Former Iron Maiden singer Dennis Willcock is suing his former band for $2.6 million for not crediting him on five songs from Iron Maiden's first two studio albums.
Willcock succeeded original singer Paul Day in Iron Maiden, joining the band in 1976. Willcock claims that during his two-year stint with the iconic British heavy metal band, he contributed to the composition of the songs "Iron Maiden," "Phantom of the Opera," "Prowler," "Charlotte the Harlot" and "Prodigal Son."
Addressing why he's levying these allegations now, some 40 years after the band's alleged transgression, Willcock said he never listened to Iron Maiden's music after he left the band, so he never knew the band continued on with his lyrics.
Willcock says "Prowler" was inspired by a friend of his and that he re-wrote existing lyrics to "Iron Maiden" to fit a "theatrical stunt involving a sword and fake blood." The band ended up keeping what he wrote, he claims.
Willcock's lawsuit also includes a claim by one of the members of the British band Beckett, which previously settled a copyright lawsuit again Iron Maiden. The claim argues that Iron Maiden stole lyrics from Beckett's "A Rainbow's Gold" and used them in "Hallowed Be Thy Name" eight years later.
As with the previous lawsuit filed by music manager Barry McKay, Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris and guitarist Dave Murray are named as defendants.
The band previously settled the "Hallowed Be Thy Name" allegations out of court with McKay on behalf of McKay's client Brian Quinn, formerly of Beckett.
A spokesperson for Iron Maiden called the new lawsuit "absolutely ridiculous" in a report appearing in The Sun.
Iron Maiden previously said it settled the earlier suit with McKay because of escalating legal fees. In a statement, the band said it still disputes Quinn's claim that some of his lyrics were stolen. It also described McKay as "a serial litigator."
In March, McKay said he was preparing more lawsuits against Iron Maiden, saying three other songwriters had come to him with claims against the band.
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