Virtual XI

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The title 'Virtual XI' was directly tied to two major extra-musical events: the release of the band's computer game, Ed Hunter, and the upcoming 1998 FIFA World Cup. Bassist Steve Harris explained their reasoning, noting that fans share similar interests, so they decided to involve football in the new album while also integrating elements from their ongoing game project. To promote the release, the band organized a publicity tour featuring football matches across Europe with guest musicians and professional players. The cover art by Melvyn Grant was originally designed around virtual reality concepts but was altered at the band's request to include a football game. This album also marked the first use of their updated logo variant, though it was not used consistently on all releases between 1998 and 2010 (for example, it was absent on the 'Edward the Great' compilation and some singles).

In Their Own Story

The creative process for Virtual XI saw Blaze Bayley describing the record as more upbeat than its predecessor, feeling that the band had survived the X-Factor era and was moving forward. Manager Rod Smallwood recalled a battle with Steve Harris over the lead single; Harris insisted on 'Futureal' despite Smallwood's preference for 'The Angel and the Gambler'. The lyrics of 'Futureal', written by Bayley, describe being locked in virtual reality, while 'The Clansman' drew inspiration from the film Braveheart. Steve Harris contributed keyboards to three specific tracks: 'The Clansman', 'The Angel and the Gambler', and 'Don't Look to the Eyes of a Stranger'. The album also featured 'Como Estais Amigos', a Falklands War tribute where Bayley wrote lyrics and Janick Gers composed music, making it the first Iron Maiden song not written or co-written by Harris. Despite the creative efforts, the subsequent tour was marred by vocal issues for Bayley, with official cancellations attributed to severe pollen allergies rather than the vocal strain often cited.

Reader's Guide

For listeners exploring this era, Virtual XI offers a distinct sonic landscape where Steve Harris took over keyboard duties on three tracks. The album features 'Futureal', which became a staple in live sets after Bruce Dickinson rejoined the band, and 'The Clansman', which remained in setlists until 2003 and reappeared in 2018. Fans can find official live recordings of these songs with Dickinson on vocals: 'Futureal' as a B-side to 'The Wicker Man' single, and 'The Clansman' on the albums Rock in Rio and Nights of the Dead. The track listing includes diverse themes, from the hopeful 'Lightning Strikes Twice' to the observational 'When Two Worlds Collide'. Notably, four songs written during these sessions—'Nomad', 'Dream of Mirrors', 'Mercenary', and 'Blood Brothers'—were saved for the follow-up album, Brave New World. While Blaze Bayley later recorded solo versions of 'Futureal' and 'When Two Worlds Collide', he continues to perform 'Como Estais Amigos' in concert, a song that never appeared on any Iron Maiden setlist.

Did You Know?

• The logo on this album was modified so that the letters R, M, and N are the same height as other letters (the extended ends were retained), a change that was not used consistently on all releases between 1998 and 2010.
• Michael Kenney performed all keyboard parts on the album, as he had on previous Iron Maiden releases.
• 'Como Estais Amigos' is often cited as the first Iron Maiden song without a Steve Harris writing credit, but earlier examples include 'Revelations' (1983) and 'Flight of Icarus' (1983).
• Only two songs originally intended for Virtual XI were held over for Brave New World: 'The Nomad' and 'Dream of Mirrors'. 'Mercenary' and 'Blood Brothers' were written later.
• The singer Brandy sampled the track 'The Clansman' in her song 'I Tried'.