hennemusic

Iron Maiden's “The Number Of The Beast” has been voted the best British album of the past sixty years in a major survey of fans and the wider British public.

“The Number of the Beast” tops the album poll with a 9.2% share of the total vote.

The band’s third studio album, released in 1982, has sold over 14 million copies worldwide and features the anthemic UK top-10 single “Run To The Hills,” is significant not only for giving the band their first UK no.1 album, but for the debut of their lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, following two killer records by original singer Paul Di’Anno.

"We're astonished and delighted to hear The Number Of The Beast has been named No.1 in HMV's Diamond Jubilee survey for the greatest British album category,” said Dickinson. “Some of the most influential and classic albums from the past 60 years were in the running so it's a testament to our incredibly loyal and ever-supportive fans who voted for us. Iron Maiden is a proudly British band, so to win this category as voted for by the British public, in Jubilee year, is very special. Thank you to all our wonderful fans!"

"You often tend to see the same artists and albums dominate album polls,” said HMV’s Gennaro Castaldo, “but with social media increasingly giving the most ardent and passionate fans a powerful voice, I think that's all going to change, and so it's no surprise that Iron Maiden have come out on top as their fans are renowned for being the most loyal and dedicated around. Congratulations to Iron Maiden -- we now know The Number Of The Beast is, in fact, ....1.”

Top 10 British albums of the past 60 years, according to the poll hosted by HMV to mark the Diamond Jubilee:

01. IRON MAIDEN - The Number Of The Beast (9.18%)
02. DEPECHE MODE - Violator (6.30%)
03. THE BEATLES - Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (5.69)
04. THE BEATLES - Abbey Road (5.67%)
05. PINK FLOYD - The Dark Side Of The Moon (5.23%)
06. THE BEATLES - Revolver (4.01%)
07. QUEEN - A Night At The Opera (3.98%)
08. OASIS - (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (3.91%)
09. ADELE - 21 (3.07%)
10. THE BEATLES - White Album (2.60%)