapes” sessions, produced at Spaceward Studios. While a classic for rare tracks, this release focuses on sound quality, opting for the original EP rather than the official CD reissue (CSK 56882) from 2002. This official CD is limited to 666 copies and is only available to those who purchase the entire remaster series. Furthermore, it’s an extremely rare CD, and only fans living in the United States could apply.

　The outtake “Strange World,” which was recorded but removed during the “THE SOUNDHOUSE TAPES” sessions, is also a digital version of “THE BEST OF THE BEAST.”

October 24, 1979: “METAL FOR MUTHAS” session
(2 songs: side guitar = Tony Parsons)

　Next up is the Manchester Square session. Two tracks, “Sanctuary” and “Wrathchild,” were recorded for the compilation album “METAL FOR MUTHAS.” These tracks, too, are not from the original vinyl LP, but rather from the 1996 CD single, which has been thoroughly mastered and treated. This session features Tony Parsons on guitar, and is the authentic original, distinct from the album’s remake. “Wrathchild,” in particular, is a take with a strong NWOBHM flavor that would have been perfect for inclusion on “The Steel Maiden.”

November 14, 1979: “FRIDAY ROCK SHOW” session
(4 songs: side guitar = Tony Parsons)

　The third one is also from the Tony Parsons era. It’s a studio session for an appearance on the BBC’s famous program “FRIDAY ROCK SHOW.” This is taken from the best version of the 2002 out-of-print box set “EDDIE’S ARCHIVE.”

●November 25th/26th, 1979: Wessex Studios (★Upgraded!)
(2 songs: Side guitar = None)

　The final track on DISC 1 is a session at Wessex Studios, which took place 11 days after the Friday Rock Show session. Parsons had left in the meantime, and Dave Murray was playing single guitar.

　The tracks recorded were “Burning Ambition” and “Running Free,” the former of which has become a staple in rare track collections as a B-side single, while the latter, “Running Free (German/French Single Version),” was mistakenly included only on the first pressing of the compilation album “AXE ATTACK!”, but was actually also included on the German/French single “Running Free.”

　And this “Running Free (German/French Single Version)” is the biggest point of this work. It is an upgraded master different from the previous version, and the sound is completely different! The cloudiness and turbidity are quickly cleared, and the contours are clearly defined. Although it is an analog transcription, there is no needle crack or twist, and it is permanently preserved with the same quality as the official digital “Burning Ambition”.

*Note: There is also a bootleg purportedly from this session as “Transylvania,” but recent research has revealed that it is a different take. It appears that the Genesis version of the “FRIDAY ROCK SHOW” session mentioned above was mistakenly circulated.
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[DISC 2: The Dennis Stratton Era]
　DISC 2 replaces the original, featuring rare tracks from the period after Clive Burr and Dennis Stratton joined the band. This period is also divided into five sections, so let’s take a look at each one.

■Single Tracks (4 songs)
　First up are the single B-side tracks. In addition to the basic tracks of rare compilations, “Sanctuary (Single Version),” “Invasion (Single Version),” and “Women In Uniform,” it also includes the mysterious track “Women In Uniform (Alternate Mix),” known only to those in the know. This was officially released in 2015 in conjunction with the vinyl 7-inch reissue series. Compared to the take familiar from the CD single and music video, this version lacks the side guitar in the intro and has a louder chorus. It’s so different you’ll immediately recognize it when you hear it, yet it’s uncredited, making it a true “hidden treasure.” This CD release is also not a vinyl transcription, but is an official digital track.

■ February 20, 1980: “TOP OF THE POPS” session (1 song)
　Next up is “Running Free,” performed on the BBC TV show “TOP OF THE POPS.” The show is based on mime, but Maiden famously insisted they wouldn’t perform unless they were allowed to do it live. This CD is based on the official take from the DVD “THE EARLY DAYS.”

■April 3, 1980: Marquee Club Performance (2 songs)
　Finally, a recording of a passionate live performance in front of the fans. This is the official soundboard from the Marquee Club. At the time, the credits were unclear, but in fact, there were two versions of the 1980 Marquee Live: “April 3” and “July 4.” Since each version was assigned separately to singles released in various countries, this has been a source of confusion for a long time. First, here are the two tracks from the “April 3” performance, “Drifter” and “I’ve Got the Fire,” from the single “Sanctuary.”

■July 4, 1980: Marquee Club Performance (3 songs + 1 new song!!)
　Next up are four songs from the “July 4th” performance. The three songs “Sanctuary,” “Phantom Of The Opera,” and “Drifter” have been digitized from the legendary EP “LIVE!!+ ONE,” which has yet to be officially released on CD.

　And the remaining track, “Iron Maiden (“20th Century Box” Version),” is a newly recorded track that’s sure to grab your attention! In fact, the live performance on this day was professionally filmed, and some of it was broadcast on the documentary program “20th Century Box.” Of the tracks used, “Phantom Of The Opera” and “Drifter” were shorter than on “LIVE!!+ ONE” and were merely used as background music, but “Iron Maiden” was used almost in its entirety. Since this is a collection of official takes, broadcast recordings are not included, but “20th Century Box” became official when it was included on the DVD “THE EARLY DAYS.” This work has also been released on CD from official takes.

■August 23, 1980: Reading Festival Performance (6 songs)
　The final track on DISC 2 is a live take from Reading Festival. It is taken from the out-of-print box set “EDIIE’S ARCHIVE,” which was released in 2002 and quickly sold out. This is a superb live performance that is full of the flavor of NWBHM, with a rough performance that doesn’t care about mistakes, the explosive excitement of taking to the big stage for the first time, and “Killers” with tentative lyrics.
____________________________________________________________

[DISC 3: Adrian Smith Era]
　The final disc, Disc 3, contains official rare tracks from the Killers era after Adrian Smith joined the band. Each disc features a different member, allowing you to enjoy each era in detail.

◆Single track (1 song)
　DISC 3 also starts with a single take. It’s “Twilight Zone,” the first work after Adrian joined the band.

◆ November 12, 1980 “TOP OF THE POPS” session (1 song)
　Next is “Women In Uniform” from “TOP OF THE POPS”, which was also Adrian’s first live performance after joining (his first job was appearing on “ROCK & POP” four days earlier, but that was a mime). Also, “Women In Uniform” has only been performed live twice, and this work allows you to enjoy it on a completely official soundboard.

◆ December 21, 1980: Rainbow Theater Performance (6 songs + α)
　Stereo soundboard audio from the official video “AT THE RAINBOW,” produced immediately after the recording of “Killers.” Up until now, there was a semi-professional NWOBHM smell, but with the right talent, they grew rapidly. You can suddenly enjoy a stage with a worldwide sense of scale.

◆May 23, 1981: Nagoya Welfare Pension Hall Performance (5 songs)
　The album concludes with the super-famous EP “MAIDEN JAPAN.” The standard version of “MAIDEN JAPAN,” including the Japanese version, contained 4 songs, but in North America and several other countries, it was released in a 5-song version with the addition of “Wrathchild.” This album, of course, follows the longest North American version, and uses the 1995 Castle reissue, the only one to be officially digitized, achieving the best quality once again.
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　This is an official treasure trove spanning 43 tracks and 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 8 seconds. Disc 1 contains the complete “70s Maiden” from before their debut, while Discs 2 and 3 include all the takes not included on “The Steel Maiden” and “The Killers.” This is a comprehensive collection of the Paul Di’Anno era, including the documentary’s background music, and the ultimate edition, with even the rarest takes elevated to official-grade quality. This final edition explores all possibilities, like wringing out a dry rag. It’s here, in all its glory!

UP THE IRONS!!

This ultimate compilation features all the official rare tracks from the Paul Di’Anno era. This final version has been thoroughly researched and refined, even down to the audio used in the documentary’s background music. The vinyl-transcribed tracks are also upgraded with upgraded masters. The album is divided into three sections: the ’70s, the “Steel Maiden,” and the “Killers.” This ultimate three-disc set brings together all the official rare takes.

Disc 1: 1978/1979 SESSIONS (44:16)
“THE SOUNDHOUSE TAPES” SESSION
The Spaceward Studios, Cambridge, UK 31st December 1978
1. Iron Maiden
2. Invasion
3. Prowler
4. Strange World (Outtake)

“METAL FOR MUTHAS” SESSION
EMI Manchester Square, London, UK 24th October 1979
5. Sanctuary
6. Wrathchild

BBC RADIO 1 “FRIDAY ROCK SHOW” SESSION
Studio 6, BBC Studios Maida Vale, London, UK 14th November 1979
7. Iron Maiden
8. Running Free
9. Transylvania
10. Sanctuary

WESSEX STUDIO SESSION
Wessex Sound Studios, London, UK 25th/26th November 1979
11. Running Free (German/French Single Version) ★Upgraded Master★
12. Burning Ambition

Paul Di’Anno – Vocals
Steve Harris – Bass
Dave Murray – Guitar
Doug Sampson – Drums
Paul Cairns – Guitar (Track 1-4)
Tony Parsons – Guitar (Track 5-10)

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Disc 2: DENNIS STRATTON DAYS (75:56)
SINGLE TRACKS
1. Sanctuary (Single Version)
2. Invasion (Single Version)
3. Women In Uniform
4. Women In Uniform (Alternate Mix)

“TOP OF THE POPS” SESSION
5. Running Free (20th February 1980)

LIVE AT THE MARQUEE CLUB
The Marquee Club, London, UK 3rd April 1980
6. Drifter (“Sanctuary” Version)

7. I’ve Got The Fire (“Sanctuary” Version)

The Marquee Club, London, UK 4th July 1980
8. Sanctuary (“LIVE!! + ONE” Version)
9. Phantom Of The Opera (“LIVE!! + ONE” Version)
10. Drifter (“LIVE!! + ONE” Version)
11. Iron Maiden (“20th Century Box” Version)　★新規★

LIVE AT READING FESTIVAL
The Reading Festival, UK 23rd August 1980
12. Prowler
13. Remember Tomorrow
14. Killers
15. Running Free
16. Transylvania
17. Iron Maiden

Paul Di’Anno – Vocals
Steve Harris – Bass
Dave Murray – Guitar
Clive Burr – Drums
Dennis Stratton – Guitar

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Disc 3: ADRIAN SMITH DAYS (55:56)

SINGLE TRACK
1. Twilight Zone

“TOP OF THE POPS” SESSION

2. Women In Uniform (12th November 1980)

LIVE AT THE RAINBOW
Rainbow Theatre, London, UK 21st December 1980
3. The Ides Of March
4. Wrathchild
5. Killers
6. Remember Tomorrow
7. Transylvania
8. Phantom Of The Opera
9. Iron Maiden

“MAIDEN JAPAN” TRACKS
Kosei Nenkin Hall, Nagoya, Japan 23rd May 1981
10. Running Free
11. Remember Tomorrow
12. Wrathchild
13. Killers
14. Innocent Exile

Paul Di’Anno – Vocals
Steve Harris – Bass
Dave Murray – Guitar
Clive Burr – Drums
Adrian Smith – Guitar

STEREO SOUDBOARD RECORDING

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★★Special event

“ULTIMATE RARE TRACKS: PAUL DI’ANNO YEARS FINAL EDITION” is a collection of rare tracks from the Paul Di’Anno era, marking the final evolution of the label. The first press edition, which includes a limited-edition numbered sticker, also comes with the official “EXTRA RARE TRACKS: PAUL DI’ANNO YEARS FINAL EDITION” to further complete the collection.

IRON MAIDEN – EXTRA RARE TRACKS: PAUL DI’ANNO YEARS FINAL EDITION(Bonus CDR)

　The main 3CD press is the ultimate collection of rare tracks from the Paul Di’Anno era. It’s the final version, born from a thorough examination of even the background music from the documentary footage. The supplementary bonus CDR has also undergone a similar evolution. This special edition is available for core collectors who want to get everything they need.

　This work contains a collection of 14 official tracks that do not overlap with the main press 3CD. Although each one has its own circumstances and cannot be permanently preserved, they are all treasures that have colored the official works. Let’s take a closer look at each track.

[Ruskin Arms Performance (9 Tracks)]
　The first half of this album features the longest official live performance of the Di’ano era, the “Ruskin Arms Performance on April 14, 1980.” This live recording was officially released on the DVD “The Early Days.” However, because the source was a home video and microphone recording, it’s essentially an audience recording, and there are some skips in “Wrathchild.” The quality is so different from other official tracks produced from soundboards that it was included on this album.

　However, as an official record from the band, it is an exceptionally high-quality microphone recording. The length of about 46 minutes is overwhelming compared to other official soundboards, and you can also enjoy the rare “Charlotte The Harlot”.

[Other (5 songs)]
● “Drifter (Edit Version)” from the April 3, 1980 Marquee concert.
　The second half of this album features five individual tracks. First up is “Drifter (Edit Version).” As mentioned in the commentary on the main press CD, there were two versions of the 1980 Marquee concert: “April 3” and “July 4.” The “April 3” take was shortened and recorded for each country. This take is that edited version. The full version included on the main press 3CD was “6:02,” but this one is “3:38.” It fades out and ends during the “Yo, yo, yo, yo” exchange. Of course, we didn’t arbitrarily cut it ourselves; it was digitized from the official analog EP.

●”Prowler” from the July 4th, 1980 Marquee performance ★New★
　The following “Prowler (“12 Wasted Years” Version)” is the biggest highlight track on this album. While also a Marquee live performance, this is an official live performance on a different day, “July 4th.” The soundboard from this day was also used for “LIVE!!+ ONE” and the TV program “20th Century Box,” as well as the documentary video “12 WASTED YEARS.” However, its length is about 30 seconds. It was included in this album because it was a fragmentary recording that was far from a full song. The research for this final edition was so thorough that even fragmentary tracks like this were not overlooked.

　Of course, even though it’s just a fragment, it’s an official soundboard. The quality is superb, and the performance is extremely valuable. Above all, the songs that can’t be heard on the main press 3CD are too delicious. Even though it’s only about 30 seconds, it’s an unavoidable treasure.

● Broadcast mix of “Running Free”
　Next up is “Running Free” broadcast on the West German famous program “Rockpop.” Like “Top of the Pops” on the main press 3CD, this is the take officially made for “THE EARLY DAYS,” but this was just a mime with cheers overlaid on the studio version (incidentally, this lip-syncing was Adrian’s first job). This could be considered a different mix, but in reality it was converted to mono and the sound quality deteriorated. It was recorded here because it was hesitant to permanently preserve a take that was simply made poorly.

●Often-Overlooked Edit Differences in “Phantom of the Opera”
　Finally, we have the different versions of the studio version of “Phantom of the Opera.” This song, a masterpiece and a highlight of “The Steel Maiden,” actually has two different edits. The original version is 7:21 long, but depending on the country and reissue, a shorter version, 7:09 (or sometimes 7:02 depending on the disc’s track allocation), may also be included. The difference lies at the very end. The shorter version ends with Di’Anno shouting “You torture me back at your lair!” along with the band, while the full version repeats “Torture me back at your lair!” a cappella once again. This album includes both the original and the shorter versions, so you can choose whichever version you own.

　Although it would be an unnecessary addition to the ultimate compilation that emphasizes “fun listening,” this is an official take that certainly existed. This is a disc that deeply compiles it. As with the main press 3CD, the bonus CDR has also achieved its final evolution. This is truly the ultimate, tasteful, and extreme compilation set. Please enjoy it to the fullest.

(67:36)
LIVE AT THE RUSKIN ARMS
Live at the Ruskin Arms, London, UK 14th April 1980
1. Sanctuary
2. Wrathchild
3. Prowler
4. Remember Tomorrow
5. Running Free
6. Transylvania
7. Another Life
8. Phantom Of The Opera
9. Charlotte The Harlot

OTHER TRACKS
10. Drifter (Edit Version)

Live at the Marquee Club, London, UK 3rd April 1980
11. Prowler (“12 Wasted Years” Version)　 ★新規★

Live at the Marquee Club, London, UK 4th July 1980
12. Running Free (“Rockpop” Mix)
13. Phantom Of The Opera (Short Version)
14. Phantom Of The Opera (Full Version)

Paul Di’Anno Vocals
Steve Harris Bass
Dave Murray Guitar
Dennis Stratton – Guitar
Clive Burr Drums

Special Bonus CDR for limited numbered stickered edition of “ULTIMATE RARE TRACKS: PAUL DI’ANNO YEARS FINAL EDITION” (ZODIAC 819)