What do you think?
Rate this book
Run to the Hills, 2nd Edition: Iron Maiden
From Iron Maiden's origins in London's East End, to headline status in the world's biggest arenas and 50 million album sales, all despite a radio and TV ban in their own country. Comprising interviews with all the band members, their manager, music industry figures and other rock personalities.
350 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
25 people are currently reading
1261 people want to read
About the author
Mick Wall
69 books176 followersMick Wall is an author, journalist, film, television and radio writer-producer, who’s worked inside the music industry for over 35 years. He began his career contributing to the music weekly Sounds in 1977, where he wrote about punk and the new wave, and then rockabilly, funk, New Romantic pop and, eventually, hard rock and heavy metal. By 1983, Wall become one of the main journalists in the early days of Kerrang! magazine, where he was their star cover story writer for the next nine years. He subsequently became the founding editor of Classic Rock magazine in 1998, and presented his own television and radio shows.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 21, 2020
A book that is read with great pleasure. When one starts a book of this kind, he immediately knows that he will find a lot of fictionalized, exaggerated events, cosmetically treated to make them seem more epic or more humorous. But anyway it was nice to read about how this eternal band was formed, from its early years; learn which other bands were forming around them in the same years. Know the first members of the group, with their personal characteristics and as musicians. It was also nice to meet some members of the band who may have left the band before it became famous, perhaps to move on to other bands that then did not break through and that no one remembers today. They are the sliding doors of certain trains that pass only once. The 80s were the best for metal music and NWOBHM was definitely a pearl in the oyster. Certain tracks will never disappear from music sites, even if they are now 40 years old. And certain characters will never disappear from people's memories, both of those who were there and of those who met them on youtube or other sites. In this sense, they really achieved immortality. And Iron Maiden are definitely part of this lineup. Great.
March 13, 2013
Let's be honest. Nothing really interesting ever happened to Iron Maiden. They got famous. They deserved it. End of story. Still, it's not a boring book. Must be because Mr. Wall is a talented guy.
November 19, 2012
Massive and in-depth enjoyed it, but literally can't remember anything at all, maybe its magical and makes you forget, if you want to know the history of Maiden and thee story behind the albums, it has everything you could want and more, I presume. I have forgotten all of it.
March 12, 2010
I absolutely love Iron Maiden. My first album was Number Of The Beast and I was hooked. I bought posters, t-shirts, patches, buttons, more posters, every single I could get my hands on, that first Ten Wasted years box set and yet more posters. I admit I lost interest not long after Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son but, man, did I loves me that Maiden.
Run To The Hills is a fantastic, outstanding music bio and the best possible Maiden bio. I so appreciate that Mick Wall took the time and put in the energy to write this book. All too often, in my humble opinion, music bio writers rely on their subject's star power and soft shoe the journalistic integrity. To hell with good writing and engaging presentation! Let's get some good photos in and get this thing to the printer!
It's appropriate and fortunate as hell Wall chose and was chosen for the task because he's close to Maiden and has a decades long relationship with them. That contributes to the strong yet easy going style of the narration. Wall makes it fun and interesting to ride along side car style as Maiden takes over the world and chomps at the bit that there is, as yet, nowhere further to go.
My one solitary complaint is that, as this is the 3rd edition, there are updates at the end and, as a result, there are revisions that need to take place in the existing text that have NOT taken place. Y'know, like, some statement about how Adrian was unknowingly playing his last show when, fact of the matter is, he joined the band again. That story is covered here but the truth is contradictory to the statements of previous editions. Maiden, Mr. Smallwood, Mr. Wall, please let me know and I would be happy to edit the thing to proper form just for the thrill of being involved.
Earth dogs and rivet heads take note: there's a mess o' killer photos.
Packed with all the details that a fan would want to know and love, Run To The Hills satisfies.
(Personal aside: When my band was moving into and decorating our then recently acquired practice space many moons ago, I asked my mother if there was any chance she might have my Maiden posters tucked away somewhere 'round the house. Sure as sh*t, she did. They now hang in the practice space and inspire me to try just a little harder to fight the good fight and rock the good rock.)
Up the Irons.
Run To The Hills is a fantastic, outstanding music bio and the best possible Maiden bio. I so appreciate that Mick Wall took the time and put in the energy to write this book. All too often, in my humble opinion, music bio writers rely on their subject's star power and soft shoe the journalistic integrity. To hell with good writing and engaging presentation! Let's get some good photos in and get this thing to the printer!
It's appropriate and fortunate as hell Wall chose and was chosen for the task because he's close to Maiden and has a decades long relationship with them. That contributes to the strong yet easy going style of the narration. Wall makes it fun and interesting to ride along side car style as Maiden takes over the world and chomps at the bit that there is, as yet, nowhere further to go.
My one solitary complaint is that, as this is the 3rd edition, there are updates at the end and, as a result, there are revisions that need to take place in the existing text that have NOT taken place. Y'know, like, some statement about how Adrian was unknowingly playing his last show when, fact of the matter is, he joined the band again. That story is covered here but the truth is contradictory to the statements of previous editions. Maiden, Mr. Smallwood, Mr. Wall, please let me know and I would be happy to edit the thing to proper form just for the thrill of being involved.
Earth dogs and rivet heads take note: there's a mess o' killer photos.
Packed with all the details that a fan would want to know and love, Run To The Hills satisfies.
(Personal aside: When my band was moving into and decorating our then recently acquired practice space many moons ago, I asked my mother if there was any chance she might have my Maiden posters tucked away somewhere 'round the house. Sure as sh*t, she did. They now hang in the practice space and inspire me to try just a little harder to fight the good fight and rock the good rock.)
Up the Irons.
June 26, 2017
up the irons!
The story of NWOBHM in one book.
Turn on the music and start to read.
The story of NWOBHM in one book.
Turn on the music and start to read.
March 27, 2014
Told from virtually all members and ex-members, this is the story of Iron Maiden. Well written, but I lost interest in the Blaze Bailey section and it tailed off at the end as there was no ending or conclusion, reduced to recounting individual tours and DVD releases. If you're a fan, then you'll enjoy.
September 17, 2019
A great look into the history of this mighty band! A must-read for any fan or anyone interested in what makes metal amazing! Up The Irons!
August 13, 2017
The Mick Wall chapters are good — he tells the story of Maiden with an engaging style. A close observer of the band, he presents multiple perspectives of their history through one-on-one interviews.
The updates in the third edition by Dave Ling and Chris Ingham are useless. They read like website news updates and official press releases. The quality of the writing breaks down, along with any insight or sense of perspective.
First edition is all Mick Wall, but ends the story at Virtual XI.
Second edition has Wall detailing the circumstance leading to the reunion, up to recording BNW.
Third edition is the one that tacks on post-reunion updates, through the DOD tour.
The updates in the third edition by Dave Ling and Chris Ingham are useless. They read like website news updates and official press releases. The quality of the writing breaks down, along with any insight or sense of perspective.
First edition is all Mick Wall, but ends the story at Virtual XI.
Second edition has Wall detailing the circumstance leading to the reunion, up to recording BNW.
Third edition is the one that tacks on post-reunion updates, through the DOD tour.
April 21, 2012
I've been a huge Maiden fan for years, and own several unauthorized biographies of the band as well as this. If you've followed the band as extensively as I have, the first half of the book should be well-ingrained in your mind: lots of lineup changes, eventually culminating in the ousting of Di'Anno and the hiring of Dickinson. The latter years go by fast, which is a shame, as I'd consider it to be one of the band's more intriguing eras. Since this only covers up through Dance of Death, I'm hoping they'll update this again before (or when) the band hangs it up for good.
October 2, 2020
Run to the Hills: Iron Maiden, the Authorized Biography by Mick Wall covers the period from their inception up to the Dance of Death album around 2003.
It was quite good, based on interviews with present and past band members, and it goes into a lot of detail from the beginning of the band especially, which I found most interesting (and not so much in the later non-Bruce era).
A lot of it I knew already from other articles and videos, but there was plenty of extra material that made it a a worthy read for fans of the band.
It was quite good, based on interviews with present and past band members, and it goes into a lot of detail from the beginning of the band especially, which I found most interesting (and not so much in the later non-Bruce era).
A lot of it I knew already from other articles and videos, but there was plenty of extra material that made it a a worthy read for fans of the band.
August 1, 2011
I first heard Iron Maiden because Wheatus' "Teenage Dirtbag" got overplayed on the radio. I started with "Fear Of The Dark" and got hooked. I own all the post-Di'Anno studio albums and they are one of my favorite bands. So I was quite curious to learn more about them.
And for people wanting to learn alot about the band this book doesn't disappoint. The 3rd edition covers up through the post-"Dance Of Death" tour. With 2 more CDs since then plus the epic "Somewhere Back In Time Tour" and the "Flight 666" documentary since then I'm sure we'll get a 4th edition before too long.
All the band members' backgrounds are covered with information about the different albums, the early days, the departures of different members, etc. Really covers all the bases pretty well. I didn't know about the band's punk roots and came away with a better understanding of why I don't personally care for most of the first two albums. The book is also a little eye opened about how for a long time it really was Steve Harris' band - though I agree with the book's sentiment that everyone has matured and mellowed out a bit since Bruce returned.
The book is written in the style of a documentary: lots of interviews and lengthy quotes. And since the entire band as well as the author are from England you get a great deal of Brit slang and colloquialisms you'll may need to understand. Neither of those things is really wrong per-se, but this is the first biography I've read in this style so it was a little surprising. It does lend a sense of balance to the book, with both sides speaking their story on things.
The last part of the book is the chapters added in the 2nd and 3rd editions. These are much shorter than the chapters in the rest of the book. I prefer lots of clear break points in my non-fiction and biography and I felt the whole book would've been better off broken into smaller chapters.
It's not great writing, but it's very readable and covers the material well so I'd definitely recommend this to any Maiden fan.
And for people wanting to learn alot about the band this book doesn't disappoint. The 3rd edition covers up through the post-"Dance Of Death" tour. With 2 more CDs since then plus the epic "Somewhere Back In Time Tour" and the "Flight 666" documentary since then I'm sure we'll get a 4th edition before too long.
All the band members' backgrounds are covered with information about the different albums, the early days, the departures of different members, etc. Really covers all the bases pretty well. I didn't know about the band's punk roots and came away with a better understanding of why I don't personally care for most of the first two albums. The book is also a little eye opened about how for a long time it really was Steve Harris' band - though I agree with the book's sentiment that everyone has matured and mellowed out a bit since Bruce returned.
The book is written in the style of a documentary: lots of interviews and lengthy quotes. And since the entire band as well as the author are from England you get a great deal of Brit slang and colloquialisms you'll may need to understand. Neither of those things is really wrong per-se, but this is the first biography I've read in this style so it was a little surprising. It does lend a sense of balance to the book, with both sides speaking their story on things.
The last part of the book is the chapters added in the 2nd and 3rd editions. These are much shorter than the chapters in the rest of the book. I prefer lots of clear break points in my non-fiction and biography and I felt the whole book would've been better off broken into smaller chapters.
It's not great writing, but it's very readable and covers the material well so I'd definitely recommend this to any Maiden fan.
September 28, 2012
I think they update this book about every other album or so but I read it when it had been updated to cover the reunion of the band with Dickinson and Smith and the release of Brave New World.
Overall the book is a pretty honest look at the band. The early days are covered in tremendous detail as a revolving door of colourful characters move in and out (and back in Mr. Murray). But of course, this part of the book is 'Arry's story as it was his vision and determination that set the band on its rise to fame. The other main character is manager Rod Smallwood, who details the process of many major decisions that shaped the band both in terms of personel and on the business side.
The account of the band's 80's superstardom is also interesting and less lurid than you might think if you have already read The Dirt etc. Some insight into the ruptured relationships and pressured that ultimately fractured the band are detailed, though it is hardly a compelling account, with really only Nico telling us how he really feels. Then on to the forgetable Blaze Bailey years and the ultimate reunion.
Overall, unless you are a total fanatic, this is everything you need to know about Iron Maiden. Best read while playing the associated albums.
Overall the book is a pretty honest look at the band. The early days are covered in tremendous detail as a revolving door of colourful characters move in and out (and back in Mr. Murray). But of course, this part of the book is 'Arry's story as it was his vision and determination that set the band on its rise to fame. The other main character is manager Rod Smallwood, who details the process of many major decisions that shaped the band both in terms of personel and on the business side.
The account of the band's 80's superstardom is also interesting and less lurid than you might think if you have already read The Dirt etc. Some insight into the ruptured relationships and pressured that ultimately fractured the band are detailed, though it is hardly a compelling account, with really only Nico telling us how he really feels. Then on to the forgetable Blaze Bailey years and the ultimate reunion.
Overall, unless you are a total fanatic, this is everything you need to know about Iron Maiden. Best read while playing the associated albums.
February 17, 2014
A must read for every fan, Mick Wall's book gives us to see Iron Maiden's ascension from the inside. Past and present band members, managers, producers etc. here's a multiple voice story, always fascinating, even at times contradictory (which makes for a deep and honest read) telling the tale of a turbulent saga. From dodgy pubs in the East End of London to conquering the world it has not been easy and, this biography is a fantastic tribute to a band that has never compromised -no matter how tough the music business and industry has been to them. About, we can only marvel and respect their passion, hardworking attitude, dynamism, creativity and energy, even after so many years! Ending with the coming out of 'Dance of Death' and, the Rock in Rio festival that followed, here's a jewel of a book that will ravish every fan. Plus, it's a real pleasure to see Blaze Bailey being recognised and appreciated for his contribution! (I believe 'The X Factor' to be one of their best album... and so does Steve Harris! ). A fantastic read.
July 15, 2019
Cool story of their struggle, and maybe foremost Dave´s enormous efforts to keep the band intact along the way, finding the right players, and finally put everything on black ;)
Timing, dedication and a whole lot of blood sweat and tears shaped this groundbreaking band in its dawn.
I really like the way you get introduced to all the members/ex-members too, their history, ways and where they once came from.
A nice effect was to listen to the right album according to where you were in the book at the time you read it, it gives you a great understanding of why they all sound so different.
Timing, dedication and a whole lot of blood sweat and tears shaped this groundbreaking band in its dawn.
I really like the way you get introduced to all the members/ex-members too, their history, ways and where they once came from.
A nice effect was to listen to the right album according to where you were in the book at the time you read it, it gives you a great understanding of why they all sound so different.
July 22, 2018
Mick Wall è sempre garanzia di buonissima scrittura e cognizione di causa, quando si parla di biografie di gruppi hard-rock o heavy metal, e questo libro non fa eccezione. Diverte e intrattiene come ci si aspetta, ma ha due difetti: innanzi tutto fa costantemente la corte a Harris, che ne esce benissimo (una sorta di contraltare di quanto viene maltrattato Ulrich in Enter Night). Anche troppo. Secondariamente, ignora tutta la storia recente del gruppo, da Brave New World in poi, ed è un gran peccato. A ogni modo, resta una signora biografia per un gruppo pazzesco.
July 25, 2011
A very interesting read for all 'Maiden fans. You won't really appreciate how much hard work they put into what they do until you read this. It's astounding and very enlightening. I was surprised at how many changes the band has been through, there has been a lot of band members coming and going through the years, and through it all, Harris has pushed the band further and further. There's no wonder they rule the world.
December 7, 2015
Good book although this book is very similar to all the Mick Wall books where the very early years of the band are covered extensively then the more recent years are rushed like he has hitting his limits on words to be printed for the book. Enjoyable read on a band that really has not gotten the press coverage like most others.
January 19, 2015
I really enjoyed!! There are many interesting and funny histories from Iron Maiden outside stage which made me laugh. It's written in a very simple way and the way they normally speak in the music world. Really cool.
April 19, 2015
I don't believe in objective reviews, therefore I can give this book a five stars review without even thinking about. Great humorous stories about the heroes of my teenage years
Read
May 19, 2016A beautiful biography. I loved the guys for starters, I became an even biggest fan.
December 20, 2018
Vyčerpávající...vynikající. Akorát chybí těch posledních patnáct let.
November 11, 2019
27.07.2018 miałam, po raz kolejny zresztą, wielką przyjemność uczestniczyć we wspaniałym widowisku. Warto było przytargać tyłek z dalekiej północy do Krakowa, żeby to przeżyć, jak zawsze. Iron Maiden wiedzą co robią, a jak to wszystko się zaczęło - tego dowiecie się z tej książki.
Mick Wall jest mi już znany z Enter Night, a historia Ironów z wielu innych źródeł, ale koncert natchnął mnie na powtórkę z rozrywki. Przytargałam więc kilka płyt z szafki, zapuściłam "Iron Maiden" i odpłynęłam.
Dla mnie cała ta książka jest fascynująca, co ma pewnie związek z faktem, że uwielbiam ten zespół. Nie nudziłam się ani chwili, chociaż większa część faktów była mi już znana. Jeżeli masz ochotę na dość szczegółowe zapoznanie się z historią Iron Maiden - wybierz tę oficjalną biografię, nie zawiedziesz się.
"[...] jak to powiedział podczas wywiadu do tej książki gitarzysta Dave Murray [...] - Nie mogę się doczekać chwili, kiedy przeczytam tę książkę i dowiem się, co my właściwie porabialiśmy przez te wszystkie lata".
A działo się wiele :)
UP THE IRONS!
Mick Wall jest mi już znany z Enter Night, a historia Ironów z wielu innych źródeł, ale koncert natchnął mnie na powtórkę z rozrywki. Przytargałam więc kilka płyt z szafki, zapuściłam "Iron Maiden" i odpłynęłam.
Dla mnie cała ta książka jest fascynująca, co ma pewnie związek z faktem, że uwielbiam ten zespół. Nie nudziłam się ani chwili, chociaż większa część faktów była mi już znana. Jeżeli masz ochotę na dość szczegółowe zapoznanie się z historią Iron Maiden - wybierz tę oficjalną biografię, nie zawiedziesz się.
"[...] jak to powiedział podczas wywiadu do tej książki gitarzysta Dave Murray [...] - Nie mogę się doczekać chwili, kiedy przeczytam tę książkę i dowiem się, co my właściwie porabialiśmy przez te wszystkie lata".
A działo się wiele :)
UP THE IRONS!
January 7, 2022
Serious fans of Iron Maiden will thoroughly enjoy "Run To The Hills." Though a bit clunky and in need of editing after three separate editions, Mick Wall's authorized Maidenography provides a very thorough glimpse behind the scenes and back through time at one of heavy metal's most enduring and celebrated acts. With a band as solidly professional and long-lived as Maiden, expect few tales of sordid, rock n roll debauchery and more about Steve Harris and Co.'s unwavering vision, discipline, and genius in marketing. The book even helped unravel the mystery of why I like this band as much as I do when so little else of the genre appeals to me. Up the Irons!
February 21, 2023
Wyszła taka dość nierówna kronika Maidenów bez głębszego wejrzenia, za to z dużą dawką uwielbienia, jak to w biografiach bywa.
Droga od początku do pierwszej płyty zajmuje pół książki. Trzy przełomowe płyty, lata, trasy po świecie zajmują może jeden, a może dwa rozdziały łącznie. Sam rok 2001 i Rock in Rio to chyba ze trzy rozdziały.
Jak dla mnie nie jest to jedna z wciągających biografii rockowych, tylko chronologicznie zebrane kalendarium i wywiady z muzykami oraz krótkie opisy kolejnych utworów, ale może o to ma chodzić, może oczekuję zbyt wiele.
Droga od początku do pierwszej płyty zajmuje pół książki. Trzy przełomowe płyty, lata, trasy po świecie zajmują może jeden, a może dwa rozdziały łącznie. Sam rok 2001 i Rock in Rio to chyba ze trzy rozdziały.
Jak dla mnie nie jest to jedna z wciągających biografii rockowych, tylko chronologicznie zebrane kalendarium i wywiady z muzykami oraz krótkie opisy kolejnych utworów, ale może o to ma chodzić, może oczekuję zbyt wiele.
July 10, 2018
Mick Wallin, lähinnä haastatteluista koottu, "elämäkerta" Iron Maidenistä Brave New World -albumiin asti. Itselle pitkäaikaisena fanina tästä ei hirveästi irronnut ahaa-elämyksiä pieniä nippelitietoja lukuunottamatta, mutta sellaiselle joka ei bändistä tiedä entuudestaan, tämä on oiva katselmus yhden brittiheavyn jättiläisen historiaan.
October 2, 2018
While I tend to enjoy biographies of bands I like, this one was extremely tedious to read. Very thorough, but dull as a bowling ball. All the details are here, too many of them really, but none of the humor. Recommend for the most dedicated fans who don't mind reading a very boring book. If you're a more casual fan of Iron Maiden, read something else.
August 7, 2023
great read, from the mouths of the protagonists themselves
Four stars not five because it should be made clearer that the story ends in 2003(ish) and doesn’t cover the last 20 years. Otherwise very enjoyable as a keen (but not obsessive) maiden fan, I shall be exploring the back catalogue a bit more now as I’ve tended to ignore anything after SSOASS.
Four stars not five because it should be made clearer that the story ends in 2003(ish) and doesn’t cover the last 20 years. Otherwise very enjoyable as a keen (but not obsessive) maiden fan, I shall be exploring the back catalogue a bit more now as I’ve tended to ignore anything after SSOASS.
July 16, 2017
Great book about my favourite band. Getting to know some interesting details about the band from "behind the scenes". Although, honestly, I hoped that the book will also give some answers about why Somewhere in Time album is so underrated by the band.
January 14, 2023
Pra quem é fã da banda, a leitura é bacana. Como biografia, achei desequilibrado o ritmo de como a história é contada, principalmente porque foca demais no início da carreira da banda e desenvolve de maneira pobre os acontecimentos seguintes ao sucesso do grupo.
August 6, 2019
Good solid biography of one of the finest metal bands. Honest and insightful
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews