The English football team West Ham has teamed up with the legendaryHeavyMetal-BandIron Maiden teamed up to launch a new collaboration jersey. Inspired by the band's 1983 song "Die With Your Boots On", the deal was initiated by Iron Maiden founder and West Ham fan Steve Harris.
Playing with Iron Maiden on your chest
Tracy Stratton, licensing manager at West Ham, said: “One weekend last summer our club shop was packed with rock fans from all over the world and we discovered that Iron Maiden were playing two sold-out shows at the O2 Arena.””It is made perfect sense to start this collaboration and with Steve's passion for it and attention to detail everything turned out amazing.”
Steve was instrumental alongside West Ham UnitedSportswear design processinvolved and is thrilled with the results. “I think it’s great,” enthuses the bassist. “I really love this version and the color of the crest, as well as this old classic type of jersey. It's a modern shape but with a retro design and I like that. On the iron!”
Steve officially launched the jersey on Friday November 29th alongside West Ham and Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta. He said: "Iron Maiden are a huge icon in South America and it's great that fans of West Ham and the band can show their support for both!"
Football and music
So for Steve Harris, working with his beloved West Ham United is a dream come true. Of course, he has flown the West Ham flag on stage since Iron Maiden formed. His bass guitar is also decorated with the club's iconic logo. Commenting on attending his first West Ham game 55 years ago, Steve said: “I watched West Ham against Newcastle when I was 9 and my mate was 10. We got on a bus and started the game and they won 4:3 and that was it. I was addicted!”
Steve also says that it's always a very special experience to see fans buying merchandiseupcoming concertsBring: "When I play up there and see fans in the crowd wearing West Ham stuff, it gives me goosebumps." Tracey Stratton, licensing manager at West Ham, said she was aware of the phenomenon, and last summer, as Iron Maiden London's “The O2” played on the “Legacy of the Beast” tour, the club shop received a rush of visitors.
The home kit is available to order now from Iron Maiden's official website and West Ham's online shop. A limited number of shirts will also be available at launch at the West Ham Store, London Stadium. You can find out more about this on the websiteThe Guardian.
