Aces High Squadron
British RAF pilots battling in the skies over England during a historic air campaign.
Aces High is a seminal track by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden, written by bassist Steve Harris and released as their twelfth single. It serves as the second release from their fifth studio album, Powerslave (1984). The song places listeners directly into the viewpoint of a British RAF pilot during the Battle of Britain in 1940, a conflict often noted for its extensive use of aircraft, though earlier engagements such as parts of the Spanish Civil War involved air-only combat. This narrative focus is visually cemented by the album artwork, which depicts the band's mascot, Eddie the Head, piloting a Supermarine Spitfire, one of the principal aircraft of that specific battle. The song has become one of the group's most popular tracks, frequently opening their live sets.
- Album Association
- Powerslave (1984)
- Mascot Form
- Eddie the Head in a Supermarine Spitfire
- Era Depicted
- Battle of Britain (1940)
- Single Number
- Twelfth single release
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The narrative core of Aces High is strictly grounded in the historical reality of the Battle of Britain (1940). The lyrics are written from the perspective of a British RAF pilot engaged in this conflict, which is often considered a pivotal air battle, though earlier air-only engagements occurred, for example, during the Spanish Civil War. Unlike other Iron Maiden themes that traverse ancient Egypt or fantasy realms, this story focuses on the specific technological and human elements of 1940s aerial warfare. The artwork reinforces this by showing Eddie the Head inside the cockpit of a Supermarine Spitfire, the definitive fighter plane of the era. The song's legacy is intertwined with the band's live presentation; footage from newsreels depicting the actual Battle of Britain was used in the music video and later adopted as the startup visual for Iron Maiden concerts on the World Slavery Tour and some subsequent tours, but not all.
In Their Own Story
The experience begins with a specific auditory signature: Winston Churchill's "We shall fight on the beaches" speech, accompanied by the sound of planes. This introduction sets the stage for the song's depiction of aerial combat over Britain in 1940. The music video, filmed in Poland in September 1984 during the World Slavery Tour and directed by Jim Yukich, combines these historical newsreel footages with the band's performance to recreate the atmosphere of the battle. This visual and audio combination became a staple for the group, re-used as the startup for every concert on their stage screens. The song mixes Churchill's speech with a snippet of the original track, creating an immersive environment that transports the audience directly into the cockpit alongside Eddie.
Reader's Guide
For fans engaging with Aces High, the most critical context is its live performance history. It has been performed on six Iron Maiden tours, serving as the set opener for four major runs: the World Slavery Tour, The Ed Hunter Tour, Somewhere Back in Time World Tour, and Legacy of the Beast World Tour. On two other tours (Maiden England and Run for Your Lives), it was placed as the first song of the encore. The live version from the Live After Death album is particularly notable; in a 2014 Q magazine interview, Gerard Way cited this specific recording as the track that first made him interested in performing live. Beyond concerts, the song has been featured in various media, including the video games Madden NFL 10 and Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now, the MTV show Nitro Circus, and skate/mountain bike films like New World Disorder III and Plan B Questionable.
Did You Know?
- The song's B-side is a medley titled 'King of Twilight' that includes both Nektar's 'King of Twilight' and 'Crying in the Dark'.
- The music video was filmed at RAF Duxford in England in September 1984, not in Poland.
- Footage of the Battle of Britain from newsreels, mixed with Churchill's speech, was used as the startup visual for Iron Maiden concerts on the World Slavery Tour and some subsequent tours, but not all.
- The Japanese 12" single featured a unique mix combining this B-side cover with those from the 'The Trooper' and '2 Minutes to Midnight' singles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who comprises the Aces High Squadron?
This group represents the British Royal Air Force pilots depicted in Iron Maiden's song of the same name. They symbolize the airmen who defended England during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
What aircraft are associated with this squadron?
The narrative focuses on the Supermarine Spitfire, which is famously shown carrying Eddie the Head on the album artwork. These planes were central to the first military engagement fought entirely with aircraft.
On which Iron Maiden release does their story appear?
Their tale is featured on the fifth studio album, Powerslave, released in 1984. The track was written by bassist Steve Harris and served as the band's eleventh single release.
What historical era defines their mission?
The story takes place over England during World War II when air superiority became vital for survival. It highlights the intense combat experienced by pilots in that specific historical window.
Why is this group significant to band mythology?
They are notable because the song honors military bravery and remains a staple from the classic Powerslave era. Eddie's depiction as a pilot visually cements their connection to the band's mascot lore.
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