That time Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray told me that growing up in poverty gave him an edge
I’ve interviewed the members of Iron Maiden six times so far: the late Clive Burr once, Bruce Dickinson once, Steve Harris once, and Dave Murray three times.
I’m cool with that. I always like chattin’ with the guitarists best.
This was my last interview with Murray, when the band was in the midst of its Maiden England World Tour. The setlist was made up largely, if not all, of songs from the ’80s. I was cool with that as well.
At one point in the interview I asked Murray whether his wealthy rock-star life seemed like a dream considering that his childhood wasn’t a particularly happy one.
To hear the full audio of my 2012 interview with Dave Murray–and my interviews with Bruce Dickinson and Steve Harris as well–subscribe to my Patreon page, where you can also eavesdrop on my uncut, one-on-one conversations with:
Adrian Smith and Dave Murray
Iron Maiden’s secret weapons have always been speed and harmony, techniques pioneered by guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton on the band’s self-titled debut and later perfected by Murray and Adrian Smith beginning with 1981’s Killers and the band’s classic Eighties albums. The duo commands the band’s galloping riffs with rare intensity, taking breaks only to indulge in their own unique solos: smooth, creamy leads for Murray and cutting blues licks for Smith. It’s a combo that defines beloved songs like “The Trooper,” “Run to the Hills,” and “Aces High.” Since 1999, the guitar line has been a trio with Janick Gers, only adding to its harmonies and power. —K.G.Key Tracks: “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” “Aces High,” “The Evil That Men Do”
