Iron Maiden Gallery

Summary

The fourth studio album is Piece of Mind, it was released on May 16, 1983, this album marked the first appearance of drummer Nicko McBrain, who had recently departed from the band Trust.

The working title was initially Food for Thought; however, after deciding to feature Eddie undergoing a lobotomy on the cover., the band finalized the name Piece of Mind during a pub discussion in Jersey while writing the album.

To Tame a Land was originally titled Dune, but the band was advised against using that name by Frank Herbert's agents. Some countries early releases were already printed and contained Dune in the track list, inc Portugal & Italy.

At the start of the sixth track, "Still Life," the band included a hidden message that could be understood only by playing the track backward. This was in response to critics who labeled Iron Maiden as Satanic. The backward message features Nicko McBrain imitating Idi Amin, saying, "What ho said the t'ing with the three 'bonce', don't meddle with things you don't understand..." and concluding with a belch.

The World Piece Tour commenced at Hull City Hall on May 2 '83, and ending in a televised performance at Westfalenhalle in Dortmund on December 18.

Nicko McBrain 1983

Artwork from Piece of Mind

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Track Listings

Line-up

Bruce Dickinson – vocals

Dave Murray – guitars

Adrian Smith – guitars

Steve Harris – bass

Nicko McBrain – drums

Iron Maiden 1983