Narrator Behind Iron Maiden Intro Passes Away

Barry Clayton Passes Away At The Age Of 80

posted Jan 3, 2012 at 12:45 PM by sonictherapy. (14 Comments)

Band Photo: Iron Maiden (?)

Barry Clayton, the London actor/narrator and man behind the iconic intro to the Iron Maiden song "Number of the Beast," has passed away at the age of 80 due to causes unknown at this time. His deep baritone voice became indelibly etched into several radio shows and movie trailers, and Clayton was also known for his role in black television and radio. He produced the pioneering radio show "Black Londoners" from 1974-88 and also narrated the children's show "Count Duckula." His sinister intro on the Iron Maiden song is something almost every metalhead knows by heart:

"Woe to You Oh Earth and Sea
For the Devil sends the beast with wrath
Because he knows the time is short
Let him who have understanding
Reckon the number of the beast
For it is a human number
Its number is six hundred and sixty six."

Clayton had lived the past 40 years in the Greater London suburb on Islington.

Source: Ultimate Classic Rock

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14 Comments on "Narrator Behind Iron Maiden Intro Passes Away"

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1. Drum_Junkie writes:

RIP Sir Clayton.

(kinda surprised Oz didn't report this one.)

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 1:05 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

2. KREDD writes:

etched in my brain since the day my 12 year old ears heard it.

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 2:49 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

3. Blindgreed1 writes:

Always thought he had a James Earl Jones meets Vincint Price vibe goin on. RIP laddy.

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 2:59 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

4. Blindgreed1 writes:

*Vincent*

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 3:01 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

5. hellrat writes:

"Woe to you o' Earth and Sea, for the Devil sends the Beast with wrath, for He knows the Time is short..."

Fvckin timeless, man

\m/ RIP \m/

NP---Take a guess eh!

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 3:28 PM ET | IP Logged

Senior News Correspondent

6. sonictherapy writes:

I hear you. This intro and the intro to Venom's "Buried Alive" are true classics.

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 3:34 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

7. KREDD writes:

King Diamond's "The Funeral" off of "Abigail" is on e of my faves too

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 4:49 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

8. silvermountains writes:

These are the intros that defined metal. RIP Brother.

# Jan 3, 2012 @ 7:49 PM ET | IP Logged

9. albert cr writes:

talent he uses in maiden intros i wish
it lasts forever..but barry rip. thanks

# Jan 4, 2012 @ 4:50 AM ET | IP Logged

Supporter

10. citrus_tea writes:

Sad news, but..
... Since when was Daviid Jason's picture on the reverse of the Number of the Beast Artwork?

# Jan 4, 2012 @ 8:04 AM ET | IP Logged

11. LurkingFear writes:

RIP

# Jan 4, 2012 @ 1:02 PM ET | IP Logged

Supporter

12. BoltThrower writes:

I always thought that was Vincent Price.

# Jan 5, 2012 @ 6:25 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

13. spiral_architect writes:

TIMELESS SPOKEN INTRO FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATION! RIP BARRY CLAYTON!

# Jan 5, 2012 @ 2:20 PM ET | IP Logged

14. Paulypaul writes:

Holy Sh!t! Did not know he was the same guy who narrated Count Duckula! What a bloke! RIP

# Jan 5, 2012 @ 2:42 PM ET | IP Logged

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