There are at least two different versions of this EP; all tracks were recorded at the Aichi Kosei Nenkin Kaikan in Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan on 23 May 1981. It was lead singer Paul Di'Anno's final recording with the band. The original Japanese pressing features only 4 tracks and the record speed is 45RPM, but the other version has 5 tracks. It was never the band's intention to release this album, but Toshiba-EMI wanted a live album.
The EP has been officially reissued on CD twice — the four-track version was included as part of the singles box set The First Ten Years, released in 1990, while the five-track version was included on the bonus disc that came with the 1995 reissue of Killers in the US (the European release did not include the Maiden Japan tracks).
Cover art
The original cover depicted the band's mascot, Eddie, holding the severed head of singer Paul Di'Anno.[3] The replacement cover was done on very short notice after Iron Maiden's manager, Rod Smallwood, received a proof for review, and became agitated at Di'Anno's depiction because the band was looking to replace him. Maiden Japan was released in Brazil (in 1981 & a 1985 re-issue) & Venezuela (in 1987) with the original cover and have become collector's items.[citation needed]
Accolades
The Rolling Stone Italia named Maiden Japan EP as "The most important and the best metal's live EPs ever".[4] Ultimate Classic Rock placed Maiden Japan on Top 40 Best 1981 Albums List.[5] Maiden Japan EP went platinum in Canada and made it to the charts in many other countries around the world.
Track listing
Production and performance credits are adapted from the EP liner notes.[6][7]
