Iron Maiden: Maiden Japan (Japanese Pressing)

There are at least two different versions of this EP; all tracks were recorded at the Aichi Kosei Nenkin Kaikan in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan on the 23rd May 1981. It was lead singer Paul Di’Anno’s final recording with the band. The original Japanese pressing features only 4 tracks and the record speed is 45RPM, but the other version has 5 tracks. It was never the band’s intention to release this album, but Toshiba-EMI wanted a live album.

The original cover depicted the band’s mascot, Eddie, holding the severed head of singer Paul Di’Anno. The replacement cover was done on very short notice after Iron Maiden’s manager, Rod Smallwood, received a proof for review, and became agitated at Di’Anno’s depiction because the band were looking to replace him. Maiden Japan was released in Venezuela in 1987 with the original cover and has become a collector’s item.