Band : IRON MAIDEN, Album : IRON MAIDEN, Song : RUNNING FREE

Running Free was the first single released by Maiden on the 8th of February 1980 on a 7" 45 rpm vinyl record format. Written by Harris and Di'Anno this song is the third track on this landmark album.The song is basically about a troubled 16-year-old boy who runs away on a pick up truck, ends up in an LA jail and picks up a woman from a bar later on. The song is known to be one of the band's more traditional rock numbers and is still played at Maiden gigs today with the band members individually named by the lead singer during Harris's bass-solo.

The single's cover art is famously known as the first official appearance of the band's mascot Eddie the 'ead. However, his face is obscured because the band did not want to unveil their mascot until the album's release. Several band names (Scorpions, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin...) are spray painted on the wall behind the youth in the picture, which may be some of the band's influences.

Running Free is a dirty,gritty,straight forward rocker which never fails to get the crowd going when performed live.I personally love this song as a guitarist due to its simple hard rock riffs and slightly complicated double picking repetitive lead licks which also serve well as a warm up exercise for me.

A classic song that is worth a listen!! So get your ass to the Youtube link below and do what you have to!! 

Dave Murray - Guitar God In The Making