Mastermind Maiden

Rachel Hobbs, a school laboratory technician from Hailsham appeared on the BBC quiz show Mastermind earlier this month, answering a barrage of questions from the host John Humphrys. Her chosen subject? Iron Maiden.



Rachel did pretty well for herself, in the process dispelling the stereotype of the hormonally overcharged, anti-establishment, tattoo-wielding goth that is typically associated with the metal fan.

The questions, true to the Mastermind spirit, were quite challenging. Though some of them might have been too easy for the rabid Maiden fan (is there any other kind?) The easiest question of the night, however, was when Rachel was asked:

So what is it [that you like] about this particular band?

It is a question that has been asked of Maiden fans for well over two decades now. And the answer has always been the same. To quote Rachel:

With this particular band [Iron Maiden] it's mostly the lyrics. Obviously the music's very important, but the lyrics are so much more intelligent than you find in a lot of other music. They take things from a whole range of subjects.

Exactly. Oh, and in case you were wondering, I got 13 (out of 19) answers right. Not bad, eh? Though admittedly, not as good as Ms. Hobbs, who got 16.

So, how many did you get?