Sam Ryder, the former Eurovision finalist known for his hit “Space Man,” recently opened up about the profound influence Iron Maiden has had on his life. During an episode of the BBC show “Celebrity Race Around The World,” Ryder recounted a pivotal moment from his youth that sparked his passion for music.
While on a school trip to a nunnery, Ryder discovered a CD on the bus floor. The album was Iron Maiden’s iconic “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son.” He described how the moment he listened to it was life-changing, stating that it was fate that brought the band into his life. This experience ignited his love for music, a passion that has only grown over the years.
Ryder, who has seen Iron Maiden perform live 15 times, expressed his admiration for the band in a recent interview with Classic Rock, calling “Seventh Son” the greatest album of all time. He fondly recalled how the album’s worn CD was unplayable except for one track, “The Evil That Men Do,” which left a lasting impression on him. The combination of melody and power in the music made him a lifelong fan.
In addition to his Eurovision success, Ryder has also made waves in the rock scene. He performed a memorable rendition of Queen’s “Somebody To Love” alongside rock legends Brian May and Roger Taylor during a tribute to the late Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters. Ryder’s connection with May continued with his collaboration on the single “Fought & Lost” in 2023.
Currently, Ryder is competing on “Celebrity Race Around The World,” where he is paired with his best friend and tour manager, Kaz. The show features various celebrities racing from Malaysia to Australia, with new episodes airing on BBC One and iPlayer. Meanwhile, Iron Maiden is gearing up for their 50th-anniversary “Run For Your Lives” world tour, which will include shows in Australia and New Zealand before heading to North America in the spring.
