Live version of No Quarter. Thought of it again the other day, because I've failed to find the promo video that was done (which the cover to Houses of the Holy was supposedly depicting), but it doesn't exist. I can't remember where I read all that, but it's actually late-psychedelic cover art by Hipgnosis, using as motif a photo of the Giant's Causeway up in Northern Ireland. I think there are only two children on the cover, they are the same, just in different places.
Always thought this was only half an album, because there are four tracks on it which are below par. Then again, the other 4 are LZ classics No Quarter, The Rain Song, Over the Hills..., and The Song Remains the Same. Still, it's their weakest record, overall. The old Tolkien fantasy stuff that Plant was inspired by, ended with this album. This song is obviously about the Fellowship of the Ring, even though there is not a single direct lyrical reference.
NWOBHM, state of the art, live, anno 1980. Different lyrics from what ended up on the album. Paul Di'anno made them up, apparently, before coming on, way pissed by the look of it, a real star on stage, in control, in sync, and all. He does actually remind me a little bit of Syd Barrett. A supernova. The Soundhouse Tapes original vinyl is priced at £455. I'm not selling mine. The only "new" item on that is Invasion, and I case you were interested in that:
From the 1990 Iron Maiden EP reissue extravaganza. Collect all the vouchers, and you get a free ticket to the Bruce Dickinson fencing tournament, with Nicko McBrain telling unfunny cockney jokes. Well, up yours. Tired maiden.