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{{Use British English|date=September 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox album | name = The Number of the Beast | type = studio | artist = [[Iron Maiden]] | cover = IronMaiden NumberOfBeast.jpg | border = yes | alt = | caption = Remastered cover{{efn|The original cover was a misprint, the sky behind Eddie turning out blue instead of the intended grey. All editions from 1998 onward are color corrected to reflect the band's original intent.}} | released = {{start date|1982|03|22|df=yes}} | recorded = 1981 | studio = [[Battery Studios|Battery]] (London) | genre = [[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]] | length = 39:11 | label = [[EMI Records|EMI]] | producer = [[Martin Birch]] | chronology = [[Iron Maiden]] studio albums | prev_title = [[Killers (Iron Maiden album)|Killers]] | prev_year = 1981 | next_title = [[Piece of Mind]] | next_year = 1983 | misc = {{singles | name = The Number of the Beast | type = studio | single1 = [[Run to the Hills]] | single1date = 8 February 1982 | single2 = [[The Number of the Beast (song)|The Number of the Beast]] | single2date = 26 April 1982 }} }} '''''The Number of the Beast''''' is the third studio album by English [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Iron Maiden]]. It was released on 22 March 1982 in the US by [[Harvest Records|Harvest]] and [[Capitol Records]],<ref>{{cite magazine|date=19 March 1982|title=New Releases|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/FMQB-Album/1982/FMQB-1982-03-19.pdf|magazine=[[FMQB]]|page=29|access-date=18 June 2024}}</ref> and on 29 March 1982 in the UK by [[EMI Records]].<ref name="BPI"/> The album was their first to feature vocalist [[Bruce Dickinson]] and their last with drummer [[Clive Burr]]. ''The Number of the Beast'' was met with critical and commercial success, and became the band's first album to top the [[UK Albums Chart]] and reach the top 40 of the [[Billboard 200|US ''Billboard'' 200]]. The album produced the singles "[[Run to the Hills]]" and "[[The Number of the Beast (song)|The Number of the Beast]]", the former of which became the band's first top-ten UK single. The album was also controversial, particularly in the United States, due to the religious references in its artwork and the title track's lyrics. Since the release of ''The Number of the Beast'', "The Beast" has become an alternate name for Iron Maiden and was later used in the titles of some of their compilations and live releases, including ''[[Best of the Beast]]'' and ''[[Visions of the Beast]]''. ==Writing and recording== ''The Number of the Beast'' is Iron Maiden's only album to include songwriting credits for [[Clive Burr]], and was the band's first album to feature writing by guitarist [[Adrian Smith (musician)|Adrian Smith]].{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=224}} In addition, the release saw [[Steve Harris (musician)|Steve Harris]] adopt a different approach to writing, which would cater more to new vocalist [[Bruce Dickinson]]. The album's producer [[Martin Birch]] remarked, "I simply didn't think [former vocalist [[Paul Di'Anno]]] was capable of handling lead vocals on some of the quite complicated directions I knew Steve wanted to explore ... When Bruce joined, it opened up the possibilities for the new album tremendously."{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=223}} According to several interviews Dickinson was heavily involved in writing several of the album's songs, and in particular the tracks "Children of the Damned", "The Prisoner" and "[[Run to the Hills]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://livinglegendsmusic.com/library.php?personID=583 |title=Living Legends Music Bio on Bruce Dickinson |publisher=Livinglegendsmusic.com |access-date=9 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308224124/http://livinglegendsmusic.com/library.php?personID=583 |archive-date=8 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Owing to his previous band [[Samson (band)|Samson]]'s ongoing contractual issues, Dickinson could not legally have any writing credit.<ref>{{cite book |last=Shooman |first=Joe |title=Bruce Dickinson: Flashing Metal with Iron Maiden and Flying Solo |publisher=Independent Music Press |year=2007 |page=82 |isbn=978-0-9552822-4-9}}</ref> The recording and mixing of the album had to be completed in only five weeks,{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=226}} after the band had spent too long constructing the new songs.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=225}} This was allegedly because the group were for the first time creating a new album from scratch, with very little material written prior to the record's pre-production stage.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=224}} However, live recordings show that five of the album's songs had been premiered live already at a few shows towards the end of the Killer World Tour in November and December 1981. Given that "Invaders" is a re-write of an earlier song, "Invasion", this suggests only two tracks – the title track and "Gangland" – originated after the 1981 tour ended. Music press reports told stories of unexplained phenomena occurring during the sessions at Battery Studios, such as lights turning on and off of their own accord, and the recording gear mysteriously breaking down.<ref name="Bushell 100">{{cite book |last1=Bushell |first1=Garry |author1-link=Garry Bushell |last2=Halfin |first2=Ross |author2-link=Ross Halfin |title=Running Free: The Official Story of Iron Maiden |edition=2nd |publisher=Zomba Books |year=1985 |page=[https://archive.org/details/ironmaidenrunnin00bush/page/100 100] |isbn=0-946391-84-X |url=https://archive.org/details/ironmaidenrunnin00bush/page/100}}</ref> These odd occurrences climaxed with Birch being involved in a car accident with a mini-bus transporting a group of nuns, after which he was presented with a repair bill for £666.<ref name="Hammer30">{{cite journal |title=Devil Incarnate |journal=Metal Hammer Presents: Iron Maiden 30 Years of Metal Mayhem |year=2005 |first=John |last=Doran |pages=140–141 |publisher=Future Publishing}}</ref><ref name="NOTBDVD" /> ==Artwork== [[File:Iron Maiden in San Sebastian.jpg|thumb|right|Iron Maiden performing at Spain in 1982]] As with all of Iron Maiden's albums during the 1980s and early 1990s, the sleeve artwork was painted by [[Derek Riggs]]. The cover was originally created for the song "[[Purgatory (song)|Purgatory]]", but manager Rod Smallwood deemed it of too high a calibre for the release of a mere single, and decided to save it for ''The Number of the Beast''.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=135}} The original 1982 artwork includes a blue sky in the background; a mistake by the printers of the cover, this was corrected to black when the album was remastered for compact disc in 1998.<ref name="NOTBDVD" /> The album attracted controversy, particularly in the United States, due to the lyrics of the title track and the cover art depicting [[Eddie (mascot)|Eddie]] controlling Satan like a puppet, while Satan is also controlling a smaller Eddie. Smallwood explains that the concept was to ask "who's the really evil one here? Who's manipulating who?"{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=135}} According to Riggs, this was inspired by a [[Doctor Strange]] comic book, "which had some big villain with Doctor Strange dangling on some strings like a puppet – it was something I read as a child back in the 1960s, I think," while the images of hell were "taken from my knowledge of medieval European Christian art which was full of such scenes".<ref name="Riggs interview" /> In addition, Satan was supposed to have wings made out of lightning and smoke (which can still be seen vaguely in the final piece) but due to time constraints, Riggs was unable to complete it as intended. He also made Satan look like [[Salvador Dalí]] as a joke.<ref>{{cite book |last=Popoff |first=Martin |title=Run For Cover: The Art of Derek Riggs |date=2006 |publisher=Aardvark Publishing |location=United Kingdom |isbn=1-4276-0538-6 |page=44 |edition=1}}</ref> According to US professor Bryan A. Bardine, "this album evokes power, passion and music that present darker themes and images."<ref>{{cite book |last=Bayer |first=Gerd |display-authors=etal |title=Heavy Metal Music in Britain |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=386hAgAAQBAJ&q=Heavy+Metal+Music+in+Britain&pg=PT19 |url-status=live |publisher=[[Ashgate Publishing]] |location=Farnham, Surrey, UK |year=2009 |access-date=9 December 2021 |pages=133–134 |isbn=978-0-7546-6423-9 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823234823/https://books.google.com/books?id=386hAgAAQBAJ&q=Heavy+Metal+Music+in+Britain&pg=PT19 |archive-date=23 August 2023}}</ref> The artwork has been parodied by [[crossover thrash]] band [[Stormtroopers of Death]] for the cover of their 1999 album ''[[Bigger than the Devil]]'', and on a T-shirt by Streetwear brand Diamond Supply Co.<ref name="Riggs interview">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/derek-riggs-iron-maiden-album-cover-artist-interviewed/ |title=Derek Riggs: Iron Maiden Album Cover Artist Interviewed |access-date=30 March 2012 |last=Everley |first=Dave |date=30 March 2012 |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |quote=How did you feel about some of the pastiches it inspired – ie, S.O.D.’s Bigger Than The Devil album cover, and Diamond Supply Co's T-shirts?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406223510/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/derek-riggs-iron-maiden-album-cover-artist-interviewed/|archive-date=6 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.individualsole.com/2006/11/04/diamond-iron-maiden-tees/ |title=Diamond "Iron Maiden" Tees |date=4 November 2006 |access-date=13 October 2011 |publisher=individualsole.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110192102/http://www.individualsole.com/2006/11/04/diamond-iron-maiden-tees/ |archive-date=10 January 2012}}</ref> "It's probably thick," remarked [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] bassist [[Gene Simmons]] of the sleeve. "It's probably got elves and dragons holding it up!"<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Mike|last=Gitter|title=Talkin' 'bout revolutions|magazine=[[Kerrang!]]|date=6 March 1993|issue=433|page=39}}</ref> In 2015, this cover art makes an appearance in the "[[Speed of Light (Iron Maiden song)|Speed of Light]]" music video depicting Eddie fighting Satan (now known as "The Beast") in a form of ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' video game.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Iron Maiden |title=Iron Maiden - Speed Of Light (Official Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F7A24f6gNc&t=2m46s |website=YouTube |date=14 August 2015 |access-date=8 February 2023 |archive-date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208112557/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F7A24f6gNc&t=2m46s |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Songs== {{Main|Run to the Hills|The Number of the Beast (song)|Hallowed Be Thy Name (song)}} "Run to the Hills" was released as a single on 12 February 1982, two weeks before Iron Maiden's UK tour, acting as a preview for the forthcoming album, which would not be released until two days after the British dates ended.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=226}} Released alongside a music video, made using live footage and clips from [[Buster Keaton]] films,{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=226}} the single performed remarkably well, earning the band their first top ten entry in the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UK"/> As they were rushing to complete the album in time, as well as record and mix the single for an even earlier release, the band hastily selected "Total Eclipse" as the [[A-side and B-side|B-side]].{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=225}} As they had written too much material, they had to choose between "Total Eclipse" and "Gangland" for the "Run to the Hills" B-side, with the understanding that the other song would appear on the album.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=225}} Several band-members have since expressed regret over the decision, with Steve Harris commenting, "We just chose the wrong track as the B-side. I think if 'Total Eclipse' had been on the album instead of 'Gangland' it would have been far better."{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=225}} On top of this, Harris has stated that the record's opening track, "Invaders", was not good enough, commenting that it "could have been replaced with something a bit better, only we didn't have anything else to replace it with at the time. We had just enough time to do what we did, and that was it."{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=225}} "Total Eclipse" was added to the 1998 CD reissue, and replaced "Gangland" on the 2022 40th Anniversary reissue vinyl.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/iron-maiden-announce-3lp-number-of-the-beast-40th-anniversary-edition-live-album-included/ | title=Iron Maiden announce 3LP 'Number of the Beast' 40th Anniversary Edition (Live album included) | date=29 September 2022 | access-date=13 December 2022 | archive-date=13 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213180403/https://www.brooklynvegan.com/iron-maiden-announce-3lp-number-of-the-beast-40th-anniversary-edition-live-album-included/ | url-status=live}}</ref> While the title track was considered by many religious groups in the United States as evidence that Iron Maiden was a Satanic band, the song was in fact inspired by a nightmare that bassist [[Steve Harris (musician)|Steve Harris]] had, triggered by watching the film ''[[Damien: Omen II]]'' late at night.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=224}} In addition, Harris has stated that the lyrics were also influenced by [[Robert Burns]]' ''[[Tam o' Shanter (poem)|Tam o' Shanter]]''.<ref name="NOTBDVD"/> The track opens with a spoken introduction from the [[Book of Revelation]], read by actor Barry Clayton.<ref name=Clayton/> According to Dickinson, the band originally approached [[Vincent Price]] to record the passage, but were unwilling to pay Price's fee of £25,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bruce-dickinson-iron-maiden-to-tour-in/ |title=Bruce Dickinson: Iron Maiden to tour in 2005 |access-date=9 January 2012 |date=8 June 2004 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232338/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bruce-dickinson-iron-maiden-to-tour-in/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Although the liner notes state that the passage is from [[Revelation 13:18]],<ref name="original liner notes"/><ref name="linernotes"/> the first line comes from 12:12.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gilmour |first1=Michael |title=Iron Maiden Reads the Book of Revelation |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-gilmour/iron-maiden-book-of-revelation_b_1141164.html |access-date=12 September 2014 |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |date=15 December 2011 |archive-date=12 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912183123/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-gilmour/iron-maiden-book-of-revelation_b_1141164.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The closing song "Hallowed Be Thy Name" has remained in all but three of the band's setlists since the album's recording (the only exceptions being the [[Maiden England World Tour]] 2012–14, the second leg of the [[The Book of Souls World Tour|Book of Souls World Tour]] in 2017, and the [[The Future Past World Tour|Future Past World Tour]] in 2023).<ref name="NOTBDVD"/> [[AllMusic]] describes the track as "perhaps the most celebrated of the band's extended epics; it's the tale of a prisoner about to be hanged, featuring some of Harris' most philosophical lyrics."<ref name="allmusic"/> Several band-members have since stated that it is one of their favourite tracks, with Dickinson describing it as "fantastic" and that performing it live is like "narrating a movie to the audience."<ref name="NOTBDVD"/> A live version of the song was released in 1993, gaining the band another top ten placement in the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UK"/> "Children of the Damned" is based on the films ''[[Village of the Damned (1960 film)|Village of the Damned]]'' and ''[[Children of the Damned]]'',<ref name="NOTBDVD"/> which in turn were adapted from the novel ''[[The Midwich Cuckoos]]'' by [[John Wyndham]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/children-of-the-damned |title=Children of the Damned (1963) |access-date=26 January 2012 |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out London]] |archive-date=21 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521023820/http://www.timeout.com/london/film/children-of-the-damned |url-status=live}}</ref> On his last radio show for [[BBC Radio 6]], during a segment in tribute to the late [[Ronnie James Dio]], Dickinson mentioned that ''Children of the Damned'' was inspired by [[Black Sabbath]]'s "[[Children of the Sea (song)|Children of the Sea]]".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sj689 |title=Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show- 28/05/2010 |access-date=12 October 2011 |work=[[BBC Online]] |archive-date=11 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211145712/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sj689 |url-status=live}}</ref> "The Prisoner" was inspired by the [[The Prisoner|British TV show of the same name]], and features dialogue from its title sequence. The band's manager, [[Rod Smallwood]], had to telephone [[Patrick McGoohan]] to ask permission to use the audio clips for the song and was extremely hesitant during his conversation with whom Smallwood himself describes as "a real bona fide superstar actor".{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=227}} McGoohan was reported to have said "What did you say the name was? A rock band, you say? Do it."{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=227}} Iron Maiden later made another song based on the series, "Back in the Village" from 1984's ''[[Powerslave]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Show Me The Mummy |journal=Kerrang! Legends |first=Dom |last=Lawson |issue=2 |pages=46–47 |publisher=Bauer Media Group}}</ref> "22 Acacia Avenue", which is the second song in the "Charlotte the Harlot" saga, was originally written by Adrian Smith several years earlier while playing in his old band, [[Urchin (band)|Urchin]]. According to Smith, Steve Harris remembered hearing the song at an Urchin concert in a local park, and modified it for ''The Number of the Beast'' album.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=167}} The Urchin song this song was based on was called "Countdown".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-12 |title=Case against Iron Maiden's "Hallowed Be Thy Name" settled in full; Maiden issue statement {{!}} Metal Insider |url=https://metalinsider.net/updates/case-against-iron-maidens-hallowed-be-thy-name-settled-in-full |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=metalinsider.net |language=en-US}}</ref> ==Release and controversy== [[File:Bruce Dickinson 08.jpg|thumb|left|Bruce Dickinson and Steve Harris performing in 1982. The Beast on the Road tour was marred by several protests organised by religious activists in the US.]] ''The Number of the Beast'' was released on 22 March 1982 through [[EMI]] and its sister label [[Capitol Records|Capitol]] in the United States. The album was strongly opposed by some [[social conservatives]] in the United States, where Iron Maiden were accused of being [[Satanism|Satanists]]. Public burnings of the band's catalogue were organised, although one religious group smashed the records with hammers, for fear of inhaling fumes from burning vinyl. It is unclear whether their caution was based on toxicological or theological concerns.<ref name="NOTBDVD" /><ref name="Kerrang! Legends32">{{cite journal |title=Raising Hell |journal=Kerrang! Legends |first=Simon |last=Young |year=2006 |volume=112 |issue=2 |page=32 |publisher=Bauer Media Group|bibcode=2006S&T...112f..54K }}</ref> The subsequent tour was subject to boycotts and demonstrations: venues were sometimes surrounded by activists who handed out leaflets and, in one case, a 25-foot cross was carried in protest.<ref name="NOTBDVD">{{cite AV media |date=4 December 2001 |title=[[Classic Albums: Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast]] |medium=DVD |publisher=[[Eagle Rock Entertainment|Eagle Vision]]}}</ref><ref name="CR" /> Harris has stated, "It was mad. They completely got the wrong end of the stick. They obviously hadn't read the lyrics. They just wanted to believe all that rubbish about us being Satanists."{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=228}} The album was reissued in 1995 with a bonus CD containing two songs ("Total Eclipse", and a live version of "Remember Tomorrow") that had been the B-sides of the album's two singles. The US version of the 1995 reissue incorrectly gives Paul Di'Anno a songwriting credit for "Total Eclipse";<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=The Number of the Beast ''Limited Edition 2 CD Set'' |others=[[Iron Maiden]] |year=1995 |publisher=[[Castle Communications|Castle]] }}</ref> the song had actually been written by Harris, Murray, and Burr.<ref name="linernotes">{{cite AV media notes |title=The Number of the Beast ''Remastered'' |others=[[Iron Maiden]] |year=1998 |publisher=[[EMI]] }}</ref> The album was also reissued in 1998 by EMI and [[Sanctuary Records|Sanctuary]]/[[Columbia Records|Columbia]] in the US as an enhanced CD version, which included photos, band history and the music videos for the songs "The Number of the Beast" and "Run to the Hills", in addition to "Total Eclipse", which was restored to the album's track listing (having been excluded from the original edition due to space constraints).{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=225}} This version mistakenly lists the track lengths for "22 Acacia Avenue" and "The Number of the Beast" as 4:49 and 3:50; they are in fact 6:38 and 4:51, respectively.<ref name="linernotes" /> On March 18, 2022 (UK, Europe) and March 25th (USA) the band will release a new cassette version of the album for the fortieth anniversary of the album's original release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-40th-anniversary-commemorative-retro-cassette-format-release-announced/|title=Iron Maiden: 'The Number Of The Beast' 40th Anniversary Commemorative Retro Cassette Format Release Announced|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=18 February 2022|access-date=18 February 2022|archive-date=18 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218144223/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-40th-anniversary-commemorative-retro-cassette-format-release-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> ==Reception and legacy== {{Music ratings | rev1 = [[AllMusic]] | rev1score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-number-of-the-beast-mw0000044718 |title=Review: ''The Number of the Beast'' |last=Huey |first=Steve |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=1 January 2011 |archive-date=2 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602145320/http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-number-of-the-beast-mw0000044718 |url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = ''[[Martin Popoff|Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal]]'' | rev2score = 8/10<ref name="martin">{{cite book |last=Popoff |first=Martin |author-link=Martin Popoff |title=The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal: Volume 2: The Eighties |publisher=[[Collector's Guide Publishing]] |date=1 November 2005 |location=Burlington, ON |pages=170–171 |isbn=978-1-894959-31-5}}</ref> | rev3 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' | rev3score = 9.0/10<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/iron-maiden-iron-maiden-killers-the-number-of-the-beast-piece-of-mind/ |title=Iron Maiden: The Number of the Beast |work=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |date=4 December 2018 |access-date=5 December 2018 |last=O'Connor |first=Andy |archive-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204134634/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/iron-maiden-iron-maiden-killers-the-number-of-the-beast-piece-of-mind/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | rev4 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' | rev4score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t9eocwUfoSoC&pg=PA406|title=Iron Maiden- ''The Number of the Beast'' |access-date=14 April 2022 |last=Considine |first=J.D. |date=24 June 1982 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]|isbn=9780743201698}}</ref> | rev5 = ''[[Sounds (magazine)|Sounds]]'' | rev5score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="Bushell 101">{{cite book |last1=Bushell |first1=Garry |author1-link=Garry Bushell |last2=Halfin |first2=Ross |author2-link=Ross Halfin |title=Running Free: The Official Story of Iron Maiden |edition=2nd |publisher=Zomba Books |year=1985 |page=[https://archive.org/details/ironmaidenrunnin00bush/page/101 101] |isbn=0-946391-84-X |url=https://archive.org/details/ironmaidenrunnin00bush/page/101}}</ref> | rev6 = Sputnikmusic | rev6score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="sputnik">{{cite web |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8261/Iron-Maiden-The-Number-Of-The-Beast/ |title=Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast |last=Stagno |first=Mike |website=Sputnikmusic |date=17 July 2006 |access-date=9 November 2010 |archive-date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823234810/https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8261/Iron-Maiden-The-Number-Of-The-Beast/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | rev7 = The Daily Vault | rev7score = A−<ref name=vault>{{cite web |url=http://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=2598 |title=The Daily Vault Music Reviews : The Number of the Beast |first=Sean |last=McCarthy |work=dailyvault.com |year=2019 |access-date=29 January 2019 |archive-date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129183255/http://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=2598 |url-status=live}}</ref> }} Since its release, the album has received consistent critical acclaim, with [[AllMusic]] describing it as "among the top five most essential heavy metal albums ever recorded. A cornerstone of the genre."<ref name="allmusic" /> Sputnikmusic calls it "a classic in the world of metal",<ref name="sputnik" /> while [[BBC Music]] praised the record's complex arrangements, stating "Whereas even some of the venerable HM institutions (think [[Black Sabbath]]) would struggle to make material that was something more than a collection of minor-key riffs, Iron Maiden pull this feat off with considerable élan."<ref name="BBC music">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/gqw6 |title=Iron Maiden – ''The Number of the Beast'' Review |work=[[BBC Online]] |last=Smith |first=Sid |date=23 April 2007 |access-date=9 November 2010 |archive-date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212213440/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/gqw6 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Q (magazine)|''Q'' magazine]] placed the album at No. 100 in its list of the "100 Greatest British Albums Ever" in 2000; in 2001 named it one of the "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time";<ref name="Q's 50 heaviest albums">{{cite journal |journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] |title=Q's 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time |date=July 2001 |page=86 |url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage2.html#50%20Heaviest |publisher=Bauer Media Group |access-date=14 January 2009 |archive-date=19 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019101341/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage2.html#50%20Heaviest |url-status=usurped }}</ref> and in 2006 placed it at No. 40 in its "40 Best Albums of the '80s" list.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The 40 Best Albums of the '80s |journal=[[Q (magazine)|Q]] | date=August 2006 |issue=241}}</ref> [[IGN]] and [[Metal Rules]] placed it third and second, respectively, in their lists of the Top Heavy Metal Albums,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2007/01/20/top-25-metal-albums?page=7 |title=Top 25 Metal Albums |access-date=17 January 2009 |author=Spence D. |website=[[IGN]] |date=19 January 2007 |archive-date=23 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823234737/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/01/20/top-25-metal-albums?page=7 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://metal-rules.com/polls/index.php?id=6 |title=The Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums |access-date=17 January 2009 |publisher=[[Metal Rules]] |date=September 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227115633/http://www.metal-rules.com/polls/index.php?id=6 |archive-date=27 December 2011 }}</ref> and ''[[Guitar World]]'' ranked it at No. 17 on their list of "100 Greatest Guitar Albums of All Time".<ref name="Guitar World's 100 Guitar Albums">{{cite journal |title=Guitar World's 100 Greatest Guitar Albums of All Time |date=October 2006 |url=http://rateyourmusic.com/list/Boggs1027/guitar_worlds_100_greatest_guitar_albums_of_all_time |journal=[[Guitar World]] |access-date=17 January 2009 |archive-date=20 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120112223/http://rateyourmusic.com/list/Boggs1027/guitar_worlds_100_greatest_guitar_albums_of_all_time/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{deprecated source|certain=y|date=November 2024}} ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' placed it at No. 15 in their list of the "100 Greatest British Rock Albums", describing it as "the most important metal album of the decade",<ref name="CR">{{cite journal |title=100 Greatest British Rock Albums Ever |journal=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |date=April 2006 |issue=91 |pages=64 |publisher=Future Publishing}}</ref> and it was voted No. 1 in [[HMV|HMV's]] list of "The Best British Albums of the Past 60 Years" in 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/its-official-iron-maiden-are-better-than-led-zeppelin-and-the-beatles-number-of-the-beast-voted-best-british-album-of-the-past-60-years/ |title=It's Official: Iron Maiden Are Better than Led Zeppelin and the Beatles – ''Number Of The Beast'' Voted Best British Album Of The Past 60 Years! |last=Alderslade |first=Merlin |access-date=28 May 2012 |date=28 May 2012 |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722053330/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/its-official-iron-maiden-are-better-than-led-zeppelin-and-the-beatles-number-of-the-beast-voted-best-british-album-of-the-past-60-years/|archive-date=22 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9293231/Trainspotting-and-Iron-Maiden-top-Jubilee-poll.html |title=''Trainspotting'' and Iron Maiden top Jubilee poll |access-date=28 May 2012 |last=Hall |first=James |date=28 May 2012 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |archive-date=28 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528162556/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9293231/Trainspotting-and-Iron-Maiden-top-Jubilee-poll.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Number of the Beast'' is one of two Iron Maiden records listed in Robert Dimery's book, ''[[1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die]]'' (1980's ''[[Iron Maiden (album)|Iron Maiden]]'' being the other).<ref>{{cite book |last=Lydon |first=Michael (preface) |title=1001 albums you must hear before you die |publisher=Cassell Illustrated |location=London |isbn=978-1-84403-624-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/1001albumsyoumus0000unse |edition=Updated |editor=Dimery, Robert |access-date=19 November 2012 |date=15 October 2008 |url-access=registration }}</ref> In 2017, it was ranked 4th on ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'}} list of "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Smith|first1=Steve|title=100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-w486923/anthrax-among-the-living-1987-w486946?|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=Wenner Media LLC|access-date=22 June 2017|date=21 June 2017}}</ref> In 2001, the [[BBC]] made a [[Classic Albums: Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast|documentary]] about ''The Number of the Beast'' as part of the ''[[Classic Albums]]'' series, which was released on DVD in the same year. In 2022, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the album's release, ''Number Of The Beast'' was named #1 of 'The 25 greatest rock guitar albums of 1982' list in Guitar World.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/25-greatest-rock-guitar-albums-of-1982 |title=The 25 greatest rock guitar albums of 1982 |access-date=27 March 2022 |last=Prato |first=Greg |date=2 March 2022 |magazine=[[Guitar World]] |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327151304/https://www.guitarworld.com/features/25-greatest-rock-guitar-albums-of-1982 |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Commercial performance== ''The Number of the Beast'' was a big commercial success worldwide.{{sfn|Wall|2004|p=228}} ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported in 2010 that 14 million copies have been sold<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/business/media/06maiden.html?_r=1 |title=Die-Hard Fans Follow Iron Maiden into the Digital Age |last=Pfanner |first=Eric |date=5 September 2010 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=7 September 2010 |archive-date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517115221/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/06/business/media/06maiden.html?_r=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> and by 2023 it had sold circa 20 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Chris |date=2023-10-06 |title=6 Bands That Emerged from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal |url=https://americansongwriter.com/6-bands-that-emerged-from-the-new-wave-of-british-heavy-metal/ |access-date=2023-10-06 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://loudwire.com/best-metal-album-ever-iron-maiden-number-of-the-beast/ |title = Best Metal Album Ever |publisher = Loudwire |date = 2023-01-19 |access-date = 2023-03-11 |archive-date = 11 March 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230311091625/https://loudwire.com/best-metal-album-ever-iron-maiden-number-of-the-beast/ |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/culture/music/10-metal-albums-that-changed-music|publisher=readersdigest.co.uk|title=10 Metal Albums That Changed Music|date=2023-03-09|access-date=2023-03-09|archive-date=9 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309125358/https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/culture/music/10-metal-albums-that-changed-music|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/the-number-of-the-beast-iron-maiden-album/ |title=TNOTB: 20 mln copies |publisher=thisisdig.com |date=2022-03-27 |access-date=2022-03-27 |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630124802/https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/the-number-of-the-beast-iron-maiden-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.swr.de/swr1/rp/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-100.html |title=TNOTB: 20 mln |publisher=swr.de |date=2022-03-25 |access-date=2022-03-25 |language=de |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321102312/https://www.swr.de/swr1/rp/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-100.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/number-beast-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-iron-maidens-breakout |title=TNOTB Anni: 40 Years |publisher=revolvermag.com |date=2022-03-24 |access-date=2022-03-24 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322180756/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/number-beast-10-things-you-didnt-know-about-iron-maidens-breakout |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-number-of-the-beast-superfan-facts/ |title=TNOTB Anni: 40 Years |publisher=loudwire.com |date=2022-03-24 |access-date=2022-03-24 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323170836/https://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-number-of-the-beast-superfan-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maniacsonline.com.au/news/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-turns-40 |title=TNOTB Anni: 40 Years |publisher=maniacsonline.com.au |date=2022-03-24 |access-date=2022-03-24 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322122455/https://www.maniacsonline.com.au/news/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-turns-40 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rheinpfalz.de/kultur_artikel,-vor-40-jahren-erschien-iron-maidens-album-the-number-of-the-beast-_arid,5331376.html?reduced=true |title=TNOTB 40 Years – The History |publisher=rheinpfalz.de |date=2022-03-21 |access-date=2022-03-21 |language=de |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321113302/https://www.rheinpfalz.de/kultur_artikel,-vor-40-jahren-erschien-iron-maidens-album-the-number-of-the-beast-_arid,5331376.html?reduced=true |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsbomb.gr/bombplus/politismos/story/1294782/iron-maiden-to-the-number-of-the-beast-kleinei-ta-40 |title=TNOTB 40 Years |publisher=treblezine.com |date=2022-03-18 |access-date=2022-03-18 |language=el |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318153643/https://www.newsbomb.gr/bombplus/politismos/story/1294782/iron-maiden-to-the-number-of-the-beast-kleinei-ta-40 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.treblezine.com/iron-maiden-number-of-the-beast-metal-greatest-voices/ |title=TNOTB 40 Anni |publisher=treblezine.com |date=2022-03-15 |access-date=2022-03-15 |archive-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315180040/https://www.treblezine.com/iron-maiden-number-of-the-beast-metal-greatest-voices/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://whiplash.net/materias/news_722/339068-ironmaiden.html |title=TNOTB Anni |publisher=whiplash.net |date=2022-02-12 |access-date=2022-02-12 |archive-date=21 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421202745/https://whiplash.net/materias/news_722/339068-ironmaiden.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.fr/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-en-cassette/ |publisher=rollingstone.fr |title=The Number of the Beast |date=2022-02-19 |access-date=2022-02-19 |language=fr |archive-date=19 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219173715/https://www.rollingstone.fr/iron-maiden-the-number-of-the-beast-en-cassette/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the band's first record to top the [[UK Albums Chart|UK charts]], entering at No.{{nbsp}}1 on 10 April, maintaining the top position for a further week, and remaining in the Top 75 for a total of 31 weeks.<ref name="UK">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/iron%20maiden/ |title=Artist Chart History: Iron Maiden |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=25 August 2010 |archive-date=13 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313191311/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/iron%20maiden/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It entered the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] at No.{{nbsp}}150 and peaked at No.{{nbsp}}33. The album reached the top ten in Austria and Sweden, and No.{{nbsp}}11 and No.{{nbsp}}13 in Canada and Norway, respectively. It was certified [[List of music recording sales certifications|platinum]] by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] (BPI) and [[RIAA certification|gold]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) on 4 October 1983 (eventually going platinum in 1986). The album reached No.{{nbsp}}11 in Germany and was certified gold ten years later. It received a 3× platinum award in Canada for sales exceeding 300,000 units. The two singles, "Run to the Hills" and the title track, debuted in the UK singles chart at No.{{nbsp}}7 and No.{{nbsp}}18, respectively. Both songs entered the [[Irish Singles Chart]] in the same order, and reached No.{{nbsp}}16 and No.{{nbsp}}19. ==Versions and performances by other artists== On 24 October 2002, progressive metal outfit [[Dream Theater]] played the original album in its entirety at [[La Mutualité]] in Paris, France. The performance was recorded and has been released through the band's YtseJam Records label.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-new-official-bootlegs-available-for-pre-order/ |title=Dream Theater: New 'Official Bootlegs' Available For Pre-Order |date=5 February 2005 |access-date=13 October 2011 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=16 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216124635/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dream-theater-new-official-bootlegs-available-for-pre-order/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Children of the Damned" was covered by Swedish band [[Therion (band)|Therion]] on their 1997 album [[A'arab Zaraq – Lucid Dreaming]]. "Run to the Hills" was [[cover version|covered]] on the tribute album ''[[Numbers From The Beast]]'', featuring vocalist [[Robin McAuley]], guitarists [[Michael Schenker]] and Pete Fletcher, bassist [[Tony Franklin (musician)|Tony Franklin]] and drummer [[Brian Tichy]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/iron-maiden-numbers-from-the-beast-all-star-tribute-album-due-in-october/ |title=Iron Maiden: ''Numbers From The Beast'' All-Star Tribute Album Due In October |date=27 September 2005 |access-date=13 October 2011 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=2 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102205738/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/iron-maiden-numbers-from-the-beast-all-star-tribute-album-due-in-october |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/162058 |title=Michael Schenker Covers Iron Maiden, Rush, Black Sabbath on New Album |date=16 May 2011 |access-date=13 October 2011 |work=[[Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles]] |archive-date=28 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328102023/http://www.bravewords.com/news/162058 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Music in tribute of Iron Maiden#A Tribute to the Beast, Vol. 2|A Tribute to the Beast, Vol. 2]]'' features covers of "Children of the Damned", by [[Sebastian Bach]] of [[Skid Row (American band)|Skid Row]] fame, and "Hallowed Be Thy Name", by [[Iced Earth]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11926 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629154356/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=11926 |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2012 |title=Destruction, Sentenced, Primal Fear to Contribute Tracks to Iron Maiden Tribute CD |date=12 May 2003 |access-date=13 October 2011 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] }}</ref> who have also covered "Hallowed Be Thy Name" and "The Number of the Beast" on their own album, ''[[Tribute to the Gods]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icedearth.com/discography/tribute-to-the-gods |title=''A Tribute to the Gods'' |access-date=13 October 2011 |publisher=[[Iced Earth]] |archive-date=7 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107003448/http://www.icedearth.com/discography/tribute-to-the-gods |url-status=live }}</ref> "Hallowed Be Thy Name" has also been covered by [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] on ''[[Maiden Heaven: A Tribute To Iron Maiden]]'', which was released by ''[[Kerrang!]]'' magazine in 2008,<ref name="kerrang.com">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2008/07/the_making_of_maiden_heaven.html |title=The making of ''Maiden Heaven'' |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |access-date=13 January 2011 |date=16 July 2008 |last=Lane |first=Daniel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501010936/http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2008/07/the_making_of_maiden_heaven.html |archive-date=1 May 2013 }}</ref> and by [[Cradle of Filth]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/cradle-of-filth-to-issue-very-best-of-double-cd/ |title=Cradle of Filth To Issue "Very Best Of" Double CD |access-date=26 January 2012 |date=7 April 2002 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=16 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116140501/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/cradle-of-filth-to-issue-very-best-of-double-cd/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while the title track has also been covered by [[Billy Corgan]]'s band [[Djali Zwan]] on the soundtrack of the film ''[[Spun]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283003/soundtrack |title=''Spun'' Soundtrack |access-date=13 October 2011 |website=[[Internet Movie Database]] |archive-date=15 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115155816/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0283003/soundtrack |url-status=live }}</ref> Acoustic reinterpretations of "Children of the Damned" and "22 Acacia Avenue" were included on the album ''Across The Seventh Sea'' (2012) by the tribute project [[Maiden uniteD]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/apocalyptica-s-perttu-kivilaakso-to-guest-on-maiden-united-album/ |title=Apocalyptica's Perttu Kivilaakso To Guest on Maiden United Album |date=13 August 2012 |access-date=17 January 2013 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921091434/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/apocalyptica-s-perttu-kivilaakso-to-guest-on-maiden-united-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Appearances in other media== Several of the record's songs have been used in video games: "Run to the Hills" is featured in ''[[SSX On Tour]]'' as the opening theme,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/iron-maiden-mot-rhead-def-leppard-featured-on-sx-on-tour-soundtrack/ |title=Iron Maiden Featured On ''SSX on Tour'' Soundtrack |access-date=27 January 2012 |date=12 September 2005 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=20 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220173820/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/iron-maiden-mot-rhead-def-leppard-featured-on-sx-on-tour-soundtrack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City]]'',<ref name="gta">{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstargames.com/thelostanddamned/music |title=Exclusive Features: Radio Station Updates & Soundtracks |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |access-date=6 May 2012 |archive-date=29 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629142012/http://www.rockstargames.com/thelostanddamned/music/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=69598&tab=credits |title=''Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City'' Credits |access-date=6 May 2012 |work=[[Allgame]] |publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]] |archive-date=16 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116094240/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=69598&tab=credits |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a cover version is included in ''[[Rock Band]]'', the only song in the game listed as 'Impossible' for all instruments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rockband.com/songs/runtothehills |title='Run to the Hills' cover |access-date=13 October 2011 |publisher=[[Rock Band]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114203113/http://www.rockband.com/songs/runtothehills |archive-date=14 November 2011 }}</ref> In addition, "The Number of the Beast" (as the original master recording), "Run to the Hills" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (the latter being a live recording found on ''[[Iron Maiden: Flight 666|Flight 666]]'') were made downloadable to ''Rock Band'' on 8 June 2009; "The Prisoner" was made downloadable on 22 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockband.com/songs/artists/Iron+Maiden |title=Rockband.com- Iron Maiden |access-date=24 September 2011 |publisher=[[Rock Band]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304182807/http://www.rockband.com/songs/artists/Iron+Maiden |archive-date=4 March 2011 }}</ref> "The Number of the Beast" was also featured in ''[[Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock]]'' (master recording),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/aerosmith-slipknot-disturbed-white-zombie-songs-added-to-guitar-hero-iii-legends-of-rock/ |title=''Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock'' |access-date=13 October 2011 |date=4 October 2007 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |archive-date=20 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220165358/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/aerosmith-slipknot-disturbed-white-zombie-songs-added-to-guitar-hero-iii-legends-of-rock/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and on ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://au.gamespot.com/news/tony-hawks-pro-skater-4-soundtrack-revealed-2894838 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629154410/http://au.gamespot.com/news/tony-hawks-pro-skater-4-soundtrack-revealed-2894838 |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2012 |title=''Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4'' soundtrack revealed |last=Calvert |first=Justin |date=16 October 2002 |access-date=17 April 2012 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] AU }}</ref> ==Track listing== <!-- Do NOT change any song lengths. They are listed here as in Iron Maiden's official website, as well as the original UK release (EMI, EMC 3400) --> {{Track listing | headline = Side one | all_writing = [[Steve Harris (musician)|Steve Harris]], except where noted | title1 = Invaders | length1 = 3:20 | title2 = Children of the Damned | length2 = 4:34 | title3 = The Prisoner | writer3 = {{hlist|[[Adrian Smith (musician)|Adrian Smith]]|Harris}} | length3 = 5:34 | title4 = 22 Acacia Avenue | writer4 = {{hlist|Harris|Smith}} | length4 = 6:34 }} {{Track listing | headline = Side two | title5 = [[The Number of the Beast (song)|The Number of the Beast]] | length5 = 4:25 | title6 = [[Run to the Hills]] | length6 = 3:50 | title7 = Gangland | writer7 = {{hlist|Smith|[[Clive Burr]]}} | length7 = 3:46 | title8 = [[Hallowed Be Thy Name (song)|Hallowed Be Thy Name]] | length8 = 7:08 | total_length = 39:11 }} {{Track listing | headline = Side two – Japanese edition<ref>{{cite web |title=Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast |url=https://www.discogs.com/Iron-Maiden-The-Number-Of-The-Beast/release/2454590 |website=[[Discogs]] |date=April 1982 |access-date=30 June 2020 |language=en |archive-date=20 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220233804/https://www.discogs.com/Iron-Maiden-The-Number-Of-The-Beast/release/2454590 |url-status=live }}</ref> | title5 = The Number of the Beast | length5 = 4:25 | title6 = Run to the Hills | length6 = 3:50 | title7 = Total Eclipse | writer7 = {{hlist|Harris|[[Dave Murray (musician)|Dave Murray]]|Burr}} | length7 = 4:25 | title8 = Gangland | writer8 = {{hlist|Smith|Burr}} | length8 = 3:46 | title9 = Hallowed Be Thy Name | length9 = 7:08 | total_length = 43:36 }} {{Track listing | headline = Side two – 2022 40th anniversary edition<ref>{{cite web |title=Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast & Beast Over Hammersmith – Coming November 18th 2022 |url=https://www.ironmaiden.com/the-number-of-the-beast-beast-over-hammersmith-coming-november-18th-2022/ |website=ironmaiden |date=September 29, 2022 }}</ref> | title5 = The Number of the Beast | length5 = 4:25 | title6 = Run to the Hills | length6 = 3:50 | title7 = Total Eclipse | writer7 = {{hlist|Harris|Murray|Burr}} | length7 = 4:25 | title8 = Hallowed Be Thy Name | length8 = 7:08 | total_length = 39:50 }} {{Track listing | headline = 1995 reissue bonus disc | total_length = 9:55 | title1 = Total Eclipse | writer1 = {{hlist|Harris|Murray|Burr}} | length1 = 4:26 | title2 = Remember Tomorrow | note2 = live | writer2 = {{hlist|Harris|[[Paul Di'Anno]]}} | length2 = 5:29 }} {{Track listing | headline = 1998 remastered edition | title1 = Invaders | length1 = 3:22 | title2 = Children of the Damned | length2 = 4:33 | title3 = The Prisoner | writer3 = {{hlist|Smith|Harris}} | length3 = 6:00 | title4 = 22 Acacia Avenue | writer4 = {{hlist|Harris|Smith}} | length4 = 6:38 | title5 = The Number of the Beast | length5 = 4:51 | title6 = Run to the Hills | length6 = 3:50 | title7 = Gangland | writer7 = {{hlist|Smith|Burr}} | length7 = 3:47 | title8 = Total Eclipse | writer8 = {{hlist|Harris|Murray|Burr}} | length8 = 4:28 | title9 = Hallowed Be Thy Name | length9 = 7:10 | total_length = 44:39 }} ==Personnel== Production and performance credits are adapted from the album liner notes.<ref name="original liner notes">{{cite AV media notes |title=The Number of the Beast |others=[[Iron Maiden]] |date=22 March 1982 |publisher=[[EMI]] }}</ref><ref name="linernotes" /> ===Iron Maiden=== *[[Bruce Dickinson]] – vocals *[[Dave Murray (musician)|Dave Murray]] – guitars *[[Adrian Smith (musician)|Adrian Smith]] – guitars *[[Steve Harris (musician)|Steve Harris]] – bass *[[Clive Burr]] – drums ===Additional performer=== *Barry Clayton – spoken word on "[[The Number of the Beast (song)|The Number of the Beast]]"<ref name=Clayton>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=149&title=10_best_metal_intros&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 |last=Parsons |first=Katie |title=The 10 Mightiest Intros in Metal |date=5 December 2011 |access-date=2 December 2012 |magazine=[[NME]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114032853/http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=149 |archive-date=14 November 2012 }}</ref> ===Production=== *[[Martin Birch|Martin "Farmer" Birch]] – production, [[Audio engineer|engineering]] *Nigel Hewitt-Green – engineering *[[Derek Riggs]] – [[illustration]] *[[Simon Fowler (photographer)|Simon Fowler]] – photography *[[Ross Halfin]] – photography *Toshi Yajima – photography *Andre Csillag – photography *Bob Ellis – photography *P.G. Brunelli – photography *[[Rod Smallwood]] – management, photography *[[Simon Heyworth]] – [[remaster]]ing (1998 edition) *[[Denis O'Regan]] – photography (1998 edition) *George Chin – photography (1998 edition) ==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} ===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! Chart (1982-1983) ! Peak<br/>position |- ! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[Kent Music Report]])<ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Kent|first=David|author-link=David Kent (historian)|title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992|edition=illustrated|publisher=Australian Chart Book|location=St Ives, N.S.W.|year=1993|isbn=0-646-11917-6}}</ref> | align="center"| 8 |- {{Album chart|Austria|3|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Canada|11|chartid=6528|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Netherlands|6|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- !scope="row"| French Albums ([[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|SNEP]])<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.infodisc.fr/Album_Y.php |website =Infodisc.fr |language=fr |access-date=9 June 2012 |title=Le Détail des Albums de chaque Artiste – I |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022124902/http://infodisc.fr/Album_I.php |archive-date=22 October 2014 }} ''Select ''Iron Maiden'' from the menu, then press ''OK''.''</ref> | align="center"| 4 |- ! scope="row"| Finnish Albums ([[The Official Finnish Charts]])<ref name=FINI>{{cite book|last=Pennanen|first=Timo|title=Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972|edition=1st|publisher=Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava|location=Helsinki|year=2006|isbn=978-951-1-21053-5 | page= 166 | language= fi}}</ref> | align="center"| 5 |- {{Album chart|Germany4|11|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|id=8484|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- !scope="row"|Italian Albums (''[[Musica e dischi]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/classifiche_archivio.php|title=Classifiche|work=[[Musica e dischi]]|language=it|access-date=3 June 2022|archive-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201160637/http://musicaedischi.it/classifiche_archivio.php|url-status=live}} Set "Tipo" on "Album". Then, in the "Titolo" field, search "The number of the beast".</ref> | style="text-align:center;"|10 |- !scope="row"|Japanese Albums ([[Oricon]])<ref name="JPN">{{cite book|title=Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005|publisher=[[Oricon|Oricon Entertainment]]|location=Roppongi, Tokyo|year=2006|isbn=4-87131-077-9|language=ja}}</ref> | align="center"| 28 |- {{Album chart|New Zealand|18|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Norway|13|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Sweden|7|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|UK2|1|date=19820404|rowheader=true|refname=UKA1|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Billboard200|33|artist=Iron Maiden|refname=Billboard 200|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! Chart (1987) ! Peak<br/>position |- {{Album chart|UK2|98|date=19870614|rowheader=true|refname=UKA2|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! Chart (2006) ! Peak<br/>position |- {{Album chart|Spain|56|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|UK2|54|date=20060924|refname=UKA3|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! Chart (2010) ! Peak<br/>position |- {{Album chart|Greece|33|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Mexico|95|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! Chart (2012) ! Peak<br/>position |- {{Album chart|Sweden|32|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! Chart (2015) ! Peak<br/>position |- {{Album chart|France|172|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |} {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- ! Chart (2018-2022) ! Peak<br/>position |- {{Album chart|Flanders|122|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Wallonia|51|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{album chart|Croatia|5|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast/Beast over Hammersmith|rowheader=true|access-date=30 November 2022}} |- {{Album chart|Germany4|23|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|id=8484|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Greece|20|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{album chart|Hungary|21|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|year=2020|week=22|rowheader=true|access-date=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Scotland|13|date=20220325|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Spain|10|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|Switzerland|23|artist=Iron Maiden|album=The Number of the Beast|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |- {{Album chart|UKRock|1|date=20181123|rowheader=true|accessdate=June 16, 2024}} |} {{col-2}} ===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |- ! scope="col" | Chart (1982) ! scope="col" | Position |- ! scope="row" | German Albums ([[GfK Entertainment Charts|Offizielle Top 100]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-1982|title=Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts|date=1982|publisher=[[GfK Entertainment Charts]]|language=de|access-date=4 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019192727/https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/album-jahr/for-date-1982|archive-date=19 October 2021}}</ref> | 58 |} {{col-end}} ==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Iron Maiden|title=The Number of the Beast|award=Platinum|relyear=1982|certyear=1982|certref=<ref>{{cite web |title= Platinum and Gold Albums 1982 |publisher= [[Kent Music Report]] |issue= 453 |via= [[Imgur]] |date= 28 February 1983 |access-date= 10 November 2021 |url= https://i.imgur.com/totLqGG.jpg |archive-date= 10 November 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211110062852/https://i.imgur.com/totLqGG.jpg |url-status= live }}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=Austria | title=''The Number of the Beast'' | artist=Iron Maiden | award=Gold | type=album | access-date=15 November 2011 | relyear=1982 | relmonth=9 | date=21 September 1990}} {{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Belgium|award=Gold|relyear=1982|certref=<ref><{{cite web|url=https://auction.heavymetaltruants.com/?view_lot&id=6|access-date=5 March 2023|title=The Number Of The Beast Gold Vinyl- Belgium|archive-date=6 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306011645/https://auction.heavymetaltruants.com/?view_lot&id=6|url-status=live}}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=Canada | title=The Number of the Beast | artist=Iron Maiden | award=Platinum | number=3 | type=album | access-date=15 November 2011 | relyear=1982 | relmonth=3 | date=12 October 2006}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=France| title=Number of the Beast | artist=Iron Maiden | award=Gold | type=album | access-date=13 January 2022 | relyear=1982 |certyear=1983|source=infodisc}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=Germany | title=Number of the Beast | artist=Iron Maiden | award=Gold | type=album | access-date=15 November 2011 | relyear=1982 | relmonth=3 | date=1992}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=Number of the Beast|artist=Iron Maiden|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=1982|certyear=2019|access-date=4 March 2019}} {{Certification Table Entry|type=album|relyear=1982|relmonth=3|region=Japan|award=Gold|certyear=1982|certref=<ref name="JPN"/>|salesamount=100,000|salesref=<ref name="JPN"/>}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Netherlands|title=Number of the Beast|artist=Iron Maiden|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=1982|certyear=1996|access-date=28 January 2022}} {{Certification Table Entry|type=album|relyear=1982|relmonth=3|region=New Zealand|award=Gold|certyear=1982|certref=<ref>{{cite book|first=Dean|last=Scapolo|title=The Complete New Zealand Music Charts: 1966–2006|publisher=Maurienne House|year=2007|isbn=978-1-877443-00-8}}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Iron Maiden|title=The Number of the Beast|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=1982|certyear=2023|access-date=22 February 2023}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=album|artist=Iron maiden|title=The number of a beast|award=Gold|relyear=1982|certyear=1983|certref=<ref>{{cite book |first= Fernando |last= Salaverri |title= Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 |url= http://www.mediafire.com/view/x263f6daopkswo8 |edition= 1st |date= September 2005 |publisher= Fundación Autor-SGAE |location= Spain |isbn= 84-8048-639-2 |access-date= 23 October 2019 |archive-date= 28 September 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130928101528/http://www.mediafire.com/view/x263f6daopkswo8 |url-status= live|page=917 }}</ref>}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=Switzerland | title=The Number of The Beast | artist=Iron Maiden | award=Gold | type=album | access-date=15 November 2011 | relyear=1982 | date=1990}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=United Kingdom | title=The Number of the Beast | artist=Iron Maiden | award=Platinum | number=1| type=album | access-date=20 November 2022 | relyear=1982 | date=1 November 2002|id=7185-1438-2 | refname="BPI"}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=United States | title=The Number of the Beast | artist=Iron Maiden | award=Platinum | type=album | access-date=15 November 2011 | relyear=1982}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}} ==Notes== {{notelist}} ==Citations== {{Reflist}} ==References== {{refbegin}} *{{cite book |last=Wall |first=Mick |author-link=Mick Wall |title=Iron Maiden: Run to the Hills, the Authorised Biography |edition=third |publisher=Sanctuary Publishing |year=2004 |isbn=1-86074-542-3 }} {{refend}} ==Further reading== *{{cite book|title=A Brief History of Album Covers|first=Jason|last=Draper|publisher=Flame Tree Publishing|location=London|year=2008|pages=238–239|isbn=9781847862112|oclc=227198538}} {{Iron Maiden}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Number Of The Beast (Album), The}} [[Category:1982 albums]] [[Category:Obscenity controversies in music]] [[Category:Iron Maiden albums]] [[Category:Albums produced by Martin Birch]] [[Category:EMI Records albums]]
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The Number of the Beast (album)
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