Rock veterans Iron Maiden have used a press release today to vent their spleen at fans of Grizzly Bear as well as attacking their US rivals Metallica amongst others.
In the release, Maiden use the dubious logic of album sales as ammunition to mock what they call ‘Pitchfork darlings’, citing Brooklyn folksters Grizzly Bear to illustrate their argument. “Iron Maiden’s last record, ‘A Matter Of Life And Death’, sold a million copies worldwide in its first week, with 56,000 sold in the United States”, they wrote. “Compare that to say, a Pitchfork darling like Grizzly Bear, whose 2009 release, the nearly unpronounceable ‘Veckatimest’, sold 33,000 copies in the US in its initial week. It’s a metaphorical wedgie from metal fans to wussy indie kids everywhere.”
Later, they focus their attention on Metallica, saying the rock heavyweights should stick to their well-trodden formula as Iron Maiden themselves have done. “Maiden don’t stop doing what they do best. That’s a good thing – where other bands muck around with their formula in an attempt to be progressive (see Metallica’s ‘Load’ and ‘Reload’, if you must), these dudes know what their fans want and how to do it well, ensuring that their legacy will be a lot more than being mentioned in that awful Wheatus song ‘Teenage Dirtbag’.”
Iron Maiden’s new album, ‘The Final Frontier‘, will be released on August 16th.
UPDATE
(7/16)
Live4ever has not been able to confirm the content of the news source XFM UK. We apologize for any confusion caused.
..thats the most bizarre press release. as a long time maiden fan i seriously doubt this to be legit. manager rod smallwood would never use “dudes” or “wedgies” or bash other bands (espcially some indie band of all people)>
And by “band press release” do you mean this blog written by journalist Albert Ching?
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2010-06-17/music/why-iron-maiden-still-matter/
Nice fact checking–glad you guys strive for such high standards of journalism.
@ Mark
Our source was the usually reliable XFM (Radio) news website in the UK which ran the story today (7/15).
We are looking into these statements. Thanks for your input.
I enjoy a good press release parody as much as anyone. Thanks!