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The Whole Population Of Hackney

Overview

The Whole Population Of Hackney --- 1986

This album was recorded during a secret gig by The Entire Population of Hackney (this bootleg is incorrectly titled 'The Whole Population Of Hackney') at the Marquee Club, London, on December 19, 1985. Tracks D3 and D4 were recorded separately at Iron Maiden's performance at The Palladium in New York on June 29, 1982. The Entire Population of Hackney was a supergroup formed in December 1985 by members of Iron Maiden, FM, and Urchin for two live performances. The project is most notable for laying the groundwork for Adrian Smith's later venture, ASAP, which eventually led to his temporary departure from Iron Maiden in 1990 (he returned in 1999). It also marked the first time Iron Maiden recorded without Bruce Dickinson on lead vocals. The idea emerged after the extensive World Slavery Tour, when drummer Nicko McBrain, feeling restless during the band's six-month break, rented a studio and invited guitarist Adrian Smith for jam sessions. Other musicians, including Dave Colwell, Andy Barnett, and Martin Connoly, joined in. They played two shows, with this bootleg recording The Entire Population of Hackney capturing the first gig. The setlist featured songs from the members' previous projects, along with covers of Bob Seger and ZZ Top. Notably, three of the songs performed—"Reach Out," "Juanita," and "That Girl"—were later included on Iron Maiden singles like "Wasted Years" and "Stranger in a Strange Land."