The Iron Maidens Explained

The Iron Maidens
Landscape:yes
Origin:Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre:Heavy metal
Years Active:2001–present
Label:Powerslave
Current Members:
Past Members:

The Iron Maidens are an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 2001[2] as an all-female tribute act to English heavy metal band Iron Maiden.[3] The band currently consists of drummer Linda McDonald, bassist Wanda Ortiz, lead vocalist Kirsten Rosenberg and guitarists Nikki Stringfield and Shani Kimelman.

History

The Iron Maidens were originally formed in June 2001 by lead vocalist Jenny Warren and bassist Melanie Sisneros, formerly of the Iron Maiden tribute band Wrathchild.[4] drummer Linda McDonald and guitarist Josephine Draven, both formerly of Phantom Blue, and guitarist Sara Marsh, joined Warren and Sisneros shortly afterward to form the band's first lineup.[5] [6] Sisneros left the band in 2002 to pursue other interests and was replaced by Wanda Ortiz.

In 2003, the band started work on their debut album. The project was delayed when Warren gave notice of her departure from the band to focus more on her personal and child's needs.[7] After Warren's departure, new vocalist Aja Kim made her debut in the band and helped complete the album (World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden), which was released in June 2005.[8]

After the album's release, Draven left the band. In February 2007, Heather Baker joined to replace Draven. In May, the band released its second album Route 666, which features a guest appearance by Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell.[9]

In summer 2008, Heather Baker and Aja Kim left the band to pursue solo careers.[10] The two were replaced by guitarist Courtney Cox and vocalist Kirsten Rosenberg (formerly of the Maryland-based cover band HighWire).[11] In January 2010, Marsh, who was ill, was taken off some of the Japanese tour shows and did not rejoin the band.[12] Baker rejoined the band to temporarily fill in Marsh's spot for a handful of shows.In August 2010, The Iron Maidens released a DVD of their Japan tour titled Metal Gathering Tour Live in Japan 2010.[13] [14]

Upon Marsh's departure from the band, former members Elizabeth Schall and Heather Baker would return briefly to fill in the vacant Murray position (2009–2010). For tours 2010–2014, the role of Dave Murray would be shared between artists Nili Brosh, Nita Strauss, and Nikki Stringfield. In 2014,the band approached Nikki Stringfield to become a permanent member in the Murray position.

Nita Strauss (Ibanez), Courtney Cox (Caparison) and Nikki Stringfield (Schecter) are the first female artists to have their own signature guitar with their associated guitar companies.

In June 2014, Nita Strauss was hired to replace Orianthi as Alice Cooper's touring guitarist for the remaining 2014 tour dates. She has toured with Alice Cooper since that time.[15]

On September 8, 2015, the group announced that long-time guest guitarist Nikki Stringfield had been officially added as a permanent member of the band.[16]

Rosenberg and Stringfield appeared as contestants on the August 3, 2017, episode of the music game show Beat Shazam.[17]

In August 2023, Courtney Cox announced that she was leaving The Iron Maidens to take up a full time role in Burning Witches.[18]

Members

Current members[19]

Former members / fill-in members

Timeline

Discography

Albums

Videos

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Iron Maidens: Brave New Women . Paone, Caroline . Guitar Girl Magazine . July 15, 2013 . September 11, 2013.
  2. News: The 10 Best Tribute Bands of All Time. Outhier. Craig. February 4, 2010. Phoenix New Times. October 4, 2010. Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
  3. Web site: Iron Maidens prepare to rock Juneau. Nelson. Courtney. Juneau Empire. August 3, 2010. Juneau, AK, USA. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110307232941/http://www.juneauempire.com/entertainment/stories/111507/art_20071115021.shtml. March 7, 2011.
  4. News: Lady Killers. Harward. Randy. May 1, 2003. Salt Lake City Weekly. November 5, 2010. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. https://web.archive.org/web/20031025094457/http://www.slweekly.com/editorial/2003/scen_2003-05-01.cfm. October 25, 2003.
  5. News: The Iron Maidens – All Girls Tribute Band Takes Flight . Epstein . Dan . February 2003 . Guitar World . 30 . South San Francisco, Calif..
  6. News: Metal maids ride high. Duchene. Paul. December 13, 2002. The Portland Tribune. October 4, 2010. Portland, Oregon, USA.
  7. News: The Iron Maidens Part Ways With Bruce Chickinson, Vow To Carry On. March 7, 2004. Blabbermouth.net. October 4, 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20040703132713/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=20086. July 3, 2004.
  8. Web site: [{{Allmusic|class=album|id=r895024|pure_url=yes}} The Iron Maidens – The Iron Maidens]. allmusic.com. October 4, 2010.
  9. Web site: [{{Allmusic|class=album|id=r1072740|pure_url=yes}} Route 666 – The Iron Maidens]. allmusic.com. October 4, 2010.
  10. Web site: Former THE IRON MAIDENS Singer Collaborating With MOTÖRHEAD's PHIL CAMPBELL – July 3, 2008 . Roadrunnerrecords.com . October 22, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110227034002/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=100225 . February 27, 2011 .
  11. Web site: The Iron Maidens . Full Metal Rock . October 22, 2011.
  12. Web site: In-person interview with Linda McDonald, Kirsten Rosenberg, Wanda Ortiz and Courtney Cox of The Iron Maidens. Bansal. Aniruddh "Andrew". February 20, 2010. MetalAssault.com. October 4, 2010. Los Angeles CA, USA.
  13. News: The Iron Maidens: New Interview. October 4, 2010. Blabbermouth.net. September 8, 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100910085343/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=145621. September 10, 2010.
  14. Web site: The Iron Maidens: new interview, performance footage posted online. Metalrage.com. October 4, 2010. Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
  15. Web site: Woods. James. Guitarist Nita Strauss Talks Touring with Alice Cooper, Gear and Three-Guitar Attacks. guitarworld.com. February 21, 2014. June 23, 2014.
  16. Web site: Timeline Photos – The Iron Maidens – Facebook. facebook.com. September 30, 2015.
  17. Web site: Beat Shazam Recap: August 3, 2017 . Fikkle Fame . August 3, 2017 . August 8, 2017.
  18. Web site: Beat Shazam Recap: August 3, 2017 . Brave Words. August 3, 2017 . August 19, 2023.
  19. News: Scream for me, Washington. https://archive.today/20130203100644/http://www.tacomaweekly.com/article/4951/. dead. February 3, 2013. Larson. John. September 29, 2010. Tacoma Weekly. October 4, 2010. Tacoma, Washington, USA.
  20. News: Crescent Shield: New Song Available For Streaming. https://archive.today/20120909153636/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=115826. dead. September 9, 2012. March 10, 2009. Blabbermouth.net. October 5, 2010.
  21. Web site: The Iron Maidens. All Access Magazine . October 5, 2006 . November 6, 2010.

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