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Roll Over Vic Vella (Berry) |
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This song is originally by the legendary Chuck Berry and was entitled 'Roll Over Beethoven'.
Iron Maiden's version is quite strange – it opens with just over a minute of spoken dialogue
which has the same pocket-recorded feel as
'Mission
From 'Arry'. The song itself has completely different lyrics (written by Steve Harris) than
the original and also has more of the spoken dialogue mixed into multiple places in the song.
The whole track revolves around a conversation between Steve Harris and Vic about a roadie
who ended up stuck quite literally in a shit hole. This conversation is difficult to understand,
mostly for those who are not familiar with English, not only because of the thick Cockney accent,
but also because Vic mostly speaks while munching on crisps!
In any case this song seems to be sort of a joke on Vic Vella in the same spirit as
'Sheriff
Of Huddersfield'. The end has this hilarious
Derek and Clive feel, mostly when you hear
the infamous "fucking cunt" sentence mumbled by Vic Vella. The song itself has the speed
and energy of the original Chuck Berry version and whoever likes rock'n'roll oldies style will
enjoy this track.
When I first met the band in mid 1979 Vic was the tour manager, the security guy,
the sound engineer, roadie – he did everything. He worked for us for quite a few years
then he retired about mid eighties but he's still very much in touch with everybody and
he does a lot of work for Steve at his home. Roll Over Vic Vella is a tribute to one of our greatest
supporters and friends ever. Thanks
Vic!! 
Rod Smallwood
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