A further four stamps pay homage to the band’s long-serving mascot and pop-cultural icon in his own right, Eddie, with his own miniature sheet. The stamps show four notorious Eddie artworks, including the latest addition featuring Eddie as a samurai warrior from the recent Senjutsu album.

Shown on the stamps are:

• Iron Maiden Eddie: The stare that started it all. Born in 1980 – on the cover of the band’s debut album
• The Trooper Eddie: The unforgettable artwork for one of IRON MAIDEN’s greatest hit singles and, more recently, the logo for their award-winning beer
• Aces High Eddie: Reimagined as a fighter pilot for a song honouring the RAF servicemen who defended Britain during the Second World War
• Senjutsu Eddie: Samurais, feudal Japan and flashing blades inspired this katana-wielding warrior, from the band’s most recent album

Founded in east London in the mid-1970s by songwriter and bassist Steve Harris, IRON MAIDEN’s decades-spanning career has made them one of the most revered and influential bands of all time. With over 100 million record sales, almost 2,500 live performances across 64 countries and 17 studio albums – including their latest, Senjutsu, released in 2021 – IRON MAIDEN have remained fearlessly creative and dedicated to their legions of fans for almost half a century.

IRON MAIDEN founder member and bassist, Steve Harris comments: “We were all absolutely astounded – in a good way! - when we heard first about the commemorative project, and equally pretty much speechless when we saw the stamps for the very first time. They look superb and I think they really capture the essence and energy of MAIDEN. We’re all very proud that Royal Mail has chosen to honour the band’s legacy like this and we know our fans will feel the same way.”

IRON MAIDEN manager Rod Smallwood adds: “As a band who have never played by anyone else’s rules for over 40 years, it’s very gratifying to see them honoured in their home country in this way. We’re proud to show how these six band members are still appealing to more and more fans every year with their music and their legendary shows - which I think these stamps really capture well. It’s also fantastic that Eddie has been honoured too – it’s incredible to think that Her Majesty, may she rest in peace, saw these and lent her iconic silhouette to them too.”

David Gold, Director of External Public Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said: “Few bands in the history of rock music can be called bona fide rock legends – but IRON MAIDEN are just that – and more. With legions of devoted fans of all ages and from every corner of the globe, not only have they changed the way rock music sounds, but they have also changed the way it looks. We fully expect their fans will love these stamps as much as we do.”

Royal Mail collaborated closely with the band members and Phantom Music Management Ltd on the stamp issue.

The band will be back on the road in 2023 with their brand new, The Future Past Tour, with dates across the UK and Europe.

The stamps are available to pre-order from today (January 5) at www.royalmail.com/ironmaiden and by phone on 03457 641 641.

The stamps go on general sale from January 12, 2023 with a Presentation Pack containing all 12 stamps priced at £17.70.