Killers would see the departure of Dennis Stratton, and the arrival of one of Iron Maiden's most brilliant guitar players, Adrian Smith. Adrian's oncoming was the start of one of the most renowned twin harmony guitar attack to hit Heavy Metal. Killers was released on Februrary 2, 1981. This record took on a more aggressive sound than Iron Maiden's last release. Maiden had only 2 months to put together Killers, which explains why some of the tracks that appear on the record have been played live on previous shows. Such songs as Wrathchild, and Drifter were written well before Killers was to be released. Singles to spawn from Killers, included, Purgatory and Twilight Zone. A single of a cover song from the band Skyhooks, called Women In Uniform, was also released. The Killers Tour, brought Iron Maiden to the United States for the first time. Also Japan, got to see Iron Maiden for the first time, which spawned a live E.P. called Maiden Japan. The Killers Tour saw Maiden, once again open up for acts, Judas Priest, & UFO. This tour would also give Maiden their first headlining tour. The line up for Killers was Paul Di'anno (vocals), Steve Harris (bass), Dave Murray (guitar), Adrian Smith (guitar), Clive Burr (drums).

(Clive Burr, Adrian Smith, Paul Di'anno, Steve Harris, Dave Murray)