Doug Sampson on Iron Maiden's Early Days, Paul Di'Anno and Airforce in Exclusive Interview with Gino Alache

Doug Sampson joined Rockum for an exclusive interview with Gino Alache, looking back at a career that connects the formative years of Iron Maiden with his current work behind the drums for Airforce.

The conversation began with Airforce’s version of “Strange World”, recorded as a tribute to the late Paul Di’Anno. Sampson discussed how the project came together, the importance of receiving Steve Harris’ blessing, his memories of Di’Anno and the response the song has received from Airforce fans.

For Sampson, the connection to that chapter of British heavy metal history is personal. Before Iron Maiden recorded their landmark 1980 debut album, he was behind the kit during an important period in the band’s development, playing alongside Steve Harris, Paul Di’Anno and Dave Murray.

During his conversation with Rockum, Sampson returned to those early Iron Maiden days and recalled what stood out about the band before international success arrived. He also reflected on Harris as a driving force during that period and on what it is like today to hear recordings connected to those formative years.

One of the central questions of the interview was something that could only truly be answered with decades of hindsight: did Sampson ever imagine that the band he was playing with would eventually become one of the biggest heavy metal bands in the world?

The interview also gave Sampson the opportunity to remember Paul Di’Anno beyond the records. Rather than focusing only on his role as Iron Maiden’s early vocalist, Sampson spoke about the person he knew and shared memories from their time together.

That history now connects directly with Airforce. Their recording of “Strange World” brings Sampson back to material associated with his Iron Maiden years while allowing the song to exist within the band he continues to build today.

Although Sampson’s place in Iron Maiden history remains an important part of his career, the interview moves firmly into the present with Airforce.

Sampson discussed the evolution of the band across its three studio albums, Judgement Day, Strike Hard and Acts of Madness, and reflected on what has allowed Airforce to develop its own identity within traditional heavy metal.

Rockum also revisited Strike Hard, an album previously reviewed by the site and awarded a 10/10 score upon release. The conversation examined what made that record an important chapter for Airforce and how the band continued to develop with Acts of Madness.

Sampson also addressed Airforce’s relationship with BraveWords Records, his motivation to continue making heavy metal after decades behind the drums and the goals he would still like to achieve with the band.

Looking ahead, the conversation turned to the possibility of future Airforce touring, including whether the band could eventually bring its music to Canada or other parts of the Americas.

Sampson also offered his perspective for younger musicians beginning their own heavy metal bands today advice informed by someone who witnessed one of the genre’s most important bands during its earliest stages and who remains actively involved in making music decades later.

From the beginnings of Iron Maiden and his memories of Paul Di’Anno to “Strange World,” Airforce and the band’s next chapter, Doug Sampson’s conversation with Rockum connects different generations of heavy metal through the perspective of a musician who was there before Iron Maiden became a global institution.

Watch the complete Doug Sampson interview with Gino Alache above and hear Sampson discuss Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno, Steve Harris, Airforce and his continuing life in heavy metal.

Interview with Doug Sampson by Gino Alache for RockumWeb.com and the Rockum Radio Show on CFRC 101.9 FM in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.