The Iron Maidens

The Iron Maidens are an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 2001[2] as an all-female tribute act to English heavy metal band Iron Maiden.[3] The band currently consists of drummer Linda McDonald, bassist Wanda Ortiz, lead vocalist Kirsten Rosenberg and guitarist Nikki Stringfield.

This article is about the tribute band. For other uses, see Iron Maiden (disambiguation).

The Iron Maidens
The Iron Maidens at Wacken Open Air 2022
The Iron Maidens at Wacken Open Air 2022
Background information
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresHeavy metal
Years active2001–present
LabelsPowerslave
Members
Past members
Websitetheironmaidens.com

History

The Iron Maidens were originally formed in June 2001 by lead vocalist Jenny Warren and bassist Melanie Sisneros, formerly of the Iron Maiden tribute band Wrathchild.[4] drummer Linda McDonald and guitarist Josephine Draven, both formerly of Phantom Blue, and guitarist Sara Marsh, joined Warren and Sisneros shortly afterward to form the band's first lineup.[5][6] Sisneros left the band in 2002 to pursue other interests and was replaced by Wanda Ortiz.

In 2003, the band started work on their debut album. The project was delayed when Warren gave notice of her departure from the band to focus more on her personal and child's needs.[7] After Warren's departure, new vocalist Aja Kim made her debut in the band and helped complete the album (World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden), which was released in June 2005.[8]

After the album's release, Draven left the band. In February 2007, Heather Baker joined to replace Draven. In May, the band released its second album Route 666, which features a guest appearance by Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell.[9]

In summer 2008, Heather Baker and Aja Kim left the band to pursue solo careers.[10] The two were replaced by guitarist Courtney Cox and vocalist Kirsten Rosenberg (formerly of the Maryland-based cover band HighWire).[11] In January 2010, Marsh, who was ill, was taken off some of the Japanese tour shows and did not rejoin the band.[12] Baker rejoined the band to temporarily fill in Marsh's spot for a handful of shows.[12]

Photograph of three women playing guitar
L-R: Nikki Stringfield, Wanda Ortiz, and guest guitarist Nili Brosh

In August 2010, The Iron Maidens released a DVD of their Japan tour titled Metal Gathering Tour Live in Japan 2010.[13][14]

Upon Marsh's departure from the band, former members Elizabeth Schall and Heather Baker would return briefly to fill in the vacant Murray position (2009–2010). For tours 2010–2014, the role of Dave Murray would be shared between artists Nili Brosh, Nita Strauss, and Nikki Stringfield. In 2014,the band approached Nikki Stringfield to become a permanent member in the Murray position.

Nita Strauss (Ibanez), Courtney Cox (Caparison) and Nikki Stringfield (Schecter) are the first female artists to have their own signature guitar with their associated guitar companies.

In June 2014, Nita Strauss was hired to replace Orianthi as Alice Cooper's touring guitarist for the remaining 2014 tour dates. She has toured with Alice Cooper since that time.[15]

On September 8, 2015, the group announced that long-time guest guitarist Nikki Stringfield had been officially added as a permanent member of the band.[16]

Rosenberg and Stringfield appeared as contestants on the August 3, 2017, episode of the music game show Beat Shazam.[17]

In August 2023, Courtney Cox announced that she was leaving The Iron Maidens to take up a full time role in Burning Witches.[18]

Members
The_Iron_Maidens_2007–2008_Lineup
The Iron Maidens 2007–2008 Lineup
Current members[19]

Former members / fill-in members

  • Melanie Sisneros ("Steve Heiress")[20] – bass (2001–2002)
  • Jenny Warren ("Bruce Chickinson") – lead vocals (2001–2003)
  • Jojo Draven ("Adrienne Smith") – guitars (2001–2005)
  • Sara Marsh ("Mini Murray") – guitars (2001–2010)
  • Aja Kim ("Bruce Lee Chickinson")[21] – lead vocals (2003–2008)
  • Elizabeth Schall ("Adrianne Smith" and "Deena Murray") – guitars (2005–2006)
  • Heather Baker ("Dee Murray" and "Adrienne Smith") – guitars (2007–2008, 2010)
  • Courtney Cox ("Adriana Smith") – guitars, backing vocals (2008-2023)
  • Nili Brosh ("Mega Murray") – guitars (2010–2013)
  • Nita Strauss ("Mega Murray") – guitars (2011–2015)

Timeline

Discography

Albums

Videos

References
  1. Paone, Caroline (July 15, 2013). "The Iron Maidens: Brave New Women". Guitar Girl Magazine. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  2. Outhier, Craig (February 4, 2010). "The 10 Best Tribute Bands of All Time". Phoenix New Times. Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  3. Nelson, Courtney. "Iron Maidens prepare to rock Juneau". Juneau, AK, USA: Juneau Empire. Archived from the original on March 7, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2010.
  4. Harward, Randy (May 1, 2003). "Lady Killers". Salt Lake City Weekly. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Archived from the original on October 25, 2003. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  5. Epstein, Dan (February 2003). "The Iron Maidens – All Girls Tribute Band Takes Flight". Guitar World. South San Francisco, Calif. p. 30.
  6. Duchene, Paul (December 13, 2002). "Metal maids ride high". The Portland Tribune. Portland, Oregon, USA. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  7. "The Iron Maidens Part Ways With Bruce Chickinson, Vow To Carry On". Blabbermouth.net. March 7, 2004. Archived from the original on July 3, 2004. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  8. "The Iron Maidens – The Iron Maidens". allmusic.com. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  9. "Route 666 – The Iron Maidens". allmusic.com. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  10. "Former THE IRON MAIDENS Singer Collaborating With MOTÖRHEAD's PHIL CAMPBELL – July 3, 2008". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2011. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  11. "The Iron Maidens". Full Metal Rock. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  12. Bansal, Aniruddh "Andrew" (February 20, 2010). "In-person interview with Linda McDonald, Kirsten Rosenberg, Wanda Ortiz and Courtney Cox of The Iron Maidens". Los Angeles CA, USA: MetalAssault.com. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  13. "The Iron Maidens: New Interview". Blabbermouth.net. October 4, 2010. Archived from the original on September 10, 2010. Retrieved September 8, 2010.
  14. "The Iron Maidens: new interview, performance footage posted online". Hertogenbosch, Netherlands: Metalrage.com. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  15. Woods, James (February 21, 2014). "Guitarist Nita Strauss Talks Touring with Alice Cooper, Gear and Three-Guitar Attacks". guitarworld.com. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  16. "Timeline Photos – The Iron Maidens – Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
  17. "Beat Shazam Recap: August 3, 2017". Fikkle Fame. August 3, 2017. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
  18. "Beat Shazam Recap: August 3, 2017". Brave Words. August 3, 2017. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  19. Larson, John (September 29, 2010). "Scream for me, Washington". Tacoma Weekly. Tacoma, Washington, USA. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2010.
  20. "Crescent Shield: New Song Available For Streaming". Blabbermouth.net. March 10, 2009. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
  21. "The Iron Maidens". All Access Magazine. October 5, 2006. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
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