WANTED: Iron Maiden – Eddie’s Archive box set (2002) – updated 8/14/16

(Originally posted on April 10, 2008)

WANTED

Iron Maiden – Eddie’s Archive box set (2002)

Back in 2002, I was very poor. I was working but my wife was pregnant with our second daughter and money was extremely tight. Living on one income was extremely rough and cuts had to be made! I had a $75 a week CD habit but I had to cut that down to maybe one CD a week…..if at all. Collecting ground to a serious halt for more serious life issues: like survival, like another child. I set priorities and kept a WANT list for when things got better.

Of course I’m poor and Iron Maiden decides to release Eddie’s Archive: six CDs, a shot glass, and a numbered family tree in a nice embossed metal casket box with Eddie’s head and band logo. The 6 discs are coupled into 2 CD sets and are: The BBC Archives, Beast Over Hammersmith, Best Of The B Sides.

I wanted it badly but I passed. Fast forward to a couple years later and I find an Eddie’s Archive at a record store 30 minutes from my house. It’s still sealed, priced at $100, and collecting dust on a shelf! I didn’t buy it but promised myself I would with my next paycheck. Go back a week later…..gone! I haven’t found one since…..

…..but they are all over Ebay! This set was re-released after the initial limited numbered edition ran out and demand by fans skyrocketed. I don’t care if I get a numbered set, I just want the music. I’ve had opportunity to buy this for $150 – $200 but I pass everytime…..I think of all the other albums on my list and how far I could stretch that kind of money. I’ve been watching this set on Ebay for 3 years now and the prices soar over $200 at times! I’m going to get it but hopefully at a decent price.

UPDATE – 8/14/16

After 16 years since it’s release, and 8 years since this original post, I finally acquired Eddie’s Archive! It was the one glaring omission in my collection and it’s been at the top of my want list so I figured that 2016 would be the year, either I buy it or I don’t. Thank you eBay! This year I have had serious interest in 6 different auctions but the prices have all gone over $150 and that’s been my top dollar limit. Lucky auction #7 started at $100 plus $7 shipping…..so I waited…..and waited…..and waited. No bidders with 24 hours to go, I minimum bid $103. With 5 minutes to go, I was still the only bidder. 10 seconds left, I bid up to $151…..I was still the only bidder. I won for my original bid of $100, got it withing a few days. Mint condition, original pressing and numbered. 16 years…..finally!