Paul Di'Anno-Era Maiden vs. Bruce Dickinson-Era Maiden

[Banned]

Just wondering what you guys think about this... I've been listening to Maiden alot recently. I know they only released two studio albums with Paul, but I think I'd have to say I like him the best.

I really do like Bruce, and the material, music-wise, that they put out with him was definately awesome (Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Invaders, Powerslave) but I think I just like Paul's voice better (C'mon, the song Killers!! So awesome!!). I don't know what it is, maybe the rawness. However, Bruce's range is definately better, and very powerful. But I always find myself going to "Iron Maiden" or "Killers" when I want to listen to Maiden. The vocals are so cool, and the awesome raw combo of punk/metal is just fantastic (but then again I've always really dug the NWOBHM).

So what does everyone think???

[ToonaRockGuy]

Dickinson FTW. DiAnno had that great punk-influenced thing going, but Maiden really came of age with Dickinson. "Live After Death" is still one of the great concert vids of all time.

[whitedevilone]

Paul toured the states a few years back with his own band playing the first 2 Maiden records.You Tube that shit!!He don 't look like the young skinny cat he once was but he was tearing that shit up something mean!!

[f.sciarrillo]

Paul has a great voice, but not as great as Dickinson.

[Gallowglass]

Tough one...while if I was forced at gunpoint to name a favorite album I'd probably say Piece of Mind, I've always been very partial to the first two. Maybe it's just that they were my first exposure to Maiden, but I love those records. Sometimes Dickinson is just too much. It's like listening to an air raid siren, which can be totally cool, but not all the time.

[Jim Price]

That's a tough question...

I always liked the ghoulish quality of DiAnno's voice on the first two albums, which for me really sold the whole image with Eddie the mascot and their song themes.

But Bruce has created many great pieces of music with Iron Maiden as well, and Maiden enjoyed their banner success with him at the microphone helm.

Another factor for me...I always liked Bruce with his previous band before Maiden, Samson. You can hear some of the qualities he would bring to Maiden on such Samson tracks as "Blood Lust," "Earth Mother" and "Walking Out on You."

So for me it's a toss up...

[bassist_25]

I have one of the albums from the Blaze Bayley era. There are a few alright songs on it. *lol*

[onegunguitar]

This topic should be answered by Chad Straw,since he's a big Maiden fan

[songsmith]

I give Bruce a slight edge. DiAnno was incredible, sure enough... all angst-y and spitting venom, and he appealed to both metal and punk crowds in the UK. Mr. Dickinson, however, was what broke them in the States. The air-raid siren he has for a voice was what drew me to Maiden... that, and Eddie. Hey, I was a teenaged boy, and that sh*t was badass. When I saw them live, that sealed the deal.

[Bag]

Tough one...while if I was forced at gunpoint to name a favorite album I'd probably say Piece of Mind, I've always been very partial to the first two. Maybe it's just that they were my first exposure to Maiden, but I love those records. Sometimes Dickinson is just too much. It's like listening to an air raid siren, which can be totally cool, but not all the time.

Exactly what I would of said. I like Paul's voice much better than Bruce's.

[robinhood]

This is quite the hard decision...I like them both, quite a bit, and even though I listen to Bruce more often, I do occasionally like to listen to killers. If I'd have to pick an album to be put on repeat all day it'd have to be number of the beast. I just love iron maiden in all their forms. If you ask me who did the best job at singing...I'd have to say Blaze Bayley HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....Just kiddinggg! But I think I lean more towards Bruce. Imo if you ask me who I think is the best member of Maiden, well hands down would be Steve Harris ::shrug:: I'm a bass player what do you expect ;P

[Naga]

I'm going to go with Dickinson on this. I never really grew to know Paul DiAnno. I've heard his Maiden, but growing up listening to things in the order I did, Dickinson WAS Iron Maiden in my ears. He's one of the most powerful, influencial voices in my various arsenal, and I grew to know Maiden with him belting away. His voice has a different cutting edge, and believe me, it's sharp as any blade

[Banned]

Cool comments guys. I can see where everyone's coming from pretty much, as I feel both guys have a distinct and powerful style. Jason, I love the air-raid siren comparison haha...

And robinhood, I totally agree about Steve Harris being the best member. Especially since he wrote most of their stuff, music and lyrics. He was obviously incredibly talented. I play guitar but I've always had a lot of admiration for some bassists (Harris, Burton and of course the almighty Geddy Lee).

[Craven Sound]

Bruce. Because when he puts his underwear on, he makes gold records.

[witchhunt]

I've always been a huge Maiden fan from day one. I can still remember shuffling through the imports at George's in Westmont and anything that had a heavy looking cover, I'd buy. When I got home with my new Iron Maiden album, I was blown away. Loved it as a whole but was really impressed with Harris' style. The difference between the two eras was not as much the vocals as the change in their style. The first two had a raw, real metal edge. When Beast came out, it was really refined but still had an edge. The next couple were great albums and then they hit a point when Bayley joined and it just wasn't the same. After the break, they released Brave New World which I think is one of the best albums ever. Anyway, back to the point. DiAnno was cool, Dickinson is not. I've seen him go off on people in the crowd for smoking and not cheering loud enough. He yelled at a guy "If you're not into Maiden, mate, why don't you just fucking leave?"

[Banned]

Anyway, back to the point. DiAnno was cool, Dickinson is not. I've seen him go off on people in the crowd for smoking and not cheering loud enough. He yelled at a guy "If you're not into Maiden, mate, why don't you just fucking leave?"

Wow... I hate that crap... I always hear stories about what an asshole Glenn Danzig is. I hate finding out stuff like that haha.