Iron Maiden - Iron Maiden

What this video is

The 'Iron Maiden' video occupies a singular position in rock and media history: it is the first heavy metal song ever broadcast on MTV, aired as the 16th video on the channel's launch day of August 1, 1981. Originating from the band's debut album cycle (1980), the footage captures Iron Maiden at the cusp of their global breakthrough — a scrappy, working-class East London metal band performing for a passionate club…

Why it matters

As the first heavy metal video aired on MTV and an extract from Iron Maiden's inaugural official live release, this clip is a foundational document of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. It established the band's visual identity — raw live performance, no conceptual framing — and served as a…

The director

David G. Hillier directed the Iron Maiden 'Live at the Rainbow' concert video (filmed 21 December 1980, Rainbow Theatre, London), Iron Maiden's first-ever official video release. He is credited as Film Director on the original 1981 PMI VHS release and on the…