Clint Eastwood is known for his Western films, but his World War II drama, Where Eagles Dare, was so popular that it inspired a hit heavy metal song. The Western star Eastwood has appeared in and directed many films in his almost seven-decade career. While some of Clint Eastwood’s movies are underrated, many have been major box-office hits with pop-culture influences, reflecting his versatility and enduring appeal as a filmmaker.
Though Clint Eastwood’s career-defining roles have undeniably impacted the Western genre, he’s also influenced other aspects of media beyond cinema. Eastwood’s 1968 war movie was the basis for a famous band’s song 15 years later. Though it wasn’t intended to inspire music, Where Eagles Dare became a classic heavy metal song, proving his work could go beyond film and resonate with both audiences and musicians.
Clint Eastwood’s Where Eagles Dare Directly Inspired A Song By Iron Maiden
The 1983 Song Has The Same Name
Where Eagles Dare is a 1968 World War 2 adventure movie. It is now considered a classic due to its iconic score, action sequences, and cast. The Where Eagles Dare cast Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, and Mary Ure. The title is also the name of the first song on Iron Maiden’s fourth Album, Piece of Mind, which was released in 1983. The band’s bassist and primary songwriter, Steve Harris, wrote the song, even though the film premiered when he was only 12 years old. Where Eagles Dare is based on a 1967 novel by Alistair MacLean of the same name.
Where Eagles Dare’s Themes & Tone Perfectly Suited Iron Maiden’s Style & Lyrics
There Are Direct References To The Film In The Song
Both the movie and the song feature themes of war and violence, which blend well into the chaos and madness of the heavy metal genre. Harris directly references the movie in his lyrics, discussing the iconic location in lines like, “Bavarian Alps that lay all around they seem to stare from below.” Sonically, aspects of the film find their way into song as well. Harris said he planned for the instrumentals in the song to sound like machine gun fire. Though this is not immediately notable, it rewards a second listen, as well as background knowledge about the song’s influences.
The album also features songs that are inspired by other films and literary pieces. “The Trooper” is based on Tennyson’s poem, “Charge of the Light Brigade.” The song “To Tame A Land” is based on the Dune saga. Even “Flight Of Icarus” is based on the Greek legend of Icarus. While none of these pieces were created with the intent to influence the works of the heavy metal band, Harris and Iron Maiden clearly found inspiration. The lyrical interpretation is a testament to Where Eagles Dare’s durability and influential nature.