One of metal’s most legendary live recordings returns in spectacular fashion with coloured vinyl, tour memorabilia, and a reminder of why Maiden remain untouchable.

Words by Felix Bartlett | Oct 14, 2025

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Four decades after Iron Maiden captured lightning in a bottle across four legendary nights in 1985, Live After Death is getting the deluxe reissue treatment that one of the greatest live albums ever committed to tape truly deserves.

Set for release on November 28 via Parlophone Records, this 40th anniversary edition pulls out all the stops: the original iconic gatefold artwork houses two stunning 140g vinyl records (one blue, one yellow), plus a replica 24-page World Slavery Tour programme and additional collectibles that’ll transport fans straight back to metal’s golden era.

The album captured Maiden at their absolute peak, a relentless touring machine that was conquering the globe one stage at a time. Bassist and band mastermind Steve Harris reflects on that grueling but glorious period: “We were touring our arses off. It was literally just, ‘record, tour, record, tour’ – we didn’t stop. Rod [Smallwood, manager] was cracking the old whip, and that was the right thing to do.”

“I mean, we were totally up for it, it’s not like we were doing stuff that we didn’t want to do,” Harris continues. “You think you’re invincible – ‘Yeah, we’ll take that on, no problem.’ That’s the way to crack it. It’s the only way for a band like us because we had no radio play whatsoever back then.”

That work ethic paid off in spades. When Kerrang! compiled a definitive list of the greatest live albums ever made, Live After Death rightfully claimed its spot in the top 10. The verdict? “If you saw Iron Maiden’s Legacy Of The Beast Tour, you’ll know they’re still one of the most impressive live acts around with production values that any pop star would be jealous of. The same was true more than three decades ago, as Live After Death convincingly proved. Here, after all, was a band with a vision that outstripped that of most others – and the songs to go with it. Just listen to the ferocious rendition of Run To The Hills from this record and you’ll know exactly what we mean.”

Experience that ferocity for yourself below:

Catch Maiden taking over Knebworth on July 11, 2026 – get your tickets here.