Former vocalist Paul Di’Anno has distanced the band from the in a new interview. Talking exclusively in , Di’Anno has said that Maiden felt no kinship with the rest of the early 80s UK metal scene – also composed of , Venom, Saxon and more – and that his band were the ones leading that charge. “Nah, we felt like we were out on our own,” Di’Anno told ’s Dave Everley.
“They [contemporary music journalists] couldn’t pigeonhole us – we were a heavy metal band, but we played fast like a punk band but with all these complicated riffs. They didn’t know how to label us, so they called us New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. “Next thing you know, every fucking band is jumping on that one.
” Di’Anno also spoke about Maiden’s debut single , released in 1980 to promote their and named in the new as one of The 100 Songs That Changed Our World. “It’s about freedom, not giving a toss,” Di’Anno said of the song’s lyrics. “Especially when it comes to the Old Bill [British slang for police officers].
Sign up below to get the latest from Metal Hammer, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox! “I haven’t got a very good relationship with ’em, never have done. Football and an association with the Hells Angels, that’ll do it. “At 16, you think you’re the centre of the world, nothing can stop you, all that stuff.
“What was I like at 16? I was a little cunt! Ha ha ha! I still am. I’ve got no better.” Di’Anno joined Maiden in 1978 .
