Iron Maiden
ListenProwler · 1979
Iron Maiden — “Prowler,” The Soundhouse Tapes recording.
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1979 · Rock Hard Records
The Soundhouse Tapes
Iron Maiden recorded their first EP’s songs over the 1978 New Year period because the studio time was affordable. Steve Harris recalled the band sleeping on a nurse’s floor to save money. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0047 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Iron Maiden |
| Release | 1979 · United Kingdom |
| Label | Rock Hard Records · ROK.1 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl EP · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Original UK issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG+ |
Release history and significance
The Spaceward recordings reached DJ Neal Kay at the Soundhouse. Harris remembered watching the crowd respond to “Prowler” and realizing that something was happening. The demo helped attract management and a record deal; three songs became the independently released EP. [1]
Rock Hard issued The Soundhouse Tapes on 9 November 1979. “Iron Maiden” fills side A; “Invasion” and “Prowler” share the reverse. Paul Di’Anno’s vocals, Steve Harris’s bass, Dave Murray’s guitar and Doug Sampson’s drums give the recordings their early character. [2]
Neal Kay supplied the sleeve notes, extending his support from the club to the record itself. Harris was credited with label and sleeve design as well as songwriting: the musicians’ work reached beyond the performance into the object their listeners received. [2]
Market context
Discogs lists sales for the original ROK.1 edition from US$574.32 to US$4,418.59, with a median of US$1,314.19, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
Black-vinyl seven-inch EP with Rock Hard labels. The original edition has a cardboard sleeve opening at the top; some copies included a T-shirt offer insert. [2]
Condition
The disc and sleeve were both graded Very Good Plus at acquisition.
Provenance
Acquired from Omega Auctions on 16 September 2025.
Sources
- Louder, the story behind The Soundhouse Tapes. 12 May 2026. Steve Harris and Dave Murray’s recollections from the band’s Early Days documentary.
- Discogs, Iron Maiden — The Soundhouse Tapes, release 1888341. Edition reference and sales statistics consulted 14 September 2026.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.