Iron Maiden’s iconic track “The Number of the Beast” plays a key role in the new horror film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which hit theaters on January 14. In a standout scene, actor Ralph Fiennes dances on human bones while the song blares, trying to convince a bloodthirsty cult that he is Lucifer himself. Critics are raving about this moment, with Mark Kermode calling it “jaw-dropping” and “pure cinema.”
The band expressed their excitement about being part of such a pivotal scene. They were thrilled to have their music featured before the filming of the last two movies in the series. Iron Maiden noted that the British tone of the films made the collaboration even more special. The deal was sealed by director Nia DaCosta, along with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. It’s rare for Iron Maiden to allow their music to be used in films, making this moment even more significant.
“The Number of the Beast” was the title track of Iron Maiden’s third album, released in 1982. It was the first album featuring singer Bruce Dickinson, who revealed that bassist Steve Harris wrote the song after a nightmare inspired by Damien: The Omen II. Dickinson recalled that they knew the album was special while making it, and that excitement is evident in the music. The album reached No. 1 in the UK in April 1982 and sold 1.5 million copies in its first six months, all on a budget of just £28,000.
The song stirred up controversy in the US, generating publicity that Dickinson said helped boost sales. Fans were eager to buy the album, especially when they saw the religious right protesting it.
Looking ahead, Iron Maiden will perform at Knebworth on July 11, with support from The Darkness, The Hu, Airbourne, and The Almighty.
