The September 2003 single cover is a still from the computer animated video, which sees the six band members traverse a barren landscape in race cars before being swallowed by a giant Eddie. One of Iron Maiden's most poorly received album covers, it's reported that Patchett asked for his name to be removed from the credits as he was unhappy that an unfinished version was used. The artwork for 'The Number of the Beast' was originally meant to be used on the 'Purgatory' cover eight months earlier, however, the band were so overawed that they asked Riggs to hold it back for their next album. Due to the graphic, gritty realism of the hideous torture Eddie suffered, the band were forced to issue a reversible sleeve for the October 1995 release containing a much tamer image.

Iron Maiden launch two exclusive products Run to the tills! Iron Maiden launch two exclusive products

The memorable sleeve of June 1981's 'Purgatory' sees Lucifer's face melt away to reveal Eddie's face beneath.Warner Music’s SVP Commercial, Derek Allen, adds: “There are few bands in the world that can provide such a breadth of products that their fan base love and we’re delighted that Asda respect music enough to partner with us across several sectors. A cheeky swipe at Led Zeppelin, on the 'Peace of Mind' lead single a winged Eddie has just torched Icarus with flamethrower. An all-consuming demon like Eddie straight from the bowels of hell ominously reaches for a child wearing a virtual reality headset. An iconic image of Eddie holding Satan like a puppet and Satan clutching an even smaller Eddie, it was all too predictably condemned by staunch Christians in America.

Iron Maiden the Trooper Shirt - Etsy UK

The long standing heavy metal band also happens to be famous due to their extremely passionate and loyal fanbase – which is why we’ve got our hands on an amazing range of Iron Maiden merchandise.Two years later the 'Rock in Rio' live record revived the cover but switched the landscape for the Brazilian city. Iron Maiden - Eddie's proper horrorshow face was finally unveiled when 'Iron Maiden' hit the shelves in April 1980.

Iron Maiden the Trooper Tshirt - Etsy Iron Maiden the Trooper Tshirt - Etsy

Having been a mortician slaying zombie in the past (see 1990's 'No Prayer for the Dying'), in a complete role reversal Eddie is depicted as an undertaker from the bowels of hell on 2005 live album/DVD 'Death on the Road'. Two months later in a cheeky parting shot the cover of the live version of Maiden's 1982 anthem depicts a demonic Eddie impaling the departed frontman with a gargantuan spear.Derek Riggs' submissions were rejected in favour of Melvyn Grant's eerie painting of a half-tree/half-demon Eddie. The legendary 1989 live video (recorded at Birmingham NEC a year earlier) came complete with a cover image of a leather-clad, long-haired Eddie flying over a crowd clutching a battered Union Jack flag in homage to The Trooper. In May 1980, Eddie stoked up some controversy through his depiction on the 'Sanctuary' single cover.