Charlotte the Harlot is a Dave Murray composition, a rarity in itself, and Ben has never heard it. We talk about why the opening riff sounds like the Smiths until it doesn't, what makes the rhythm so hard to play despite using no difficult chords, why the drum and vocal line being identical in the chorus is a masterstroke, and why the Bruce Dickinson re-recording decades later doesn't work and what that tells you about Paul Di'Anno.
Also: Charlotte was a real person from the East End. Paul told the rest of the band a story about her. She became a recurring character in Maiden songs.
Ben holds a Distinction MA in Musical Direction from Leeds Conservatoire and a Jazz BA from Leeds College of Music.
Simon first saw them at Hammersmith Odeon in 1983. He's lost count since then. Great riffs. Smart chat. #ironmaiden #charlottetheharlot #classicrock #nwobhm #guitaranalysis #musicreaction #heavymetal