Reader AF fully supports my Iron Maiden awakening … the loss of my Iron-Maiden Maidenhead, so to speak:

Just writing to wish you well on your journey to Iron Maiden Superfandom.  I am a recent convert as well.  It is way more metal to get into metal now; starting in 1986 would have been taking the easy way out.  I don’t think they even knew how to use the word “metal” as an adjective back then.

That’s right! I only wish I had been metal enough to hold out until I was 70 … but no, the siren call of the Maiden was to tempting … I couldn’t resist … she called out to me, her breath sweet with the taste of iron … Iron Maiden, I am here now … I am here …