KILLERS 1981 - T-SHIRT - WHITE

T-SHIRT: IRON MAIDEN - Killers World Tour 1981, Nagoya (JPN)

This t-shirt celebrates one of the most significant moments in Iron Maiden’s career: the concert held on May 23, 1981, at Kosei Nenkin Hall in Nagoya, Japan, during their Killers World Tour. This date is particularly memorable as it was the source of the live EP Maiden Japan, released on September 14, 1981.
The Killers World Tour marked a turning point for the band, signalling their transition from a support act to internationally renowned headliners.
It was their first world tour, which took them to perform for the first time in North America and Japan, significantly expanding their fan base beyond Europe.

During this tour, the band’s lineup was:

• Paul Di'Anno – vocals
• Dave Murray – guitar
• Adrian Smith – guitar
• Steve Harris – bass
• Clive Burr – drums

The Killers World Tour was also the first live tour with Adrian Smith, who had replaced Dennis Stratton in 1980.
Smith immediately brought a vital contribution to the band: a more structured technique, more refined melodic phrasing, and a natural chemistry with Dave Murray that laid the groundwork for the classic Maiden-style twin guitar “duel” that would define their sound for years to come.
Maiden Japan was also the last official recording with Paul Di'Anno on vocals before Bruce Dickinson’s arrival.

Wearing this t-shirt means carrying with you a fragment of heavy metal history, celebrating a crucial moment in Iron Maiden’s career—a moment when they laid the foundations for an entire genre. This t-shirt doesn’t just celebrate the band, but the moment when British heavy metal began its conquest of the world. 

A crucial moment in Iron Maiden’s history

The Nagoya concert and the Maiden Japan EP capture the raw, powerful essence of Iron Maiden in their early years.
Di'Anno’s performance, combined with the band’s musical precision, delivers a sonic experience that helped define the heavy metal genre.
This period represents a transitional phase, in which the band was honing its style and solidifying its musical identity.

T-Shirt Quality

100% cotton, 180 g/m², double-stitched neckline for durability.
Soft, breathable fabric with long-lasting quality print.
Recommended wash at 30 °C to preserve shape and colors.

Washing Instructions

Wash inside out by machine or by hand at 30 °C.
Hang dry from under the sleeves and air-dry, avoiding tumble drying.
Iron carefully, avoiding direct contact with the print to maintain its integrity.