On this day August 6 1984, Iron Maiden released 2 Minutes to Midnight as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Powerslave. Written by Adrian Smith and Bruce Dickinson, the song tackled the growing fears of nuclear conflict during the Cold War while delivering the powerful twin guitar sound and soaring vocals that made Iron Maiden one of the biggest heavy metal bands in the world.
Released ahead of the Powerslave album, the single became one of Iron Maiden's best known songs and a concert favorite. Its unforgettable riff, thought provoking lyrics, and explosive energy helped cement the band's place at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
80s insight: The title 2 Minutes to Midnight was inspired by the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of humanity's proximity to global catastrophe. More than 40 years later, the song remains one of Iron Maiden's signature recordings and one of the defining heavy metal anthems of the 1980s.
Released ahead of the Powerslave album, the single became one of Iron Maiden's best known songs and a concert favorite. Its unforgettable riff, thought provoking lyrics, and explosive energy helped cement the band's place at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
80s insight: The title 2 Minutes to Midnight was inspired by the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic measure of humanity's proximity to global catastrophe. More than 40 years later, the song remains one of Iron Maiden's signature recordings and one of the defining heavy metal anthems of the 1980s.
