The Iron Maidens: Interview with Guitarist Sara Marsh

The Iron Maidens are an all-female tribute to the music and live spectacle of Iron Maiden. Each band member took the time to answer a few questions about life in a tribute band, how the band came together and what they set out to accomplish in music.

The first member in the hot seat is guitarist Sara "Mini Murray" Marsh.

What would you say is the band's "mission statement"?

"Our tagline: World's Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden, only scratches the surface. I would have to say, 'raise the bar'."

What draws you to Iron Maiden's music?

"When I first started playing guitar, I had Iron Maiden pictures cut from Circus magazine covering my bedroom walls. The Rock Gods! I have always respected how their songwriting tells cool stories, and the dual melodic guitar harmonies are huge. I am a big fan of vibrato, and Bruce Dickinson's is one of the best."

What is more important in a tribute band, the perfect look or the perfect sound?

"The perfect sound definitely, but they do work hand in hand. Your image can be flawless but if you suck as a live band, what is the point? Vice versa, at least with tribute bands, you have to have something visual going on or people will start chanting 'Free Bird'."

How important are production values to your show?

"Over the years we have adapted our show to fit on any stage, anywhere, anyhow, anytime. Having a consistent show is important. Sometimes I have to camp out by my amp to let Eddie (Iron Maiden mascot) go by on a small stage. But he will be there!"

What is more difficult, performing in an original band or a tribute band?

"They are both demanding because any successful band works hard in all possible areas. A tribute band's parameters are already defined so the options are more or less mapped out for you."

What is more important, approval from the fans or from the original band?

"The fans definitely, because I am a huge fan as well."

What is your favorite song to perform? Why?

"I love playing "Die With Your Boots On" because it was one of the first Iron Maiden songs I ever learned. Just the title fuels my adrenal gland!"

What is your favorite city to perform in? Why?

"There is nothing like a New York crowd, probably one of the only cities that had more fun than us. We cannot wait to go back there, it has been too long."

What are your favorite non-Iron Maiden records?

"Jeff Beck"

What is the most important part of a song?

"The solo!"

What was the first album or song that was important to you?

"The Beach Boys - "In My Room". What great harmonies! Big band swing. My grandpa had me listen to all his records. I learned a lot about feel from those sessions.

What is the most common misconception about your band?

"That we suck because we can't write originals."

Why a rock band? Why specifically a a rock tribute band? Why not trade school or the peace corps?

"I am a musician that loves to play live, and that is what tribute bands do. Then the fun totally got me hooked, and I quit my teaching job to be a mock star.

Leather or spandex? Why?

"Leather holds the smell of sweaty rock longer."

Where can we find more info about the band or any other projects?

"www.thelittledolls.com. An all-female Ozzy tribute."

This is just the first in a five part interview with the members of The Iron Maidens. More information on the band is available at the www.ironmaidens.com or www.myspace.com/theironmaidens.