Get ready to witness music history unfold as Hansons Auctioneers is set to auction an extremely rare and highly sought-after piece of rock memorabilia: the original pressing of Iron Maiden’s debut record, The Soundhouse Tapes.
Set to go under the hammer in Lot 1 of Hansons Auctioneers March 5th Music and Film Auction, this incredible 7” vinyl E.P. is a true holy grail for collectors and fans alike, with only 5,000 copies ever pressed.
Released on November 9, 1979, The Soundhouse Tapes represents the very first recorded output from one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history. This pivotal E.P. contains three tracks from Iron Maiden’s early Spaceward demo, which was recorded during a single, marathon 24-hour session on December 31, 1978. The fourth track, “Strange World,” was excluded from the original release due to the band’s dissatisfaction with its recording quality, and it wasn’t until years later that a remastered version of the track appeared on the Best of the Beast compilation.
Claire Howell, Hansons’ music valuer and an expert in rare music memorabilia, has a personal connection to this record and has been waiting years for the opportunity to see one of these rare copies again. “It’s been a few years since I’ve physically seen one of these rarities. While there are reissues and unofficial releases around, this is the real deal! I was absolutely thrilled when this copy arrived with the vendor — it had been hidden under the stairs for over 30 years,” Howell says. “For collectors, this is a true gem. The energy and potential captured on The Soundhouse Tapes is nothing short of legendary. I’m so excited that it will be available for auction.”
What makes The Soundhouse Tapes even more significant is the fact that it was only available through direct mail order, and the limited initial pressing of 5,000 copies quickly sold out. Despite numerous requests from record companies to press tens of thousands more, Iron Maiden made the bold decision to keep the record’s mystique intact. They refused to cash in on the demand, believing that releasing mass quantities would have tainted the magic and authenticity of their debut release. This refusal to commercialize their breakthrough has ensured the record’s rarity and has elevated it to the status of a collector’s holy grail.
“To hold a copy of The Soundhouse Tapes is to hold a piece of music history,” says Claire Howell. “It’s incredible to think that this E.P. marks the moment when Iron Maiden’s iconic sound began to take shape. What makes this even more special is the fact that it comes from such an early stage in their career when they were still very much under the radar but already showing the raw talent and energy that would soon propel them to global stardom.”
This auction is also part of a larger collection of music memorabilia featured in our 5th March Music and Film Auction, which includes an array of vinyl records, autographed items and film memorabilia. The auction promises to be a standout occasion for collectors and fans alike, with highlights spanning multiple decades of musical innovation and cinematic history. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of rock history! The original pressing of The Soundhouse Tapes will be available for bidding on 5th March. Calling all Iron Maiden fans, vinyl collectors and rock enthusiasts to mark their calendars for this unforgettable auction.
Auction details
Date: 5th March 2025
Time: 10am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction Contact: [email protected]
