Run to the Hills (Live 1985)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the epic "Run to the Hills (Live 1985)" by Iron Maiden! This track, recorded during the band's blistering World Slavery Tour, captures the raw energy of their performance at Long Beach Arena in California. The live version, released as a single in 1985, showcases Bruce Dickinson’s iconic "air-raid siren" vocals, which hit the stage with unmatched intensity. Fun fact: the single’s artwork caused a stir, depicting a Native American wielding an axe against a devil in a hellish landscape, sparking debate over its imagery tied to the song’s lyrics about European settlers and Native American conflicts. According to artist Derek Riggs, the cover was meant to symbolize a "power struggle in hell," with Iron Maiden’s mascot, Eddie, battling Satan using a tomahawk, directly referencing the song’s themes.

Dive deeper into the song’s creation, and you’ll find Bruce Dickinson couldn’t be credited for his contributions due to contractual ties with his former band, Samson. Still, he’s shared that he made a "moral contribution" to the track, alongside other Number of the Beast classics like "Children of the Damned." In a 2012 talk at the IBM Smarter Business conference in Stockholm, Dickinson revealed the song’s structure draws from the "rising sixth" musical interval, inspired by a documentary about the popularity of "My Way." The song’s galloping rhythm, crafted by bassist Steve Harris, was designed to evoke the sound of charging horses, but Harris warned musicians not to let it "run away" during performances. The 1985 live single also included B-sides like "Phantom of the Opera" and "Losfer Words (Big ’Orra)," but the artwork oddly showed Eddie as the Phantom in a hilly scene, a mix-up from Riggs’ dual commission for both tracks.

The song’s impact goes beyond the stage. In 2002, Iron Maiden re-released "Run to the Hills" to raise funds for former drummer Clive Burr’s MS Trust Fund after his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. The reissue featured the original studio version and a live cut from the Rock in Rio concert, with all proceeds supporting Burr. Fans on platforms like Reddit’s InMetalWeTrust community still rave about the track, with posts celebrating its historical depth—some point to lyrics reflecting Columbus’ arrival and the enslavement of the Arawak people in the Bahamas. The song’s cultural reach even landed it in video games like SSX on Tour and Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned, cementing its place in heavy metal history.

Now, let’s rewind to how Iron Maiden kicked off their legendary journey. Formed in 1975 in Leyton, East London, by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris, the band emerged from the gritty pub rock scene. Harris, a former member of the band Smiler, had a vision for a heavier sound inspired by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). The early years were chaotic, with a revolving lineup, but by 1978, the band solidified with drummer Doug Sampson, guitarist Dave Murray, and vocalist Paul Di’Anno. Their 1979 self-released EP, The Soundhouse Tapes, sold out its 5,000-copy run, catching the attention of EMI Records. After signing, they added guitarist Dennis Stratton and replaced Sampson with Clive Burr. Their self-titled debut in 1980 roared onto the UK charts, but it was the arrival of Bruce Dickinson in 1981, replacing Di’Anno, that catapulted them to global stardom. Dickinson’s powerful vocals debuted on 1982’s The Number of the Beast, which hit number one in the UK and introduced "Run to the Hills" to the world.

Stay connected with Iron Maiden through their official channels: follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest tour updates and news, like their 50th-anniversary "Run For Your Lives" tour and the upcoming Netflix documentary set for March 2025. Fans can also join the Iron Maiden Fans Facebook group to trade stories, memes, and concert tips. For more fan-driven content, check out the Iron Maiden Wiki, a treasure trove of band history and trivia. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and let’s run to the hills with the Zoo Crew!