The first thing one notices about this single is the cover picture, which is a live photograph
rather than the traditional
Derek Riggs artwork. The picture was taken by
Ross Halfin
and is the first single in Maiden history with a live photograph on the front sleeve.
This single contains songs which were recorded at the five consecutive sold-out shows
at the Long Beach Arena in March 1985 and at the Hammersmith Odeon in
October 1984. These were the same shows where part of the legendary
Live After Death album was recorded. The single did fairly well, making it to
number 19 in the U.K. charts.
Running Free (live) (Harris)
This is the same version of 'Running Free' as the one that appeared on the
Live After Death album, recorded at the Long Beach Arena in March of 1985.
However, this is the short edited version that appears on the CD, which is missing the
crowd-interaction part of the song. Because 'Running Free' is a live concert classic, many live
versions are available. However, this might be one of the highest quality live recordings of the song.
And although in general the crowd-interaction doesn't sound as good on a recording than it does
when you attend a gig, it is a bit of a shame that this song was edited. It should have been
the full song.
Sanctuary (live) (Harris, Di'Anno, Murray)
This version of 'Sanctuary' was an excellent bonus at the time because it was not included on
the original CD release of
Live After Death. It was recorded at the Long Beach Arena in March of 1985. The
recording and mixing quality of these sessions is so unusually excellent that every song from
those shows is a special treat. 'Sanctuary' has always been a live concert favourite and although
many live versions are available, this one might be the highest quality.
Murders In The Rue Morgue (live) (Harris)
This live version of 'Murders In The Rue Morgue' was recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon
in October 1984. Like 'Sanctuary', it was not included on the first CD release of the
Live After Death album. But, unlike 'Sanctuary', live versions of 'Murders In The
Rue Morgue' are much more rare. Since it was previously available only on a few bootlegs,
this high quality live recording is extra special.
