Live After Death

The definitive document of Iron Maiden's global domination during their legendary mid-eighties tour.

Live After Death stands as a monumental double live album by the British heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, capturing the band at the absolute zenith of their 'Number of the Beast' and 'Powerslave' eras. Recorded during their massive 1985 world tour, it is widely celebrated not just for its musical prowess but for its historic scale, representing one of the largest rock concerts ever filmed. The release solidified the band's reputation as a formidable live act, showcasing their ability to translate complex studio compositions into thunderous, arena-filling spectacles.

Last updated 2026-09-28 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist: Iron Maiden
Released: 14 October 1985 (audio); 23 October 1985 (video)
Recorded: 14 March 1985 · 1985 · 03 · 17 (sides 1–3); 8–12 October 1984 (side 4)
Venue: Long Beach Arena, California (sides 1–3); Hammersmith Odeon, London (side 4)
Genre: Heavy metal
Length: 98:09 (audio); 90:00 (video, approx.)
Label: EMI
Director: Jim Yukich

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The album is more than a collection of songs; it is a snapshot of the 'Powerslave' mythology in motion. The inclusion of tracks from their most successful albums creates a sonic bridge between their early thrash-influenced roots and their evolving epic storytelling. For die-hard followers, this record represents the ultimate live experience, freezing a fleeting moment in time where the energy of thousands of screaming fans merged with the band's relentless drive to create something truly legendary.

Reader's Guide

Live After Death serves as the ultimate archive of Iron Maiden's 1985 world tour, blending high-energy performances with cinematic production values. The tracklist is a carefully curated journey through their greatest hits, featuring anthems that defined an era alongside deeper cuts that showcased their musical depth. Recorded across multiple continents, including iconic shows in Tokyo and London, the album captures the band's ability to maintain tight precision while delivering explosive energy. Production was handled with meticulous care to ensure the audio quality matched the visual spectacle of the accompanying film. Upon release, it achieved massive commercial success, climbing charts globally and securing multi-platinum certifications in numerous countries. The cultural impact was immediate; it set a new standard for live metal recordings and remains a benchmark against which all subsequent concert films are measured. Its legacy endures as a cornerstone of the genre's history, proving that Iron Maiden could translate their complex studio arrangements into a visceral, stadium-shaking reality without losing an ounce of their identity.

Track listing

Side one

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Churchill's Speech (intro)	Winston Churchill	1:09
2	Aces High		4:07
3	2 Minutes to Midnight	Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson	5:52
4	The Trooper		3:59
5	Revelations	Dickinson	5:59
6	Flight of Icarus	Smith, Dickinson	3:21

Side three

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Hallowed Be Thy Name		7:17
2	Iron Maiden		4:11
3	Run to the Hills		3:52
4	Running Free	Harris, Paul Di'Anno	8:16

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

The album was recorded in three different countries to capture the best possible performances from the tour.
It holds the distinction of being one of the highest-grossing concert films of all time upon its initial release.
The cover art features a unique depiction of Eddie that differs significantly from standard studio album artwork.
The video version was groundbreaking for its time, utilizing multiple camera angles to create a dynamic viewing experience.