29 Years Ago: Iron Maiden Release 'Fear of the Dark'
Despite its title track, which remains a fan favorite, Iron Maiden’s Fear of the Dark, which was released on May 11, 1992, showcased a band in serious need of a creative boost. The second album since the departure of co-founding guitarist Adrian Smith (who returned in 1999), Fear of the Dark lacked the artistic spark Smith and Dave Murray created as twin guitar heroes. Smith's replacement, Janick Gers — who remained in the band even after Smith’s return — was flashy on his own, but didn’t gel as well with Murray and primary songwriter Steve Harris wasn’t at the top of his game.