Clint Eastwood is best known for his Western films, but his World War II drama, Where eagles darewas so popular that it inspired a hit heavy metal song. Western star Eastwood has appeared in and directed many films in his nearly seven-decade career. While some of Clint Eastwood’s movies are underrated, many have been Major box-office hits with pop-culture influencesreflecting his versatility and enduring appeal as a filmmaker.
Although Clint Eastwood’s career-defining roles have undeniably impacted the Western genre, he has also influenced other aspects of media beyond cinema. Eastwood’s 1968 war movie was the basis for a famous band’s song 15 years later. Although not intended to inspire music, Where eagles dare became a classic heavy metal songProving that his work could go beyond film and resonate with both audiences and musicians.
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Clint Eastwood’s Where Eagles Dare directly inspired a song by Iron Maiden
The 1983 song has the same name
Where eagles dare is a 1968 World War II adventure film. It is now Considered a classic due to its iconic score, action sequences and cast. The Where eagles dare Cast Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, and Mary Ure. The title is also the name of the first song on Iron Maiden’s fourth album, Piece of mindwhich was released in 1983. The band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris, wrote the song, even though the film premiered when he was only 12 years old. Where eagles dare is based on a 1967 novel by Alistair MacLean of the same name.
Where the themes and tone of Eagles dare are perfectly suited to Iron Maiden’s style and lyrics
There are direct references to the film in the song
Both the film and the song have themes of war and violence, which blend well with the chaos and madness of the heavy metal genre. Harris directly references the movie in his lyrics, discussing the iconic location in lines like, “The Bavarian Alps that lay around them are important to look at from below. ” Sonically, aspects of the film find their way into song as well. Harris said he planned for those Instrumentals in this song to sound like machine gun fire. While this isn’t immediately noticeable, it rewards a second listen, as well as background knowledge about the song’s influences.
The album also has songs that were inspired by other films and literary pieces. “The Trooper” is based on Tennyson’s poem, “Charge of the Light Brigade.” The song “To tame a country” is based on these Don Saga. Even “Flight of Icarus” is based on the Greek legend of Icarus. While none of the pieces were created with the intention of influencing the work of the heavy metal band, Harris and Iron Maiden clearly found inspiration. The lyrical interpretation is a testimony to Where eagles dares durability and influential nature.