Iron Maiden have responded to a lawsuit over songwriting credits brought by former singer Dennis Willcock.
The singer – who fronted the band between 1976 and 1978 – claims to have written lyrics to songs that appeared on the band’s self-titled 1980 debut, including “Prowler”, “Charlotte The Harlot”, “Phantom Of The Opera” and “Iron Maiden”, as well as the 1981 “Killers” track “Prodigal Son”, while musician Terry Wilson-Slesser says he co-wrote lyrics to a 1974 song called “A Rainbow's Gold” that the veteran metal outfit used for “Hallowed Be Thy Name” from 1982’s “The Number Of The Beast.”
All of the songs are credited to Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris, except for guitarist Dave Murray’s “Charlotte The Harlot.”
Ham And High report Iron Maiden filed a formal written response to the legal action claiming Harris wrote the lyrics in question, including “Charlotte The Harlot.”
Documents served to the High Court by defendants Murray, Harris and publisher Imagem state: “The lyrics for [“Charlotte The Harlot”] were written by Mr. Harris in or around 1977 to accompany music written by Mr. Murray, who had joined Iron Maiden in late 1976.”
In its court filing, the veteran UK metal band admitted only that Willcock changed three words of "Prowler", and two of “Charlotte The Harlot.”
Willcock and Wilson-Slesser are seeking damages in excess of £2 million (approximately $2.64 million) in the lawsuit.
Iron Maiden are currently playing shows on the UK leg of their Legacy Of The Beast summer tour, which wraps up with two shows at London’s O2 Arena this weekend.
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