Eddie is Iron Maiden's mascot: an undead, ghoulish figure who has appeared on the cover of nearly every Iron Maiden release since the band's 1980 debut, as well as on their merchandise and as a towering prop in their live shows. His full name is Eddie the Head, and he was originally created by the artist Derek Riggs. He is one of the most recognisable characters in music.
Here's where he came from and why he matters.
Where the name "Eddie the Head" comes from
According to long-standing band lore, the name predates the artwork. In Iron Maiden's earliest days a papier-mâché mask sat at the back of the stage behind the drummer and spat fake blood during the set. The story goes that the prop was nicknamed after an old joke about a baby who was born as nothing but a head, "Eddie the 'ead", and the name stuck. When the band needed a face for their record sleeves, Eddie was waiting.
Derek Riggs and the first Eddie
The Eddie that fans know was the work of artist Derek Riggs. He had already painted a wild-eyed, decaying figure, a piece sometimes referred to as "Electric Matthew Says Hello", before the band came calling. That character became Eddie, and Riggs went on to paint Iron Maiden's covers throughout their classic period, giving each album a fresh incarnation of the same ghoul.
Riggs's detailed, narrative artwork did something clever: it gave Iron Maiden a visual identity as strong as their sound. You could recognise a Maiden record across a shop without reading a word of it.
Eddie's many faces
Part of Eddie's appeal is that he is never quite the same twice. Across the catalogue he has been reimagined to suit each album's theme, including:
- The lurking street figure of the debut Iron Maiden (1980)
- The knife-wielding menace of Killers (1981)
- The puppet-master towering over the devil on The Number of the Beast (1982)
- The straitjacketed inmate of Piece of Mind (1983)
- The Egyptian mummy of Powerslave (1984)
- The cyborg of the futuristic Somewhere in Time (1986)
Later artists, including Melvyn Grant, have also taken turns depicting him, but the character has remained continuous: always Eddie, always evolving.
Eddie on stage and beyond
Eddie isn't confined to album sleeves. At Iron Maiden's live shows he appears as a giant walk-on prop, looming over the band mid-set, a tradition that has become one of the most anticipated moments of any Maiden gig. He fronts the band's Trooper beer, stars in merchandise and games, and is so central to the band's identity that their 2026 50th-anniversary event at Knebworth is named EddFest, because, as the band put it, "Eddie is the true star of the show".
Why Eddie matters to a tribute show
For an Iron Maiden tribute band, Eddie is a reminder that Maiden has always been about more than the music. The songs come first (the galloping rhythms, the harmonies, the storytelling), but the theatre and iconography are part of why fans fell in love. When we play, we honour that whole experience.
Want to hear the songs that gave Eddie his soundtrack, played live? Check our upcoming gigs or book Ey Up Maiden for your venue or event.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Eddie in Iron Maiden?
Eddie, full name Eddie the Head, is Iron Maiden's mascot, an undead, ghoulish character who appears on the band's album covers, merchandise and on stage as a giant prop. He has featured since the band's 1980 debut.
What is Iron Maiden's mascot called?
Iron Maiden's mascot is called Eddie, or more fully "Eddie the Head".
Who created Eddie the Head?
The Eddie used on Iron Maiden's artwork was originally created by artist Derek Riggs, who painted the band's covers throughout their classic era. Later artists, including Melvyn Grant, have also depicted him.
Why is Eddie on every Iron Maiden album cover?
Eddie gives Iron Maiden a consistent, instantly recognisable visual identity. He is reimagined to match each album's theme, which is why he looks different on every release while remaining the same character.
Last updated: 5 May 2026.